Katherine Nordell Fort, PhD
Dr. Katherine Fort has been a Washington State Approved Supervisor for Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associates since 2013 and holds a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision from Oregon State University (CACREP accredited). She has worked as a full-time professor of counseling since 2013 and has taught courses at Antioch University, Seattle University, Saybrook University, Bastyr University and Bellevue College. At Antioch, Dr. Fort served as Associate and Co-Chair for the Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) Program from 2014-2017, as Program Chair of CMHC from 2017-2020, and was tasked with developing and accrediting a new low-residency PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision Program at Antioch University, which she Co-Directed from 2020-2023. Dr. Fort has served as both chair and member of many doctoral dissertation committees, has presented nationally and internationally with the American Counseling Association (ACA), and served as Co-Chair of the ACA International Committee. She has published research in peer-reviewed academic journals and focuses her research on resilience in counseling and counselor-education.
She is the co-author of the book Resiliency Centered Counseling, a text meant to support counselor educators, clinical supervisors and mental health counselors in reconceptualizing the function and meaning of resilience in the counseling field.
As an athlete mental health counselor and mindset coach, Katherine brings her personal experience as a competitive athlete. She currently holds national ranking in triathlon (USAT) and master’s swimming (USMS), competed in her college years as an NCAA swimmer, and swam internationally during her high-school years. She is also an Assistant Age-Group Swim Coach for the Bainbridge Island Swim Club, a USA Swimming organization. Katherine brings her counseling focus on resilience, strengths-based mindset and motivational goal-setting experience to her swimmers, students, supervisees, and clients alike. She is currently completing certifications in nutrition coaching, yoga and personal training.
“The power of healing lies not in silent endurance but in open exploration, support, and human connection.”
Why she’s here
My work as a counselor was born from personal adversity and a profound search for safety and connection. While living in Japan, I faced a period of intense isolation and emotional strain in the wake of an abusive relationship. In a culture where these experiences were often silenced, I was encouraged to keep the peace and hide my pain. It wasn’t until I returned to Seattle and connected with a counselor that I began to unravel those dynamics, understand they were not my fault, and reclaim my sense of agency.
That experience became the catalyst for my professional calling. I realized that the power of healing lies not in silent endurance but in open exploration, support, and human connection. I wanted to be part of that journey for others—especially those navigating life’s most complex transitions, cultural challenges, and traumas.
I am an active Pacific Northwest gal who loves to be outside—rain, shine, or anything in between. My time as a swimmer, hiker, biker, and runner has deepened my understanding of the mind-body connection. As a former NCAA athlete, I know firsthand how the mind’s stories can either empower or hold us back from our full potential. Our thoughts shape our beliefs, our beliefs shape our actions—and when we face challenges, our resilience grows stronger when we have someone to walk alongside us.
Throughout my career as a counselor, supervisor, and educator, I’ve become fascinated by the interplay between lived experience, cultural identity, and the role of community in our healing. Living in Japan and studying the language for over 30 years has left a deep imprint on me—a reminder of how culture, place, and belonging shape who we are.
At its heart, my approach is simple: to listen, see, and connect with the person in front of me—whether they’re navigating stress, trauma, grief, or questions of identity. I believe that by deeply listening to your story, we can identify the strength and resilience you already carry and cultivate a deeper sense of wholeness and hope.
Supervision
Strengths-based supervision support for counselors seeking state licensure in Washington.
50 mins | $200
Individual counseling
Resiliency-focused and client-centered. Sessions typically focus on issues related to anxiety, depression, relationships, parenting, and career counseling.
50 mins | $225
Consultation
Program evaluation, systemic issues in higher-education and counselor education, and general clinical case consultation.
50 mins | $225
Nutrition and wellness coaching
Support in understanding and accessing health and wellness tailored to an individual’s lifestyle and goals.
50 mins | $225