About me

Hi! I’m 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 full member of BAAT. In addition to art psychotherapy, I offer counselling and parenting/carer support, as well as being 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 (the BPS accredited) BSc in Biological Sciences, Psychology (Hons); a (COSCA) PG Cert and MSc in Counselling Studies, as well as an MSc in Art Psychotherapy. I also have 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, as well as a Specialist Mental Health Mentor to university students with Theorise.

I also have personal experience of neurodivergence among my close family and friends. Because of this 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 and perinatal mental health, as well as chronic physical/autoimmune/pain conditions and unpaid carers (young carers included). Furthermore, I care deeply about social justice and fairness, as well as true inclusion of people with additional needs and disabilities.

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

For your peace of mind, I am insured to provide psychological interventions and psychoeducation, as well as counselling and 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 materials. 

Due to my original background in business, I understand working life well from both the employee’s and the employer’s perspective. Therefore, I’m not only able to support clients to consider a suitable job/career for themselves (should they be interested in doing so), but can also help with thinking about potential reasonable adjustments to jobs. Additionally, I can tell my clients how they can uphold their rights as neurodivergent employees (in the UK).

I also have extensive knowledge of the UK (Scottish, more so than English, Welsh or Northern Irish) education system and how neurodivergent pupils/students can be accommodated in their studies.

My personal background is somewhat culturally diverse and, throughout the years, have worked with people of many ethnicities and nationalities, so I have somewhat of an appreciation of the impact and significance of cultural factors on mental health 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 (native level) English and Finnish alike. I also speak Greek, Swedish and German, but, unfortunately, my skills are a bit rusty, so not at the level required to do this kind of work in.

My ever changing personal interests currently include mixed media art and crafts (such as crochet), as well as travelling, DIY, perfumes, collecting sea glass and watching documentaries.

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