Pennie Sheppard , BACP

Pennie Sheppard is a BACP credentialed counsellor based in the United Kingdom with 15 years of professional experience supporting people through a wide range of life challenges. She works with stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, trauma and abuse, low self-esteem, relationship difficulties, grief, anger and compassion fatigue, and has experience supporting those affected by long-term illness including MS and fibromyalgia, learning differences, dissociation and autism spectrum conditions.

Pennie offers an integrative approach that blends talking-based therapies with body-focused techniques, mindfulness practices, breathing and relaxation exercises to support emotional and physical wellbeing. She tailors dialogue and treatment plans to each person, matching methods to individual needs and pace while paying careful attention to how thoughts, emotions and bodily experience interact.

Her work is grounded in respect, sensitivity and compassion, aiming to help people manage overwhelming feelings, improve coping with life changes, and regain a clearer sense of direction. Pennie adapts her approach to include practical strategies for day-to-day coping as well as deeper therapeutic exploration, supporting clients as they work toward greater resilience and self-understanding.

How therapeutic approaches translate to online support

Pennie draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in her online practice. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on helping people notice difficult thoughts and feelings without being dominated by them, and then commit to actions that reflect their values - it can be useful for anxiety, low mood and life transitions. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes empathy, active listening and a non-judgmental stance so that the person feels heard and respected while exploring their concerns. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) addresses patterns of thinking and behavior that maintain distress, offering practical tools to change unhelpful habits and manage symptoms.

Finding the right blend of techniques is part of the therapeutic process, and Pennie works collaboratively with each person to determine which approaches fit their needs, goals and preferences. She will discuss options and adapt methods as the work progresses so therapy remains relevant and effective.

Online sessions offer practical flexibility - Pennie provides support by video call, phone, live chat and text-based messaging - making it easier to access therapy from different locations and at times that fit daily life. These options allow licensed professionals and therapists to tailor contact styles and pacing to what suits each person best.