The lessons just keep coming and help me to dig in. A couple of weeks ago, I found myself in the middle of a crying marathon I didn’t even know I needed. It caught me off guard—one moment I was pushing through the day, on the heels of our much-needed work retreat and the next I was releasing what felt like a year’s worth of emotion. I hadn’t realized how much I’d been holding in, how long I’d been operating as a human doing instead of a human being.
Sometimes, we don’t notice how empty our tank is until we’re stranded emotionally, still trying to run a thousand more miles. Between my mom’s surgeries, our sweet dog’s surgery, prepping for and attending the EMDRIA conference, and the everyday demands of running a business, there wasn’t much steam left. And yet, I kept going—until my body and heart said, “enough.”
That release gave me space. It surprised me. It reminded me that we need to give ourselves permission to feel, to pause, to be. We can’t keep pouring from an empty cup and expect to thrive.
Thankfully, just before the conference, we carved out a day to go to Disneyland. It was a gift—time to play, to laugh, to reconnect with friends and colleagues, and to remember what balance feels like. Rest and play aren’t luxuries; they’re lifelines.
So, if you’re feeling stretched thin, I hope this is your reminder: let it out, refill your tank, and make space for joy. You deserve it.
Much Love,
Kelly
Here are a few photos from some of the fun we had at our retreat, Disneyland, and at the EMDRIA conference!
Check out my latest article: The Hidden Ways Childhood Trauma Shows Up in Adulthood—and How EMDR Can Help
Ever wondered what really happens behind the closed door of couples therapy?
Maybe you imagine endless fighting, a referee with a clipboard, or someone telling you who’s “right” and who’s “wrong.” The truth is very different—and a lot more hopeful.
In this episode of Adaptable, Justine Bond, LMFT, and I are breaking down what couples therapy actually looks like, from the first session onward. We’ll talk about the common myths (no, it’s not about blaming one partner), the real goals (building understanding, connection, and tools), and the small but powerful shifts that can turn conflict into growth.
You’ll learn what to expect in your first sessions, how therapists help create a safe and balanced space, and why showing up together doesn’t mean your relationship is broken—it means you’re willing to strengthen it.
We’ll also cover the tricky moments: what to do if one partner feels hesitant, how to handle vulnerable emotions without shutting down, and why therapy is less about “fixing problems” and more about learning new ways to communicate and connect.
If you’ve ever thought, “I don’t even know where to start” when it comes to couples therapy, this episode is your roadmap.
Your relationship deserves the chance to thrive.
Listen below!
