This past month reminded me that growth often arrives wrapped in equal parts excitement, gratitude, and a willingness to step into moments that stretch us.
Before the EMDRIA Conference began, our team enjoyed a day at Disneyland alongside friends and colleagues. It was one of those experiences that reminded me how important it is to balance meaningful work with meaningful connection. We shared laughter, adrenaline, great food, and a lot of joy together before diving into the long days and tireless work of the conference. Those moments of fun and camaraderie filled my cup in ways I didn't fully appreciate until the week unfolded.
In August, I had the incredible honor of presenting at the EMDRIA Conference on AI and Ethics in EMDR Counseling. What made the experience even more meaningful was that I had the opportunity to present with my husband for the very first time. Standing together in front of such a large audience was both exhilarating and nerve wracking. There is something uniquely vulnerable about sharing ideas you care deeply about with a room full of respected colleagues, and something equally empowering about discovering that those conversations resonate. I left feeling grateful, energized, and more convinced than ever that our profession needs thoughtful, ethical dialogue about how we integrate emerging technologies into clinical practice.
The conference was also a whirlwind of activity for Infinite Learning. We brought the Adaptable podcast studio on the road and recorded ten interviews with some truly remarkable contributors to our field. Sitting across from clinicians, researchers, educators, and innovators who have helped shape EMDR therapy was a humbling experience. Many of them have been pioneers whose work has influenced countless therapists and clients around the world. Every conversation left me learning something new, and I cannot wait to share this incredible playlist of conference episodes with all of you in the coming weeks.
Another exciting highlight was exhibiting at the conference with both Infinite Learning and Therapist Genie. One of the most encouraging themes I noticed throughout the event was the genuine curiosity therapists have about responsibly integrating intelligent software into clinical work. The questions, conversations, and enthusiasm reinforced something we have believed from the beginning: technology can support clinicians when it is developed thoughtfully, ethically, and with human connection at the center. While Therapist Genie is not yet open to public subscribers, hearing how many therapists are eager for tools that help them work smarter while preserving the integrity of the therapeutic relationship was incredibly encouraging. The interest we've received has only increased our excitement for what's ahead.
I'm also thrilled to celebrate the completion of our most recent EMDR Basic Training cohort. Seventeen participants successfully finished their training, and every time a cohort graduates, I find myself deeply inspired. Seventeen more therapists are now equipped with powerful tools to help clients heal from trauma and move toward greater wellbeing. When I think about the ripple effect that creates in families, communities, and future generations, I cannot help but feel hopeful.
If there is a lesson I am carrying forward from this month, it is that meaningful work is rarely accomplished alone. Behind every presentation, podcast interview, training cohort, and new innovation are relationships that encourage us, challenge us, and remind us why we started. Whether you're building something new, learning something difficult, or taking a leap that makes your stomach flutter a little, I hope you find moments of laughter, connection, and support along the way.
Thank you for being part of this journey. I am excited to share the insights, conversations, and inspiration from EMDRIA with you in the weeks ahead.
Much Love,
Kelly
Big feelings can be hard enough for adults to understand, so what happens when the people experiencing them are children? In this special episode, I sit down with my granddaughters for an honest, heartwarming conversation about emotions, mental health, and what it means to be human. Together, we talk about feelings like sadness, worry, frustration, excitement, and joy through the eyes of children, exploring how they make sense of the world around them and the challenges they face along the way.
We'll discuss why talking about feelings matters, what helps when emotions feel overwhelming, and how adults can create safe spaces for children to share what's on their hearts. Along the way, you'll hear the wisdom, curiosity, and honesty that kids often bring to conversations about mental health, reminding us that bravery doesn't mean being fearless, it means being willing to talk about what's really going on inside.
Whether you're a parent, grandparent, caregiver, educator, or simply someone who wants to better understand the emotional lives of children, this episode offers laughter, insight, and gentle reminders that every feeling has a purpose, and every child deserves to feel seen, heard, and supported. Join us for a conversation filled with big feelings, brave hearts, and the powerful connections that help us navigate life's ups and downs together.
