The Innovative Therapist

08/09/2026

This conversation with Hannah Berry of of was recorded back in May. And it was SO much fun.

Partly, I’ve just been busy. But when I sat down to edit and publish it, I also noticed a little perfectionism creeping in.

Shocking, I know. 😅

Hannah and I recorded in person at the beautiful studio in Grand Rapids, and the creative energy was flowing. This conversation is full of creativity, joy, and reminders of what becomes possible when we let ourselves make things, connect, and lead in our own authentic way.

So, for perhaps the millionth time, I’m reminding myself... and you:

Perfectionism kills creativity.
And joy.

Tune in to this episode of The Innovative Therapist wherever you listen to podcasts to hear our conversation about creative leadership, how it helps build thriving economic communities, and how it can heal us.

Then go take your next messy, imperfect creative action. And then let us know how it goes. ❤️

Huge thanks to Eric and Layah at for hosting us, and to Hannah for sharing this conversation with me. AND for connecting me with so many wonderful creative people since we recorded.

07/09/2026

This conversation with Hannah Berry of 🍌 Hannah Berry 🫐 of Lions & Rabbits Center for the Arts was recorded back in May. And it was SO much fun.

Partly, I’ve just been busy. But when I sat down to edit and publish it, I also noticed a little perfectionism creeping in.

Shocking, I know. 😅

Hannah and I recorded in person at the beautiful Carbon Stories studio in Grand Rapids, and the creative energy was flowing. This conversation is full of creativity, joy, and reminders of what becomes possible when we let ourselves make things, connect, and lead in our own authentic way.

So, for perhaps the millionth time, I’m reminding myself... and you:

Perfectionism kills creativity.
And joy.

Tune in to this episode of The Innovative Therapist wherever you listen to podcasts to hear our conversation about creative leadership, how it helps build thriving economic communities, and how it can heal us.

Then go take your next messy, imperfect creative action. And then let us know how it goes. ❤️

Huge thanks to Eric and Layah at Carbon Stories for hosting us, and to Hannah for sharing this conversation with me. AND for connecting me with so many wonderful creative people since we recorded.

31/08/2026

Despite everything, this convo had me feeling hopeful.

Because there are SO many ways to help people...

I had the privilege of interviewing .gobbel (incredible former licensed social worker, author, and creator an incredible membership community for parents of kids withbaffling behaviors). We recoded this several weeks ago and it's finally out!

The more I talk to different therapists working in a variety of ways, the more I realized how common it is for us to judge one another, when we don't want to look inward.

Robyn didn't necessarily choose to stop being a therapist, and yet in this episode you hear the positive impact doing her work differently has had on her family and personal life.

You also hear about the impact she is having on SO many families around the world, many of whom were cast aside and left without resources or supports.

I think it's important that as therapists (and all humans), we really work hard to notice when we are judging others and look inward instead. Whether it's working to have a private pay practice with premium rates, doing innovative work like Robyn, or starting a non-profit providing free play therapy to huge amounts of people (shoutout to Jacqueline Scherer of ), there are many ways to do deeply meaningful work, and it's okay to want to get paid well so we can continue to care for ourselves and our loved ones.

So here's to an amazing convo, and continuing to do our own work, and also move towards finding ways to deeply care for ourselves as well.

Now go listen to my convo with Robyn on The Innovative Therapist podcast wherever you get podcasts! It's such a good one.

25/08/2026

Last Thursday, I hosted my 1st Mother-Daughter Play & Connection event at the beautiful New Growth Project farm. Afterwards, my 9-year-old daughter turned to me and said, "I really felt like myself tonight, mom."😭😭

Less than 24 hours later, I spoke to 120 women as the warm-up speaker to the amazing Yasmine Arrington Brooks (Yasmine (Yaz-meen) Arrington Brooks | Motivational Speaker) at the last RockStar Woman Movement SOAR session, under the leadership of Shannon Cohen.

I shared how tremendously healing play and creativity have been for me. Even more than therapy in many ways.

As I reflected on why the event was so special to me, the answer was pretty simple.

My daughter already said it:
I felt like myself.

I was authentically me. A little nervous. Wearing second-hand jeans and a comfy RSW t-shirt. Sharing my truth, and helping others experience a little taste of play for themselves.

So often, work roles can pull us away from who we truly are. The role of therapist has done that for me at times. But it doesn't need to be that way.

I'm coming back to myself more and more every day, and you can too.

I work with helpers and creatives to help them develop self trust, and ultimately work and personal lives that are nourishing, not depleting.

If this is intriguing to you, let's talk.

Until then, here's to being more of ourselves each and every day.

24/08/2026

Still processing my gratitude for this beautiful event last week. I’m still obsessed with all the colors.

So grateful for Liz of Liz for her willingness to collaborate and create a connection focused watercolor class.

Grateful for the moms and daughters who trusted me to do my first family friendly event focused on play and connection.

And last but not least SO grateful for New Growth Project farm for providing one of the most beautiful backgrounds I’ve ever had for an event. And even allowing everyone to cut their own bouquet.💐

If you aren’t already, follow New growth project farm and see all the amazing things they are doing to provide meaningful work for people with disabilities.💜

If you’re interested in future events focused on play and connection, make sure you click the link in my bio and / or message me!

I’ll be breaking down the process of creating these event in a future podcast so make sure to follow the innovative therapist podcast so you don’t miss it!

19/08/2026

I am incredibly uninterested in the default option for therapists, parents, or women… hard pass.

Check out this weeks podcast episode 171 on The Innovative Therapist podcast titled:
You dont need more information, you need more self trust all about therapists who judge other therapists, and how it’s time to walk the talk and reclaim ownership in this essential work we are doing

17/08/2026

In the world of AI and information overload, self-trust and inner leadership has never been more essential. Looking to re build self trust? Or lets be real for many of us, build it for the first time? Join us in Norton Shores this October 5-8 for a 3 night immersive retreat. Private chef curated meals, yoga, dance on the beach, lots of creativity and play. 2 months of post retreat integration support to integrate the desires that came alive for you on the lake. Message me to discuss further!

A restorative Lake Michigan retreat and two-month integration experience for deeply capable women ready to trust themselves and create lives that feel nourishing rather than depleting.

16/08/2026

So grateful this gets to be my life.
That I get to be part of art like this.💜🥹

I don’t post pics of my kids on social but if I did I would also post a pic of them having so much fun together in the pool earlier tonight.

This stuff: art, moving, expressing, following your desires, being present in the moment. This is what it’s about, people.

So freaking grateful.
Threshold Dance Project
The Blue Hour Studio

14/08/2026

Mother daughter play and connection event is next Thursday! Join us if you have a daughter aged 7-13 or share with someone who would love this!! New Growth Project

13/08/2026

Retreat is coming up! Oct 5-8,2026 Norton shores Michigan. Message me for more detail!