Louise Masterson - Therapist
Therapy and Supervision begins with a listening ear and moves forward as we take the next steps together
Professional support to help you find balance and clarity
Your journey to emotional well-being starts in a safe, confidential space.
Welcome to my website and thank you for your interest in starting counselling. This can feel like a big step, however, I can provide you with a safe; non judgemental space where we can explore whatever you choose to bring to sessions, there is no right or wrong.
By providing you with a safe, non-judgmental space, we can explore whatever you choose to bring to sessions. Whether it involves day-to-day difficulties, issues from the past, or fears regarding the future, I am here to listen.
Being able to "be you" and share at your own pace can make a profound difference in how you cope with life’s challenges. Together, we can build a trusting relationship that enables you to gain fresh perspectives, a deeper understanding of yourself, and the empowerment to make the changes that are right for you.
I am an Accredited Member of the BACP, working in accordance with their ethical framework. I am also a Certified Online Supervisor, which means I have undertaken additional training to support Counsellors and other professionals in their professional practice.
I provide a safe space for Clients and Supervisees to explore their thoughts in a non-judgmental way, so that we can explore and reflect together, moving forward towards personal growth.
A Safe Space
By providing you with a safe, non-judgmental, and confidential space, we can explore whatever you choose to bring to sessions. Being able to "be you" at your own pace makes a profound difference in how you feel and cope with life's challenges.
Fresh Perspectives
Building a trusting relationship will enable you to gain new perspectives and a deeper understanding of yourself. Whether it’s day-to-day difficulties or issues relating to the past, we work together to make sense of your experiences.
Empowered Changes
My goal as your therapist and counsellor is to help you feel empowered to find solutions. By gaining clarity and self-awareness, you can move towards making the changes that are right for you and find a healthier way forward.
Professional Background
My journey into therapy began with a deep interest in the mind-body connection. With a Psychology Degree and a professional background as a Family Planning Nurse; Midwife; Health Visitor and Reflexologist, I bring a holistic understanding of human wellbeing to my practice.
My experience has led to a specialist interest in supporting clients therapeutically with fertility issues and difficulties within pregnancy; birth and the postnatal period, including adjusting to parenthood and changes in family dynamics. This led me to complete some of my counselling training working with the Oxford Infant-Parent Perinatal Team, which I thoroughly enjoyed as it helped to bring my skill-set together.
I now live in Thame, Oxford and work as qualified Counsellor and an Accredited Member of the BACP. This means I work within a strict ethical framework, providing person-centred therapy that is tailored to your individual needs. I qualified as an Adlerian Therapist, which means that we can explore early memories, dreams, and your family background. This helps us to understand more about you and gain insight into how you view others and the world. I have also undertaken CBT training, so I can incorporate some of these helpful strategies into my practice. Additionally, I have now qualified as a Certified Online Supervisor to support other professionals in the field.
How can counselling help you?
Specialist Areas
My professional background leads me to have a specialist interest in Fertility issues; Pregnancy; Birth and the Postnatal period; Perinatal care and the adjustment to parenthood and family dynamics. I have also undertaken additional training which includes Anxiety; Depression; Relationships and CBT.
Other Areas of Support
Life transitions and Family issues
Childhood-related issues and past experiences
Teenage & Young Adult support
Fertility issues, pregnancy and postnatal support
Loss and Bereavement
Anxiety and fears regarding the future
Stress management and day-to-day coping
Self-esteem and identity
Relationship difficulties
Trauma & the Body: Dissociation and Somatisation
My Location
I offer flexible counselling sessions tailored to your lifestyle. You can choose to meet online via Zoom, telephone, or video call (WhatsApp). This allows me to work with clients locally in Thame and Oxford, as well as those further afield.
Availability
Counselling sessions last 50 minutes. I typically meet with clients on a weekly basis to ensure consistency and progress.
Online and telephone sessions offer more flexible scheduling throughout the week.
Please contact me to discuss a time that best fits your schedule.
Fees
Online or Telephone Sessions
£55 per session
Limited concessionary sessions are available
£45 per session
Online Supervision Session
£50/1 h
£75/1.5 h
Student rate for Counsellors
£40/1 h
£60/1.5 h
*To confirm your session, please pay via BACS at least 24 hours in advance. Bank details are provided upon booking, and Zoom links are sent once payment is received.
Get in touch
If you have any questions or would like to arrange an initial appointment, please reach out. This is a chance for us to discuss how I can best support you.
You can use the secure contact form below. I aim to respond to all enquiries promptly.
Some frequently asked questions
Our initial meeting is a chance for us to get to know each other. We will discuss what brings you to counselling now and what you hope to achieve. It’s a safe, low-pressure space for you to see if you feel comfortable working with me before we commit to further sessions.
The number of sessions depends entirely on your individual needs and the nature of what you wish to explore. Some clients find that short-term therapy is sufficient for specific issues, while others prefer open-ended, long-term support. We will review our progress regularly together.
I provide sessions via Zoom, WhatsApp video, or telephone which ahis allows me to support clients from nearby areas like Abingdon or Aylesbury, as well as those living much further away across the UK.
Yes, my background as a Family Planing Nurse; Midwife and Health Visitor - means that I have the knowledge and understanding to really support you. I am also a mother of three children, so can resonate with the difficulties involved with trying to conceive; giving birth and adjusting to parenthood - including the changes in family dynamics.
Furthermore, I completed some of my counselling training on placement with the Oxford Infant-Parent Perinatal Team.
Through my background in midwifery and reflexology, I have a deep understanding of the mind-body connection. Often, emotional stress manifests physically. While counselling isn't a medical treatment, exploring your feelings can often help reduce the physical tension and stress held in the body.
As an Accredited Member, I have achieved a high standard of experience and clinical practice recognised by the BACP. It signifies that I have completed substantial training and continue to meet rigorous ethical and professional standards to provide the best possible care for my clients.
I understand that life can be unpredictable. If you need to cancel or reschedule, I kindly ask for at least 24 hours' notice. This allows me to offer the time slot to another client. Cancellations made with less than 24 hours' notice will still require full payment.
I have undertaken further training to gain Diplomas in Anxiety Management; Dealing with Depression; Advanced CBT; Grief and Bereavement Counselling; Couples and Family Therapy; Children and Young Peoples Mental Health and Wellness; Inner Child Healing.
I have also undertaken training in relation to Trauma and the Body: Dissociation and Somatisation in addition to Womens Mental Health in Pregnancy.