Directory entry

Penny Ralston, BACP

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

Works with Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsGrief Self esteem Depression

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Penny Ralston is a counsellor registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, with five years of professional experience in the United Kingdom. She relies on straightforward talking and practical strategies to help people manage stress, low mood, anxiety and motivation struggles. Penny aims to make the first step feel achievable for anyone who is finding life harder than they expected.

She creates a calm, non-judgemental space where people can say what they think and feel without pressure.

Background and approach

Sessions focus on identifying small, realistic steps that build confidence and improve day-to-day functioning. Penny emphasises clear goals and steady progress rather than quick fixes. Penny uses Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, which looks at how thoughts, feelings and actions link together, to help shift unhelpful patterns.

She also draws on Mindfulness Therapy to teach simple ways of noticing thoughts and staying grounded. These approaches are used in practical, easy-to-follow ways during sessions. Her work covers a wide range of concerns including relationships, grief, addictions, parenting challenges, career stress and identity matters.

She also supports people dealing with ADHD, autism and young adult issues. Penny tailors each session to the person sitting in front of her and adjusts pace to match readiness for change. People meet her for one-to-one sessions that combine talking, problem-solving and brief skills practice.

The focus is on building tools that can be used between meetings so progress continues outside the session room. Penny offers a steady, encouraging presence while people try out new ways of coping and relating.

How CBT and Mindfulness work online

Penny uses Cognitive Behavioural Therapy to help people see how thoughts, feelings and actions connect. In practice this means spotting unhelpful thinking patterns and trying different behaviours to change how someone feels. CBT is often used for anxiety, low mood, stress and motivation problems.

She also uses Mindfulness Therapy to teach simple attention skills. Mindfulness helps people notice their thoughts and feelings without getting swept away by them. This approach can reduce rumination and help with coping during difficult moments.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will talk through goals, preferences and daily routines to decide whether CBT, mindfulness or a mix makes most sense. Plans are adjusted as progress is made so the work stays relevant to what the person wants to change.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat or text-based messaging to fit different lifestyles. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation and visual cues. Phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is limited or a shorter check-in is needed. Chat and messaging make ongoing contact possible between sessions or suit people who prefer writing. These options make therapy more flexible and easier to fit around work, childcare and other commitments.

What issues does Penny help with?

Penny supports people with stress, anxiety, depression, self esteem and motivation difficulties. She also works with grief, addictions, relationship and intimacy-related concerns.

What is her therapeutic style like?

Sessions are practical and straightforward with a focus on clear goals. Penny uses talking, problem-solving and simple skills practice to help people make steady changes.

How much clinical experience does she have?

Penny has five years of professional experience working with a variety of concerns in the United Kingdom. That experience informs her practical, goal-focused approach.

What credential does she hold and where is she based?

She is a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, commonly shown as BACP. She practises in the United Kingdom.

Which languages are available for sessions?

Sessions are offered in English only.

How are sessions delivered?

Therapy is available by video calls, phone sessions, live chat or text-based messaging to suit different needs and lifestyles.

What does therapy cost?

Cost varies with location and therapist arrangements and is billed through a subscription model that can be cancelled at any time.

How do I begin working with Penny?

Start by selecting the Start Therapy button and completing a short matching questionnaire. After that you can schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.

Areas of focus

What this therapist works with

Most often

Stress, Anxiety
Family conflicts
Grief

Also listed

Addictions
ADHD
Anger management
Autism and Asperger Syndrome
Bipolar disorder
Career difficulties
Coping with life changes
Depression
Intimacy-related issues
LGBT
Parenting issues
Relationship issues
Self esteem
Trauma and abuse
Young adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Experience: 5 years
Registered with: BACP
Languages: English

Contacting Penny

Penny 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.

Penny Ralston, BACP

Background and approach

How CBT and Mindfulness work online

Areas of focus

What this therapist works with

Others working with stress, anxiety