The Counsellor (Maggie Sayer Series Book 1)

She listens for a living. But when the pain becomes her own—who will listen to her?

Ten years after losing her husband, Maggie Sayer has found a new purpose in the quiet town of Fenbridge. As a therapeutic counsellor, she offers guidance to those facing the darkest moments of their lives. From Julie, a young mother desperate to escape domestic violence, to Janet and Karen, both carrying lifelong scars, Maggie holds space for their pain, helping them move toward healing.

But the boundaries between her professional role and personal life are beginning to blur. A former client’s tragic obsession, a new relationship with emotionally fragile Peter, and the emotional toll of her work all leave Maggie questioning her own resilience. When Peter is diagnosed with a life-changing illness, Maggie is forced to confront her deepest fears and decide whether she can risk loving—and losing—again.

THE COUNSELLOR by Gillian Jackson is a powerful story of quiet bravery, emotional entanglement, and the strength it takes to hold others together while coming undone yourself.

Read The Counsellor today and discover a moving portrait of healing, hope, and the complexities of the human heart.

Excerpt from the book

Fenbridge Surgery was buzzing with the usual early morning activity as Maggie skirted around the chairs in the waiting area, heading for the relative calm of her office. Almost tripping over a spotty toddler who’d escaped his mother’s arms, she smiled – chickenpox season was upon them again.

Clasping a bunch of early daffodils purchased on her way in, Maggie buried her face into the bright yellow trumpets, savouring their evocative scent and the hint of spring and new beginnings. The flowers lifted her mood and cheered the damp, dark February morning. Hanging her coat on the little hook in the corner and turning towards the desk to check her diary, Maggie reminded herself what the day ahead held in store.

It was ten years since her husband’s death. Maggie was working as a therapeutic counsellor, a vocation which contributed to the contentment and fulfilment of her life, which, during those dark days, she didn’t expect to experience again. Her interest in counselling stemmed from first-hand experience of its benefits – it proved an invaluable tool to help her survive the bitterness and loss as she learned how frail the human heart can be. Therapeutic counselling enabled the young, widowed Maggie to develop the strength necessary to continue without Chris. It was a long, hard struggle, and many times, it took immense effort simply to get dressed and leave the house for her counselling appointments. Often, she was barely able to speak once there. With time, Maggie started to view those meetings as her lifeline. With one-to-one support, and later in group sessions, the other side of the overwhelming depression which enveloped her in its grip was in sight, and life again took on a semblance of normality.

The whole counselling experience transformed Maggie’s outlook on life. It prompted a re-evaluation of her future, eventually realising that a mundane clerical job was not for her. A desire burgeoned within her to help others who found life difficult to cope with, leading her into the work she now loved.

Maggie Sayer looked younger than her forty-two years. She was five feet six inches tall and slim, with naturally curly brown hair framing a pleasant, heart-shaped face, lively hazel eyes, and an olive complexion. Perhaps not a classic beauty, Maggie was undoubtedly an attractive woman.

Turning the page of her diary, Maggie was reminded that Julie Chambers was to be her first client of the day, a young woman who’d been due to start a couple of weeks ago… and a month before yet hadn’t attended either appointment. Maggie thought it could be a no-show again, hoping it would not be the case. Julie had been referred by Dr Williams, who rarely gave second chances, and any no-shows were generally put back on the waiting list.

Maggie was relieved to see Julie sitting in the waiting area at 9.30 a.m., greeting her new client and inviting the young woman into the office. According to her medical notes, Julie was twenty-eight. Maggie didn’t read past the date of birth on Dr Williams’ lengthy notes. Knowing only the basic details of a client ensured their sessions got underway with an open mind and no preconceived ideas. This blank canvas allowed Maggie to form her opinions and enabled the relationship to commence with mutual trust.