Josie McMaster

Making the decision to ask for help is rarely easy. The time when we really need support is often when it is most difficult to know how to find and connect with what is right for you. I have been a counsellor for over twenty years, providing support to people in education, industry, charity and corporate settings, as well as private practice. Prior to becoming a counsellor, I studied Psychology and, later, became a Mental Health Nurse. My career is motivated by lived experience and a wish to use my journey by helping other people navigate theirs.

Maybe you feel like you have lost yourself somehow? Maybe it’s time for a re-set, to make the changes that will help you to move forward positively? Anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, grief, relationship issues, work problems, difficulties around food, alcohol or other behaviours that feel out of control are a few of the many ways in which our life struggles can show. My experience of menopause and its impact on many aspects of life, including ADHD, has provided new insight and highlighted how we are in a constant process of change, and how connecting with support can provide the clarity to manage this in healthy, positive ways.  

My sessions are a gentle, thoughtful space where you will lead the discussion and I will listen, tune in and be fully present. I will ask questions when it feels appropriate and notice how your story impacts me, providing feedback in an honest and supportive way. I will be on your side throughout your journey and work with you to find clarity and a greater sense of peace. Generally, I am a quiet, empathic person, a thinker and a pattern-spotter, but I also have a sense of humour and enjoy the lighter moments. I love nature and being outdoors and have been known to attend morning sessions somewhat wrapped up after a spot of wild swimming.

If you are looking for support and to work on issues that you are perhaps not able to share elsewhere, therapy might be right for you. It is an opportunity to gain clarity and insight and to learn about yourself. You can develop strategies to break old patterns, create healthier relationships with yourself and others, find yourself again and feel more comfortable in your life.

Issues I work with include, but are not limited to:

Anxiety, Depression, Bereavement, Emotional Abuse, Family issues, Issues around food, Grief, Loneliness, Low confidence, Low self-esteem, Neurodiversity, ADHD, Relationship issues, Self-harm, Stress, Work stress, Menopause, Trauma, Loss of Life Direction

Qualifications

Advanced Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling

Psychology BSc

Advanced Diploma in Mental Health Nursing

Diploma in Aromatherapy 

I offer face-to-face, online or telephone therapy. 

I offer a free 30 minute initial telephone session to give you the opportunity to talk with me, get a feel for how I work, and decide whether you'd like to continue. I’ll outline how we’ll work together, so we start with a clear, shared understanding.

​If you choose to go ahead, at the beginning of our first full session, we'll take a few moments to complete some brief admin, including gathering your contact details. It will then be your time to say what you need to and begin to be supported on your journey. 

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Making the decision to ask for help is rarely easy. The time when we really need support is often when it is most difficult to know how to find and connect with what is right for you. I have been a counsellor for over twenty years, providing support to people in education, industry, charity and corporate settings, as well as private practice. Prior to becoming a counsellor, I studied Psychology and, later, became a Mental Health Nurse. My career is motivated by lived experience and a wish to use my journey by helping other people navigate theirs.

Maybe you feel like you have lost yourself somehow? Maybe it’s time for a re-set, to make the changes that will help you to move forward positively? Anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, grief, relationship issues, work problems, difficulties around food, alcohol or other behaviours that feel out of control are a few of the many ways in which our life struggles can show. My experience of menopause and its impact on many aspects of life, including ADHD, has provided new insight and highlighted how we are in a constant process of change, and how connecting with support can provide the clarity to manage this in healthy, positive ways.  

My sessions are a gentle, thoughtful space where you will lead the discussion and I will listen, tune in and be fully present. I will ask questions when it feels appropriate and notice how your story impacts me, providing feedback in an honest and supportive way. I will be on your side throughout your journey and work with you to find clarity and a greater sense of peace. Generally, I am a quiet, empathic person, a thinker and a pattern-spotter, but I also have a sense of humour and enjoy the lighter moments. I love nature and being outdoors and have been known to attend morning sessions somewhat wrapped up after a spot of wild swimming.

If you are looking for support and to work on issues that you are perhaps not able to share elsewhere, therapy might be right for you. It is an opportunity to gain clarity and insight and to learn about yourself. You can develop strategies to break old patterns, create healthier relationships with yourself and others, find yourself again and feel more comfortable in your life.

Issues I work with include, but are not limited to:

Anxiety, Depression, Bereavement, Emotional Abuse, Family issues, Issues around food, Grief, Loneliness, Low confidence, Low self-esteem, Neurodiversity, ADHD, Relationship issues, Self-harm, Stress, Work stress, Menopause, Trauma, Loss of Life Direction

Qualifications

Advanced Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling

Psychology BSc

Advanced Diploma in Mental Health Nursing

Diploma in Aromatherapy  

The first session is free, over the phone, online or in person, giving you the opportunity to talk with me, find out how I work and decide whether you would like to continue working together.