Louise Laird
Counselling & Psychotherapy
in Aberdeenshire, UK
Hello, I'm Louise Laird.
My interest in mental, emotional and physical wellbeing began in my early twenties after several years of living with anxiety and panic disorder. That time became the beginning of a longer process of understanding myself, and how change can happen when we begin to slow down and pay attention to what is happening beneath the surface.
Over time, I trained as a yoga teacher, counsellor, psychotherapist, and relationship therapist.
My work is grounded in person centred counselling and shaped by my background in holistic wellbeing. I support people through periods of uncertainty, overwhelm, and transition, where things can feel unclear or difficult to make sense of.
I am interested in what it is like to be human in these moments. How we come to understand ourselves, how we relate to others, and how we move through experiences that feel stuck, painful, or confusing.
At the heart of my work is the relationship we have with ourselves, with others, and with the world around us, and how these shape the way we experience life and connection.
“It’s the relationship that heals.”
Irvin Yalom, 2002
My Approach
Many of the people I work with have spent a long time trying to make sense of things on their own. They may have talked things through with friends, read books, listened to podcasts, or simply tried to keep going. By the time they come to counselling, they're often tired of feeling stuck, yet unsure what needs to change.
Therapy offers something different. I see therapy as a collaborative process of exploration between us. It is something we do together, at a pace that feels manageable for you, rather than something that is led or directed by me.
In our sessions, you bring what feels present for you, and I will walk alongside you as we begin to make sense of it together. Sometimes that might mean noticing patterns, feelings, or ways of relating that have become familiar over time.
I offer reflection, support, and a steady space where you can begin to explore your experience with more clarity and less judgement.
Over time, this can involve becoming more aware of how past experiences, relationships, and expectations may have shaped the way you see yourself and the world around you.
From there, there can be a gradual sense of more choice, more understanding, and more connection to what feels true for you.
I am not here to fix you or take away what you are going through.
I am here to support you in making sense of it, in a way that feels respectful, human, and at your pace.
Qualifications
I hold a Master of Science (MSc) in Person Centred Counselling from the University of Aberdeen, a programme accredited by COSCA (Counselling and Psychotherapy in Scotland).
Alongside this, I have completed a Post-Qualification Certificate in Couples and Relationship Therapy (CORST), drawing on approaches including Imago Relationship Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, the Gottman Method, and Attachment Theory.
I am a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and work in line with their ethical framework and professional standards.
Alongside my clinical training, I have experience working as a counsellor within a local charity , Occupational Health setting, and as a Specialist Student Mentor supporting students with their mental health and wellbeing.
I have also worked as a yoga teacher for almost 20 years, which continues to inform my understanding of the connection between mind and body.
Even if you’re not exactly sure what’s wrong, but you know something doesn’t feel quite right, you’re not alone.
Taking the first step can feel the hardest.
Fill out the form below, and I’ll get in touch to talk about how I can best support you.