Overcoming trauma with care and skill
Provider Spotlight | Kendrick Kwoczalla, LMHC
You might say Kendrick Kwoczalla was destined to become a therapist. Even as a young person, he found himself talking with his friends’ parents about emotional topics. He was fascinated by the brain and its connection to feelings. In his words, “It’s just who I am.”
Today, Kendrick lives out his calling as a behavioral health provider at Open Door Health Services. He works with all ages and specializes in trauma, depression, anxiety, and youth with problematic sexual behaviors. In fact, he usually has the most challenging caseload in the behavioral health department.
“Kendrick is fearlessly dedicated to his profession, willing to witness the intense trauma of others and walk alongside his clients with care and commitment,” said one of his colleagues. Another described him as deeply compassionate and invested in his clients’ progress while maintaining healthy professional boundaries. He is a team player, never asks for recognition, and is always willing to help others despite the weight of his work.
For those struggling with significant trauma, Kendrick has found success using EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) therapy. “We can make more progress in a shorter amount of time with good EMDR techniques. That is especially important for clients who have not had success with other approaches,” he said.
Another one of his preferred techniques is humor. “When people come for an appointment, I want them to feel free to experience the wide range of emotions, even happiness. We don’t always have to focus on hard things,” said Kendrick. “When we do confront something difficult, humor can help us see things differently. It can relieve the mental discomfort of confronting incorrect beliefs about ourselves and our circumstances.”
Humor also is important in Kendrick’s personal life. “I love to laugh. I’m known as someone who brings a good time. In fact, I used to perform and host a comedy show in Muncie. I like a challenge.” He also prioritizes time at the gym and other forms of self-care to keep himself healthy and ready for the next client.
“I just want to help people. I want them to know they can tell me anything, and they will be accepted. I believe in their strength and potential to overcome their challenges.”