Julie Ellison
Director and Lead Psychotherapist
I’m a psychotherapist and hypnotherapist with over 25 years’ experience working in both the private and third sectors. People often come to see me after they’ve already tried therapy and felt it stayed at the surface. My way of working is psychodynamic, which means I focus on the underlying patterns and unconscious processes that shape how we think, feel and relate — not just on managing symptoms.
Alongside this depth-based work, I’m also trained in CBT, DBT and coaching approaches. This allows me to work flexibly and to adapt therapy to the person in front of me. Some clients benefit from practical skills and stabilisation first; others are ready to work at a deeper level. Therapy isn’t a one-size-fits-all process, and I don’t treat it as one.
I work full time from my practice in central Burnley, offering face-to-face and online sessions for adults and adolescents. Through my long-term clinical experience and additional specialist training, I am able to work with more complex and long-standing difficulties, including trauma, emotional dysregulation, EUPD/BPD and bipolar disorder.
I also work with individuals involved in Family Court proceedings, providing therapy in line with court recommendations where appropriate and offering reports on engagement and progress (though I do not act as an expert witness). I’m used to working alongside professionals and systems, and I’m clear about boundaries and roles — something many clients find containing and reassuring.
My training includes a BSc (Hons) in Psychology, an MA in Social Sciences, and a UKCP-accredited diploma in Psychotherapy and Hypnotherapy, with ongoing CPD in areas such as DBT, CAT-informed work, trauma and coaching. My own experience of therapy — six months of Cognitive Analytic Therapy at Guy’s Hospital — continues to inform how I work, particularly my focus on helping clients understand recurring patterns in relationships and emotional responses, rather than feeling blamed or pathologised.
I’ve run my own practice since 2003. I’m a full member of the National Register of Hypnotherapists and Psychotherapists, registered with the CNHC, and a Graduate Member of the British Psychological Society. I have regular supervision with a UKCP-accredited supervisor, hold full professional indemnity insurance and an enhanced DBS certificate
My fees are £70 for individals and £100 for couples. Organisational rates may differ, please contact me for details.
I do not offer a free initial consultation. Your first appointment with me is for 50-60 minutes.
