Ellen Penny-Brookes
Supportive counsellor for anxiety and life change
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About Ellen
Ellen Penny-Brookes is a counsellor who aims to help people feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, low self-esteem, grief or major life changes. She works with individuals struggling with stress, addiction, trauma and mood difficulties. Ellen uses straightforward conversation to help people make sense of what they are feeling and why patterns repeat.
She trained at the University of Essex, completing a Masters degree with distinction in Psychodynamic Counselling, and holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Person-Centred Counselling from the University of East Anglia.
Background and approach
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 also uses client-centred ways of working to keep the dialogue focused on what matters to the person in front of her.
Cognitive behavioural techniques may be included where helpful for managing anxious thoughts and practical problems. Ellen has five years of practice and describes a respectful, sensitive style. She aims to tailor conversations and plans to each person’s needs.
People often come to her for help with loss, loneliness, parenting strain, body image or challenges linked to gender and identity. She offers both in-person work and remote options including video, voice call and messaging. Readers should check current session options before booking to confirm the format that suits them.
At a glance
- Years practising
- 5
- Registered with
- BACP
- Registration number
- 385502
- Languages
- English
- Approaches include
- Attachment-Based Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- How sessions happen
- Online, by video, phone or messages
Details are as listed on Ellen's public professional profile. You can check any number with the professional body.
What Ellen works with
Everything Ellen lists, in their own terms.
- Stress, Anxiety
- Self esteem
- Addictions
- LGBT
- Relationship issues
- Family conflicts
- Trauma and abuse
- Grief
- Eating disorders
- Sleeping disorders
- Parenting issues
- Anger management
- Depression
- Coping with life changes
- Compassion fatigue
- ADHD
- Abandonment
- Attachment issues
- Body image
- Caregiver issues and stress
- Co-morbidity
- Commitment issues
- Communication problems
- Dissociation
- Divorce and separation
- Eating and food-related issues
- Emptiness
- Family problems
- Gender dysphoria
- Guilt and shame
- Isolation / loneliness
- Life purpose
- Midlife crisis
- Obsessions, compulsions, and OCD
- Panic disorder and panic attacks
- Phobias
- Polyamory / non-monogamous relationships
- Post-traumatic stress
- Self-harm
- Self-love
- Social anxiety and phobia
- Women's issues
- Workplace issues
- Young adult issues
Approaches Ellen lists
- Attachment-Based Therapy
- Client-Centred Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Psychodynamic Therapy
- Trauma-Focused Therapy
Listing an approach is not evidence of training in it. This directory copies what each counsellor names and does not check training records.
How Ellen works online
Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. Ellen will work with each person to match the methods to their goals and preferences, and may blend elements from different approaches as the work develops. Finding a comfortable way of working is part of the therapeutic plan rather than a one-time decision.
The practical benefits of online therapy include fitting sessions around daily routines and avoiding travel time. Some people prefer voice calls when they want a simpler check-in, while others choose video to keep visual contact. Messaging can be useful for brief updates between sessions. Confirm the current session options before booking to ensure they meet your needs.
Questions and answers
What concerns does Ellen commonly help with?
Ellen works with a wide range of issues including anxiety, stress, low self-esteem, addiction, trauma and grief. She also supports people with eating, sleeping and parenting difficulties.
What is her therapeutic style like?
The approach combines psychodynamic thinking with client-centred listening and some cognitive behavioural techniques. Sessions are conversational and aimed at helping people understand patterns and try practical ways to feel better.
What is Ellen's background and experience?
She has five years of practice and holds a Masters degree with distinction in Psychodynamic Counselling from the University of Essex. She also completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Person-Centred Counselling.
Is she registered and where does she practise?
She is registered with the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists, BACP, and practises in the United Kingdom.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with her?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How are fees and payments handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability and sessions are provided through a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I get started if I want to work with her?
Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.
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