Louise Masterson

Hi, my name is Louise and I work in private practice offering counselling, psychotherapy and cognitive behavioural therapy. Thank you for taking the time to look at my profile.

I have supported clients through a range of difficulties and conditions, such as anxiety; depression (including antenatal/postnatal); stress; low mood; family issues; low self esteem; loss/bereavement; trauma. This is by no means an exhaustive list as we are all individuals and all have different experiences and see the world through a different lens.

What are the benefits of starting counselling sessions with me?   

It is not always easy to reach out, especially to a virtual 'stranger', however, it can be really helpful to share your thoughts without fear of judgment; criticism or worrying about how someone else will respond.  I can encourage you to feel heard - which can make a huge difference to how you feel about yourself.   I am genuinely interested in learning more about you and by developing a trusting relationship, this will feel like a safe space whereby you can focus on yourself and feel able to share what you really think/feel.  Some clients have said that following our sessions they 'feel lighter' or that a 'weight has been lifted'.

Do I have a special focus or experience in a particular area?

I have useful medical/professional experience previously working as a Registered Midwife and Health Visitor.  This means that I have an understanding of the possible challenges involved in conceiving (e.g. IVF/miscarriage) and in pregnancy. I have also supported clients who have experienced birth trauma and found the postnatal period (i.e. the adjustment to motherhood/parenthood) challenging (including antenatal/postnatal depression).  

Change and significant life events can affect relationships and family dynamics - as life may be very different to how it was. This can lead to feeling a sense of loss - loss of self; loss of identity and loss of life as it was. Sometimes this can then lead to feelings of guilt and shame because you 'shouldn't feel the way you do' and the 'inner critic' (judgmental self) can emerge.

I have also supported clients who are experiencing that feeling of 'never-ending tiredness' and 'constant juggling' of demands and priorities. That feeling of never 'doing enough' or 'being enough' can be exhausting and often, prioritising others means that your own needs have fallen by the wayside. It can lead us to feel that our own needs don't count and consequently, our mental health is negatively impacted.

How can counselling help you?

Counselling provides an opportunity to explore what is troubling you so that you can feel listened to and supported.  It provides a time for you to gain understanding and clarity about what you are experiencing.

I am a Certified Online and Telephone Counsellor and I can help you (in the comfort of your own home) by providing kindness, warmth, empathy and understanding in a safe, confidential space.

Counselling can help you as talking through and exploring what is going on 'for you' - could be a release of pressure so that stress/tension is less likely to be held within the body and therefore, positive improvements physically may be observed.

For example, you may have previously experienced headaches or migraines; stomach pains; neck/shoulder tension. Holding onto your thoughts/feelings can not only create feelings of anxiety; depression and low mood but also lead to you feeling physically unwell.  The mind and body are closely connected - which I realise from attaining a Psychology Degree and also recognising this link personally and professionally when working alongside clients. Our sessions provide a  helpful way of letting go of what you are holding onto.

We can also work together to identify underlying behaviour patterns (created from a young age), which may be out of awareness. This in turn, provides the freedom of choice to respond or behave differently (with relation to issues in the 'here and now') and prevents you from feeling 'stuck' and as if you have 'no control'.  

If you would like to, we can also explore some of your early memories; family of origin and dreams - as they all provide insight into how you view yourself and others in the world.

How to get in contact

Thank you again for taking the time to visit my page. Please feel free to email me or you can get in touch via text message with any further questions or to book an appointment.

• Feeling heard and accepted by others
• Lacking a sense of belonging and significance
• Difficulties in the Conception/IVF journey
• Physical conditions during pregnancy and beyond
• Birth trauma
• Family dynamics 
• Juggling priorities and adjusting to parenthood
• Hormonal issues (adolescence; peri-menopause, menopause)  
• Managing change

You are more than welcome to request a free initial 10 minute consultation - please let me know when a convenient time call you would be.

Alternatively, it may be that you would prefer to go ahead and book a 50 minute counselling session so that you can see how the connection between us feels.  

There is no obligation to continue with further sessions if this does not feel right for you.

If you decide to go ahead and book an appointment, I will send some information about how I work; payment details etc and we can then find a suitable date/time which suits us both.

I will hold the session provisionally in my diary for 48 hours and as soon as payment is received (via BACS), our session is confirmed and the Zoom link will then be sent to you.

Session fees for online via Zoom/telephone/email are £55. If you feel that a concessionary rate applies to you, please do let me know and we can discuss this further.

If you would like a face-to-face appointment, this will be £68 (due to the room booking fee and administration costs) at The Practice Clinic in Thame.

Please let me know if you need to cancel within 24 hours, or if full payment will be required. 

I have experience of working in private practice and can now offer online sessions.

Why I take a holistic approach to counselling...

I have personally and professionally experienced that holding onto thoughts and emotions, can negatively impact psychological and physical health. For example, stress may be internalised so that headaches/migraines develop or stomach pains may emerge. The body speaks a language and noticing what is going on within, can reflect our thought process. My holistic background has helped me to develop an understanding of the mind and body relationship which is why I take both of these aspects into account when working alongside you as a unique individual.

What you can expect from me?

I am a Registered Member of the BACP, which means that I adhere to an ethical framework, ensuring I am practicing safely.  I receive regular supervision which is an important means of self development and providing my clients with an effective service. CPD is maintained by attending workshops; webinars; reading and listening to podcasts.

I will provide you with kindness; warmth; empathy and understanding in a safe, confidential space.