Meet Kate Wingard
My Work As A Therapist Is Inspired By My Own Journey Of Creative Healing
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (Utah) and Board Certified-Registered Art Therapist (National)
I started my journey as an artist and remain one today. In my own studio practice, I experienced the powerful role of art in healing and growth, which led me to study clinical art therapy and counseling. Since then, I’ve become deeply engaged in understanding human consciousness, our innate creative spirit, and our capacity to heal. I believe in each person’s potential to create, grow, and transform, and my therapeutic work reflects that.
Throughout my life, I’ve faced life challenges that limited words, altered physical abilities, and shifted relationships. These experiences taught me about the healing power of kindness, authenticity, and creative engagement. I’ve personally felt and witnessed how creative pursuits and supportive connections can help in navigating life’s most difficult challenges. This understanding drives my commitment to offering a compassionate, creative space where clients can explore their authentic selves and reconnect with their resilience.
My Counseling Philosophy Is Rooted In The Mind-Body Connection
As the founder of Radiant Mind Wellness, this practice reflects my unique trainings as an artist and therapist. At times in my life, my speechmaking and physical abilities were profoundly limited, so my understanding of the nonverbal has always been very deep. As a result, my counseling practice leans heavily into nonverbal approaches. I seek to help clients explore the mind-body connection and understand how their mental, physical, spiritual, and social lives are interconnected. I can also incorporate principles of yoga and mindfulness, as I have over 200 hours of yoga teacher training as well as training as a mindfulness instructor via Inbody Yoga Academy.
My approach to the healing process is grounded in Carl Rogers’ Person-Centered approach and Object Relations Theory, both of which emphasize the interconnectedness of all things. I believe each person has the capacity for growth, healing, and self-discovery when supported in a compassionate, accepting space. This philosophy reflects my view that connection—with ourselves, others, and our experiences—is essential to living fully and authentically. As Bell Hooks said: “Rarely, if ever, are any of us healed in isolation. Healing is an act of communion.”*
I Specialize In Helping People Overcome Trauma, Stress, And Dissociation
My specialties include Clinical Art Therapy, Mindfulness Practice, Ego State Therapy, and Clinical Hypnosis. I work with clients facing complex trauma, dissociative disorders, and intense panic or stress. I was inspired to pursue these approaches because of the incredible potential I see in human consciousness and growth. Each modality I use allows clients to access deeper layers of the self, fostering healing that goes beyond surface-level change.
Additionally, I am certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, an approach that uses bilateral stimulation exercises to help clients process and resolve trauma. I am also trained as a Clinical Hypnotist and a Board-Certified Clinical Art Therapist. All of these healing methods reinforce my belief in integrative, holistic approaches that empower others to attain healing in their minds, bodies, and spirits.
A Little More About Who I Am
Outside of work, I’m passionate about refining my own studio art practice and supporting fellow artists. Meditation and martial arts are also central to my life, as they allow me to stay grounded and connected during difficult times. Creativity, mindfulness, and meaningful connection are woven into all these interests and engagements, and they are also vital to supporting and nurturing my work as a therapist.
I enjoy being actively involved in the community and I'm grateful to have taught courses at The University of Utah on empathy, connection, and visual arts. I’m always looking for new ways to connect with local academic and community groups to discuss art therapy and explore new healing opportunities. My experience as a member and former president of the Utah Art Therapy Association has taught me the value of collaborative learning and has enriched my commitment to advancing art therapy in our community and using it as a healing agent in my work with clients.
I would be honored to walk with you on your own healing journey, supporting you as you deepen your creativity and initiate transformation in every area of your life!
Kate Wingard is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and Board-Certified Registered Art Therapist in Midvale, Utah. She is the founder of Radiant Mind Wellness and holds a Master of Science in Clinical Art Therapy & Counseling from Mount Mary University and a Master of Fine Arts in Studio Arts (Ceramic Concentration) from the University of Utah.
Her advanced trainings include Clinical Hypnosis, EMDR Therapy, Developmental Needs Meeting Strategy, Ego State Therapy, Somatic Therapy, and Mindful Movement. Kate is a supervisor for provisionally licensed therapists as well as post-graduate Art Therapists. She is also an EMDR consultant in training through the EMDRIA International Association.
*Bell Hooks, All About Love. Harper, 1999.