Introduction
Have you ever wanted to start something new, only to catch yourself thinking, “I’m too old for this”?
In this episode of the Let’s Talk About It Podcast by SafeTalk, host Shavkat sits down with Kuhan Gunaratnam, a Registered Counsellor who confidently broke through that barrier. After more than 30 years in the IT industry, Kuhan made the remarkable decision at age 52 to return to university and begin a completely new chapter in mental health. This conversation explores the challenges of starting over later in life, the inspiration behind his pivot, and how his past experiences shape his current practice.
Guest Introduction
Kuhan Gunaratnam is a Registered Counsellor and the founder of ISeeU.Life. Before entering the mental health field, he spent over three decades building and running a successful IT solutions company. Today, he uses his unique life experience to provide accessible counselling services, with a special focus on supporting individuals through life transitions.
Key Discussion Points
1. A 30-Year Foundation in IT
Kuhan shares his journey from studying finance to accidentally falling in love with computer science in the 1990s. He built a successful IT integration company from the ground up, learning the value of resilience, problem-solving, and truly listening to a client’s needs.
2. The NGO Experience That Changed Everything
While still working in IT, Kuhan began volunteering with an NGO supporting B40 (lower-income) students. Hearing the incredible stories of resilience from these students—particularly a young woman who overcame immense odds to attend university—sparked a desire to “bottle that resilience” and help others on a deeper level.
3. The Reality of Starting Over at 52
Kuhan discusses the practical and emotional realities of his transition. From getting his family’s blessing (including his daughter, who was attending the same university) to sitting in a classroom with students half his age, he shares how his life experience ultimately became his greatest asset.
4. Building ISeeU.Life and the “Pay-As-You-Can” Model
After becoming a registered counsellor, Kuhan founded his practice, ISeeU.Life. Inspired by his work with underprivileged communities, he implemented a “Pay-As-You-Can” model to ensure that financial limitations never prevent someone from seeking mental health support.
5. Advice for Those Feeling Stuck
For anyone feeling like it is too late to make a change, Kuhan offers a powerful reminder: listen to your inner voice. He emphasizes that purpose isn’t always about starting early, but about becoming more of who you were meant to be.
Conclusion
Kuhan’s story is a testament to the fact that our past experiences are never wasted. Whether you are a mental health professional, an IT specialist, or someone contemplating a major life pivot, his journey proves that a new chapter can begin at any stage of life.
Listen to the Full Episode
🎙️ The Let’s Talk About It Podcast by SafeTalk dives into mental health topics that aren’t often discussed. Join us for candid conversations with experts and individuals with lived experiences.
You can also listen to it on Spotify:
You can also listen to it on Apple Music:
About Author
