Dr Kirsty Bilski

I have limited availability due to my teaching commitments, we can discuss this when you make contact

I am a BACP Accredited Counsellor and Psychotherapist with extensive experience counselling Adults, Children and Young people over many years. As an integrative therapist I use a variety of therapeutic approaches.These might include CBT or solution focused approaches for shorter term work, or counselling strategies aimed at achieving greater depth of understanding over a longer period of time such as person centred work, gestalt, psychodynamic, existential and transpersonal approaches for example. I am particularly creative and use sandtray therapy and art materials for clients who wish to express their stories more creatively. If you prefer just to talk, you will find my approach just as engaging no matter what has brought you to counselling you will feel welcomed into this space. 

My career has included supporting vulnerable adults experiencing housing need and the rehabilitation of adults recovering from serious mental health illness. I have also worked extensively with adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse and adults suffering from the impact of trauma experiences at work or through traumatic injury. As well as my commitment to counselling adults experiencing a wide range of emotional life challenges, I also work with children and young people. I have worked for a children's charity in Bristol, Somerset County Council and School Based Counselling as part of the Welsh Government School Based Counselling Strategy from 2009. 

As well as counselling Adults and Young People in a number of settings, including private practice and the voluntary sector, I am now the Director and Senior Tutor for The Way Forward Centre in Swansea and as such teach trainee counsellors who are working towards qualification. 

The use of the title Dr in this directory listing relates to the member’s doctorate qualification. However, this does not imply a general medical qualification.

Through a unique blend of counselling approaches and therapeutic experience I aim to provide a deep relational opportunity to explore your challenges, it is important to me to make sure each client feels safe, valued and emotionally held. I work carefully to thoroughly understand your story from your perspective, with deep empathy and sound ethical and safe practice. 

My counselling rooms are extremely comfortable; a calm and peaceful space which offers plenty of room for creative art or sandtray therapy as well as traditional talking therapies. The building is situated opposite park land and a beautiful lake which offer additional space for reflection if required. There is also parking immediately outside. If you would like to discuss your individual situation please feel free to make contact with Kirsty in order to explore your requirements.  

I have completed a Masters Degree in Counselling Children and Young People and a further Masters Degree in Consultative Supervision. I have completed a PhD by research which was focused around adolescent therapy and psychological change. For my commitment to teaching I gained a Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) recognition in 2016. 

When you arrive for your first session I will talk with you about the counselling process, confidentiality and how we will work together. I will ask you for an overview of your reasons for attending therapy and we will work out what you would like to achieve through your therapy. I understand how difficult it can be to walk through the door for your first appointment. Through discussing what to expect in our sessions, I will help you to feel in control of the process and we will work out how to approach your specific needs together. If you decide to continue we will have a regular review, about every 6 sessions, to check on how you are doing and to adjust your therpeutic aims if required.

I have limited availability due to my full teaching schedule, however please contact me to discuss your requirements

I am a BACP Accredited Therapist with an MA in Consultative Supervision. I provide supervision services to counsellors and psychotherapists of all levels of experience from those who are working towards qualification to those who have been working in their profession for very many years. I have experience in working with adults of all ages in a wide variety of settings as well as having worked full time as a school counsellor in both primary and secondary settings. I also have an MA in Counselling Children and Young People and have completed a PhD with the University of South Wales via Research. My Doctorate focused on Adolescence and the intricacies of therapeutic change. Therefore I provide supervision to a wide variety of professionals working in private practice, large organisations, school counsellors and professionals working in many different allied settings. 

I provide a supervision setting which is relaxed, comfortable and peaceful. A haven where you will be met with deep understanding and sensitivity to your professional experiences. Where you can gain perspective on aspects of your working life and build coping strategies which can support you through some of the professional challenges you face. I have worked extensively with students too and offer a very supportive space where students can grow in confidence with their skills, and experience the opportunity for additional learning to compliment their professional development towards qualification. I have been a professional trainer for Coleg Gwent in Newport as well as lecturing on various courses for the University of South Wales in Newport. I am now a Director and Senior tutor for the Way Forward Centre in Swansea where I train many students who are working towards professional qualification.

The use of the title Dr in this directory listing relates to the member’s doctorate qualification. However, this does not imply a general medical qualification.

I primarily use the 7 eyed model (Hawkins & Shohet) approach to supervision, as well as the 3 step model (Van Ooijen) and the Cyclical model (Page & Wosket). I am particularly creative and regularly use sandtray in supervision, along with art materials and other creative resources.

I have a particular interest in the use of sandtray in supervision and regularly run sandtray training courses from the Way Forward Centre for Training and Professional Development. Sandtray approaches have also been central to my Doctoral Studies. If you enjoy working creatively with your clients then you may enjoy working creatively in supervision. 

I offer a gentle approach to supervision which will enable you to achieve deep insight into your relationships with clients and to feel held ethically and safely in the work. You will be assured of a non-judgemental and growthful experience of supervision, with the knowledge to support you through the most difficult of challenges.

I am a BACP accredited integrative therapist and supervisor. I have also gained Fellow of Higher Education Academy (FHEA) recognition in October 2016. 

The Way Forward Centre for training and professional development is also developing a full range of CPCAB awards for those wishing to train to be counsellors, as well as those who are already qualified and looking for additional CPD.

I have successfully delivered sandtray therapy training for many years now, to professionals from all over the UK. This training has recently been adapted for online delivery without removing any of the content and retaining the experience as close to the original training as possible. Sandtray therapy has been central to all my training including my two Masters degrees and also my PhD studies.

The use of the title Dr in this directory listing relates to the member’s doctorate qualification. However, this does not imply a general medical qualification.

How to book...

The sandtray training is undergoing a review at the moment and we are looking to relaunch a suite of courses from 2024. If you would like to be put on an expressions of interest list then please contact Kirsty, with consent to retain your contact details and you will be added to the list.

email kirstybilski@wayforwardcentre.com

telephone: 07971 264251

https://wayforwardcounselling.com/sandtray-training-cpd