Professional Profile: Integrative Arts Psychotherapist

Eleanor Strange (Ellie) is a highly qualified Integrative Arts Psychotherapist, specialising in Art Therapy, Personality Disorders, and Trauma Therapy. With a foundation in integrative psychotherapy, Ellie adopts a progressive, person-centred approach, drawing from diverse psychological theories to tailor treatment to each individual’s unique needs. Her expertise encompasses working with clients affected by learning disabilities, sexual abuse, and domestic violence, addressing a broad spectrum of challenges including trauma, depression, anxiety, and personality disorders.

 

Expertise in Art Psychotherapy

Ellie is recognised for her proficiency in art psychotherapy, a therapeutic method that complements integrative psychotherapy. This approach utilises creative mediums—such as painting, sculpture, drama, poetry, sand play, and movement—as primary forms of expression and communication. Art psychotherapy is particularly effective in supporting individuals who struggle to articulate their emotions verbally, especially when processing trauma or intense feelings. The practice is inclusive, welcoming participants from all backgrounds and requiring no prior experience with artistic mediums. It reflects the cultural and social diversity of those who engage in therapy, fostering a safe and supportive environment for emotional exploration and healing.

 

Comprehensive Clinical Experience

Ellie’s compassionate approach is informed by extensive experience in both clinical and charitable settings. She has provided care for individuals with brain and spinal injuries, life-threatening illnesses, and children in care, demonstrating a deep commitment to supporting vulnerable populations. Her professional journey includes working with clients aged 17 to 75, across the NHS and various charitable organisations. This breadth of experience has equipped Ellie with a nuanced understanding of complex psychological issues and the ability to adapt therapeutic interventions to diverse client needs.

 

Leadership and Business Acumen

Prior to her career in psychotherapy, Ellie gained six years of management and business experience, which has enhanced her organisational and leadership skills. This background enables her to navigate multidisciplinary teams and contribute effectively to both private and public sector initiatives. Currently, Ellie collaborates with Hand2Health, delivering mental health support through a holistic model that integrates software solutions, consultancy, and residential services. Her work with Hand2Health reflects a commitment to innovation in mental health care, supporting organisations in fostering wellbeing among employees and service users.

 

Therapeutic Philosophy

Ellie’s therapeutic philosophy centres on empathy, creativity, and evidence-based practice. She believes in the transformative power of integrative arts psychotherapy to facilitate personal growth, resilience, and recovery. By combining traditional psychological approaches with creative expression, Ellie empowers clients to explore their experiences, develop coping strategies, and achieve meaningful change. Her practice is guided by the principles of respect, inclusivity, and collaboration, ensuring that every client receives personalised care in a safe and confidential setting.

 

Services Offered

  • Integrative Arts Psychotherapy
  • Art Therapy for Trauma and Emotional Regulation
  • Support for Personality Disorders and Complex Needs
  • Therapy for Survivors of Abuse and Domestic Violence
  • Creative Therapies: Drama, Sculpture, Poetry, Sand Play, Movement
  • Consultancy and Mental Health Support for Organisations

 

Ellie welcomes enquiries from individuals, organisations, and professionals seeking expert support in integrative arts psychotherapy. Her services are available for private clients, charities, and public sector bodies, with flexible options tailored to specific requirements.

Eleanor Strange standing in a beautiful sand dune

Ellie is incredibly insightful, kind-hearted, patient, and caring. She challenged me to dig deeper, but was encouraging and positive regardless of the outcome. I never felt judgment, and I felt like she just understood me from day 1. I would gladly recommend her to others! 

My therapist was a very good fit in the sense that she is super empathetic, didn’t enforce her ideas on me and listened very well. Despite being from a completely different background, she understood my unique South Asian culture. 

I cannot recommend my therapist highly enough. She helped me get to the root of issues that I’ve been working through for a very long time. Her support and calm demeanor made the therapy sessions a truly safe place. I never once felt judged or worried to be honest in our sessions. Her use of the arts and creativity to support and aid the process was ingenious. It was a great addition to the regular talk therapy. I am grateful for the progress that I was able to make working with her. The results I’ve seen and noticed since having started therapy with her are incredible. She is by far one of the best professionals in the field. I can say this confidently as I’ve seen several personally and have worked alongside several as well.

Ellie has been an amazing support to me from our first session. She met me where I was at, starting in a very difficult time, where I barely had access to words to describe the depressive, anxious state I was in. I felt lost and overwhelmed, and Ellie gently and kindly guided me to face my internal state when that felt almost impossible. She supported me to reflect using art and breath when words wouldn't come. With time, we were able to increase our collective understanding of what was going on, and develop action steps. I felt safe to feel and be however I was, and I have always felt that Ellie would hear me without judgement, as well as provide comfort, wisdom, and/or guidance. I feel extremely grateful for her.

This was the first time I really was able to recognize the importance of therapy. I was really struggling with a lot before I met with Ellie and she made me feel really seen and was able to help me realize some of the roots of my problems. I met with her weekly and the sessions gave me self confidence and strength to continue. At first I was a bit skeptical with art therapy, but we did a few writing sessions and she was able to bring things out of me and I was amazed by that.

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