Hey there, I'm Paula. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor of Mental Health with over 20 years experience working with individuals and families. I work with clients with a variety of concerns including depression, anxiety, life transitions, relationship and communication issues, parenting problems, and career challenges. I also work with people who have experienced trauma.
My counseling style is supportive, compassionate and direct. Based in cognitive behavioral theory, I believe in treating my clients with respect and dignity, while being open and forthcoming. Together we will develop and follow a treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs.
It takes courage and motivation to seek a more satisfying life. If you are ready to take the first step toward change, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you.
"Set the gearshift for the high gear of your soul!" - Trey Anastasio
Professional experience
26 yrs in practice
Stress, AnxietyRelationshipsTrauma, AbuseDepressionCoping with life changes
Additional areas of focus:Family conflicts, Grief, Intimacy-related issues, Eating disorders, Sleeping disorders, Parenting issues, Anger management, Self esteem, Career difficulties, Bipolar disorder, Coaching, ADHD, Abandonment, Attachment issues, Body image, Communication problems, Control issues, Divorce and separation, Family problems, Forgiveness, Guilt and shame, Impulsivity, Men's issues, Midlife crisis, Money and financial issues, Mood disorders, Panic disorder and panic attacks, Post-traumatic stress, Self-love, Sexuality, Women's issues, Workplace issues
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Paula Bairstow. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
After searching for the right therapist for years, the universe directed me to Paula, and the timing was perfect and needed. From our very first session, it was clear that she possesses a rare combination of deep intelligence and genuine compassion. She listens with an open heart, offering thoughtful insights that are both grounding and empowering.
What sets Paula apart is her exceptional understanding of neurodiversity. She approaches each session with patience, adaptability, and an intuitive grasp of how different minds process the world. She creates a safe, welcoming space where I feel truly seen and understood—something that had been missing in my previous experiences with therapy.
Paula doesn’t just offer guidance; she equips her clients with the tools and confidence to navigate life’s challenges in a way that honors their unique strengths. Her ability to balance kindness with intellectual depth makes her an incredible therapist, and I am endlessly grateful to have found her.
Written on Mar 11, 2025 after therapy with Paula for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety
Paula is amazing, caring, and kind. She has really helped me understand myself and grow into a more self confident and strong person. She is a good listener and does a great job relating to me.
Written on Jun 13, 2024 after therapy with Paula for 5 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, self esteem, and adhd
Paula always leaves me knowing that I have been heard. I feel that I am making progress in accomplishing the goals and strategies that she suggests for me.
Written on Jan 29, 2024 after therapy with Paula for 6 months
she’s amazing
Written on Sep 28, 2023 after therapy with Paula for 3 years and 1 month on issues concerning stress, anxiety, and anger management
Paula is the best! I have been with her on and off for many many years, and she is the best. I would, and have recommended her to many. Her experience and her personality make her very easy to relate to.
Written on May 25, 2023 after therapy with Paula for 1 year and 8 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and family conflicts
Paula is the first therapist I’ve truly been able to connect with. She’s respectful and supportive, and makes a point to show that she truly cares about me as her client and just as a person. She’s helped me reach a stable maintenance phase and learn to prioritize myself and my happiness!
Written on Apr 28, 2023 after therapy with Paula for 1 year and 10 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, eating disorders, self esteem, coping with life changes, and adhd
Paula is fantastic. I have always felt supported, challenged, and safe when talking with Paula. I have been working with her for the last almost 2 years, which is truly incredible and the longest I have worked with a therapist consistently. She challenges me to think about things in different ways, reminds me to take care of myself and not just others, which as a mom of young kids is a reminder we all need. I am so thankful for Paula's partnership and support.
Written on Apr 26, 2023 after therapy with Paula for 2 years on issues concerning stress, anxiety
I love Paula! She is absolutely friggen incredible! She has helped me out in so many ways, I can't even begin to explain. Your absolutely wonderful, and I hope you are able to help as many people as you were able to help me. Thank you so much.
Written on Dec 15, 2022 after therapy with Paula for 1 year and 11 months on issues concerning addictions, and coaching
I have had a great experience with Paula! She truly listens to me and my concerns and has great advice on how to help me and my current struggle with anxiety. We continue to walk through my struggles and every session I come away with a new skill and tactic on how to better manage my thoughts. I’m truly thankful for the knowledge and expertise she has shared with me and I look forward to our future sessions!
Written on Nov 11, 2022 after therapy with Paula for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, sleeping disorders, self esteem, and coping with life changes
She is a wonderful professional.
Written on Sep 13, 2022 after therapy with Paula for 2 years on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, self esteem, and anger management
Review sent previously
Written on Aug 28, 2022 after therapy with Paula for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, eating disorders, self esteem, bipolar disorder, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue
Absolutely phenominal therapist. I've been going to her since Jan of 2021. Interactions with Paula definitely have made me a believer in the value of therapy. Couldn't ask for a better first-time therapy experience.
Written on Feb 08, 2022 after therapy with Paula for 11 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, and grief
I have seen many counselors and not one of them compare to the level of attentiveness, empathy, advice, or care that she has provided. I most certainly would not be where I am today with out Paula . I could not be more thankful or more grateful for all the time she has dedicated to helping me be a better me and seeing the world in a different way. If everyone had a Paula the world would most definitely be a better place.
Written on Sep 28, 2021 after therapy with Paula for 4 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, sleeping disorders, and coping with life changes
Paula has changed my perception of therapy altogether. I found her to be incredibly approachable and understanding -- and she was instrumental in helping me learn more about the underlying issues which were the real cause of much of the stress and behavioral issues I was looking to solve. I would recommend her to anyone, as they would be lucky to have her.
Written on Sep 22, 2021 after therapy with Paula for 11 months on issues concerning addictions, relationship issues, and coaching
I was a patient of Paula’s at her other company before she transitioned over to BetterHelp. I can certainly say that she is the only reason I came to BetterHelp myself. She is one of the most understanding, down to earth people I have ever met. Paula has not only helped me, but also my family, tremendously. I trust her like no other and am so happy that I got to reconnect with her on this platform. She is very easy to talk to and I would recommend her to anyone of any age. I love Paula!
Written on Jun 25, 2021 after therapy with Paula for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, bipolar disorder,
Very kind. Always easy to talk to and understanding even on my “off” days. I always look forward to our conversations each week. Appreciate the time she takes to even check in with you throughout the week.
Written on Jun 18, 2021 after therapy with Paula for 5 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, self esteem, and career difficulties
Paula has been very helpful. I really appreciate her positive attitude and empathy. She has helped me get to get through a very stressful period.
Written on Jun 08, 2021 after therapy with Paula for 5 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, sleeping disorders, and self esteem
Paula has been a great support and given me tools to navigate some rough patches. She listens to me and helps me to work through things in the healthiest way possible. I have grown as a person and become much more mindful since meeting with Paula. I highly recommend her as a therapist.
Written on Jun 08, 2021 after therapy with Paula for 5 months on issues concerning depression, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, and self esteem
Therapist was fantastic and still is
Written on May 18, 2021 after therapy with Paula for 3 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, grief, and coping with life changes
Paul is deep experience with families, kids and adults helped me so much as a parent seeking to navigate my own mental health and that of my teen. Her grounded, action-based approach yields real benefits. She has given me ideas for behavior changes that have greatly helped to reduce my anxiety. She’s also just very easy to talk to!
Written on Mar 09, 2021 after therapy with Paula for 6 months on issues concerning depression, and stress, anxiety
Paula is AMAZING. She is someone grounded who you can really connect with. She gets you to see perspectives other than your own. She is validating on one hand and has the ability to hold you accountable on the other. I could not recommend her more!
Written on Feb 05, 2021 after therapy with Paula for 3 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, and coping with life changes
She is experienced, grounded and compassionate.
Written on Jan 28, 2021 after therapy with Paula for 2 weeks on issues concerning relationship issues, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, and adhd
She is as amazing person!
Written on Nov 12, 2020 after therapy with Paula for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, self esteem, and adhd
I love talking to Paula. She's very knowledgeable and sympathetic, and has great suggestions to help with my problems, and provides gentle but consistent reminders to make progress on things I want to work on.
Written on Oct 12, 2020 after therapy with Paula for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, sleeping disorders, self esteem, coping with life changes, coaching, compassion fatigue, and adhd
Paula is fantastic at understanding struggles from many different angles and being able to relate on multiple levels. Her experience is varied and helpful. She is also fantastically “normal,” as in she doesn’t put on a facade in any way. And I don’t feel any judgement when I’m honest about my thoughts and feeling.
Written on Sep 26, 2020 after therapy with Paula for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, parenting issues, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and coaching
Paula is a great therapist/counselor; she’s very knowledgeable. I consider myself a pretty needy client, as I send messages often (some of which are so long they could be considered dissertations). She is always attentive in responding in a time sensitive manor and makes me feel at ease. I have a lot to work through, and I’m glad I have Paula to guide me along the way.
As a past sailor, I like to swear when describing things, and she isn’t offended by it. Huge plus!
Written on May 21, 2020 after therapy with Paula for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, grief, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, self esteem, career difficulties, and adhd
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