48: Join Ariel and Stef with special guest Shaelene, somatic DBT therapist and creator of Clinically Ever After, a Disney-based conference for mental health professionals. What started as a “what if” became a “what is.” This sold-out event brought clinicians and educators together at Walt Disney World, where they found community and reconnected with themselves. From navigating Disney logistics to creating a space that actually feels good to be in, this episode explores burnout, authenticity, and play in professional spaces. Sometimes you wish upon a star. Other times, you remember you are one.

Summary

00:00 Introductions and return from hiatus

01:35 What Clinically Ever After is and how it started

04:48 Behind the scenes of hosting at Disney

08:44 Logistics, costs, and figuring things out in real time

12:07 Personal Disney experiences and planning with familiarity

15:09 Designing a conference that feels fun and welcoming

19:36 Presentations, playfulness, and audience engagement

20:36 Attendee reactions and emotional impact

21:31 Creating a relaxed and open professional space

23:03 Pre-event community building and connection

23:58 Shared fandom as an entry point for relationships

26:13 Authenticity and showing up as yourself in professional settings

28:21 Group dynamics and navigating feelings of exclusion

31:37 Inclusivity across roles and disciplines

33:25 Burnout and the need for support in helping professions

34:52 Bonding through joy instead of stress

37:36 Creativity and play as ways to restore energy

42:26 What’s next: expanding the conference and new theme

47:20 Disney snacks and park culture differences

47:58 Closing thoughts and where to connect

Media/Characters Mentioned

• Disney / Walt Disney World
• Mickey Mouse
• EPCOT
• The Little Mermaid
• Bath & Body Works Disney Princess Collection
• Disneyland vs. Disney World

Topics/Themes Mentioned

• Burnout in clinicians and educators
• Community and belonging in professional spaces
• Authenticity in therapy and teaching
• Play and creativity as part of clinical work
• Neurodivergence and inclusive environments
• Designing engaging conferences
• Imposter syndrome and leadership
• Fandom as connection and identity
• Professional vulnerability
• Navigating large systems like Disney
• Sensory and environmental considerations
• Cross-disciplinary collaboration
• Rest, joy, and sustainable work

Links & Resources

Guest Links:

• Shaelene: @rebelmente/
• Clinically Ever After: https://clinicallyeverafter.com

Host & Show Links:

• Instagram: @HappiestPodGT
• Facebook: @HappiestPodGT
• Ariel on IG: @airyell3000

Geek Therapy Links:

• Website: www.geektherapy.org
• GT IG: @GeekTherapy
• GT Facebook: @GeekTherapy
• GT Facebook Group: @GeekTherapyCommunity
• GT YouTube: @GeekTherapy
• GT Discord: geektherapy.com/discord
• GT Forum: forum.geektherapy.com

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