Ellen Penny-Brookes
BACP
Compassionate counsellor for everyday struggles
- Psychodynamic focus
- Person-centred care
- Eating and body image
About Ellen
She trained in person-centred counselling at the University of East Anglia and holds a Master’s degree with distinction in Psychodynamic counselling from Essex University. Ellen is registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, BACP.
In sessions she uses psychodynamic thinking to look at how early experiences shape current feelings and behaviour. She also draws on client-centred ways of working that prioritise the person’s own goals and pace. Cognitive behavioural ideas may be used to help spot unhelpful thoughts and test different ways of responding.
Ellen has about five years of practice and has supported people through grief, relationship difficulties, trauma, burnout and issues linked to identity and gender. She also works with eating and body-image concerns alongside other mental health difficulties.
Her style is practical and respectful. She will tailor conversations and the plan to each person’s needs and preferences, and works alongside clients to identify helpful next steps.
How her approaches translate to online counselling
Psychodynamic work looks at how early experiences and hidden feelings shape current reactions. In online sessions this can mean gently tracing patterns in relationships and emotions to understand why certain situations feel familiar or difficult. Client-centred counselling focuses on the person’s experience and aims to follow their pace and priorities, giving space for what matters most in the moment.Choosing the right approach is part of therapy. Ellen will work collaboratively to decide which methods suit a person’s needs and goals. That may mean starting with longer conversations to build understanding, then adding practical exercises if that feels helpful.
The practical benefits of online therapy can include fitting sessions into a busy week and avoiding travel time. Please confirm the current session options before booking, as formats are not listed here. Online sessions can support regular check-ins, shorter follow-ups or full-length meetings depending on what is arranged, helping therapy slot into everyday life without needing extra travel.
Professional registration
| BACP | United Kingdom · No. 385502 |
|---|
As shown on the therapist's profile. You can check membership with the professional body named.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
5+ years
Credentials
BACP · United Kingdom
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does Ellen work with?
Ellen supports people with stress, anxiety, low self-esteem and depression. She also helps with trauma, grief, relationship issues and eating and food-related issues.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
Her practice blends psychodynamic thinking with client-centred listening. Cognitive behavioural ideas may be used to address unhelpful thoughts and behaviours.
What is her background and experience?
She has around five years of counselling experience and has worked with adults, children and adolescents on a wide range of issues.
What professional credential does she hold and where is she based?
She is registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, BACP, and practises in the United Kingdom.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside the UK work with her?
She does not accept international clients at present.
How are sessions paid for and what does it cost?
Costs vary with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I start a therapy process with her?
Begin by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and then scheduling according to the therapist’s availability.