117: Healing the Helpers: Emotional Labor, Boundaries, and Community with Kara Cruz

In this episode of A Simple Therapy Podcast, Sindee Gozansky talks with Kara Cruz, LMFT, PMH-C, a therapist, supervisor, and community builder dedicated to "healing the helpers." Kara has created spaces like the Supervisor Circle and Therapist Group Bootcamp to support clinicians in their professional and personal growth. They dive into the emotional labor of caregiving professionals, how fear and self-abandonment keep therapists from setting boundaries, and why building supportive communities is essential to prevent burnout. Kara also shares her passion for group work, offering practical wisdom for creating groups that expand impact while strengthening connection. This conversation is a reminder that therapists are human too—and caring for ourselves with small steps and simple boundaries is the foundation of sustainable healing work. 00:00 - Introduction and Guest Welcome 02:40 - The Emotional Labor of Caregiving Professionals 05:11 - Fear, Boundaries, and the Cost of Self-Abandonment 07:51 - Kara's Journey to Supporting Therapists and Healers 14:32 - Building Community Through Supervisor Circle and Therapist's Night Out 25:05 - Kara's Path to Group Facilitation and Launching Therapist Group Bootcamp 32:05 - Stepping Out of Comfort Zones and Finding Confidence in Group Work 38:28 - Why Groups Matter for Accessibility and Connection 42:12 - Kara's Practical Advice: Start Small and Hold One Boundary Check out Berries: Berries Referral Link: heyberries.com/?via=heart-centered Discount code: Sindee50 for $50 off your first month Shop Mental Health Threads: https://mentalhealththreads.etsy.com   Connect with Kara Cruz Kara Cruz Instagram (@karacruzwellness) https://www.linkedin.com/in/karacruzwellness   Connect with Sindee Gozansky: Visit my website: asimpletherapypodcast.com/ Join the Heart-Centered Therapist Community FB group: 
facebook.com/groups/478651669638167 Instagram: 
instagram.com/heartcenteredtherapist/ YouTube: youtube.com/@asimpletherapypodcast LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sindeegozansky/   Want to be a guest on the podcast?  Email Sindee: [email protected]