Ms Emma Mills, MA
Psychotherapist
“I have worked as an Art Psychotherapist for over 20 years across the NHS, Women’s Aid, community mental health services and local authority teams. My clinical practice is grounded in trauma-informed, relational and creative approaches, supporting people with complex life experiences, including abuse, loss, mental ill-health and social exclusion. Alongside my therapeutic work, I am a practising artist. This deeply informs my clinical practice and underpins my belief in the transformative power of creativity as a route to healing, meaning-making and emotional growth.”
About Me
I am an HCPC-registered Art Psychotherapist and qualified EMDR practitioner with over 20 years’ experience working across the NHS, Women’s Aid and community mental health services. I offer EMDR and art psychotherapy, supporting adults who are experiencing trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, loss, and the long-term impact of adversity.
I work integratively, tailoring therapy to each individual and offering a gentle yet effective approach for those who may find talking alone difficult. Art psychotherapy provides a creative, reflective space to explore emotions and experiences safely, while EMDR offers a powerful evidence-based method for processing trauma and distressing memories.
Alongside my clinical work, I am a practising artist and deeply value the creative process as a pathway to healing, meaning and self-understanding. I work in a warm, compassionate and trauma-informed way, helping clients reconnect with their strengths, develop resilience and find new perspectives.
I undertake regular specialist supervision in both EMDR and art psychotherapy and engage in ongoing professional development to ensure safe, ethical and high-quality practice.
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Approach
My approach is shaped by many years of clinical work across the NHS, Women’s Aid and community mental health services. I work at a gentle, thoughtful pace, creating a calm and supportive space where creative materials can help express what may feel difficult to put into words.
In Leigh-on-Sea, I offer in-person sessions in a quiet, welcoming room, as well as online therapy in English. I invite the use of simple art processes such as drawing, collage or clay to help ground emotions and give form to inner experience. Each session begins with a check-in, establishing a steady and containing rhythm.
Therapy is collaborative and reflective. Together we notice what emerges through images and conversation, making sense of experiences at a pace that feels safe. I may suggest small, manageable creative or reflective practices between sessions to support emotional regulation, build self-trust and develop new responses to trauma, loss or low self-worth.
Many people who are seeking a quieter, hands-on and deeply compassionate route to understanding themselves find this steady, creative approach especially supportive.
Contact Emma
Ask a quick question or arrange a time to meet.
Basic Information
Services
I specialise in working with adults who have experienced trauma, abuse and long-term adversity. My practice is grounded in trauma-informed, relational and creative approaches, supporting people to feel safer in their bodies, reconnect with their inner resources and develop a stronger sense of self.
My particular areas of expertise include:
Trauma and PTSD – including complex trauma and developmental trauma
Domestic abuse and sexual violence – supporting survivors of coercive control, emotional, physical and sexual abuse
Anxiety and depression – especially where linked to life stress, trauma or loss
Loss, grief and life transitions
Low self-worth, shame and identity difficulties
Vicarious trauma and compassion fatigue – for professionals working in caring, frontline and advocacy roles
Women’s mental health
Creative and non-verbal approaches to healing
I also have extensive experience working within community and third-sector settings, supporting people affected by social exclusion, poverty, migration, housing insecurity and long-term health conditions.
Services Offered:
- •EMDR
- •Adolescent Therapy
- •Art Therapy
- •Child / Adolescent Therapy
- •Community Programme
- •Free Consultation
- •Group Therapy
- •Guided Visualisation
- •Individual Psychotherapy
Works With:
- •All ages
Area of Expertise
Scope of Practice:
- •Abuse
- •Trauma
- •Personal Development
- •PTSD
- •Self-Esteem
- •Autism (ASD)
- •Child Behaviour
- •Depression
- •Dementia
- •Identity & Self-Image
Professional Title:
- •Psychotherapist
Qualifications
Master of Arts
MastersUKCP / BACP Accredited University
Year: 2006
Goldsmiths, University of London
Registrations
Health Profesionals Council
Art Therapist
Memberships
British Association of Art Therapists (BAAT)
Full Member
Membership: 21197
