By Zach Manges
The Cabin Counseling and Resource Center recently welcomed Bryan “Rob” Kern, the newest among its ranks of dedicated mental health care professionals.
“I’m working to restores people’s hearts. It’s incredibly rewarding,” Kern said. “The privilege of being able to get to know someone without them feeling afraid to talk about intimate problems is sacred ground.”
Kern graduated in 2011 from Purdue University with his bachelor’s in psychology. He is now completing his last 60 credit hours to earn a master’s degree in mental health counseling from Grace College. Though his career is not yet focused on a specific area of the practice, he hopes to work closely with clients on intimate problems in relationships as well as on the development of masculinity. As with many professionals, Kern’s path to his career was by no means a direct one.
“I was pursuing engineering and felt a calling from God to leave and switch to the psychology program. I took one class and it was really something I didn’t expect,” Kern said.
His faith in Christ was a central factor in directing Kern’s line of work, and he continues to integrate it in his practice when clients are open to it. Beyond this tenant of his career, Kern places emphasis on interpersonal relationships between client and therapist, focusing on the strengths of individuals to compensate for weaknesses, and finally narrative theory to allow clients to process their past, present, and future.
“How much my clients want to make faith and religion their own is at their discretion. It’s not something that’s ever placed upon them against their will,” Kern said. “It’s just case by case. From the work I’ve been able to do, every single client is unique.”
Created in 1999, Cabin Counseling was housed at Zionsville Presbyterian Church until 2010, when it moved to its current location in downtown Zionsville. Beginning with just two counselors, it’s since grown such that Kern’s addition makes for a staff of seven therapists, and he is eager to continue aiding those who come to see him.
“My favorite part of the counseling work is seeing lives and relationships restored, but I’ve always believed it’s not something that’s just done when there are problems,” Kern said. “I like to see people come in to develop, grow, and self-actualize and to become who they want to be and are meant to be.”
The Cabin Counseling Center • 220 S. Elm St., Zionsville • 873-8140
CUTLINE: Kern
