Ki Smith - Why Curiosity is the Best Catalyst for Change
"I can't guide others to places I haven't gone myself." – Ki Smith
It’s clear that both our profession and society are at a pivotal crossroads. So, fellow therapists, will we rise to the universe's call to evolve, or will we allow the field to regress into stagnation? Choosing growth requires us to build communities rooted in accountability and collective care. On the other hand, cynics argue that we lack the resolve to challenge the oppressive systems that constrain us. They're betting on us to retreat further into isolation and apathy.
Ki Smith holds a steadfast belief in the collective's capacity to heal and transcend the fractures of our current moment. A psychotherapist, coach, mediator, and facilitator of power-conscious nonviolent communication, Ki is also an affiliated teacher with the Right Use of Power Institute. Together, we delve into what it takes to nurture relationships—both personal and professional—where communal care, shared wisdom, and people-powered transformation take center stage. Yes, this work is challenging, but if anyone can guide us away from supremacy culture and toward a beloved community, it’s Ki.
“We need to sit with ourselves to heal, and when we do, the effects ripple out to everyone we’re connected to,” Ki reflects. As an advocate for exploring our shadow selves, they emphasize that this self-exploration is crucial if we hope to truly accompany our clients in their journeys. “Self-energy draws out self-energy. Healing within ourselves creates space for others to heal.” Ki challenges therapists to focus on “being with” clients rather than trying to “fix” them—embracing the discomfort and complexity of human experience. They remind us, “Being with isn’t passive; it’s deeply intentional.”
Beyond the therapy room, Ki encourages everyone—especially white folks—to recognize how close they already are to the possibility of beloved community. Building something new isn’t necessary; instead, they point to the beauty in what already exists. “There are so many pockets of community that are rich, vibrant, and deeply developmental,” Ki shares. Once again, curiosity is key. Ki urges us to notice the resources and connections that are constantly surrounding us, waiting to be embraced.
MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
ACT - Acceptance & Commitment Therapy
How To Survive The End Of The World
African Education Festival 2025 in Rwanda - My session is Trauma Informed Teaching- Supporting the Wellbeing of Students and Teachers
GUEST CONTACT & BIO
Ki Smith (she/they) is an Internal Family Systems (IFS)-trained contemplative psychotherapist, coach, mediator, and facilitator of Power-Conscious Nonviolent Communication, and an affiliated teacher with the Right Use of Power Institute. Ki works with individuals, dyads, and groups to support restoration, healing, and transformation. She is passionate about co-creating beloved community where collective care is valued, collective wisdom is centered, and collective power is strengthened.
Let’s be friends! You can find me in the following places…
