Eilidh (Elle) Gilbertson

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MSc Art Psychotherapist

About me

Hi, I'm Elle, an HCPC registered Art Psychotherapist with a very simple guiding principle: 'Transform how you feel by engaging body and mind, getting creative and sharing your story.'

​Perhaps you are tired of going it alone, reading self-help books, or trying things you hope will make you feel better but nothing is really supporting the deeper healing you are looking for. Maybe you are ready to work with an experienced art therapist to:

​Explore your inner world and share your truth.
​Foster a felt sense of healing.
​Develop strategies to cope better with the demands of daily living.

If any of these statements resonate with you, then you are in the right place.

Why work with me?

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, and experience across multiple settings with a diverse range of clients (children, young people, adults, trauma survivors, neurodivergent individuals, individuals experiencing chronic illness or pain) have sharpened my skills.

Having lived the interventions I offer for  20 years, and through continued work on my own healing, I bring deep, personal insight to sessions. 

This dual perspective lets me guide clients with authentic empathy and compassion, a track record confirmed by powerful client feedback.

Every individual is unique, and what works for one person, may not work for another, however the following feedback from previous clients can offer a flavour of the experience for those curious to know more:

"Elle is a warm, empathetic and kind therapist. She has such a calming presence and I leave our sessions feeling peaceful, despite at times discussing intense and emotional topics. I was previously slightly sceptical about Art Therapy but art making is a part of the session I have enjoyed and found worthwhile." 


What did you learn about yourself working with Elle?

​"That although I can’t control a lot of things in my life, I can control how I let them affect me. That my feelings are valid. That it's ok to have boundaries, to prioritise myself instead of worrying about other people’s view of me."  

What about working with Elle surprised you the most?


​ "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."

My sessions are compassionate and tailored to you.

I prioritise providing therapy you can trust, with a focus on creating a safe space for you to land. I welcome people from all walks of life, and inclusivity is central to my practice. Together we can explore what is troubling you to gain insight, healing and relief. 

Feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or stuck?

Life can dump a lot on our plates, and it’s easy to feel powerless. You deserve a space where you can breathe, be heard, and start moving toward relief.

Whether you’re coping with anxiety, chronic illness, grief, or burnout, I invite you to explore your inner world through sharing and making art in sessions that feel safe, gentle, and attentive to your needs.

The best part? You don't need to be an artist to be able to fully engage in (and benefit from) art therapy. 

Together we can untangle feelings and bring clarity and calm through art-making and talking.

What you’ll experience
A safe, compassionate place to share what's really going on for you at a pace that feels manageable. Our sessions are built on trust, empathy, and trauma‑informed knowledge. Some sessions may involve more art making, some will feel more conversational, the ratio of each is tailored to your needs. Exploring past events, and relationships, can be helpful to uncover and gain insight into what is going on in the present. 

Creative expression.  You will be supported to paint, draw, collage, or simply doodle (whatever feels right) in a non-judgemental space, to give voice to emotions that words sometimes miss.


Personalised care. Each session is shaped around your unique goals, whether you’re seeking to process difficult emotions or events, gain insight, or explore a fresh perspective.


Why art therapy can feel so healing
Art reaches both mind and body, letting you process feelings in a gentle, non‑verbal way. It’s especially helpful for:

Anxiety & stress
Grief & loss
Trauma & overwhelming emotions
Low self‑esteem & burnout

You don’t need to be an artist; you only need curiosity and a willingness to try something new.

Who I work with
Individuals  - Adults, young people, and even fellow therapists looking for therapy or supervision.
Groups & workplaces  - Tailored wellbeing programmes for corporate teams, nonprofits, and charities.


Let’s connect
If you’re ready to find out if working together can bring insight, healing and relief into your life, please drop me an email at ellegilbertson@protonmail.com to arrange a no-cost, friendly, introductory chat. I’d love to hear from you. 

You can also find out more about me and my approach on my website www.ellegilbertson.com.

Training, qualifications & experience

I hold a Master's degree in Art Psychotherapy (MSc) from Queen Margaret University, and my clinical experience includes working with adults and children in the education sector, privately and with those experiencing chronic illness in the NHS. In my role as a freelance Art Therapist, I work with young people and adults.

I am currently a doctoral researcher with the Metanoia Institute, conducting a creative research study focused on online art therapy. 

Before gaining my Art Therapy degree, I worked as a secondary teacher with groups of young people in the education sector. During this time, I completed my certificate in counselling skills with COSCA, focusing on the person-centred approach. I hold professional diplomas in online therapy and clinical supervision.

I have 17 years of experience, which I draw upon to provide evidence-based, high-quality therapy. 

I see adults and young people online in my own Art Therapy practice. I take the additional responsibilities of working online seriously; my specialist diploma in online therapy ensures my service is based on best practice.

I take a trauma-informed approach and integrate creative and embodied practices within therapeutic sessions, making the experience well-suited to those seeking to recover from anxiety, trauma, burnout or stress.

Member organisations

Registered / Accredited

Registered / Accredited

Being registered/accredited with a professional body means an individual must have achieved a substantial level of training and experience approved by their member organisation.

HCPC
Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)

The HCPC are an independent, UK-wide health regulator. They set standards of professional training, performance and conduct for 16 professions.

They keep a register of health professionals who meet their standards, and they take action if registered health professionals fall below those standards. They were created by a piece of legislation called the Health Professions Order 2001.

Registration means that a health professional meets national standards for their professional training, performance and conduct.

Areas of counselling I deal with

Photos & videos

Fees

£55.00 - £65.00

Concessions offered for

  • Low income
  • OAPs
  • Students
  • Trainee counsellors

Additional information

I offer a free 15 minute initial zoom consultation.

When I work

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Early morning
Morning
Early afternoon
Late afternoon
Evening

Further information

You can check for information on my fees and services on my webpage at www.ellegilbertson.com.

Edinburgh, Musselburgh, EH21

London, Greater London, NW4

Type of session

Online

Types of client

Young people (13-17)
Young adults (18-24)
Adults (25-64)
Older Adults (65+)
Groups
Organisations

Key details

PVG Scheme

In Scotland, criminal records checks are carried out by Disclosure Scotland. Professionals working with children or vulnerable adults must join the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme. You can learn more at mygov.scot , or contact this professional directly.

Attending online can provide greater accessibility for those who may struggle to attend a face-to-face in-person session.

Online platforms

Zoom

Supervision

Online

My approach as a supervisor is to create an environment where trust can be established and a curious and insightful space fostered.

View supervision profile

Social