Rebecca Kenyon, Psy.D., LMFT, is the director of clinical training for PLNU’s Master of Arts in Clinical Counseling (MACC) program. In her role, she oversees the clinical placements for students completing their prepracticum and practicum experiences.
“I have a passion for developing the whole person and supporting students through what is often their most stressful year of clinical training,” she said. “I enjoy helping students shape the path to their career and future.”
As a psychology professional, Kenyon places a high value on caring for the whole person — mind, body, and spirit. She knows that for her family, pets make a positive difference in managing stress and mental health.
That’s why, in 2022, she and her family headed to the San Diego Humane Society. They had researched potential cats to meet online, but the day they arrived, there were many people trying to adopt. By the time it was their turn, some of the cats they had read about had already found new homes. Thankfully, there were still many loving animals available. They met a 5-month-old kitten named Whistle who was immediately responsive to his name and eager to play. “My younger son, Evan, who was 9 at the time, fell in love with him,” Kenyon said. Next they met Winnie, a 4-month-old tuxedo cat who immediately began rubbing on their hands wanting to be petted. Her older son, Erik, felt a bond with her.
“I love that the cats bring out this gentle nurturing side of my boys. The cats are healing and nurturing for them, and they are for the cats.”
Once they arrived at home, Winnie learned to fetch and entertained them with her antics. Whistle “became a cuddlebug.” He loves playing with the water in his drinking fountain-style water dish. Since Whistle is a large cat and Winnie extra small, they make a cute pair. They both bonded with the whole family but each especially with the one of her boys who first connected with them.
“I love that the cats bring out this gentle nurturing side of my boys,” Kenyon said. “The cats are healing and nurturing for them, and they are for the cats.”
Whistle and Winnie have been faithful constants during Evan’s transition to middle school and Erik’s transition to high school.
“For me, my love of cats has always been there,” Kenyon said. “Having Whistle and Winnie has made me feel that connection with my family.”
