Meet Josie
I became a fully qualified counsellor in 2005.
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At the heart of my work is respect. I believe we’re all doing our best with the circumstances we’re facing, and when we’re struggling, it’s because we’re dealing with something difficult—not because there’s something wrong with us. Through Josie McMaster Counselling I offer a supportive, non-judgemental space where you can talk things through, be understood, and begin to understand yourself more clearly. From that place, new possibilities often start to emerge.
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Some counselling methods impose a fixed structure—encouraging you to focus on the past or the future, regardless of what you need. But in my work, you lead the way. If you want to revisit something from years ago, we can. If you want to focus on staying positive and looking ahead, we’ll do that. I believe the counselling process should evolve with you, not the other way around.
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In addition to counselling, I’m also a qualified aromatherapist. If you feel it might support your experience, I can incorporate aromatherapy into our work together.
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Outside of work, I love wild swimming, nature, yoga, and exploring the many ways we can connect more deeply with ourselves and the world around us.
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If you’d like to explore whether working together might be right for you, I’d be happy to have a conversation. Get in touch to find out more about how you could benefit from counselling services.
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Why Counselling?
It can help with
Mental Health
Counselling can help individuals cope with a range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and other related problems. It can also be helpful for managing PTSD, eating disorders, and addictions.
Difficult Life Events
Counselling can provide support and strategies for managing difficult life events such as bereavement, relationship breakdowns, job loss, and other significant life changes.
Emotional Challenges
It can help individuals understand and manage difficult emotions like low self-esteem, anger, grief, and guilt.
Relationship Issues
Counselling can help individuals improve their relationships by addressing communication problems, conflict resolution, and other relational difficulties.
Personal Growth
Counselling can promote personal growth by helping individuals develop self-awareness, improve their coping skills, and make positive life changes.
Other Issues
Counselling can also address a variety of other issues, including sexual identity, academic or career concerns, and adjusting to chronic illness or rehabilitation.
Aromatherapy In Counselling
Where appropriate, I offer the option to incorporate aromatherapy into counselling sessions as a gentle and supportive enhancement to the therapeutic process.
Together, we’ll explore a selection of essential oils and their therapeutic properties, discussing which blends may resonate with you emotionally and energetically.
You’ll have the opportunity to choose your own personalised blend—one that reflects your needs, intentions, or current challenges.
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This approach provides a unique, multi-sensory space for reflection and conversation. As with all counselling, it’s a time to talk and be heard, but the inclusion of aromatherapy can add a grounding or soothing dimension to our work together.
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You’ll also be given a small take-home oil, allowing you to reconnect with the calming or supportive qualities of the session in your own time and space.
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Aromatherapy is always optional and used respectfully, with your preferences and comfort at the centre of the process.
Fees
FREE initial session
I offer a free 20 minute telephone session to give you the opportunity to meet me, get a feel for how I work, and decide whether you'd like to continue.
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At the beginning of our session, we'll take a few moments to complete some brief admin, including gathering your contact details. I’ll also outline how we’ll work together, so we start with a clear, shared understanding.
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This session is your space to share a bit about yourself—what’s been challenging, and what you hope to gain from counselling. It’s a gentle introduction to help us begin building a relationship based on trust, clarity, and mutual respect.
£50 per hour in person session
Counselling is traditionally offered on a regular basis, which can be especially valuable in the early stages. Regular sessions help build trust and create a sense of safety within the therapeutic relationship.
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In-person counselling provides a uniquely intimate and grounded experience. Being physically present allows for a stronger personal connection, richer communication through nonverbal cues, and a more immediate sense of support.
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The in-person setting also offers a focused, distraction-free space—ideal for deeper reflection and emotional processing.
£50 per hour Zoom session
Online and telephone counselling offer greater flexibility for those who may find it difficult to attend sessions in person. These options can make therapy more accessible and easier to fit into your daily life.
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Whether you choose to work in person, online, or by phone, our focus remains the same: to help you make sense of what’s going on in your life and develop a deeper understanding of yourself
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You’re also welcome to move between in-person, online, and telephone sessions if your needs or circumstances change. It’s important that the format works for you.