Ben Kennert
Licensed Psychologist
Contact
Facts
My favorite superhero is Batman.
I am afraid of dolls, and find them creepy.
My favorite travel destinations have been New Zealand and Australia.
“They’ve got you looking so hard for any flaw that after a while that’s all you see.” – From Gattaca Movie
Profile
I live with my wife, Amber, my son Adrian, and my daughter Lola. In my free time, he enjoys reading books, comics, and graphic novels, playing video games, hiking, cycling, playing board games, traveling, soccer, cooking, and spending time with family and friends. I am a West Michigan native, originally from Muskegon, and love the natural beauty of the area. I believe strongly that happiness comes from having strong values and living by those values. I also feel that vulnerability, open communication, and a growth mindset are essential for being the best version of ourselves.
Education
Western Michigan University, Bachelor of Science degree in psychology, with a focus on Applied Behavior Analysis
Central Michigan University, Ph.D. in Psychology
Experience
I provide assessment and therapy services with children and adolescents and their families. I specialize in working with children and teens with Autism Spectrum Disorder, but also work with a variety of other diagnoses and presenting concerns as well. Examples of other concerns that include challenging behaviors; social skills; Depression; suicidal ideation; Anxiety; ADHD and executive functioning; anger; self-motivation, improvement, and goal-directedness; sleep concerns; food selectivity; learning difficulties; adaptive skills; tics or habits; Selective Mutism; adapting after significant life events; and improving health. I take an evidence-based approach to treatment, including intervention strategies from Behavior Therapy, Clinical Behavior Analysis (e.g., Acceptance and Commitment Therapy/ACT), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). I believe it is important to include parents in the treatment process through direct therapy or consultation, and other family, friends, or professionals as needed, and feel that teamwork and community connectedness are important for therapeutic progress. I try to bring light-heartedness and humor to the therapy process, and believe progress starts with a strong positive therapeutic relationship.