Directory entry

Ellen Penny-Brookes, BACP

Credentials: BACP
Experience: 5 years
Practising in: United Kingdom
Languages: English
Sessions: Online only
Client ages: Adults, 18 and over

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Ellen Penny-Brookes welcomes adults who are feeling overwhelmed, stuck or exhausted by day-to-day life. She introduces a calm, straightforward way of talking about stress, anxiety, low self-esteem and loss. Ellen speaks plainly and helps people name what is happening so they can decide on practical next steps.

Ellen trained in person-centred counselling and holds a Masters degree with distinction in Psychodynamic Counselling from the University of Essex. She is registered with the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists, BACP.

Background and approach

Ellen has five years' experience working in independent practice and online. In sessions she draws on psychodynamic ideas to look at how old patterns influence present choices. She also uses cognitive behavioural techniques to help change unhelpful thinking and behaviours.

The result is a balanced mix of reflecting on past affect and trying new ways of coping now. Ellen works with issues such as trauma and abuse, grief, addiction, relationship and communication problems, eating and sleep difficulties, parenting strain, anger and compassion fatigue. She also supports people dealing with ADHD, gender dysphoria, body image and feelings of isolation.

Therapy is practical and person-focused. Ellen tailors conversations and goals to what each person wants. She aims to build safety and clarity, and to help people make steady changes that feel manageable.

Therapeutic approaches and online sessions

Many clients find it helpful that Ellen blends psychodynamic work with cognitive behavioural techniques. Psychodynamic therapy looks at how early experiences shape current feelings and relationships, helping people see repeating patterns. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and testing small changes in behaviour to reduce anxiety and low mood.

Finding the right approach is part of the process. Ellen works collaboratively with each person to decide which elements to use, guided by the client's goals, needs and preferences. This means therapy can include reflective conversations, practical exercises, or both depending on what helps most.

Online sessions offer practical benefits for busy lives. Video calls let people see facial cues and hold longer conversations, while phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is limited or a shorter check-in is needed. Live chat and text messaging suit quick reflections, ongoing support between sessions or those who prefer writing to speaking. These options make it easier to fit therapy around work, family and day-to-day demands while keeping the focus on steady, manageable change.

What kinds of problems does she help with?

Ellen supports people with stress, anxiety, depression and low self-esteem, as well as grief, trauma and addiction-related concerns.

What is her therapeutic style like?

She combines psychodynamic thinking with client-centred listening and cognitive behavioural tools to reflect on past patterns and try practical coping steps now.

How much clinical experience does she have?

She has five years of practice working in personal settings and online with a range of presenting issues.

What are her credentials and where is she based?

She holds a Masters in Psychodynamic Counselling with distinction and is registered with the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP). She practices in the United Kingdom.

Which languages are sessions offered in?

Sessions are offered in English.

Can people outside the UK work with her?

She is not currently taking international clients; her practice operates within the United Kingdom.

What session formats are available?

She offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat and text-based messaging to suit different needs and schedules.

How are fees and scheduling handled?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions are arranged through a subscription that can be cancelled at any time and you schedule according to the therapist's availability.

Areas of focus

What this therapist works with

Most often

Also listed

Abandonment
Addictions
ADHD
Anger management
Attachment issues
Body image
Caregiver issues and stress
Co-morbidity
Commitment issues
Communication problems
Compassion fatigue
Coping with life changes
Depression
Dissociation
Divorce and separation
Eating and food-related issues
Eating disorders
Emptiness
Family conflicts
Family problems
Gender dysphoria
Grief
Guilt and shame
Isolation / loneliness
LGBT
Life purpose
Midlife crisis
Obsessions, compulsions, and OCD
Panic disorder and panic attacks
Parenting issues
Phobias
Polyamory / non-monogamous relationships
Post-traumatic stress
Relationship issues
Self-harm
Self-love
Sleeping disorders
Social anxiety and phobia
Trauma and abuse
Women's issues
Workplace issues
Young adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Experience: 5 years
Registered with: BACP
Languages: English

Contacting Ellen

Ellen takes enquiries through BetterHelp. You answer a few questions about what you are looking for, then arrange sessions if it seems like a fit. Browsing costs nothing and you are not committing to anything by reading this page.

Ellen Penny-Brookes, BACP

Background and approach

Therapeutic approaches and online sessions

Areas of focus

What this therapist works with

Others working with stress, anxiety