About me
General Information
Hello,
I'm Kirsti, a HCPC, BAAT and ICO registered, (late diagnosed) AuDHD Art Psychotherapist, as well as a Counsellor. I offer neurodivergent people (over 12) individually tailored, neuro- and LGBTQIA+ affirming, warm, validating, non-judgemental, as well as trauma informed therapy.
You don't need to be "officially" diagnosed, as long as you self-identify as neurodivergent.
I deliver my sessions mostly on Zoom, but I can also use phone, text/instant messages or email.
Even though the thought of online therapy might feel a little strange at first (if you are used to seeing a therapist face-to-face), it's very likely that you will relax after you have had your first session or two. Research shows that online therapy is as effective as face-to-face therapy.
Neurodivergent Clients and Therapy
Online/telephone therapy is often beneficial for neurodivergent people, who tend to feel safer and calmer in their home environment, surrounded by their comfort objects (and, often, safe/supportive partners or parents).
Neurodivergent people can struggle with traditional talking therapies, due to the unstructured nature of them and the use of abstract, open-ended and ambiguous questions, as well as (at times) symbolic language. The need to sit still and concentrate for an hour, as well as the neurotypical assumptions to do with eye contact, can also cause difficulties.
Therapists often think that the common questions that neurodivergent clients might have about the meaning and purpose of different elements of the sessions are a sign of resistance or a defence mechanism.
Neurodivergent clients can struggle with the extended silences used in some forms of counselling/psychotherapy, as well as knowing what is expected of them in sessions. Therefore, this kind of therapy can actually end up being a cause of additional stress.
On the other hand, CBT type, more structured therapies also tend to be unsuccessful in helping neurodivergent people, as the philosophy and techniques might feel invalidating or like they are missing the mark.
I work with neurodivergent people in a tailored way that makes it easier for them to engage with therapy and initiate change, as well as feel more listened to, understood, encouraged and validated.
Unfortunately, therapy is not generally a "quick fix", but I have seen both people who find relief quite soon after starting and people who require longer term support. I also have clients, who return for "top-ups" after they have finished therapy. I can accommodate many ways of working.
Languages and Cultural Understanding
I am able to work with international clients and offer therapy in both English and Finnish. Due to my diverse background, as well as experience of working with people from many different countries and of many ethnicities, I am aware of the many ways that different cultural views on mental health and neurodivergence can have differing impacts on neurodivergent people's lives and mental health.
My Theoretical Background and Working Practices
My training is in psychology, person centered and psychodynamic counselling, as well as art psychotherapy. As such, I would describe my approach as integrative, and highly modified to suit each client's needs, as well as preferences.
My approach is positive and empowering, emphasising the individual strengths of each client, as well as the more general strengths inherent in different types of neurodivergence.
Sessions with me tend to be quite present-orientated, concentrating on desired change. This, of course, is not to say that we wouldn't be exploring the past, or the roots of today's issues. In fact, in most cases this is essential for progress, due to unprocessed trauma.
In the beginning of our work together, we identify your interests and therapy related preferences, as well as strengths and challenges, utilising this knowledge to work towards your goal(s) in a gradual way. This means that change is more achievable, as well as sustainable.
Research shows that a good working relationship between the counsellor and client is the most important factor in the success of therapy. Therefore, I aim to cultivate a honest, caring and cooperative relationship with my clients. I see therapy as being a dialogue between two equals, due to the client being the expert in themselves and their own difficulties.
I am also passionate about helping my clients to find their voices and be more assertive about their opinions and values, as well as boundaries and needs, by encouraging them to practice this in our sessions.
Neurodivergence Specific Difficulties We Can Address
In addition to mental health issues, such as anxiety, we will also address the "building blocks" of wellbeing and daily energy use. More considered use of energy can ultimately help to reduce the frequency, length and severity of meltdowns and shutdowns. In addition, it can prevent panic, as well as low energy and depressive symptoms caused by neurodivergent burnout.
I work with my clients on their self-confidence and self-esteem, as well as on finding better ways for them to navigate stressful/anxiety inducing situations.
I support neurodivergent people struggling, for example, with rejection sensitive dysphoria, executive functioning and demand avoidance related issues. Together we find useful strategies to reach and maintain emotional wellbeing, keep up with study/work, maintain a cleaner and more organised home, as well as practice better, more consistent, self-care.
If you have been masking all your life (as is very likely, particularly in late diagnosed individuals) and/or are in burnout, I can help you find courage and hope, as well your "true voice". You can begin to recover and rebuild your life to reflect your values, interests and needs.
If you have been diagnosed later in life, we may wonder about identity and where neurodivergence fits (or doesn't fit) in you view of yourself.
We can also discuss work and self advocating with regard to reasonable adjustments, as well as the role that unions can have in supporting you through (potentially) difficult negotiations.
If you are not sure whether you are neurodivergent, we can explore this together, as well as (when requested) talk about the diagnostic process and the possible benefits/costs of formal diagnosis.
Art Therapy and The Use of Creative Methods
In addition to counselling, I offer art psychotherapy, which can be particularly effective in treating deeper issues and trauma, which most neurodivergent people, unfortunately, suffer from. You really do not need to be an artist or "good at art" to participate, and the use of artistic expression is always optional.
Art therapy can help open different doors to the unconscious part of the mind. This tends to be the seat of significant, but complicated issues, which can be difficult to verbalise. This type of therapy can be especially helpful for neurodivergent people.
However, should you prefer it, we can simply incorporate some creative elements in "regular" counselling. This might be particularly useful if you have had traditional talking therapy before, but continue to find yourself stuck and not progressing or feeling better.
My Experience of Working With Neurodivergent People
I have two decades of experience of working with and supporting neurodivergent people of all ages, in many kinds of capacities, most recently as a Specialist Mental Health Mentor at Theorise, Senior Clinician at CAMHS, and a Senior Advisor at Scottish Autism. In addition to my private practice, I am also a Neurodiversity Consultant.
Neurodivergent people are, of course, as different from each other as neurotypical people. Therefore, I never generalise from any one person's experience. I might, however, make suggestions of assistive equipment and/or ways of thinking and strategies that have worked for clients with a similar needs profile.
My Views on Neurodivergence and Disability
My view of neurodivergence is non-pathologising (I don't see neurodivergence as a medical condition with "symptoms"), and, as such, I don't place a big weight on medical diagnoses.
I also believe that neurodivergence in itself is not necessarily a disability. However, it very often becomes one when a neurodivergent person interacts with this world, and all its systems and institutions, which are built for neurotypical people.
Neurodivergence Adjacent Issues and Medical Conditions
My client group is more likely to be LGBTQIA+ than the general public. I have years of experience in working with and being an ally to gay, lesbian, queer, trans and non-binary people, as well as other members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Furthermore, I have worked with people in all kinds of living set-ups, as well as relationships, such as polyamoury and ethical non-monogamy.
In addition to the aforementioned, I also specialise in chronic physical health/pain conditions, as, unfortunately, these often co-occur with neurodivergence. Change can be more difficult when complex, chronic physical conditions are involved, but it's still possible. Progress might just take a little longer, as any steps toward the goal will likely have to be smaller to allow for energy to be also used on essential self-care.
My Skills and Resources
I have extensive experience of working with neurodivergent people with many kinds of mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, phobias, compulsive behaviour and trauma reactions (including, for example, dissociation, hypervigilance, panic, guilt and shame).
I am also experienced in supporting those who feel alone and isolated to find community and thrive. Furthermore, I can provide my clients with many useful resources, such as helpful websites or organisations.
Sessions and Flexibility
While one weekly session is widely seen as the "gold standard" for both counselling and art psychotherapy, I recognise that each person and their situation is different. This means that we can be flexible with the length, frequency and format of the sessions.
I offer prospective clients a free (approx.) 15 min introductory Zoom meeting or phone call, in order for you to ask any questions and air any worries you might have relating to beginning therapy with me. This meeting will help us decide whether we would like to work together, but here is absolutely no pressure or obligation associated with it. I always give you time to think your options through.
For additional information about me and my therapy approach, as well as the support/advice I offer to parents/carers of neurodivergent children and young people, please see my website: www.autisticallybrilliant.com
If you contact me and don't hear back within 48 h, please check your spam folder (or send me another message).
Training, qualifications & experience
Training:
- BBA in International Business
- BSc in Biological Sciences, Psychology (Hons) - Edinburgh University
- COSCA PG Certificate in Counselling - Edinburgh University
- MSc in Counselling Studies - Edinburgh University
- MSc in Art Psychotherapy - Queen Margaret University
- Various courses on neurodivergence (as well as issues related to neurodivergence)
Recent and current professional experience:
- Senior clinician at CAMHS
- Senior Community Advisor at Scottish Autism
- Specialist Mental Health Mentor for university students through Theorise
- Neurodiversity Consultant at Welcome Brain
Member organisations
school 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.
The British Association of Art Therapists
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
Other areas of counselling I deal with
Women's issues
Parenting/caring (when parents/carers and/or children are neurodivergent)
Poverty, being on benefits and debt
Societal inequality and injustice
Autistic and ADHD burnout
Late autism and ADHD diagnosis
Life transitions and changes, as well as significant events
Therapies offered
Photos & videos
Fees
£69.00 per session
Concessions offered for
Additional information
Please enquire about concession pricing, as I have a limited number of concessionary spaces for FT students and unemployed people.
When I work
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Please also enquire about times other than those shown above, as I might have some additional availability.
Further information
For your peace of mind, I am insured to provide psychological interventions and psychoeducation, as well as counselling and art psychotherapy. Furthermore, I am registered with the ICO, which means that I am very mindful about the correct handling and disposal of sensitive and private information.
Societal fairness and justice are very important to me. I am a strong advocate for neurodivergent and disabled people, as well as unpaid carers (including young carers).
