Donna Ellis
Humanistic & Integrative Counsellor & Psychotherapist
Life can sometimes feel overwhelming. You may be the person everyone else relies on, yet inside you’re feeling exhausted, anxious or no longer quite yourself. Or perhaps you’re a student feeling overwhelmed by the pressures of university life or uncertain about what comes next. You may be struggling with a relationship, the impact of a difficult life experience, low self-esteem, illness or loss, or you’re facing a significant life transition. Whatever has brought you here, you don’t have to face it alone.
I offer counselling and psychotherapy for adults aged 18 and over in Sheffield, as well as online and telephone sessions throughout the UK. Whether you’re looking for short-term support or longer-term therapy, I provide a warm, compassionate and confidential space where you can explore whatever is on your mind at a pace that feels right for you.
My approach
I believe that the relationship we build together is at the heart of effective therapy. Feeling heard, accepted and understood can create the safety needed to explore experiences that may feel painful, confusing or difficult to face alone.
I see each person as unique and believe you are the expert on your own life. Rather than telling you what to do, we’ll work together to better understand your experiences, make sense of difficult emotions and relationships, and help you discover your own strengths and inner resources.
Sometimes therapy involves exploring parts of ourselves or experiences that can feel frightening, confusing or difficult to accept. We will do this together at a pace that feels manageable for you. Alongside exploring life’s challenges, I also believe there is healing in noticing the moments of hope, connection and possibility—the small ‘glimmers’ that remind us of our resilience and help us move forward.
My therapeutic approach
My core training is in Humanistic and Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy (BSc Hons), and my work is grounded in person-centred values while drawing on Gestalt therapy, attachment theory and psychodynamic thinking where these approaches may be helpful. Rather than applying one model to everyone, I tailor therapy to your individual needs, experiences and goals.
I work in a trauma-informed way and have experience supporting people with a wide range of concerns, including:
- Anxiety and stress
- Burnout and emotional exhaustion
- Low self-esteem and loss of confidence
- Relationship difficulties
- Bereavement and loss
- Trauma and the impact of difficult life experiences
- Illness and health-related challenges
- Significant life transitions
- Academic pressures and student wellbeing
- Feeling stuck or overwhelmed
My experience
My counselling experience includes private practice, counselling within the NHS, community organisations and a specialist women-only service. I have supported people experiencing relationship difficulties, bereavement, life-changing illness and other significant life events.
Since 2017, alongside my private practice and other counselling roles, I have supported people affected by breast cancer and understand the emotional impact that diagnosis and treatment can have on identity, relationships, body image and life beyond treatment.
My wider professional background since 2012 has been in mental health and rehabilitation services, where I supported adults experiencing a variety of complex life circumstances, including problematic alcohol use, homelessness, learning disabilities and recovery from acute mental health difficulties. These experiences deepened my understanding of the resilience people show, even during the most challenging times, and continue to inform my work as a counsellor today. They have reinforced my belief that every person’s story is unique and deserves to be met with compassion, curiosity and respect.
Practical information
I offer a free 20-minute video consultation so we can discuss what has brought you to therapy and whether working together feels like the right fit.
Sessions last 50 minutes and are available in person at The Practice Rooms Sheffield, online or by telephone.
My fee is £55 per session.
I offer both short-term and longer-term therapy and regularly review our work together to ensure therapy continues to meet your needs.
Professional standards
I am a Registered Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and work in accordance with its Ethical Framework. I receive regular clinical supervision, undertake ongoing continuing professional development (CPD), and hold full professional indemnity insurance.
Get in touch
Choosing a counsellor is an important decision, and it’s understandable if you have questions before making contact.
I hope this profile gives you a sense of how I work. If you would like to know more or arrange a free initial consultation, I’d be pleased to hear from you. I aim to respond to enquiries within 48 hours.
Online and/or telephone appointments are available.
