Kathleen Stewardson
I am a Professional Mental Health Counselor (License #LH60308235). I began my private practice on beautiful Whidbey Island almost a decade ago. Currently, I am providing sessions via telehealth from my Seattle office, rather than in person. Offering virtual visits can be the difference between thriving and struggling in our current environment. Virtual sessions have the benefit of making services more accessible and convenient (no masks needed!) for most individuals.
My approach is foundationally relational and person-centered, which is based on respect and mutuality. I employ a variety of other therapeutic methods (CBT, DBT, EFT, etc.) on a case by case basis. I welcome you to take that first step to see if counseling may be helpful for the challenges you are facing, and for the growth you are hoping to gain in your life.
Professional Experience
Licensed Mental Health Counselor - Private Practice - Clinical Supervision and Training, Professional Counseling (2013-current).
Licensed Mental Health and Lead Counselor plus Clinical Supervisor [in-patient, co-occurring treatment, Northpoint Washington]. Also, Clinical Supervisor for Northpoint Seattle [out-patient co-occurring treatment], WA (2019-2022).
Clinical Coordinator Department of Professional Counseling - University of Wisconsin - served as liaison between Professional Counseling students, department faculty and community partners to create and manage clinical training experiences (for 50+ sites per semester). Responsible for development, oversight and guidance of required practicum and internship experiences for students in the UWO Professional Counseling Program as required for program accreditation through C.A.C.R.E.P. and in keeping with departmental clinical placement guidelines. Teach and provide clinical supervision for clinical courses as well as creating, organizing and delivering annual training for Site Supervisors (2015-2019).
Professional Counselor - Wellness Center, Trinity Western University - worked with students, staff and faculty for individual, couples and group counseling regarding mental health and lifestyle/personal/relational struggles. Provided psychoeducation on mental health topics (i.e. self-harm) for student leaders and faculty/staff (2007-2015).
Supervisor & Counselor for the Abuse Counseling Program at Abbotsford Community Services - both supervising counselors and interns and counseling clients in the following three programs – STV: Stopping the Violence, SAIP: Sexual Abuse Intervention, and EBC: Employment Barriers Counseling. These programs involved individual and group counseling (2009-2014).
Previous experience includes - working as a Care Counselor at a Crisis & Detox Center for women, as a Family Services Counselor for a community organization, as a Group Home Counselor for youth involved with the criminal justice system and as a Child Life Therapist for children & youth in a long-term hospital.
Education and Memberships
Master of Arts Degree in Counseling Psychology from The Seattle School of Theology & Psychology (2008). Bachelor of Arts Degree in Human & Social Development from the University of Victoria. Professional member of the American Counseling Association.
Approved Clinical Supervisor for the state of Washington and have been providing clinical supervision to fully licensed counselors (LMHC), counselors working toward their licensure (LMHCA) and interns since 2013.
I have taken 80 hours of Intensive Dialectical Behavior Therapy Training through the Behavioral Tech, LLC founded by Marsha Linehan Ph.D, ABPP. I took the training in San Bernardino, CA and then provided both individual & group DBT through Northwest Youth Services in Bellingham, WA.
I received my SUDPT (Substance Use Disorder Professional Trainee) in 2019 and have been working toward my SUDP since then (includes hours working in substance use treatment under supervision and coursework).