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Contact me at ellegilbertson@protonmail.com
Hi, I'm Elle
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‘I am an HCPC registered Art Psychotherapist (MSc) and my philosophy is simple: transform how you feel by engaging body and mind, getting creative and sharing your story.’
WELCOME
Sometimes, dealing with daily events that life can throw at us can take their toll on mental health.
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Perhaps you are struggling with:​
Stress
Anxiety
Trauma
Grief
Low mood ​​
Life Transitions
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Maybe you feel stuck, or uninspired.
You are perhaps ready to (re)connect to your authentic, vibrant self.
You could benefit from being guided to
engage your nervous system in ways that
foster your felt sense of healing.
If you identify as an empath, or
HSP (highly sensitive person), then daily sensory bombardment from life can be even more stressful.
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​Perhaps you are ready to work with an experienced art therapist to:
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Explore your inner world and share your truth.
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Foster a felt sense of healing.
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Develop strategies to cope better with the demands of daily living.
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If any of these statements resonate with you then you are in the right place.
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Call for participants!
If you are UK based HCPC registered art psychotherapist ​working with trauma clients online, I'd love to speak to you.
Find out more about my doctoral research project, and identify interest here.
My Core Values
My therapeutic approach is grounded in 17 years of education, CPD, and hands‑on experience across art therapy, psychology, and mental‑health practice. Alongside my master’s in art therapy, additional professional diplomas sharpen my skills.
Having lived the interventions I teach for 20 years—and actively continuing my own healing—I bring deep, personal insight to every session.
This dual perspective lets me guide clients with authentic empathy, a track record confirmed by powerful client feedback.
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Therapy you can trust
How I weave my training and education into therapy practice
Doctorate in Psychotherapy
Metanoia Institute
2023 - present
Participating in Metanoia’s DPSych programme deepened my grasp of research methods and how they strengthen the evidence base for practice. By immersing myself in current literature and honing my ability to evaluate quality studies, I’ve elevated my own therapeutic work. I am a peer reviewer for the International Journal of Art Therapy.
Designing an original research project on trauma and online art therapy—aimed at expanding the evidence for digital art‑based interventions—has been especially valuable.
Through this training I’ve broadened my understanding of both classic research principles and contemporary creative‑research approaches. Learn more about my project here.
Online Supervision Diploma
OCST Online Counselling Services & Training
2021-2022
This three‑stage diploma equipped me with core supervision skills for face‑to‑face, hybrid, and fully online settings. I studied supervision theory, then applied it in real‑world sessions using email, audio, and live formats. Today I provide high‑quality supervision to practitioners (both individually and in groups) across a variety of practice environments.
Diploma in Online Therapy
Academy for Online Therapy
2020-2021
Online therapy differs from in‑person work, and my dedicated diploma has equipped me to deliver high‑quality care in this setting. Over a year‑long program I discovered the nuances of virtual practice—identifying and mitigating risks that can affect the therapeutic experience. I’m skilled in webcam sessions, email, secure messaging, and audio‑only therapy, allowing me to meet you exactly where you are, safely and supportively.
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MSc in Art Psychotherapy
Queen Margaret University
2015-2017
Art therapy is a protected UK title that requires two years of master‑level training and HCPC registration. My NHS placements—including paediatric psychology, liaison teams, and chronic‑illness outpatient services—have built a solid therapeutic foundation. I’ve supported both groups and individuals, addressing goals ranging from peer connection to trauma recovery. Complemented by yoga teacher training, I integrate embodied techniques that calm the nervous system and promote emotional regulation.
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PGDE Secondary Art & Design​
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University of the West of Scotland
2007-2008
During my PGDE program I earned the Court Medal for top overall achievement. Over the past decade I’ve taught in diverse settings—state secondary schools, specialist support programs, and hospital education services—building strong group‑facilitation skills and a supportive classroom culture that translate directly into my therapeutic work.
I adapt a wide range of art techniques to match each client or groups preferences, ensuring accessibility and engagement.
Alongside teaching, I completed a COSCA‑accredited counselling‑skills course at the University of Glasgow, further strengthening my ability to foster growth and healing through the therapeutic relationship.
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Fine Art Painting & Printmaking
Glasgow School of Art
2002-2006
My training at art school gave me hands-on expertise in drawing, painting (acrylic, watercolours & oil), photography, 3-D clay sculpture, and printmaking across styles – from academic to contemporary abstraction.
With deep knowledge of materials, colour, shape and textures, I guide art therapy clients to explore creatively in a welcoming, supportive way. It’s my priority to help you feel confident right from the start.
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What about working with Elle surprised you the most?
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"Probably how much she understood me, I’ve had a lot of experience where folk don’t get what I’m trying to say, Elle just listened and taken it all in. I’m surprised it actually worked for me. I was getting to the stage where I’d tried so many different things, it’s been years and feeling more and more hopeless so I decided I needed to put my all into this and it has worked and I’m feeling better."
Leah, One to One Online Art Therapy Client
Discover how art and creativity can help facilitate change and healing in your life.
Supervision for art therapists, therapists and counsellors.
Find out more about my specialist trainings, courses and events.
My personal art practice inspired by the beauty of the natural world.
Subscribe to my artist journal newsletter to be the first to hear about special events I'm hosting, resources created especially for my community and early access and offers to special projects I've created.
Elle Gilbertson is committed to inclusivity and welcomes people of all ethnicities, LGBTQIA+, people with disabilities, and people of all ages.
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The information on this website is for informational purposes and is not intended to replace medical or psychological assessment and treatment.
Please note that I do not offer a crisis or emergency service. In such situations, if you are living in the UK I would recommend that you contact your GP during clinic hours, attend your local Accident & Emergency department, or dial 999 in an emergency. If you are from outside the UK please have a look on the befrienders website for crisis support in your country. www.samaritans.org. and www.befrienders.org
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All images and content on this site are ©Elle Gilbertson 2020 -25 and may not be copied, published or used without permission.
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