You remember a time when your life wasn’t flooded by constant comparisons, feelings of self-doubt, and endless thought cycles of “what ifs”… but those days feel like a distant memory. Don’t you wish you had the tools to change that?
You’ve come to the right place.
I’m Charlotte, and I help high-achieving women and millennials just like you: ones that have it within them to build confidence, embrace their authentic selves, and live with more intention, but just need the support to get there.
I help my clients find confidence, happiness, and fulfillment by equipping them with the tools they need to better understand themselves and cope with their emotions.
Oftentimes, clients come to me feeling discouraged by previous experiences in therapy because they either didn’t feel heard in the therapy room or didn’t feel like their therapist was meeting their needs. I know that your circumstances are unique, so we will work together to ensure that you are equipped with the tools you need to better handle stress and anxiety.
First, we will explore the thoughts and beliefs that are fueling your anxiety and identify any unhelpful habits that contribute to your stress. Then, we will work on recognizing your thought patterns and building healthy strategies to manage your emotions. Through our work together, you will be able to change your relationship with yourself, your thoughts, and your emotions. You are capable of making big changes, and I’m here to support you with those changes. If you are ready to do the work, you will be amazed at how much progress you can make.
I’m passionate about helping women ease their anxiety.
My training in cognitive behavioral therapy means that I have the expertise you need and deserve when confronting your anxiety. But at the end of the day, you want to know that you’re working with someone who “gets” what it means to be a young woman trying to balance academics, work, and fun in a world that can feel very chaotic at times, right?
I get it because I’ve been there and have worked with many millennials and Gen-Zers who are walking that same path of uncertainty. I know that sometimes you feel like you must be the only one who doesn’t “have life figured out,” that you feel like you are just struggling to keep your head above water, and that your mind never seems to turn off. And the thing is, you’re not alone and it doesn’t have to stay this way! When we work together, you won’t just get a licensed psychologist. You’ll get someone who truly understands what you’re going through and will be welcomed into a warm, therapeutic environment that is built on offering compassion and hope.
+ Education and Degree
- Sam Houston State University
- PhD in Clinical Psychology
- Licensed Psychologist in Texas
- License Number: 38178
+ Predoctoral Internship
- Travis County Juvenile Probation Department
- I conducted forensic assessments and provided therapy to youth in detention and residential placements.
+ Post-Doctoral Fellowship
- Travis County Community Justice Services
- I provided psychological assessments for the court, consulted for adult probation and diversion courts, supervised masters level clinicians, and assisted with program development at a residential substance abuse treatment center.
+ Professional Associations
- American Psychological Association
- Texas Psychological Association
- Capital Area Psychological Association
+ Trainings completed
- Essentials of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Depression
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Anxiety
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Personality Disorders
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Skills Training
- Skills Training for Affective and Interpersonal Regulation
- Advanced Master Program on the Treatment of Trauma
- Telepsychology Best Practices
- Telehealth: Legal and Ethical Issues
- Telehealth for Mental Health Professionals
- Social Media for Mental Health Practitioners
A little more about me…
I’m a registered yoga teacher (RYT-200) and taught yoga for over 6 years.
I love traveling and New Zealand was a favorite place of mine to travel until I moved here in October 2023 - now I get to appreciate the beauty of NZ everyday!
I am a huge animal lover and have had a variety of pets throughout my life, including dogs, cats, fish, birds, a chinchilla, a hedgehog, and a turtle. I also rode horses growing up and competed in hunter/jumper events. Pictured to the left is Chloe, my rescue pup who was my sidekick throughout Uni, Grad School, and my first few years in the “real world.” I currently have a Bernedoodle, Kora, who made the move with me.
I’ve always enjoyed reading, but got into audiobooks during the pandemic. Some of my all time favorite books include Where the Crawdads Sing, the Harry Potter series, The Perks of Being a Wallflower, and anything by Malcom Gladwell or Mitch Albom.
I love dance and have done a variety of dance styles throughout my life. I currently teach West Coast Swing and enjoy traveling to different dance events around the country.
A little bit about Pennington Psychology…
Pennington Psychology, Ltd is the culmination of a dream I’ve had since I was a teenager! In February 2020, I decided to take a risk – I quit my full-time job with a community agency to establish my first private practice in Texas. When I decided to fulfill another long-time dream of mine - moving to New Zealand - I closed down that practice and went back into the public sector, but this time in New Zealand. Fast forward 16 months and it was time to start up a private practice again. It’s been a journey and I’m so grateful to have built a brand that represents my values and dreams and have the opportunity to support a group of like-minded individuals.
If you’re wondering about my logo, it represents my love of elephants and their symbolism – wisdom, loyalty, strength, altruism, and unity.
“Dr. Pennington has worked with ethnically and culturally diverse clients from multiple clinical settings. She has extensive skills in psychological assessment, counseling, case formulation, crisis intervention, and consultation. Dr. Pennington is courteous, sensitive to the concerns of others, and has a non-threatening and compassionate approach with clients. I recommend her highly and with enthusiasm.”
“Dr. Pennington cares deeply about the wellbeing of her clients. She invests significant time on professional development and keeps up with the latest research so that she can best help her clients.”
Let’s Connect!
Schedule A Call Now
Dr. Charlotte Pennington maintains the following professional licenses:
Registered Clinical Psychologist with the New Zealand Psychologist Board (#90-08369; Expires 31/03/2026) Verify my registration Information on how to raise a concern
Licensed Psychologist with the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists (#38178; Expires 31/05/2027).
Verify my license
Information on how to file a complaint