Get to Know Kolten Van Kennedy, MA, CTP, NCC

Willamette Wellness Center is home to many talented professionals. I recently chatted with Professional Counselor Associate, Kolten Van Kennedy, to learn more about his career and life outside the profession.

What brought you to this profession?
Ultimately, I wanted to help the world. After experiencing my own trauma healing, I wanted to share with others what can be possible through healing and personal growth.

In working with at-risk youth I discovered I was often filling a relational role. Many of the young people I interacted with were abused, neglected and invalidated. They truly felt as though nobody cared. To explore these feelings further, they would test boundaries. Most of the time, this is seen as an act of defiance, but kids are really just reaching out to see if anyone cares. Whether they realize it in the moment or not, young people want someone to set boundaries. They want to know someone is willing to guide them. When this happens, they feel taken care of. They know someone is on their side – everyone should have this opportunity.

What does a win in a session look like?
Moving beyond black and white, polarized thinking and being capable of seeing a gray area or middle ground. Being ok with not knowing what is going to happen, but willing to try. 

Sometimes I will bring family members into a session – this allows me to see a lot more of what is going on and see where compromise can be accomplished.

True healing from a client comes when they can say, “It’s ok. Doing our best is enough.” 

When we are little, we learn ways to act through exposure and modeling. But, you do not have to (re)act this way. There are parts of yourself you can change…if you want. 

When a client is able to move past judgment (personal or beyond), to discover ways to cope or change, is when true healing can begin.

What brought you to WWC?
Willamette Wellness Center’s use and familiarity with the same trauma-informed modalities that I am personally drawn to. I like the way things are run here and the way Arin works with people.

What do you do in your free time?
I like to travel and hike. Being in nature is a part of my own healing process.

Phrase for 2023: Synergy

Anything else?
Therapists have to do our own work, we are on the same level as you. I really am PASSIONATE ABOUT THIS WORK –  I LOVE IT!

Learn more about Kolten’s professional background and specialties.