Kate Willis

Kate is a creative arts therapist based in Christchurch, New Zealand. I specialize in supporting young people aged 5-18 years with mental health, learning difficulties, and developmental delays. I currently work in schools and private practice.

What sort of clients does Kate take on?

Kate specialises in working with children and adolescent ages 5 – 18 years in the following areas:

• Anger Management
• Anxiety
• Autism Spectrum
• Depression
• Disabilities
• Eating Disorders
• Identity Issues
• Learning and Attentional Issues
• Mental Health Issues
• Physical Health Issues
• Self-harm
• Sexuality and LGBTQIA+
• Spirituality
• Well-being

You may be asking what Arts Therapy is?

Arts therapy or arts psychotherapy uses creative modalities, including visual arts-making, drama, and dance/movement within a therapeutic relationship to improve and inform physical, mental and emotional well-being. It is called “arts therapy” rather than “art therapy” because of the different arts used to help people. Arts therapy differs from traditional arts-making or performance in that the emphasis is on the process of creating and making meaning rather than on the end product. The arts themselves are considered to have healing functions that arts therapists seek to harness to help their clients achieve change.

Who benefits from creative arts therapy?

Creative arts therapy works with clients of all ages. Creative arts therapy is often a great fit for young people as they tend to be naturally creative and playful. Two components integral to the art therapy experience, making the experience a non-threatening and gentle alternative to the talking therapies. Creative arts therapy is also beneficial for anyone who is tentative about the idea of going to therapy or nervous about sharing their experiences.

My approach

As a therapist, I base my practice around the humanistic approach of person-centred therapy. My philosophy is that the client is the expert in their world and I as their therapist, is to support them in their journey to bettering themselves and give tools that they can use.

A little about me…

As part of my three-year master’s program, I was required to complete 750 clinical hours in a verity of placements. I have worked at The Champion Centre, Lincoln High School, St Margarets (junior and senior school) and Seabrook Mckenzie (school for specific learning difficulties).