Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kristi Keding. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Kristi , thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about the things you feel your parents did right and how those things have impacted your career and life.

I realize that so much of my life, especially in my work and career, has been shaped by what my dad did right. He didn’t sit me down to tell me the value of hard work or resilience; he lived it.

One of my favorite memories happened in third grade on the playground. There was a set of monkey bars at my school that I was determined to conquer. But I didn’t want to cross in the usual way; I wanted to crab-walk. So, I got up there, started making my way across, and…fell. Hard.

When I told my dad what happened, he encouraged me —not to give up and to try again. So the next day, I tried again, and I fell again. But each time I got up and tried once more, he kept cheering me on.

Through that experience, my dad taught me the value of perseverance. He taught me that it was okay to stumble, to be knocked down, and even to fail. What mattered was getting back up and learning from each attempt.

My dad showed me that hard work is a process, not a one-time effort. This foundation has guided me in my work, helping me stay grounded through setbacks and encouraging others to keep going—because growth and success are always within reach.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m Kristi Keding, a licensed therapist based in Ogden, Utah, and founder of Illumine Therapy, Inc. I work with high-achieving mid-life adults who feel stuck or overwhelmed—people who may look like they “have it all” on the outside but are wrestling with stress, unresolved trauma, or a sense of disconnect from their true selves. I offer both in-person sessions in Ogden and online therapy for clients throughout Utah.

I love helping people overcome hardship, connect with their values, and live fulfilling lives. Over the years, I’ve trained in a blend of brain-body therapeutic methods, including EMDR, Brainspotting, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Each of these approaches addresses a unique part of the healing process and helps clients achieve lasting, tangible results in a way that feels direct, efficient, and personalized.

At Illumine Therapy, Inc., I focus on helping clients resolve the root causes of anxiety, trauma, and overwhelm so they can experience more peace, clarity, and presence in their lives. My clients come to me when they’re tired of temporary fixes and are ready for meaningful change. What I believe sets my practice apart is my commitment to quick, targeted results. I don’t believe therapy has to go on indefinitely for clients to see real progress. I work collaboratively, tailoring each treatment plan to the individual and checking in frequently to make sure the work we’re doing is creating momentum and change.

I’m most proud of helping clients reach breakthroughs they often didn’t think were possible. Nothing is more fulfilling than watching someone discover a renewed sense of purpose or peace after releasing old patterns and past hurts. I want potential clients to know that therapy with me is both a safe space and a focused process. We’ll work together in a way that respects their time and their goals, so they can start living a life that truly reflects who they are and what they value.

Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?

Outside of training and knowledge, I believe that feedback-informed treatment and the ability to deeply engage clients are the keys to meaningful and successful work in therapy. Feedback-informed treatment allows me to stay closely attuned to each client’s needs by actively seeking their input throughout our sessions. By listening and adapting based on their feedback, I ensure our work remains focused, efficient, and impactful.

Just as crucial is engaging clients in a way that makes therapy feel like a true collaboration. Clients need to feel safe, understood, and empowered. When clients are engaged, they’re more motivated and invested in the process, allowing for real, lasting changes. To me, this balance of informed feedback and genuine connection is what makes therapy effective and transformative.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

Key Person of Influence by Daniel Priestly helped me understand the power of personal branding in a service-based business. His approach showed me that being clear about my unique strengths isn’t just marketing—it’s essential for building trust and attracting the clients who’ll benefit most from what I offer.

Katie and Miranda from ZynnyMe have been invaluable mentors, teaching a practical approach to building sustainable, client-centered practices. Their focus on creating a financially viable business that aligns with my values has given me the tools to grow Illumine Therapy, Inc. without sacrificing my vision or quality of care.

Kelly Diels’ work on women and money in business has also been a game-changer. Her perspective on valuing women’s work helped me own the worth of what I do and build a practice that’s sustainable and impactful, without undervaluing my services.

These resources have shaped my business into something authentic and purpose-driven, with clients at the heart of everything I do.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.illuminetherapy.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/illuminetherapy/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/illuminetherapy/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristi-keding-680b01a1/

Image Credits

Tristen Sadler (Professional Headshots)