Ella Davies

Ella Davies

Art Psychotherapist

Degrees & Education

I am an Art Therapist registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and a member of the British Association of Art Therapists (BAAT). My training is in psychodynamic and person-centred art therapy, with further professional development in mentalisation-based art therapy.

Qualifications and Recent Training

  • Master of Science (MSc) in Art Psychotherapy (Queen Margaret University)
  • Bachelor of Arts (BA Hons) in Art (Painting) (University of Edinburgh)
  • LGBT Awareness Training (LGBT Youth Scotland)
  • TQUK Level 3 in Understanding Autism (West College Scotland)
  • Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)
  • The Body Project Training (NHS)

My Clinical Practice

I have experience in working with clients of all ages (from the age of 4), presenting with a range of mental health difficulties and in varying levels of complexity.

As well as at The Edinburgh Practice, I work in schools with children and young people, and in the community with young people and adults, and support people with a range of presenting issues, including (but not limited to) depression, anxiety, difficulties with emotional regulation, self-esteem issues, bullying, phobias, trauma, OCD, ADHD, autism, self-harm and disordered eating. I specialise in working with neurodivergent individuals, using the art therapy processes to meet each individual and their needs, and I hold a neuroaffirming approach.

Prior to training as an art therapist, I worked as a support worker for young adults with learning disabilities and complex communication needs, in childcare, and as a carer for older adults, both in care facilities and in their own homes. In a dementia specialist care home, I ran an art group, which offered the opportunity for greater connection with the residents, and encouraged creativity and empowerment for the individuals. I greatly enjoy working with and supporting individuals with their wellbeing, which prompted my training as an art therapist.

Since training, I have worked in a primary school, high schools, and in the community. This includes working with families, and providing both short-term and long-term therapeutic interventions, 1-to-1 and in a group format. I also have experience working within a specialised NHS eating disorder service.

My Therapeutic Approach

Art therapy, or art psychotherapy, is an established form of therapy, where art materials are used to help you express yourself and explore your emotions. This can be particularly helpful for experiences which may be hard to talk about.

There are many ways in which art therapy can be beneficial. For instance, there are well-known benefits to engaging in art processes with regards to reducing stress and soothing the nervous system, as well as the exploration bringing deeper insight to our experiences and helping to provide a greater understanding about ourselves.

My approach is person-centred and predominantly non-directive, which means the art therapy will be adapted to suit your needs and aims, and I will encourage you to take the lead with the art materials where possible, though will offer support and guidance if this feels challenging.

In sessions, there is a combination of art making and talking. You do not need to be skilled in art to benefit from art therapy. At the initial appointment, I will assess whether art therapy is the most suitable therapeutic intervention for you or your child at this time.