Meet the Team

Kate Willis
Founder/Owner

Hi I’m Kate,

I discovered creative arts therapy in the final year of my undergraduate degree in Design in Applied Visual Arts. Creative arts therapy combines my passions for the creative arts and supporting people.

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, support them in their journey to better themselves and give them tools they can use.

I enjoy learning to play the guitar and participating in many sports, including hockey and cricket. I love to spend time drawing or painting and getting creative. I gravitate towards nature and enjoy walking in the Port Hills.

I am registered with the Australia, New Zealand and Asia Creative Arts Therapy Association (ANZACATA)

Qualifications:

Master’s in Arts Therapy (Clinical), Post Graduate Diploma in Arts Therapy, Bachelor of Design (Applied Visual Arts), New Zealand: Children’s Worker Safety Check certified (2024), Mental Health First Aid Certificate - St John (2023)

ACC Registered Therapist

Hi there, I’m Winnie

I’ve always been fascinated by how expressing and relating to art deepens our understanding of our inner and outer worlds. With a background in fine arts and education, I became a Creative Arts Therapist because I wanted to find work that uplifts creativity and allows me to support others through meaningful, reciprocal connections.

My approach to Arts Therapy is person-centred, informed by play and the Reggio Emilia learning approach. My sessions are client-led where I am alongside as a guide. I aim to support those who engage in therapy to explore their world through creative, sensory approaches to bring forth new understandings and promote change.

I’m a playful and magic-inspired being with a passion for all things Scottish and a habit for finding magic in the ordinary, especially four-leaf clovers . My creative practice, mainly in multimedia sculpture, reflects my desire to make quirky and imaginative pieces that invite playfulness and humour. These same qualities often influence how I approach art therapy.

I am registered with the Australia, New Zealand and Asia Creative Arts Therapy Association (ANZACATA)

Qualifications:

Master’s in Arts Therapy (Clinical), Post Graduate Diploma in Arts Therapy, Bachelor of Fine Arts (Sculpture), Bachelor of Arts majoring in Spanish and Media and Communications, Introduction to Child Protection (2023), Life Keepers - Suicide Prevention Training Programme (2023).

Winnie Whyte
Creative Arts Therapist

Briedi McCrostie
Creative Arts Therapist

*Currently on maternity leave

Tēnā koe, my name is Briedi McCrostie,

I am passionate about using creativity in its many forms to enhance a sense of wellness. My therapeutic philosophy is holistic and person-centred, which means it is my role to hold sessions that meet the needs of a client within a well-established therapeutic relationship. I am focused on supporting clients to safely connect with their own body and story in a way that allows increased emotional capacity, growth, healing and connection with self and others.

I have gained rich experience facilitating both individual and group therapy in different social, cultural and creative environments. This includes clinical placements within schools, community organisations, frontline services and the Department of Corrections as well as significant experience working creatively in Aboriginal communities in Australia.

I navigate life with a strong sense of empathy and curiosity for the world around me. In addition to establishing my therapeutic practice I enjoy cooking for family and friends, creative activities, reading, walking in the hills, gardening and visiting galleries.

I am registered with the Australia, New Zealand and Asia Creative Arts Therapy Association (ANZACATA)

Qualifications:

Master’s in Arts Therapy (Clinical), Post Graduate Diploma in Arts Therapy, Bachelor of Design (Fashion Design, First Class Honours, 2012), Suicide Prevention Training (2023), Introduction to Child Protection (2022)

You're also able to find Kate on the following websites:

Art Therapy Christchurch

I AM HOPE

Clearhead

Seabrook Mckenzie Centre 

ANZACATA

Yellow Pages

Kate Willis Artist - Artist Page