About me

I am Kirsti Willis (she/they), a late diagnosed autistic, HCPC registered Art Psychotherapist 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 neurodiversity consultancy/training through Welcome Brain Consultancy (and privately).

In my work, I am always neuro- and LGBTQIA+ affirming and positive. 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 - Edinburgh University), a PG Cert and MSc in Counselling Studies (person-centered and psychodynamic traditions - Edinburgh University), as well as an MSc in Art Psychotherapy (Queen Margaret University), and a BBA in International Business (Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences) from my youth. I wrote my theses and dissertations on as diverse subjects as the effect of culture in environmental psychology, as well as maternal ambivalence in the postnatal period.

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 (running an Emotional Wellbeing project) at Scottish Autism. I also have personal experience of having many close neurodivergent family members and friends, as well as, of course, being autistic (likely AuDHD) myself. Despite this personal experience (or, perhaps, because of it!), I very much appreciate that each client is different and what might work for one, might not work for another.

In addition to neurodivergence and LGBTQIA+, I also specialise in parenting/parenthood and perinatal mental health, as well as chronic conditions (such as Long COVID, ME/CFS, Fibromyalgia and MS), unpaid carers (young carers included) and social justice/fairness.

I have worked with people with many different types of mental health conditions (for example anxiety/panic, low mood/depression, phobias, trauma/dissociation, attachment related difficulties, obsessive-compulsive conditions and bipolar), as well as linked issues such as guilt/shame, addiction and body dissatisfaction/disconnection. Furthermore, I am 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 or being a brunt of “jokes”). I am experienced in dealing with this kind of trauma, often using creative techniques to facilitate individuals to process them on a deeper, more fundamental 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 diverse, as my roots are both in the Scandinavia and Southern Europe. I have also lived in a few different (European) countries. Therefore, I have an appreciation of the impact and significance of cultural factors on mental health, particularly for neurodivergent individuals. Some countries seem significantly ahead of others in the understanding of neurodivergence and/or mental health issues. These topics can be seen as taboo, which can make it very hard for neurodivergent individuals to find and receive appropriate support, or a diagnosis (should they want to obtain one).

Because I work online and on the telephone, I can work with people from most countries (and can accommodate most different time zones). However, check about this with me, please.

My mother tongue is Finnish. Therefore, I can work in English and Finnish alike. I also speak a few European languages, but, unfortunately, not to the level required to work in them, at the moment, although I would love to do so.

Societal fairness and justice are very important to me. I am a strong advocate for neurodivergent and disabled people, as well as unpaid carers of all ages.

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