Kirsti Willis
Every professional displayed on Counselling Directory has been independently verified by our team to ensure they have suitable credentials to practise.
This professional is accepting new clients but may have a waitlist. Please enquire with them directly to discuss availability.
This professional is accepting new clients but may have a waitlist. Please enquire with them directly to discuss availability.
About me
I'm a HCPC registered, autistic Art Psychotherapist and consultant, who offers neurodivergent people individually tailored, specialist counselling and art psychotherapy. I also offer relationship counselling (where one or more in the relationship are neurodivergent).
I deliver the sessions mostly on Zoom, but can also use phone, text or email (or a mix of these, as appropriate) - whichever is your preferred way to communicate.
I am absolutely neuro affirming and my counselling approach is positive and empowering. It is a mostly present and future orientated zone, which helps in concentrating on change. This is not to say that we won't be exploring the past and the roots of your problems.
Together we identify your interests and strengths, using these to work towards your goals (however big or small) in a gradual way, which means that change is easier and achievable.
I also offer art psychotherapy, which can be effective in treating deep issues and trauma, which many neurodivergent people suffer from. You don't need to be an artist or "good at art" to participate and the use of artistic expression is always optional. However, it can open doors to the unconscious, which is most often the seat of significant, but complicated issues, which are hard to verbalise.
I have two decades of experience in supporting autistic people, as well as people with many different mental health conditions, learning disabilities and ADHD. I have worked with neurodivergent people in many different roles and been on many related courses, so understand the particular, as well as holistic, needs neurodivergent people (often around issues such as LGBTQI+, trauma, substance misuse, etc).
I dedicate myself to getting to know my clients and help them work towards their individual goals, at the speed and intensity that suits them.
The sessions are a safe, judgement free and confidential space. Whatever your situation and needs, email me and we can make a personalised and achievable plan, going forward.
Training, qualifications & experience
- BSc in Biological Sciences, Psychology (Hons)
- COSCA PG Certificate in Counselling
- MSc in Counselling Studies
- MSc in Art Psychotherapy
- Various courses regarding autism, as well as issues related to neurodivergence in general (equity, LGBTQI+, etc.).
Member organisations
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 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 (empowerment)
Therapies offered
Fees
£60.00 per session
Free initial telephone or online session
Concessions offered for
When I work
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | |||||||
| Afternoon | |||||||
| Evening | |||||||
| Night |
I work workday evenings and for some of the day during the weekends. Please enquire for precise times available, as I may have time outside of the abovementioned slots.
Further information
I have extensive experience in supporting autistic people, in different kinds of settings and in different capacities, most recently as `Senior (ToC Mental Wellbeing) Advisor at Scottish Autism.
I believe that autism or ADHD is not fundamentally a disability or a medical condition, but just a different way of seeing and processing the world. However, often it can be disabling to be neurodivergent in this world built for neurotypical people. I want to support people work through their difficulties and conquer whatever challenges they face.
For your peace of mind, I am fully insured to practice both as a counsellor and an art psychotherapist.
