I was recently interviewed on Voyage Utah Magazine. Here is the entire article, which originally appeared here.
Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristi Keding
Hi Kristi, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started Illumine Therapy, Inc. in 2019. I never imagined owning a private practice. I was working in various settings with different employers and diverse clients since 2010, finding value in each experience but always sensing there was something more out there for me.
Then, I started to feel a pull. A belief that things could be different. A combination of inspiring podcasts and new ideas led me to the idea of being my own boss. I wanted to create something that aligned with my vision, and it became a drive I couldn’t ignore.
Starting Illumine Therapy, Inc. took tenacity and a willingness to face new challenges. I didn’t realize I would grow so much from owning a business. Along the way, I’ve held close a question: “Can this be different? And if so, how?” This question has driven me not only to build my practice but to do it in a way that respects my own work-life balance and stays true to what matters to me. I believe my clients feel that sense of balance and authenticity because they’re looking for it too.
Every step has been about aligning my business with my values and creating a place where others can find balance, growth, and the courage to live their own lives in full alignment.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Starting Illumine Therapy, Inc. has been fulfilling, but the road has had its challenges. Marketing, for one, wasn’t something I was taught in graduate school and I didn’t anticipate how much I would need to do. And do it consistently. Therapy is such a personal service, and learning how to reach people in a way that felt authentic, took time and patience and still does.
Building a steady client base was also challenging at first. There were days of uncertainty, wondering if people would find me or choose me as their therapist. Unlike a traditional job, private practice doesn’t come with a guaranteed paycheck, so I had to adjust to the ups and downs of unpredictable revenue.
But these challenges have strengthened my resilience and shaped how I show up as a therapist. Every hurdle has made me even more committed to creating a practice that’s genuine, effective, and aligned with my needs and the needs of my clients.
We’ve been impressed with Illumine Therapy, Inc. , but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My mission is to help high-achieving adults who feel stuck or overwhelmed break free from old patterns and reconnect with their true selves. I specialize in therapeutic approaches that go beyond traditional talk therapy, integrating EMDR, Brainspotting, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). These methods are designed to address chronic over-extending, reduce anxiety, work with past trauma and create lasting change by working with both the mind and body.
What sets Illumine Therapy, Inc. apart is my commitment to practical, results-driven therapy. I believe therapy should bring tangible, meaningful results without feeling endless or drawn-out. On average, my clients are with me for 12 sessions. My approach is collaborative and adaptable, allowing clients to experience progress quickly and feel more present and fulfilled in their lives. I’m proud of creating a practice that prioritizes a balance between efficient healing and deep, sustainable transformation.
For me, it’s essential that my clients feel truly heard and understood. Every session is tailored to meet their specific needs, and I genuinely value their feedback, using it to refine and personalize our work together. My goal is to empower clients to reconnect with their values, find clarity, and build lives they feel aligned with.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
I can’t help but think of Lisa, a mentor who saw potential in me. After I graduated with my bachelor’s degree, I started working at a nonprofit. I was grateful for the experience but felt somewhat directionless, unsure of where my path was heading.
That’s when Lisa stepped in. She took me under her wing, guiding me through the challenges and showing me the impact I could have in the mental health field. She saw my dedication to helping others and encouraged me to consider going back to school for my master’s in clinical mental health counseling. Lisa’s mentorship came at a crucial time when I felt lost, and her support gave me the confidence to pursue this career.
