Meet Kelly Gonynor | Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, AAMFT Approved Supervisor, and Ceremonialist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kelly Gonynor and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kelly, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I love this question! I started my business in April 2020 following the start of Covid because I felt a deep desire to create community during such an isolating time. I created my LLC and then launched a Facebook group called Adventure Into Love. It was a place where people could connect and share what was on their heart. On Mondays I would go live and lead a meditation for Monday Morning Meditation. From there my business has continued to evolve and transform. Adventure Into Love’s vision is to create a world of love, compassion, and celebration by helping people fall in love with themselves and their relationships with others. The main areas of my business include therapy, coaching, ritual & ceremonies, and clinical supervision & mentorship.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Since the age of five I have been intrigued by names. Frieda, a spirited lady who helped raise me, shared the importance of knowing the meaning of your name. We discovered Kelly means “brave warrior.” The term warrior still astounds me and what it means to be a warrior. Throughout my journey from childhood to adulthood, I have embodied the meaning of Kelly by challenging myself and energetically focusing on helping others discover their inner strength and wisdom. In personal and professional environments, my role involves inspiring individuals with the courage to combat negativity, become comfortable inside their own skin, foster healthy relationships, and explore their sense of purpose in this lifetime.

It is amazing to look back and see where my love for coaching began. For most of my childhood and teenage years, I went to the gym three times every week for rhythmic gymnastics practice. Rhythmic Gymnastics was my safe place to express myself freely. My coach Charlene is an absolute gem and I credit her for helping me grow up confidently with a deep sense of self-trust. The gym is also where I coached young gymnasts and I would consider my first job to be in the realm of coaching. Following college, I coached high school and college students through an amazing organization called College Bound St. Louis. After a few years in St. Louis, I moved to Colorado to attend graduate school. I was enrolled in a course called Grief and Loss and it made such an impact on me I pivoted and applied for the Marriage and Family Therapy Program. Even though I spent an extra year in graduate school, I’m so grateful I listened to my intuition and decided to become a therapist.

There have been many challenges along the way. Becoming a Marriage and Family Therapist involves examining your life in a completely different way. You dive deep into family dynamics and realize your own familial patterns. You explore your past relationships and what kind of romantic partner you want to have. It is soul work and it requires a lot of courage. There have been so many people and experiences that helped me overcome these challenges. Ginormous gratitude for personal therapy, movement practices like yoga and dance, walks with my dog Mason Poo, meeting with mentors, time in the great outdoors, traveling abroad, laughing with family and friends, taking road trips throughout the United States, nature photography, and enjoying delicious food that all bring me back to my center.

I want the world to know that Adventure Into Love is a safe landing place for you to explore your deepest wishes and wildest dreams. I’ve always been a dreamer. I believe in the wildest dreams, and I promise I’ll believe in yours too. A big lesson I’ve learned is we are meant for more time, money, and creative freedom. We each deserve a life of love, compassion, and celebration. Another lesson I’ve learned is we must feel to heal. Nature is our best mirror and I incorporate many nature-based practices into my work with clients, whether 1:1, in groups, or during ceremonies. One of my favorite things is getting to collaborate with fellow healers, whether it is co-supervising Soulful Supervision, co-facilitating The Holding Circle, or co-leading retreats on the land.

Deep in my soul, I know my business is getting ready to place a big focus on ceremonial work. Ceremony is a way to express ourselves through our whole beings. Ceremony is an opportunity to enter into what is happening: it is the bridge. Ceremony gives us a practice to be in dialogue with the questions when there are no immediate answers. We enter into a deep place of self listening when in ceremony and feel surrounded by a supportive community. This is about interconnectedness and aliveness. If you’re looking for ideas on how to create a personally meaningful ceremony for yourself or a loved one -or- would like me to personally guide you through a ceremony, please do not hesitate to reach out. This can feel really vulnerable and know I will hold sacred space for you and the special people in your world.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I have lived in Fort Collins for over a decade and it has been an incredible place to live and call home 😊 We’ve had over thirty people visit us while living out here and it always helps us explore new places. Experiencing beautiful landscapes is a must in Fort Collins whether that includes hiking to Horsetooth Rock, floating the Poudre River, biking around town, or spending time at Lory State Park. There are so many incredible restaurants and shopping options in Old Town and don’t forget the Fort Collins Food Truck Rally on Tuesday nights at City Park during the summer months. Highly recommend Mishawaka Amphitheatre to see live music outdoors; the venue is stunning and sits right along the river!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
It’s hard to know where to begin with this shoutout because there are so many people to acknowledge and thank! First, I want to shoutout my parents who introduced me to love and adventure from the very beginning. This business feels like an extension of their love and support over the years. I want to shoutout my partner who is supportive of my fierce leadership style and entrepreneurial spirit. He encourages me to shoot for the moon every single time. Also, thank you to all of my loved ones, friends and family, who have encouraged me, shared about my business, and sent loving messages along the way. Being a business owner is one of the most spiritual journeys we can embark on and we can’t do it alone. Thank you to my ancestors and Great Spirit for guiding me always; I’d be lost without you.

Website: https://www.adventureintolove.com

Instagram: @free.bird.soul

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-gonynor-ms-lmft-a5b11158

Other: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/kelly-gonynor-fort-collins-co/1267702

Image Credits
Wedding Ceremony Picture – https://www.johndkphotography.com