Pauline Rouse

Helping you find yourself again after grief, loss and life changes

Have you spent years caring for others and lost sight of yourself? I offer a warm, supportive space for grief, loss, disability, anxiety and life changes, helping you reconnect with who you are and what comes next.

Have you spent so long looking after everyone else that you’ve forgotten what it feels like to be looked after yourself?

Perhaps you are caring for a loved one, living with a disability or long-term health condition, adjusting to a recent diagnosis, or carrying responsibilities that leave you feeling exhausted and overwhelmed.

You may be finding it difficult to switch off. Perhaps anxiety has become a constant companion. You might feel guilty for needing support yourself, frustrated by the changes in your life, or unsure how much longer you can keep carrying everything on your own.

Many of the people I work with are used to being the strong one. The person others rely on. Over time, that can take a toll on your emotional wellbeing, leaving you feeling drained, isolated or disconnected from yourself.

As a person-centred counsellor, I offer a warm, supportive and non-judgemental space where you can speak openly about what life is really like for you. Together we can explore the impact of caring responsibilities, illness, disability, loss, anxiety, grief and life changes at a pace that feels comfortable for you.

My aim is to provide a space where you feel heard, understood and accepted, without pressure, expectation or judgement.

I offer face-to-face counselling in Airdrie, together with online and telephone counselling for clients across Scotland and the UK.

I offer face-to-face counselling in central Airdrie, alongside online and telephone sessions, allowing you to choose the option that feels most accessible and comfortable.

Accessibility is central to my practice. I understand that physical health conditions, disability, caring responsibilities, fatigue, anxiety and transport difficulties can all create barriers to accessing support. Wherever possible, I aim to work flexibly and collaboratively to meet your individual needs.

Sessions are 50 minutes and usually take place weekly, although we can discuss what works best for your circumstances.

Many of my clients come to counselling feeling emotionally exhausted. Some are caring for family members. Others are adjusting to life after a diagnosis, coping with chronic illness, managing disability, or struggling with anxiety that has developed alongside difficult life changes.

Counselling offers a space that belongs entirely to you. A space where you do not have to look after anyone else, explain yourself away, or pretend that everything is fine.

Whether you have a clear reason for seeking counselling or simply know that something needs to change, you are very welcome to get in touch.

I offer a free introductory telephone call to help you decide whether counselling with me feels right for you.

I understand that making first contact can feel daunting, especially if you are used to putting other people’s needs before your own or have never spoken to a counsellor before.

During our conversation, you can tell me as much or as little as you feel comfortable sharing. We can discuss what has brought you to counselling, any questions you may have, and what you hope to gain from our work together.

There is no pressure to commit. The call is simply an opportunity for us to get a sense of whether we would work well together.

If you choose to continue, we can arrange ongoing sessions in a format that suits you, whether face-to-face, online or by telephone.

My aim is for you to feel comfortable, respected and supported from the very first contact.