JOSH MASTERSON

“The change process feels good. It feels like inhaling fresh air after having been in a stuffy room for a long time.”

-Eugene Gendlin (founder of the Focusing technique)

It’s important to us at Eastern Shore Counseling that you feel aligned with your therapist. For this reason, we put a lot of thought and effort into our clinician’s individual pages so you can get to know them a bit as a human and then as a provider.

We’re here to support you in this season.

I grew up in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and then moved to the US when I was ten. During my twenties, I lived abroad in Southeast Asia studying various forms of meditation and energy work and continued to follow an inner adventurous spirit that took me to working in restaurants, on farms, as well as leading community service trips both in the U.S. and abroad. I got the chance to spend extended time in remote parts of the wilderness and eventually took a job as a wilderness therapy guide in Utah before going back to graduate school to become a therapist.

After struggling to make meaningful change in my life through traditional talk therapy, I eventually connected with a therapist in Arizona that specialized in a somatic (body based) technique called “Focusing.” Engaging with my body in a more direct way was revolutionary for me, and since I have been passionate about learning and practicing somatic techniques to support healing. I have found that engaging with the body can open many internal doors that our analytical mind often can’t see or grasp. If you are interested in exploring a deeper connection to your own body, life transitions, consciousness, meditation/spirituality, or addiction related distress I encourage you to reach out today for further discussion.

I'm here to help you access and build relationships with your inner wisdom. This is not something we have to ‘create.’ Rather, your inner teacher is something that can emerge once we figure out what is blocking it. Usually, our thoughts, stories, and past wounding keep us a little removed or blocked from the wisdom of our body. Together we will explore cognitive and somatic techniques to help these inner blockages move and transform in service of living the life that most excites you.

Josh Masterson is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Gorham, Maine at Eastern Shore Counseling and is passionate about helping individuals befriend and explore their internal world in service of freedom, healing, and mental wellness. He specializes in several areas and utilizes somatic and cognitive techniques to support positive change. His style is warm, curious, compassionate, and friendly. Below are some areas Josh is passionate about:

Somatic healing: Josh specializes in using a technique called “Focusing” to help you build a deeper connection with your body. Listening and engaging with the wisdom of your body can yield remarkable change in service of the life you care most about.

Addiction and substance misuse: Whether you are contemplating the role alcohol and substances play in your life or committed to sobriety, Josh is passionate about supporting your own exploration of this space.

What Clinical Area’s Josh Works With The Most

Eco therapy: Josh draws on his experience as a former wilderness therapy guide to offer sessions in nature on trails and parks near Gorham, ME. Leaning into the rhythms and cycles of nature and connecting to the elements can open new gateways of possibility and healing within the therapeutic container.

Life transitions: Josh specializes in supporting you through difficult life transitions. Transitions can be painful and leave us disconnected from ourselves, our values, and community. He provides tools, techniques, and a grounded compassionate space to help you access inner resources to support such transitions.

What Is It Like Working With A SomaticTherapist?

Body Awareness is Central

You'll be invited to notice physical sensations, posture, breath, and areas of tension in your body.
The therapist may ask things like: “Where do you feel that in your body?” or “What sensations are coming up right now?”

Focus on Regulation and Safety

A big goal is helping your nervous system move out of fight/flight/freeze and into regulation.
You’ll often explore how to find internal safety and calm — especially if you've experienced trauma.

Empowering and Grounding

Over time, you can gain a stronger sense of connection to yourself.
Many people describe it as coming home to their body — learning to listen to its wisdom instead of ignoring or overriding it.

Get Started With Individual Therapy In Maine

Select Your Provider

Begin your counseling journey in Maine by choosing a therapist or coach who aligns with your needs and goals. Our team of experienced therapists are are here to help you find the right fit for the kind of support you need.

Schedule Free Intro Session

Schedule a free 15min consult with the provider of your choosing to ensure they are a good fit for you. This initial consultation allows you to connect with your chosen provider, discuss your concerns, and explore how counseling can benefit you. We’re better together.

Feel Relief

In your free consult, you'll start your journey towards emotional well-being, understanding, and personal growth. You don’t have to keep doing this and hoping it just sorts itself out. We are really good at helping you reduce symptoms and start living life on your terms!

Frequently Asked Questions About Individual Therapy

Yes, individual therapy can be highly effective for addressing a wide range of mental health concerns and emotional challenges. It provides a confidential and supportive environment where you can work one-on-one with a trained therapist or counselor to explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. The effectiveness of individual therapy often depends on the individual's willingness to engage in the process and the therapeutic relationship formed with the therapist. Many people find that individual therapy helps them gain insight, develop coping skills, and achieve personal growth and healing.
Individual therapy encompasses various therapeutic approaches and techniques tailored to each person's unique needs and goals. Some common approaches to individual therapy include:
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Focuses on identifying and challenging negative thought patterns and behaviors.
Psychodynamic Therapy: Explores unconscious thoughts and past experiences to gain insight into current issues.
Humanistic Therapy: Emphasizes self-actualization, personal growth, and the development of a strong therapeutic relationship.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy: Utilizes mindfulness techniques to promote self-awareness and reduce stress.
Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): Focuses on improving interpersonal relationships and communication skills.
Trauma-Informed Therapy: Addresses the impact of trauma on mental health and well-being.
Therapists often use a combination of these approaches to create a customized treatment plan that aligns with an individual's specific needs and goals.
In individual therapy, you can expect a safe, confidential, and non-judgmental space where you can openly discuss your thoughts, feelings, and concerns with a trained professional. The therapist will actively listen, provide support, and help you gain insight into your challenges. Together, you and your therapist will work on setting goals, developing coping strategies, and exploring ways to improve your mental and emotional well-being. The frequency and duration of sessions can vary based on your needs and the therapeutic approach chosen.
The duration of individual therapy varies from person to person and depends on several factors, including the nature of the issues being addressed, the individual's goals, and their progress in therapy. Some individuals may find relief and achieve their objectives in a relatively short period of time, such as a few weeks or months. Others may benefit from longer-term therapy that spans several months or even years, particularly when addressing complex or deeply rooted issues. Ultimately, the length of therapy is a collaborative decision between you and your therapist, with ongoing assessments to ensure that therapy remains effective and aligned with your evolving needs and goals.

Whether you are struggling with symptoms of anxiety, depression, grief and loss, looking for therapy for women or therapy for men, our counseling clinic in Gorham, Maine is here to support you. We provide in-office counseling sessions as well as online couples therapy. Schedule a free 15min consult to ensure we are a good fit for you and the level of support you need in this season.

We’re better together.