Emma Ellis

EXETER on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. I work between the hours of 0800 and 1900.

I offer in person sessions at The Good Life Therapy Centre in Exeter, and also online. Wheelchair accessible.

I hold Professional Indemnity Insurance with Everywhen.

I am currently open to new clients.

I often think about this work as a process of gently bringing together different parts of our experience, especially those that may feel difficult to face or make sense of. Rather than turning away from painful or challenging experiences, counselling can offer a space where they can be acknowledged, explored, and understood as part of your story.

It can also be a place to recognise and celebrate your accomplishments, acknowledge your strengths, and notice the personal resources and resilience you already carry within you. Over time, experiences that once felt difficult to hold can begin to feel more understandable and less overwhelming.

I tailor how I work to each person, recognising that there is no single one approach that suits everyone. Together, we create a way of working that reflects your needs, preferences, and pace. At the heart of this is creating a space where you feel listened to, at ease, and able to speak openly.

I see myself as someone alongside you in the process. Supporting your growth, recognising your strengths, and holding hope with you when things feel uncertain.

The relationship we build can help you understand what has shaped you, reconnect with yourself, and consider what you may want to change. I don’t believe therapy is about fixing people. It is about making sense of your experiences and finding ways of relating to yourself and others that feel more manageable and authentic. Over time, this can help you feel more settled, connected, and clearer about how you want to move forward.

I have extensive experience as an Oncology Counsellor, supporting adults and their families affected by cancer in Exeter from 2015 to 2026. I also created and co-facilitated therapeutic groups focused on anxiety management, bereavement, living with incurable cancer, and adjusting after treatment, as well as reflective practice groups for specialist nurses.

Many people come to counselling when life feels difficult to make sense of. I support adults experiencing bereavement, grief and loss, anxiety, relationship difficulties, work-related stress, changes in health, and periods of uncertainty, overwhelm, or feeling emotionally stuck. Some people are adjusting to significant life changes, while others may feel disconnected from themselves or unsure about where life is heading. 

My aim is to offer a quiet, supportive space where you can pause and notice what is happening for you — in your thoughts, feelings, relationships, and the things that may be harder to put into words.

I am interested in how our relationships, both past and present, shape how we feel about ourselves and others. The way we relate to people, and how they relate to us, can influence how we experience the world — sometimes in ways we recognise, and sometimes outside of our awareness. These experiences can bring pain and difficulty, but also connection, growth, and joy.

Together, we can explore patterns in your experiences, relationships, thoughts, and feelings, making sense of both the challenges you face and the strengths you carry. Therapy can support a deeper understanding of yourself and help you find ways of responding that feel more manageable, meaningful, and more like you.

My personal and professional experiences of loss, change, and difficult life experiences have shaped how I work with people during challenging times. They have deepened my understanding that people are often carrying far more than others realise, and strengthened my belief in people’s capacity for healing, growth, and finding meaning again over time. This understanding shapes the care, compassion, and respect I bring to our work together.

I offer both short and long-term therapy. Most people choose weekly sessions, although some prefer to meet fortnightly. We will review together what feels appropriate for you and your circumstances.

Sessions last 60 minutes and cost £65

It can take courage to reach out for support and take the first step towards counselling. The first session is an opportunity for us to meet and begin to get a sense of whether working together feels right for you. There is no pressure to share everything straight away, and we will move at a pace that feels comfortable.

During our initial session, we will explore what has brought you to counselling and think together about the support you are looking for. It is also an opportunity to consider whether I am the right person to support you, based on my experience and approach.

It is important that you feel comfortable and confident in your choice of counsellor, as therapy involves an investment of your time, finances, and emotional commitment. Your wellbeing is my primary concern, and this first meeting helps us decide whether the support I offer feels appropriate for you.

This session is also a chance for you to get a feel for me. You may notice whether you feel listened to, comfortable, and able to begin building trust, and whether I feel like someone you could work with over time.

I may ask some gentle questions about your current situation and background, guided by what feels comfortable for you to share. We can also think together about practical arrangements, your preferences, and any questions you may have about counselling.

There is no charge for cancellations made up to 48 hours before your appointment. I will always try to offer an alternative appointment where possible.

QUALIFICATIONS

Registered Member of the BACP

Advanced Diploma in Integrative Counselling (2015)

I have extensive experience as an Oncology Counsellor, supporting adults and their families.

I have created and co-facilitated therapeutic groups focused on anxiety management, bereavement, living with incurable cancer, and adjusting to life after treatment finishes.

Leading reflective practice groups for specialist nurses.