Penny Annesley Counselling and Supervision
Bluebell woods in spring

Live well, feel better

Portrait of Penny Annesley

About

Experienced therapist working in a very established private practice in Bishopston, Bristol, London and online. With over 15 years experience as a qualified counsellor, I work in a positive, constructive and friendly way, helping you to process life events and find coping strategies that suit you so life feels better.

I help people feel heard and able to move forward with new perspectives and more hope. I work in a person-centred and integrative way, providing a safe, confidential and non-judgemental space for you to explore and process your experiences.

I am a BACP Accredited counsellor. I am registered with BUPA and Aviva insurance providers.

Who I work with

I work with individuals experiencing anxiety, burnout and low mood due to workplace stress, relationship issues, family pressures, chronic illness, bereavement or early life experiences.

Many are professionals from the NHS, lawyers, teachers and the charity sector who may be overwhelmed, anxious and thinking about how to be less impacted by their work to reduce burnout.

I have worked extensively with women during the perinatal period and through peri-menopause and menopause.

I regularly work with people who are neurodiverse, in particular those who have - or suspect they have - ADHD, autism or Audhd and have a neuro-affirmative practice.

External view of the therapy cabin in Bishopston

Prior to working as a therapist I worked in refugee law for many years, representing asylum seekers in their court appeals and as a manager of others doing that work.

I have three teenage children so I understand the pressures of changing career and of juggling work and family life. One of my daughters has ADHD and one has a chronic autoimmune condition and this lived experience has helped my knowledge and understanding for my work in these areas.

Calm sea view

Counselling can help when things are difficult or change is needed.

Get in Touch

How I work

I provide a safe and confidential space that allows you to explore life events, anxiety, low mood or anything that is making life challenging. I work in a supportive and person centred way, meaning that we work at your pace and meet your needs.

I offer both short term, time-limited counselling and long term, ongoing counselling.

Sessions can be weekly, fortnightly, monthly or ad hoc to suit you and your needs. I also offer single session therapy where you come just once to talk through a particular concern or decision.

I believe that the most important thing is relational depth and ensuring that there is trust and connection built up with every person.

Interior view of the therapy room
Vibrant hot air balloons in a clear blue sky

My training

I completed an MSc in counselling at the university of Bristol and worked in an agency supporting women who had experienced trauma. I always work in a person-centred and integrative way. This means I use a variety of approaches and work differently with everyone depending on what their needs are and what they want to get from their therapy.

I have continued training over the years in areas including therapeutic coaching, CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) and EMDR (Eye Movement de-sensitisation and Reprocessing) and ADHD.

I might suggest CBT to help with anxiety, EMDR to help with PTSD and help the brain process distressing memories and coaching techniques to help people set goals, build new habits and make decisions to move forward. This is all done at the pace of the client and only if these are areas a client would like to work on and process.

ADHD Support

I have many clients presenting with potential and diagnosed ADHD, seeking support.

I integrate CBT techniques, coaching techniques and look at the impact on daily life and self-esteem and how acceptance can be reached and new habits developed.

I integrate coaching techniques into my work, looking at how to overcome obstacles that may stop you reaching your goals.

A wooden pier reaching into a calm lake

Supervision and coaching for counsellors and professionals

I have been a qualified supervisor for over ten years and work both in-person and online with individuals and organisations in Bristol, London and across the UK.

I take a constructive and challenging approach to supervision, while also being encouraging and supportive. I work in an integrative way and am conscious of the importance of working ethically and safely and ensuring the safety and wellbeing of both the therapist and their clients.

Smooth stones by a riverbed

Individual Therapists

I supervise those new to counselling alongside highly experienced therapists. Our sessions provide a dedicated space for clinical reflection, helping you to develop your practice, manage your caseload, and explore the dynamics of your client work in a secure environment.

Group Facilitation

I provide group supervision and am trained as a reflective practice facilitator. Group sessions offer a rich environment for shared learning, where practitioners can benefit from diverse perspectives and build a supportive professional network.

Organisational Support

I work with organisations providing external supervision for their frontline workers. Due to my background in refugee law, I frequently support those in the charity sector. I also provide targeted training for organisations in managing vicarious trauma and preventing burnout.

Contact

If you would like to arrange an initial session or have any questions about my practice, please feel free to reach out.

I operate out of a private garden cabin in Bishopston, Bristol, and offer flexibility through online sessions and availability in Central London. I aim to respond to all enquiries within 24 hours.

Call or Text 07779 791505

Bristol (Bishopston)

Central London