Kelly Powers Therapy

10/20/2026

I’m no stranger to the grief that comes when a leader is revealed to be a source of harm. Still, I was gutted to learn recently that a teacher I trusted had been exposed for abuse of power and sexual harm. This rupture dismantled what I believed was wisdom that I had integrated into my own professional work. I’m also navigating feelings of betrayal for the ways I entrusted my own personal grief to his teachings.

I consider it a grace that my friend Chuck DeGroat’s book Who You’re Becoming arrived at my home, serving as a kind companion to not only my grief but also a balm against cynicism. Chuck examines the slow and intentional work of cultivating character, and he pushes back against a culture that tempts us to be relevant, influential, or revered. This book not only gave me guidance to grieve and tend to my own harms from unhealthy leaders, but ultimately invited me to examine my own path towards character. Each chapter offers practices that engage you with your soul and body, along with a rich list of resources for further study. I particularly appreciated the chapter “Ripened”, an exploration of suffering. He explores how safety, mentors, community, and living a story of purpose help to alchemize our sorrows.

If you find yourself weary of leaders, gurus, influencers...
If you are at the threshold of your own reckoning and awakening...
If you desire to see yourself and this world realign with love...
I highly recommend this book

08/13/2026

My engagement with stories is influenced by several approaches including: attachment theory, interpersonal neurobiology, trauma therapy, polyvagal, internal family systems, relational psychodynamic, and soulcare.

But it always starts with seeing the unique and beloved human sitting before me.

If you are needing to tend to your story, I have a few openings this fall (in person and telehealth)

05/29/2026

For five years, I have tended to hundreds of stories with my “fellow travelers” (Irvin Yalom’s
loving phrase for the therapist and client relationship) in this office. In the middle of Covid, I joined Alliance Counseling Group, launching into a second career as a therapist. The
leadership, staff, and my fellow therapists were significant in enriching my work.

And now I’m entering into the next phase of my vocation, establishing a solo practice. Starting
June 1st, I will continue my work of guiding others towards healing and wholeness at a new
location: 967 Spaulding Ave SE, Ada MI 49301. This new space also marks exciting additions
to my work:

• 𝗮𝗱𝗷𝘂𝗻𝗰𝘁 𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝘁 𝗪𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿𝘆
• 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗴𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗳
• 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗽𝘆 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗮𝗻 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝘀𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗵𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆.

As I cleaned out my office at Alliance, I sat one last time in my chair, marveling at the sacred
moments that existed in those four walls. I continue to feel humbled and honored that so many have entrusted me with their sorrows, wounds, and hopes. What a gift that I get to continue to bear withness with my “fellow travelers”

04/30/2026

Last week I ended teaching my first course at in their counseling program. It was an honor to engage with this cohort of compassionate students, many stepping into the calling as a therapists.

It’s a humble, deepening and sacred role we hold as therapists. To bear withness to another humans story.

This is part of a blessing I offered them. If you find yourself stepping into this new role, thank you for stewarding your compassion.

04/07/2026

A Stellar Cairn

The journey of the Artemis II has captured humanity’s heart for multiple reasons. But this moment resonates with the most tender human experience, grief.

In between sessions and class prep, my heart continues to gravitate to this scene. It is flooding the feeds, affirming that we are hungry for reminders of compassionate connection.

What an honor to be able to bear witness to this stellar cairn.

07/27/2025

When we see grief isn't something to "fix", but with compassionate tending, it is alchemized into a beautiful aspect of being human.

Watch the newest video from Big Think: https://bigth.ink/NewVideoJoin Big Think Edge for exclusive videos: https://bigth.ink/Edge----------------------------...