About me

Hi! I am Kirsti Willis (she/they), a late diagnosed autistic Art Psychotherapist, who also very likely has ADHD, or is an ”AuDHDer”. I am HCPC registered and a member of BAAT. In addition to art psychotherapy, I offer counselling and parenting/carer support, as well as being a Specialist Mental Health Mentor to university students (through Theorise) and a neurodiversity consultant/trainer through Welcome Brain Consultancy (and privately).

In my work, I am always neuro- and LGBTQIA+ affirming. I draw from my extensive professional knowledge and experience to offer my clients a well-rounded and comprehensive service. This ensures that they get the best possible chance of success in reaching their mental health related goals.

My academic background includes a BSc in Biological Sciences - Psychology (Hons), a PG Cert and MSc in Counselling Studies, as well as an MSc in Art Psychotherapy and a BBA in International Business from my (now quite distant!) youth.

I have been working with and supporting neurodivergent children, young people and adults for two decades, in many different capacities. Most recently, I have been a senior clinician at CAMHS and a Senior Advisor at Scottish Autism. I also have personal experience of neurodivergence among my close family and friends. Because of my background, I appreciate each client’s individuality - i.e. what solutions (or ways of thinking) might work for one, might not work for another. Please read more on my general and therapy related thoughts on neurodivergence from the section ”Neurodivergence and therapy”.

In addition to neurodivergence and LGBTQIA+, I also specialise in parenting/parenthood and perinatal mental health, as well as chronic physical/pain conditions and unpaid carers (young carers included). Furthermore, I care deeply about social justice, as well as fairness.

I have worked with people with many different types of mental health issues. I am also very aware of the fact that most, if not all, neurodivergent people carry significant trauma (usually from neglect, abuse/bullying, or “simply” from feeling like an outsider and constantly misunderstood). I am experienced in dealing with this kind of trauma, using a variety of creative techniques to facilitate individuals to process trauma on a deeper level.

For your peace of mind, I am insured to provide counselling, as well as art psychotherapy. I am also registered with the ICO, which means that I am very mindful about the correct handling and disposal of sensitive and private information. 

My personal background is somewhat culturally diverse, so I have an appreciation of the impact and significance of cultural factors on mental health, particularly for neurodivergent individuals.

My mother tongue is Finnish, but I have lived in the UK for longer than 20 years. Therefore, I can work in English and Finnish alike. I also speak a few other European languages, but, unfortunately, not at the level required to work in, at the moment.

If you would like to book a free 15 min (no obligation) introductory appointment, please click here.