Welcome to

Paula Anderson Psychotherapy

Counselling and therapy for individuals in a safe, comfortable and private setting

About Me

Hello, I’m Paula, a counsellor and psychotherapist based in Inverness. I offer professional counselling and psychotherapy for adults in Inverness and across the Highlands. I work with individuals who are finding life emotionally challenging, overwhelming, or confusing, and who would value a safe and supportive space to talk. Sessions are available face‑to‑face in a comfortable and private therapy room in Inverness city centre, as well as online and telephone counselling for clients across the Highlands and the wider UK.

Paula Anderson, a counsellor and psychotherapist based in Inverness.

My Counselling Approach

As a person-centred counsellor and psychotherapist, I offer a warm, confidential and non-judgemental space where you can speak freely and feel truly listened to. I know that reaching out for counselling can feel like a big and sometimes uncertain step, and I want you to feel reassured that you will be met with kindness, understanding and respect.

I believe that, given the right environment, we can begin to untangle what feels confusing or heavy. Sometimes having a calm, supportive space to pause and reflect can make all the difference. I will walk alongside you at a pace that feels comfortable, gently supporting you as you explore whatever may be troubling you.

Through my experience working within the NHS, I have supported people navigating anxiety, low mood, self-esteem difficulties, relationship challenges, loss and life changes. I work with adults of all ages, and our sessions are always shaped around your individual experiences and needs.

My hope is that our work together helps you feel more connected to yourself, more compassionate towards yourself, and clearer about the way forward.

If you feel ready to reach out, I would be very glad to hear from you.

Who I Work With

I work with adults of all ages who may be experiencing emotional or psychological difficulties, or who feel stuck and unsure about the way forward. People come to counselling for many different reasons, and you do not need to be in crisis to seek support.

I have experience supporting individuals with:

Anxiety, worry and persistent overthinking

Low mood or depression

Low self‑esteem and self‑confidence

Stress and burnout, including work‑related difficulties

Relationship challenges

Loss, grief and bereavement

Life changes and transitions

Feeling disconnected from yourself or unsure what you need

Sometimes people come to therapy without a clear explanation for what feels wrong — only a sense that something is not quite right. This can be explored gently and at your own pace.

How Counselling May Help

Counselling provides a calm and confidential space to explore thoughts and feelings that may feel overwhelming, unclear or difficult to express elsewhere. Having time to speak openly, without judgement, can help you begin to better understand yourself and your experiences.

Through counselling, you may find it helps to:

Feel less alone with what you are experiencing
Develop greater self‑understanding and clarity
Build compassion and acceptance towards yourself
Explore choices and changes in a supported way
Strengthen your emotional resilience

Counselling is not about being given advice or being told what to do. Instead, it is a collaborative process that supports you to find your own understanding and direction.

What to Expect from Counselling

The first counselling session is an opportunity for us to meet and begin to explore what has brought you to therapy. I may ask some gentle questions to help me understand your situation, but there is no expectation to share anything you are not ready to talk about.

We will also consider what you hope to gain from counselling and whether my way of working feels right for you. Many people feel anxious before their first appointment, which is completely natural. My aim is to offer a warm, supportive and respectful environment from the outset.

The number of sessions varies from person to person. Some people attend for a short period, while others choose longer‑term counselling. This is something we can keep reviewing together.

Sessions & Fees

Sessions last 50 minutes, usually on a weekly or fortnightly basis but can explore options that suit your needs. Sessions cost £45.

Payment for each session must be made 24 hours in advance, I accept payment by cash or bank transfer. I offer a free 15-minute telephone call to connect and explore whether we might be a good fit for working together. You can book this by emailing paulaandersontherapy@proton.me

Cancellations

Cancelling more than 48 hours before your session: no charge

Cancelling 24–48 hours before your session: £10 fee

Cancelling within 24 hours: full session fee applies

Get in touch

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions about how counselling works, or to arrange an initial assessment appointment. This enables us to discuss the reasons you are thinking of coming to counselling, whether it could be helpful for you and whether I am the right therapist to help.

Sessions are available face‑to‑face in a comfortable and private therapy room in Inverness city centre, as well as online and telephone counselling for clients across the Highlands and the wider UK.

FAQs

Yes. Counselling is confidential, with a small number of ethical and legal exceptions which I would always explain clearly.

This varies for each person. Some people find a small number of sessions helpful, while others choose to work together longer‑term. We can review this at a pace that feels right for you.

That is absolutely okay. Many people come to counselling unsure of where to begin. We can take things slowly and explore whatever feels important for you.

Yes. I have experience supporting individuals experiencing anxiety, low mood, stress and emotional difficulties.

Yes. I offer online and telephone sessions for those who prefer remote support or are based outside Inverness.

I offer a free 15‑minute telephone call to help you decide whether counselling feels like the right step and whether I am the right therapist for you.