Penelope “Penny” Williamson

Person-centred counsellor blending therapy and coaching

BACP United Kingdom

Experience: 3 years in practice
Focus areas: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Family
Approaches: Gottman Method, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Languages: English

About Penelope

Penelope “Penny” Williamson is a person-centred counsellor registered with the BACP. She brings three years of practice experience and a warm, relaxed manner to sessions.

Background and approach

Penny mixes counselling with coaching skills to help people who want both deeper work and practical steps forward. Penny has supported people dealing with depression and anxiety.

She also helps with relationship and intimacy issues, attachment concerns, trauma and abuse, and challenges linked to neurodivergence. Her background includes work in an NHS setting with people from varied backgrounds and identities.

Sessions are client led and free of judgement. Penny uses creativity and humour when helpful, and she encourages straightforward conversation.

She will listen first and then tailor the approach to what each person needs in the moment. When practical goals are needed she brings coaching tools such as goal setting and a growth mindset.

For deeper emotional work she draws on approaches that explore attachment and inner-child themes. She can also offer worksheets, reading suggestions and other resources when requested.

Penny aims to make therapy a collaborative process. She helps people gain self-awareness and build self-esteem.

The focus is on clear, achievable steps alongside honest reflection to support change and recovery.

Therapeutic approaches suited to online work

Penelope often uses the Gottman Method to help people understand relationship patterns and improve communication. That approach centres on practical skills for managing conflict and building connection, which can be practised between sessions.

She also draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, which focuses on noticing thoughts and committing to meaningful actions. ACT can help with anxiety, depression and life changes by teaching simple ways to move towards chosen values.

Finding the right approach is part of the process. Penny works collaboratively to decide which methods fit a person's goals and preferences. She adapts sessions over time, combining coaching tools, attachment-based ideas and client-centred listening where it helps.

Online therapy offers flexibility in how people access care. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation, phone sessions work when bandwidth is limited, and live chat or text messaging suit quick check-ins or those who prefer writing. These options make it easier to fit therapy around work, family and daily life while keeping sessions practical and focused.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of problems does Penny help with?

Penny helps with stress, anxiety, depression and mood conditions such as bipolar. She also supports people with relationship concerns, trauma and abuse, self-esteem and issues relating to identity and sexuality.

How would you describe her therapeutic style?

She practises a person-centred style that is warm and non-judgemental. Sessions mix practical coaching for goals with deeper emotional work depending on what a client needs.

What experience does she bring to sessions?

Penny has three years of professional experience and has worked within an NHS setting supporting people from varied backgrounds.

What credentials and location are listed?

She is registered with the BACP and is based in the United Kingdom.

Can I work with her if I live outside the UK?

Sessions are offered in English and she is not currently accepting international clients; she works with people in the UK.

What session formats are available?

Sessions can take place by video call, phone, live chat or text-based messaging to suit different needs and schedules.

How are fees and payment handled?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability. Sessions operate via a subscription model that can be cancelled at any time.

How do I begin if I want to work with her?

Start by clicking the Start Therapy button, complete a short questionnaire to match with a therapist, then schedule sessions according to availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteem ADHD

Also works with

Addictions LGBT Trauma and abuse Grief Intimacy-related issuesParenting issuesAnger managementCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderDepression Coping with life changesCoaching

Additional focus areas

Abandonment Attachment issues Body image Guilt and shame Life purpose Men's issues Sexual assault and abuse Women's issues Workplace issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Attachment-Based TherapyClient-Centred TherapyCognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)Existential TherapyGottman MethodMindfulness TherapyPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

3+ years

Registered with

BACP

Languages

English