Listen "Turning Grief into Purpose with Kimberly Stevens"
Episode Synopsis
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 coverKimberly’s journey from psychologist and grieving mum to tech founder and advocateThe moment she realized traditional therapy models weren’t enough for bereaved parentsHow she turned her personal loss into a mission-driven innovation that’s changing livesWhat it means to blend lived experience with professional training — ethically and powerfullyThe courage it takes to build something for the community you’re also healing withinThe emotional and practical realities of launching a mental-health app from scratchHow grief can be a catalyst for purpose, leadership, and systemic change3 Takeaways for TherapistsPurpose 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 & LinksLearn more about Kids Connecting Parents: kidsconnectingparents.comFollow Kimberly on Instagram: @kidsconnectingparents Join the Incubator Waitlist for therapists ready to build ethical, impact-driven programs: therapistsrising.com/incubator💬 Connect with Dr. Hayley KellyFollow on Instagram → @dr.hayleykelly Subscribe to Therapists Rising for weekly conversations about therapist innovation, leadership, and building sustainable impact beyond the therapy room.⭐ If this episode moved you…Please take a moment to subscribe, rate, and leave a review here. Your words help this show reach more therapists who need to hear that their story, their pain, and their purpose all still matter.