Kirsti Willis

I am a HCPC and BAAT registered Art Psychotherapist and Counsellor. My training is in psychology, person centered and psychodynamic counselling, and art psychotherapy. As such, I would describe my approach as integrative, and modified to suit each client's needs, as well as preferences. My way of working 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 won't be exploring the past, or the roots of today's issues. In fact, in most cases this is essential for progress, particularly when working with trauma. Due to my training, I see the benefit in the use of art and other creative methods in sessions, but my clients are free to use as many or as few of these as they would like to. 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 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.