“My experience was deeply therapeutic, helping me reconnect with myself and feel a sense of clarity and renewal. I couldn’t recommend Ellen more highly, especially for anyone seeking healing and growth. She leads from a place of genuine empathy; her presence made me feel truly held and seen.”
— Isabelle
There’s a home video of me as a two year old: I’m waiting patiently for my aunty to hand me a toy, and there’s music playing in the background. Suddenly, I lift my hands to my face and throw my head backwards — completely taken by the song.
Music has always affected me in this way; bypassing my head and into the body. Becoming an Expressive Arts Therapist has helped me understand why this matters. Our bodies know things. They hold memory, emotion, wisdom, and ways of communicating that words alone cannot always reach.
After a life in the arts as a dance teacher, an actor, a filmmaker, a singer-songwriter, and years of my own therapy, discovering Expressive Arts Therapy felt like coming home. Nothing lights me up more than being present with another, supporting them to hear what their own inner world is trying to say. Because when we discover important parts of ourselves through the arts, new ways of being in the world become possible — healing becomes possible.
About Ellen
How I work
I'm a mobile therapist in nipaluna/Hobart, which means I can come to you. That may be your home, your garden, or a walk in nature. Working in familiar environments can bring a unique sense of safety and depth. We can also draw on objects, photos, landscapes, and materials already around you as part of the therapeutic process.
I travel within 30km of Hobart CBD. If you're outside this area or feel more comfortable meeting online, I also offer sessions via Zoom. Even online, we can work creatively with what is around you.
I work with a variety of art forms including:
Music
Movement
Visual arts
Clay
Poetry
Drama
Film
Photography
My approach is informed by Expressive Arts Therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), mindfulness-based practices, trauma-aware practice and the philosophy that the arts belong to everyone.
Sessions have a gentle structure and are always shaped around your needs, pace, and goals.
Areas I can support:
mood difficulties, including depression
anxiety
trauma (complex/developmental)
relationship difficulties
attachment patterns
life transitions and change
grief and loss
identity and self-understanding
questions of meaning and purpose
neurodiversity
PMS and PMDD
work-related stress and burnout
birth trauma and postnatal experiences
climate anxiety and disaster grief
Qualifications & Training
Master of Arts Therapy — The MIECAT Institute (in progress)
Graduate Diploma in Therapeutic Arts — The MIECAT Institute
Bachelor of Film and Television — Swinburne University
IFS Model: Introduction & Deepening — Mind Beyond Institute
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) — Open Ground
Strengthening Inclusive Practice: LGBTQIA+ Young People and Family Violence — MIECAT
Neurodivergent Experiencing & Creative Arts Practice — Chrissy Foreman
ANZACATA Tier Member (Australian, New Zealand and Asian Creative Arts Therapies Association)
Fees
1 hour session — $130 standard / $80 concession
Free 15-minute introductory phone consultation.
Interested in working together? Fill out some info and I will be in touch shortly.
If cost is getting in the way of reaching out, please get in touch and we can have a conversation about a sliding scale or reduced-fee options that make support more accessible.