Pennie Sheppard , BACP

Pennie Sheppard is a UK-based counsellor who offers a compassionate, integrative approach to supporting people through difficult life experiences. She brings years of experience working with stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, trauma and abuse, low self-esteem, grief, anger and the challenges that come with long-term illness and chronic conditions such as MS and fibromyalgia. Her practice also supports those navigating relationship difficulties, caregiver stress, dissociation and aspects of the autism spectrum.

Pennie tailors therapy to each person, combining talk-based work with body-oriented approaches and practical mindfulness, breathing and relaxation tools. This blend encourages exploration of feelings at a pace that feels manageable while helping people develop skills to cope with day-to-day pressures and major life changes. She also addresses complex themes such as attachment and abandonment, communication and control issues, codependency and co-morbidity.

She holds BACP credentialing, which reflects membership of a UK professional counselling association and a commitment to ongoing professional development. Pennie aims to treat everyone with respect, sensitivity and compassion, shaping sessions around individual needs and preferences. She welcomes the opportunity to support people on their personal recovery and self-discovery journeys, reflecting the view that while one cannot stop the waves, it is possible to learn how to surf.

Therapeutic approaches and accessible online support

Pennie uses evidence-informed methods tailored to each person's needs. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice difficult thoughts and feelings while focusing on values-based action - it is often useful for anxiety, stress and coping with chronic health issues. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes a nonjudgmental, empathic relationship in which the therapist provides understanding and support so clients can explore their experiences and build self-awareness and self-worth. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns and developing practical strategies to manage symptoms such as depression, anxiety and compulsive behaviors.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. Pennie works with each person to understand their goals, preferences and life context, and she adjusts methods over time so the plan fits the client rather than forcing a single model on everyone. This collaborative stance helps clients feel involved and respected in their care.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility - sessions by video, phone, live chat or text-based messaging let people connect in ways that suit their schedules and needs. Working remotely can make it easier to maintain regular sessions around work, caregiving responsibilities or mobility limitations, while still accessing support from licensed professionals and therapists who can guide recovery and coping strategies.