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Therapists Rising Podcast
Welcome to the Therapists Rising Podcast, where we share real, raw, and behind-the-scenes stories and lessons from Therapists who are thinking outside the traditional clinical box and choosing to do things differently in their careers. I’m your host, Dr. Hayley Kelly, and I myself have made the journey from a very experienced, but burnt out and unhappy, Clinical Therapist - to a successful entrepreneur who runs a business she loves, is thriving financially, and working and living life on her own terms. Join me, and be inspired, as I speak with other Therapists who too are broadening their horizons, and experiencing more abundance, joy, and fulfilment than ever before. Together we will laugh, soak up priceless wisdom and take actionable steps, to help you transition from clinical practice to non-clinical offerings, and diversify and amplify your income - all while honouring your wellbeing and having a work-life balance. If you’re ready to be inspired and take action on your dreams, then you’re in the right place, friend. This is the Therapists Rising Podcast.
Therapists Rising Podcast
Turning Grief into Purpose with Kimberly Stevens
After losing her teenage son Ethan to T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia, psychologist Kimberly Stevens faced the unthinkable — and chose to transform her grief into something that would help thousands of others.
In this conversation, Kimberly shares the story behind Kids Connecting Parents, an app she created to help bereaved parents find local, peer-based connection and support when professional services fall short.
⚠️ Content Warning: This episode contains discussion of child loss, grief, and bereavement. Please listen when you feel ready and have support available.
Her honesty cracked something open in me — and reminded me why I started Therapists Rising in the first place. Because when the system doesn’t work, we have two options: collapse under it, or build something new.
If you’ve ever questioned how to move forward after loss, burnout, or heartbreak, this episode will meet you right where you are.
Here’s what we cover
- Kimberly’s journey from psychologist and grieving mum to tech founder and advocate
- The moment she realized traditional therapy models weren’t enough for bereaved parents
- How she turned her personal loss into a mission-driven innovation that’s changing lives
- What it means to blend lived experience with professional training — ethically and powerfully
- The courage it takes to build something for the community you’re also healing within
- The emotional and practical realities of launching a mental-health app from scratch
- How grief can be a catalyst for purpose, leadership, and systemic change
3 Takeaways for Therapists
- Purpose can grow from the hardest things.
Your pain doesn’t disqualify you — it can inform the most meaningful, ethical, and innovative work you’ll ever do. - The system won’t always meet the need.
Kimberly’s story is proof that when traditional models fail, therapists can create new pathways — apps, programs, communities — that fill the gaps. - Lived experience is a superpower, not a liability.
When we stop hiding the human behind the professional, we create safer, braver, more connected spaces for healing.
💻 Resources & Links
- Learn more about Kids Connecting Parents: kidsconnectingparents.com
- Follow Kimberly on Instagram: @kidsconnectingparents
- Join the Incubator Waitlist for therapists ready to build ethical, impact-driven programs: therapistsrising.com/incubator
💬 Connect with Dr. Hayley Kelly
- Follow on Instagram → @dr.hayleykelly
- Subscribe to Therapists Rising for weekly conversations about therapist innovation, leadership, and building sustainable impact beyond the therapy room.
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