Christopher Masterton

The information on this page is about my in-person practice. I am currently accepting new clients online only (Tuesday evenings). Please see my online profile or website for information about my online practice.

I work in a psychodynamic way, offering weekly, one-to-one sessions where you can begin to explore your inner world—your thoughts, feelings, and experiences—at a pace that feels right for you. My approach is non-directive, reflective, and grounded in the belief that lasting change often comes through exploring the deeper patterns shaping how we relate to ourselves and others.

I aim to offer a reliable and thoughtful space where you feel safe to be curious about whatever brings you to therapy—whether that’s anxiety, low mood, relationship difficulties or something harder to name.

I work with adults in-person from a quiet, comfortable practice space in Reading. I offer open-ended therapy, which means there’s no fixed number of sessions—we’ll work together for as long as it feels helpful, with regular opportunities to reflect on the process.

Clients often come to me with anxiety, low self-esteem, a sense of being stuck, or wanting to make sense of past experiences that may still be affecting the present. I also have a particular interest in supporting LGBTQ+ clients and young adults in professional life, especially those navigating identity, relationships or personal transitions.

You don’t need to be clear on what’s wrong or what you’re looking for from therapy—our work can begin simply with what’s on your mind, and we can think together from there.

I offer an initial session at a fee of £60. This is an opportunity for you to get a sense of how I work and to see whether you feel comfortable speaking with me. We’ll talk about what brings you to therapy and what you hope for from the process, as well as go over practical details like availability and confidentiality.

There’s no expectation to commit beyond this first meeting—you’re welcome to take some time afterwards to decide whether you’d like to continue.

If you would like to arrange a free phone call to discuss meeting for an initial session, I would be happy to hear from you by email.

My availibility is currently online on Tuesday evenings only.

We don't always understand why we feel, think or behave as we do. We may find ourselves repeating familiar patterns in relationships, feeling caught between conflicting wishes, or struggling with emotions that seem out of proportion to our circumstances. Sometimes, what troubles us is difficult to put into words.

I'm a psychodynamic counsellor offering therapy in person in central Reading and online throughout the UK.

My approach is rooted in the idea that our experiences are shaped not only by what we're consciously aware of, but also by feelings, memories and ways of relating that may be less familiar to us. These can influence how we see ourselves, the choices we make and the relationships we form.

Therapy offers a space to become curious about these aspects of ourselves. Rather than approaching our conversations with a predetermined destination, there is room to explore whatever emerges, including things that might initially seem unimportant, contradictory or difficult to explain. Sometimes, paying attention to these experiences can allow something previously unrecognised to come into view.

I work with adults experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties and questions around identity and self-esteem. I have a particular interest in working with LGBTQ+ clients, including those exploring sexuality, relationships and belonging.

I don't see my role as telling you what to do or who you should become. My aim is to offer a thoughtful, attentive space in which we can explore your experiences together, without assuming we already know what we might find.

I offer individual psychodynamic counselling to adults, both in person in Reading and online across the UK.

Sessions are a regular opportunity to step away from the demands of everyday life and give some attention to your inner world. You can talk about whatever comes to mind, whether that's something happening in the present, experiences from your past, your relationships, or feelings that are difficult to understand.

There isn't a particular way you need to approach therapy. Some people come with a clear difficulty they want to explore, while others begin with a more general sense that something isn't quite right.

My approach is exploratory rather than directive. I'll listen carefully, ask questions and sometimes offer observations that might help us think about your experiences in different ways. We may become interested in recurring patterns, contradictions, or feelings that are difficult to acknowledge. These can offer useful insights into how you relate to yourself and others.

I recognise that beginning therapy can feel unfamiliar or daunting. Developing a trusting therapeutic relationship takes time, and I think it's important that you feel able to bring your uncertainties, questions and reservations into our conversations.

I offer ongoing weekly sessions, providing a consistent space for us to work together. Online sessions follow the same therapeutic approach as in-person counselling.

My practice is LGBTQ+ affirmative, and I welcome clients from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.

Our first session is an opportunity for us to meet, talk about what has brought you to therapy, and begin to consider what you might hope to gain from our work together.

I'll invite you to tell me something about yourself, your current circumstances and any difficulties you've been experiencing. We may also explore aspects of your personal history and important relationships, although there's no expectation that you share everything straight away.

I'll explain a little more about how I work, including the practical arrangements and boundaries of therapy. You'll also have an opportunity to ask questions or raise any concerns about the process.

The first meeting is also a chance for us both to consider whether working together feels like a good fit. There is no obligation to continue, and you're welcome to take some time afterwards to think about whether you'd like to proceed.

It is sometimes helpful to have a second initial session if either of us feels it would be good to have more time to think before moving to ongoing work.

The initial session is £60.

I offer first sessions both in person in Reading and online. If we decide to continue, we would ordinarily arrange a regular weekly appointment.