Stephanie Baumgarten-Kustner, Clinical Psychologist

With advanced degrees from the University of Oregon, London University, and Leiden University, I’ve spent the past 20+ years working in both clinical and educational settings across the Netherlands.

My focus? Helping children and adolescents thrive emotionally, socially, and academically within the complex, multilingual worlds they inhabit.

Throughout my career, I’ve supported young people in:

Clinical day-treatment programs
Outpatient mental health care
Dutch special education schools
International school systems

Today, I’m deepening that foundation through a postdoctoral specialization in child and adolescent psychology, allowing me to bring even more depth and insight to my work.

In addition to clinical practice, I’ve also spent years as an educator and mentor, teaching developmental psychology and psychopathology at both applied sciences and university levels and guiding future psychologists through internships and thesis supervision.

Bubke is a Friese Stabij and is an assisstant psychologist helping out whenever she can

Therapeutic Approaches I Offer

Every child is different, which is why I use a wide range of evidence-based techniques tailored to each child’s needs, age, and cultural background. My therapeutic toolbox includes:

Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies
Such as CBT, DBT, REBT, and Schema Therapy—helping children manage thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in practical, supportive ways.
Mindfulness-Based and Acceptance Therapies
Including ACT and MBCT, to encourage emotional regulation, focus, and value-driven growth.
Emotion-Focused Approaches
Like Emotion Regulation Training (ERT), Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), and Structured Writing Therapy (SWT), ideal for children navigating social stress, anxiety, or identity development.
Somatic and Body-Oriented Work
Incorporating body-based techniques to help children connect with and regulate physical sensations linked to emotional experiences.
Solution-Focused and Systems-Based Methods
Including SFBT and STEPPS/ VERS (Dutch), focused on building practical skills for emotional predictability, problem-solving, and daily resilience.

Qualifications & Educational Background

With over 20 years of clinical and educational experience, I combine academic expertise with hands-on understanding of child development and mental health in international contexts.

I hold degrees from the University of Oregon, London University, and Leiden University, and am currently completing a postdoctoral specialization in Child & Adolescent Psychology.

Expertise in Developmental Psychology and Psychopathology
Teaching credentials for higher education and applied sciences (HBO/VWO)
Certified in didactic methods, educational development, and student assessment
Training in global citizenship education for university-level teaching
Experience in vocational education (MBO), including competence-oriented guidance
Lecturer and thesis supervisor for psychology students in the Netherlands
Certified Confidentiality & Integrity Counselor (Vertrouwenspersoon)
Certified Coach for education and healthcare professionals

Professional Registrations & Memberships

I am registered with key psychological organizations in both the Netherlands and the United States, ensuring my work meets the highest standards of ethical and professional care.

Nederlands Instituut van Psychologen (NIP) – including Basisaantekening Psychodiagnostiek (BAPD)
Currently completing the Child & Youth Psychologist NIP registration
American Psychological Association (APA) – Member No. 73038082
Stichting Kwaliteitsregister Jeugd (SKJ) – Registered Youth Psychologist (No. 130007700)
Vereniging LOGO (Landelijk Overleg GGZ Opleidingsinstelling) – Registration No. 22518637
Chamber of Commerce (KvK) – Registration No. 89690818