Kirsten

Mrs Kirsten Penderis

Registered Counselor

I am an NCPS Accredited Counsellor and Advanced BrainWorking Recursive Therapy® (BWRT®) Practitioner with a Master's degree in Psychology. Originally from South Africa, I now practise in Stroud, Gloucestershire, offering therapy both online and in person. Since 2010, I have worked with adults experiencing anxiety, trauma, depression, phobias, low self-esteem, confidence issues, grief, relationship difficulties, procrastination and life transitions. I also have experience supporting individuals with weight management and performance-related challenges. My approach is integrative and tailored to each individual. Alongside counselling, I incorporate BWRT® where appropriate to help clients change unhelpful emotional responses and behavioural patterns in a structured, solution-focused way. My aim is to provide therapy that is compassionate, evidence-informed and focused on creating meaningful, lasting change.

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About Me

I believe that seeking therapy is a courageous step, and finding the right therapist is an important part of that journey. My goal is to provide a warm, supportive and non-judgemental space where you feel comfortable exploring whatever has brought you to therapy. Having lived and worked in both South Africa and the United Kingdom, I value the uniqueness of every person's experiences and understand that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to therapy. I work collaboratively with my clients, tailoring sessions to their individual needs, goals and pace. I am naturally practical and solution-focused while recognising the importance of feeling heard and understood. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, trauma, low mood, relationship difficulties or feeling stuck in unhelpful patterns, I aim to help you develop greater understanding, build resilience and create lasting change. Outside of my clinical work, I have a keen interest in psychology, neuroscience and wellbeing, and I continue to undertake professional development to ensure my practice reflects current evidence and best practice.

Approach

I use an integrative approach and specialise in BrainWorking Recursive Therapy (BWRT), I am a level 2 trained practitioner.
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Basic Information

In-person & Online

Services

BrainWorking Recursive Therapy (BWRT) is a form of psychotherapy that drastically reduces the number of sessions for most issues. Introduced in 2013 by Terence Watts, it proved to be a great and successful therapy that produces surprisingly quick and effective results. It is not unusual to fix even long-standing conditions within a single session. With BWRT®, once a problem is solved, it is solved for good. BWRT can address most issues including anxiety, phobias, depression, panic attacks, grief, weight loss and more.

Services Offered:

  • Assessment

    A structured evaluation of mental health, cognitive functioning, or emotional well-being used to guide diagnosis and treatment planning.

  • Relationship Counseling

    Counselling for couples or partners focused on improving communication, rebuilding trust, and strengthening emotional connection.

  • Online Therapy

    Therapy sessions conducted over video call, phone, or secure messaging, using the same professional methods delivered remotely.

    Learn more about Online Therapy
  • Stress Management

    Techniques and strategies for managing the body and mind's response to excessive demands, including relaxation, cognitive restructuring, and lifestyle changes.

    Learn more about Stress Management

Works With:

  • Adolescents
  • Adults
  • Couples
  • Elderly
  • Individuals

Area of Expertise

Scope of Practice:

  • Abuse

    Emotional, physical, or sexual mistreatment by another person that causes lasting psychological harm and disrupts a person's sense of safety.

  • Adolescent Therapy

    Therapy designed for teenagers, using age-appropriate methods to address issues like anxiety, identity, peer pressure, and family conflict.

    Learn more about Adolescent Therapy
  • Online Therapy

    Therapy sessions conducted over video call, phone, or secure messaging, using the same professional methods delivered remotely.

    Learn more about Online Therapy
  • Relationship Issues

    Difficulties in romantic relationships, including communication problems, trust breakdowns, conflict patterns, or uncertainty about the relationship's future.

    Learn more about Relationship Issues
  • Family Issues

    Difficulties within the family system, including conflict, communication breakdown, blended family tensions, or intergenerational patterns, that affect individual and collective well-being.

  • Stress / Burnout

    The body and mind's response to prolonged or excessive demands. When sustained, it can lead to emotional exhaustion, detachment, and reduced functioning (burnout).

    Learn more about Stress / Burnout
  • Trauma

    The lasting psychological impact of deeply distressing events, such as violence, abuse, accidents, or disasters, that overwhelm a person's ability to cope.

    Learn more about Trauma
  • Anxiety

    Persistent worry, nervousness, or fear that is disproportionate to the situation and interferes with daily functioning.

    Learn more about Anxiety
  • Grief, Loss & Bereavement

    The emotional, physical, and psychological response to the death of a loved one or another significant loss, varying widely in duration and expression.

    Learn more about Grief, Loss & Bereavement
  • Body Image

    How a person perceives, thinks, and feels about their physical appearance. When persistently negative, it can drive distress, avoidance, and disordered eating.

    Learn more about Body Image

Professional Title:

  • Registered Counselor

    A counselor who is formally registered with a professional or regulatory body.

Credentials

Registrations

Health Professions Council Of South Africa (HPCSA); Board of Health Funders (BHF)

Registered Counsellor

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Qualifications

Master of Arts in Psychology

University of Stellenbosch

Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Psychology

University of the Western Cape

Bachelor of Arts in Social Dynamics

University of Stellenbosch

BrainWorking Recursive Therapy Level 1

BWRT South Africa

BrainWorking Recursive Therapy Level 2

The International BWRT Institute

Memberships

National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS)

Service Areas

Ownzone

In-person & Online

Stroud, England GL5 1BB

United Kingdom

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Stroud, United Kingdom