- Psychodynamic focus
- Person-centred approach
- Works with sleep issues
About Ellen
Ellen Penny-Brookes is a counsellor who helps people facing stress, anxiety, low self-esteem and sleep problems. She works with adults, children and adolescents and aims to create a calm, respectful space for people to talk about what is worrying them. Ellen uses straightforward conversation to help clients make sense of difficult feelings and find practical ways forward.
She has five years of practice and holds a Masters degree with distinction in Psychodynamic counselling from Essex University. She also completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Person-Centred Counselling at the University of East Anglia. Ellen is registered with the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists, BACP.
In sessions she draws on psychodynamic ideas to look at how early experiences shape current feelings and relationships. She combines this with person-centred listening so people feel heard and understood. Cognitive behavioural techniques are used where helpful to address unhelpful thinking and support change.
Ellen has helped people with a wide range of concerns, including trauma, grief, relationship difficulties, eating and addiction issues, parenting stresses and compassion fatigue. She also supports people dealing with ADHD-related difficulties, gender dysphoria and isolation or loneliness.
She offers therapy in person and remotely, using video, voice calls and messaging. To begin, clients use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then arrange sessions according to the therapist's schedule.
How her approaches work for online therapy
Psychodynamic work looks at how early experiences shape current feelings and relationships. It helps people understand patterns that repeat over time and how past events influence present behaviour. Person-centred work focuses on listening and making space for the client's own pace and priorities. This approach helps people feel heard and more able to explore painful emotions.Cognitive behavioural ideas are used alongside these approaches to spot unhelpful thoughts and try small behavioural experiments. This can be useful for anxiety, low mood and sleep problems where practical changes make a difference. Ellen will discuss which elements suit a person best and adapt them to the issues being worked on.
Finding the right approach is a shared process. The therapist will work with clients to agree goals and try methods that fit their needs and preferences. If something is not helpful, plans can be adjusted so the work stays useful and relevant.
Session formats in her practice include in-person work and remote options such as video, voice calls and messaging, as noted in her profile. Please confirm the current session options before booking so they fit around work, caregiving and daily life. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule, reduce travel time and allow for shorter check-ins when needed.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
5+ years
Credentials
United Kingdom
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does Ellen commonly help with?
Ellen works with a wide range of issues including stress, anxiety, low self-esteem, sleep difficulties, addictions, trauma, grief and relationship problems.
How does Ellen approach therapy?
She blends psychodynamic thinking with person-centred listening and uses cognitive behavioural techniques when useful to tackle unhelpful thoughts and behaviours.
What is her clinical background?
She has five years of practice, a Masters degree with distinction in Psychodynamic counselling and a Postgraduate Certificate in Person-Centred Counselling.
What professional registration does she hold and where is she based?
She is registered with the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP) and works from 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 accepting international clients.
How are sessions paid for and what do they cost?
Cost varies with location and the therapist's arrangements; sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I start therapy with her?
Click the Start Therapy button, fill in a short matching questionnaire and then schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.