Dan Kendrick

Why I Am a Counselor and Who I Like Working With

I set-up my counseling practice so that I could assist people who were in need of the services I have to offer. I have a genuine love for people, am skilled at what I do and enjoy being of service when I can.

Among other things, I like working with people who may find themselves at a low point in their lives. The nice thing about a low point is that quite often there is no way to go but up!  Low points are very good at giving you a whole new perspective on your life. I have had years of experience counseling people who were experiencing depression, anxiety, relationship issues, the loss of a loved one through death or divorce, or some other challenging situation.

I work with people from all walks of life and hold sacred with respect the beliefs of whoever is in front of me, knowing that your personal beliefs are yours to sort out as you see fit.  I have been fortunate in my life to have the opportunity to relate to a wide variety of people.  Before I was a counselor, I worked for several large corporations, was in business for myself for a number of years, even founded a non-profit service organization.  As a result, I bring a lot of empathy and understanding to my clients. 

I was raised as a child in a faith community.  Since I have an intimate knowledge of that environment, I understand people of faith and what they work with.  I also have a good reference point for the spiritual perspective of life.  I welcome anyone who would like to include the spiritual along with the psychological aspects of an issue.  And some people just want to focus on the psychological aspects of their challenges.  Whatever your orientation, I can work with you.    

How I Came To Be a Psychotherapist

I experienced my first major “low point” in my life at the age of 13. After a rather traumatic event, I suddenly found myself dealing with depression and anxiety. You would think that I could have found some help somewhere.  But it was complicated. Due to my fear of being misunderstood, I did not feel comfortable sharing what was happening with me at the time with anyone else, so I mostly suffered alone. I knew of few resources where I could get help. So I know what it is like to suffer alone with a problem, having little hope that a solution can be found.

I am so grateful for that experience. It gave me a lot of empathy for those going through similar things. Later on as an adult, I found an abundance of solutions that I used to heal those wounds of the past. Now I really enjoy sharing what I have learned with others and witnessing their healing process. I love being a counselor and because it puts me in a position where I can give back to those who could use some assistance at this time in their lives.

I Have Learned From Some of the Best

I feel very blessed to have been under the tutelage of Dr.’s Ron and Mary Hulnick, who founded the University of Santa Monica where I graduated with a Master’s Degree in Applied Psychology. Ron and Mary are considered among the best in the field of psychology and much of my personal healing took place when I studied with them.  I have also studied at two different Seminaries which gave me more opportunities to hone my counseling skills.  

My Education is Grounded In “Real Life”

Though sometimes I would like to, I have never shied away from involvement in this world. I have had my share of lessons from the university of “hard knocks.” I am not complaining. Those lessons were usually exactly what I needed at the time and for that I am grateful. So my education has been well grounded in “real life” experience. As I mentioned above, I have worked in corporations, large and small. I founded a non-profit service organization where I facilitated over 100 personal and spiritual growth seminars from coast to coast. I was also successful in my own “for profit” business for 18 years. I have a great deal of experience in knowing how to overcome the challenges of everyday life that we all encounter.

What Is Unique About My Practice?

I have a unique ability to assist people in connecting with the valuable resources that are already inside of them.  Each session can become an experience of rich self-discoveries.  It is not so much about what I know.  It is more about what you come to know.  Once you discover what works for you, then you can apply that knowledge to bring about the results you are seeking.

I am good at helping people see their situation through new eyes.  What seemed at first like an insurmountable obstacle, can become a stepping stone.  No matter what is happening at this time in your life, you can use it for your learning and growth.  Sometimes you are so close to the forest that you can’t see the trees. That is where I can help. I bring all of the skills I have learned over a life-time to bear on your unique situation to help you find the solutions you seek.

What makes my approach work so well is the key element I call “loving.”  It has been said that “enough loving will handle anything.” I have certainly found that statement to be true and have watched it happen time and time again both personally and in my practice.

In Conclusion

I have lived in Longmont, Colorado, with my beloved wife Kate for the last 19 years. I enjoy spending time hiking in the great outdoors. Besides my counseling practice, I speak to and work with groups of people on the topics of personal and spiritual growth.

Schooling and Training

Masters of Applied Psychology, University of Santa Monica, Santa Monica, CA

Doctorate of Spiritual Science, Peace Theological Seminary and School of Philosophy, Los Angeles, CA

Bachelor of Arts, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX

Mediation Certification Training, San Diego Mediation Center, Vista, CA

Restorative Justice and Peace Making Circle Facilitation Training, Longmont, CO

Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies, Division of Professions and Occupations, Holder of State Board of Unlicensed Psychotherapist #0008201 since 2003.