About Kettering Counseling

Hi, I'm Ben Kettering, LPCA, MA, MEd, an empathetic and dedicated therapist. My diverse background in education and coaching informs my therapeutic approach.

As a therapist, I'm committed to fostering strong, trusting relationships with my clients. My style, infused with openness and humor, creates a comfortable environment.

My work draws heavily on Carl Rogers' client-centered therapy and Stephen Hayes' Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). These non-directive styles empower my clients to lead their therapeutic journey. If you'd like to learn more about these practices, I can share some informative YouTube links.

Before I became a therapist, I walked a unique path. As a history student and football team captain at Amherst College, I discovered the power of teamwork and leadership. Later, I taught American Literature and U.S. History at a boarding school in New Hampshire, coached basketball in Brooklyn, NY, and led my team to a state championship. During this time, I earned my Master's in Education and School Leadership from the University of Pennsylvania and was honored as the NY State Coach of the Year for Independent Schools.

I moved to Charleston to pursue a career in clinical mental health counseling and to be closer to family. My internship at the College of Charleston allowed me to continue working with athletes, and I served as a "mental coach" for the men's basketball team during a championship-winning season.

As a licensed therapist, I've continued working with college coaches, athletes, and students. However, my practice has also expanded to include a wide range of clients, including professionals facing leadership and change-related stress, veterans, and individuals grappling with issues such as anxiety, depression, grief and trauma.

My specialties include:

  • Supporting adults dealing with leadership and change-related stress,

  • Assisting college student-athletes,

  • Helping high school students and the stresses they encounter.

I also excel at couples counseling, where my understanding of team dynamics helps me guide couples towards effective communication, trust, and cooperation.

Please join me. Drawing from my rich experience and dedication, I'm here to help you develop a trusting therapeutic relationship.

“Eventually, I would turn toward my anxiety with an attitude of self-kindness and dispassionate curiosity, and then turn toward my own yearning to love and to make a difference, even though these were precisely the areas in my life where I felt the most vulnerable. ”
— Steven C. Hayes, Originator of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

Ben’s hobbies include Coaching basketball, live music, playing the guitar and singing, lover of all things food in Charleston, avid podcast listener, reader, and fan of comedy

Notable Experiences

College of Charleston (2022-2023)

  • Mental Coach (Volunteer) - College of Charleston Men’s Basketball 

  • Intern - College of Charleston Counseling Center

  • Life Coach - College of Charleston Athletics

Meeting Street School at Burns (2021-2022)

  • Behavioral Interventionist

West Ashley HS (2020-2021)

  • Head Boys Varsity Basketball Coach

Poly Prep Country Day School (2014-2020)

  • Head Boys Basketball coach, 2020 NYSAIS State Champions, 2020 NYSAIS Coach of the Year, Associate Director of Admissions 

Tilton School (2012-2014)

  • Assistant coach of nationally ranked basketball team. Coached current pros Wayne Selden and Terance Mann. Teacher of Am Lit, US History, dorm parent. 

Professional Career

Webster University, Charleston, SC

  • Master of Arts in Counseling, Clinical Mental Health 

University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA

  • Master of Science in Education, School Leadership

Amherst College, Amherst, MA

  • Bachelor of Arts in History

Education

My Vision

Take a look at a few videos to learn more about how I envision the counseling practice.

Services

  • My experience has uniquely prepared me to work with a wide variety of clients: adult-aged professionals who may be dealing with leadership and/or change-related stress, college student-athletes, and high school clients preparing for college.

  • My experience in team dynamics also makes me particularly adept at couples counseling, as I understand the importance of effective communication, trust, and cooperation in maintaining healthy relationships.