Kirsty - Counsellor

Getting to Know Kirsty

Kirsty joined the River Garden family as a volunteer counsellor, drawn by our "whole-person" approach to recovery. For Kirsty, the way River Garden weaves together therapeutic support, nature, and community creates the perfect environment for reflection and healing. She believes deeply in the power of dignity, safety, and genuine human connection—values that sit at the heart of her practice.

Kirsty's Journey to Counselling

Kirsty’s path to becoming a counsellor is rooted in her own life experiences. Having found peace and acceptance in her own journey, she is passionate about helping others find that same sense of freedom. She describes counselling as an "adventure" into self-discovery—a process of learning to understand yourself so deeply that you can look in the mirror and truly love what you see.

"You can come to terms with the past and not let it rule your future. My advice to anyone is simple: You are enough and you are worth it."

Kirsty describes herself as empathetic, reflective, and "a bit nerdy." When she isn't supporting our residents, you’ll likely find her:

• Exploring Scotland: Usually on long walks with her beloved dogs (though she admits her sense of direction often leaves her needing a map!).
• At a Gig: A big music fan, she recently saw Callum Beattie and is counting down the days until Harry Styles in July.
• In the Kitchen: She loves to cook, even if her weekend pancakes don't always go to plan.

If Kirsty could host a table of inspirations, it would be an eclectic mix! She’d be chatting about wildlife with David Attenborough, getting style tips from Audrey Hepburn, discussing philosophy with the Buddha, and talking literature with Oscar Wilde and F. Scott Fitzgerald. Throw in Tom Hardy and a bit of Harry Potter trivia, and she’d be in her element.

Kirsty brings a fierce commitment and a "tenacious" spirit to River Garden, and we are thrilled to have her supporting our community’s growth.