Edinburgh
Photo of Kirsti Willis - Autistically Brilliant / Kirsti Willis, Psychotherapist, MSc, HCPC-Art Therap.
Autistically Brilliant / Kirsti Willis
Psychotherapist, MSc, HCPC-Art Therap.
Email Us
Email Us
Photo of Kirsti Willis - Autistically Brilliant / Kirsti Willis, Psychotherapist, MSc, HCPC-Art Therap.

Autistically Brilliant / Kirsti Willis

Psychotherapist, MSc, HCPC-Art Therap. (she, her)

Verified by Psychology Today Verified by Psychology Today
Connect with Autistically Brilliant / Kirsti Willis
Photo of Kirsti Willis - Autistically Brilliant / Kirsti Willis, Psychotherapist, MSc, HCPC-Art Therap.
Available online only
Edinburgh EH6
Website
Hi, I'm Kirsti, an autistic Art Psychotherapist, Counsellor and Consultant. I offer neuro- and LGBTQIA+ affirming, warm, safe, trauma informed and empowering counselling and art psychotherapy to neurodivergent people (12+, no diagnosis required). I also offer advice on the parenting of neurodivergent children/young people. My clients often feel very anxious and overstimulated, which leads to meltdowns/shutdowns, as well as, eventually, in low mood. Relationships can be a struggle. My clients are also very likely to be traumatised and feel stuck/hopeless. However, with the right support, any situation can be changed for the better.
I am knowledgeable and experienced in working with issues my clients present with. I creatively and sensitively combine different approaches and methods to effectively address e.g. anxiety, low mood, relationship issues, issues at school/university/work, executive dysfunction, RSD, demand avoidance, procrastination, trauma, rumination and low self esteem.
My clients are mostly late identified individuals, who can be very confused, mask often, and are close to (or in) burnout. I see therapy as taking place between two peers, due to the client being an expert in their situation. I also see it as my role to increase clients' self confidence through better knowledge of their strengths, as well as their rights.
Autistically Brilliant / Kirsti Willis now for a free 15 minute consultation

Practice at a Glance

Available online only

Edinburgh EH6

Website
I offer online and telephone counselling, as well as art psychotherapy to neurodivergent people (12 and up, no diagnosis needed) on weekdays
I specialize in Autism, Anxiety and ADHD 
£69 Per Session  
Individual one-on-one therapy 
Connect with Autistically Brilliant / Kirsti Willis
Photo of Kirsti Willis - Autistically Brilliant / Kirsti Willis, Psychotherapist, MSc, HCPC-Art Therap.

Practice at a Glance

Available online only

Edinburgh EH6

Website
I offer online and telephone counselling, as well as art psychotherapy to neurodivergent people (12 and up, no diagnosis needed) on weekdays
I specialize in Autism, Anxiety and ADHD 
£69 Per Session  
Individual one-on-one therapy 

Finances

Fees

  • Individual Sessions £69
  • Concession rate: apply if you may be eligible

Payment Methods

Bank transfer
"
Clients pay through bank transfer in advance of appointments.
Photo of Kirsti Willis - Autistically Brilliant / Kirsti Willis, Psychotherapist, MSc, HCPC-Art Therap.
Autistically Brilliant / Kirsti Willis
Psychotherapist, MSc, HCPC-Art Therap.
for a free 15 minute consultation now.
"
Clients pay through bank transfer in advance of appointments.
Photo of Kirsti Willis - Autistically Brilliant / Kirsti Willis, Psychotherapist, MSc, HCPC-Art Therap.
Autistically Brilliant / Kirsti Willis
Psychotherapist, MSc, HCPC-Art Therap.
for a free 15 minute consultation now.

Qualifications

    Psychotherapist: Kirsti Willis
  • Verified by Psychology Today Membership with Health & Care Professions Council Kirsti Willis

    • Education and Years In Practice

  • Art Psychotherapy (psychodynamic approach), MSc in Art Psychotherapy, Graduated 2019

    • Additional Credentials

  • Degree/Diploma from Edinburgh University in Biological Sciences, Psychology Hons (BSc) BSc in Biological Sciences, Psychology Hons / 2008
  • Degree/Diploma from Edinburgh University in Counselling (MSc ) MSc in Counselling Studies / 2010
"
My degrees span a variety of mental health disciplines. I've also been on many courses on neurodivergence related issues. Furthermore, I have decades of experience working with neurodivergent people of different ages, most recently as a senior clinician at CAMHS and Senior Advisor at Scottish Autism
Photo of Kirsti Willis - Autistically Brilliant / Kirsti Willis, Psychotherapist, MSc, HCPC-Art Therap.
Autistically Brilliant / Kirsti Willis
Psychotherapist, MSc, HCPC-Art Therap.
for a free 15 minute consultation now.
"
My degrees span a variety of mental health disciplines. I've also been on many courses on neurodivergence related issues. Furthermore, I have decades of experience working with neurodivergent people of different ages, most recently as a senior clinician at CAMHS and Senior Advisor at Scottish Autism
Photo of Kirsti Willis - Autistically Brilliant / Kirsti Willis, Psychotherapist, MSc, HCPC-Art Therap.
Autistically Brilliant / Kirsti Willis
Psychotherapist, MSc, HCPC-Art Therap.
for a free 15 minute consultation now.

Specialties and Expertise

Top Specialties

  • Autism
  • Anxiety
  • ADHD

Expertise

  • Behavioural Issues
  • Bisexual
  • Body Image
  • Career Guidance
  • Chronic Illness
  • Coping Skills
  • Depression
  • Dual Diagnosis
  • Impulse Control Disorders
  • LGBTQ+
  • Life Transitions
  • Mood Disorders
  • Neurodivergence
  • Peer Relationships
  • Polyamory & ENM
  • Pregnancy, Prenatal, Postpartum
  • Relationship Issues
  • Self Esteem
  • Stress
  • Trauma and PTSD
  • Weight Loss
  • Women's Issues
"
I practice integrative counselling and art psychotherapy, adapted to address ND related issues. Initially, we'll discuss your therapy needs and preferences, thus beginning to formulate a way forward. After this we begin working toward the identified goal(s) in an effective, sustainable way. In order for therapy to be successful, I foster a caring, supportive and honest relationship with my clients
Photo of Kirsti Willis - Autistically Brilliant / Kirsti Willis, Psychotherapist, MSc, HCPC-Art Therap.
Autistically Brilliant / Kirsti Willis
Psychotherapist, MSc, HCPC-Art Therap.
for a free 15 minute consultation now.
"
I practice integrative counselling and art psychotherapy, adapted to address ND related issues. Initially, we'll discuss your therapy needs and preferences, thus beginning to formulate a way forward. After this we begin working toward the identified goal(s) in an effective, sustainable way. In order for therapy to be successful, I foster a caring, supportive and honest relationship with my clients
Photo of Kirsti Willis - Autistically Brilliant / Kirsti Willis, Psychotherapist, MSc, HCPC-Art Therap.
Autistically Brilliant / Kirsti Willis
Psychotherapist, MSc, HCPC-Art Therap.
for a free 15 minute consultation now.

Client Focus

Age

Preteen , 
Teen , 
Adults , 
Elders (65+)

Participants

Individuals

Communities

Bisexual Allied , 
Gay Allied , 
HIV / AIDS Allied , 
Immuno-disorders , 
Intersex Allied , 
Lesbian Allied , 
Little Person Allied , 
Non-Binary Allied , 
Queer Allied , 
Racial Justice Allied , 
Sex Worker Allied , 
Single Parent , 
Transgender Allied

I also speak

Finnish

Age

Preteen , 
Teen , 
Adults , 
Elders (65+)

Participants

Individuals

Communities

Bisexual Allied , 
Gay Allied , 
HIV / AIDS Allied , 
Immuno-disorders , 
Intersex Allied , 
Lesbian Allied , 
Little Person Allied , 
Non-Binary Allied , 
Queer Allied , 
Racial Justice Allied , 
Sex Worker Allied , 
Single Parent , 
Transgender Allied

I also speak

Finnish

Treatment Approach

Types of Therapy

  • Attachment-based
  • Coaching
  • Creative Therapy
  • Expressive Arts
  • Humanistic
  • Interpersonal
  • Motivational Interviewing
  • Multicultural
  • Person-Centred
  • Positive Psychology
  • Psychodynamic
  • Relational
  • Strength-Based
  • Trauma Focused
"
I offer neurodivergent people specialist, tailored counselling, as well as art psychotherapy, which can be particularly useful in the treatment of trauma. Sessions tend to be present-orientated and quite practical. This is, of course, not to say that we won't be exploring the past, or the roots of today's difficulties. In fact, in most cases this is essential for effective, truly lasting progress.
Photo of Kirsti Willis - Autistically Brilliant / Kirsti Willis, Psychotherapist, MSc, HCPC-Art Therap.
Autistically Brilliant / Kirsti Willis
Psychotherapist, MSc, HCPC-Art Therap.
for a free 15 minute consultation now.
"
I offer neurodivergent people specialist, tailored counselling, as well as art psychotherapy, which can be particularly useful in the treatment of trauma. Sessions tend to be present-orientated and quite practical. This is, of course, not to say that we won't be exploring the past, or the roots of today's difficulties. In fact, in most cases this is essential for effective, truly lasting progress.
Photo of Kirsti Willis - Autistically Brilliant / Kirsti Willis, Psychotherapist, MSc, HCPC-Art Therap.
Autistically Brilliant / Kirsti Willis
Psychotherapist, MSc, HCPC-Art Therap.
for a free 15 minute consultation now.

Location

Primary Location

Edinburgh EH6

Email Us

Website

Nearby Areas

Cities/Towns

Counties

Postcodes

Neighbourhoods

"
I offer online and telephone counselling, as well as art psychotherapy to neurodivergent people (12 and up, no diagnosis needed) on weekdays
Photo of Kirsti Willis - Autistically Brilliant / Kirsti Willis, Psychotherapist, MSc, HCPC-Art Therap.
Autistically Brilliant / Kirsti Willis
Psychotherapist, MSc, HCPC-Art Therap.
"
I offer online and telephone counselling, as well as art psychotherapy to neurodivergent people (12 and up, no diagnosis needed) on weekdays
Photo of Kirsti Willis - Autistically Brilliant / Kirsti Willis, Psychotherapist, MSc, HCPC-Art Therap.
Autistically Brilliant / Kirsti Willis
Psychotherapist, MSc, HCPC-Art Therap.