About Ellen
Ellen Penny-Brookes is a counsellor who helps people facing anxiety, low self-esteem, loss and relationship strain. She works with adults, children and adolescents and uses a calm, respectful approach to make talking feel manageable. Ellen holds a Masters degree with distinction in Psychodynamic counselling and has five years of practical experience.
She trained earlier with a Postgraduate Certificate in Person-Centred Counselling from the University of East Anglia, and is registered with the British Association for Counsellors and Psychotherapists, BACP.
Background and approach
Her background spans work with trauma, grief, burnout, eating and sleeping difficulties, and challenges linked to gender and identity including LGBT concerns. In sessions she draws on psychodynamic thinking to look at how early experiences shape current feelings and behaviour. She also uses client-centred ways of working that prioritise what the person needs from the conversation.
Cognitive behavioural ideas may be introduced when practical steps and coping strategies are helpful. Ellen aims to tailor the pace and focus to each person. Conversations explore patterns, emotional reactions and small changes that can shift day-to-day life.
She explains options and works collaboratively on goals and next steps. Her practice combines in-person work with remote sessions by video, voice call and messaging. People who choose to start complete a short matching questionnaire and then arrange a session time that suits them.
What Ellen works with
Everything Ellen lists, in their own terms. LGBT is the reason Ellen is listed here; the rest shows what else Ellen works with.
- 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's approaches translate to online work
Psychodynamic work looks at how past experiences shape present feelings and relationships. In online sessions this can mean talking through repeating patterns, childhood memories and current reactions to make sense of what keeps happening. Client-centred counselling focuses on the person's experience and priorities, offering space to be heard and understood without pressure; online sessions mirror that by centring the client's pace and topics.These approaches can help with anxiety, low self-esteem, relationship difficulties, grief and trauma-related concerns. Finding the right mix is part of the process, and the therapist will work with the client to decide which methods fit best. That decision is collaborative and can change as therapy progresses.
Practical benefits of remote sessions include being able to fit meetings into a busy day, avoiding travel time and choosing a setup that feels comfortable for checking in. Ellen offers remote work by video, voice call and messaging alongside in-person appointments, but readers should confirm current session options before booking. Registered or accredited professionals can use these formats to maintain ongoing contact and to make shorter check-ins or longer exploratory sessions possible.
Questions people ask about Ellen
What kinds of problems does Ellen commonly help with?
She supports people dealing with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, stress and addiction concerns. Her practice also covers trauma, grief, relationship difficulties and issues linked to gender and LGBT matters.
How would you describe Ellen's therapy style?
Ellen uses psychodynamic thinking alongside client-centred work and cognitive behavioural ideas when helpful. The style focuses on understanding patterns, listening closely and agreeing practical steps where needed.
What is Ellen's professional background?
She has five years of practice, a Masters degree with distinction in Psychodynamic counselling and a Postgraduate Certificate in Person-Centred Counselling.
Is Ellen registered with any professional body in the UK?
She is registered with the British Association for Counsellors and Psychotherapists, BACP.
Can sessions be held in languages other than English?
Sessions are offered in English.
What session formats are available?
Her practice combines in-person consultations and remote work by video, voice call and messaging. Please confirm current session options before booking.
How are sessions priced?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I begin if I want to work with Ellen?
Select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a session according to the therapist's availability.
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