Episode 02: Actually, You Can: Healing, Belonging, and Creating Intentional Spaces — with Liz Frost

GuestLiz Frost, LICSW — Founder of Intentional Spaces PsychotherapyEpisode SummaryIn this powerful and deeply human episode of Spiritual Friction, Laurel LeMohn, trauma therapist and host, sits down with Liz Frost, LICSW—licensed therapist and founder of Intentional Spaces Psychotherapy—for an honest conversation about trauma, belonging, burnout, and what it truly means to create spaces that are safe—not just in theory, but in practice.Liz shares her winding path from ballet and biochemistry to social work, therapy, and eventually founding her own group practice in Washington State. Along the way, she reflects on childhood trauma, religious harm, systemic burnout in mental health, and the courage it takes to imagine and build something different.Together, Laurel and Liz explore how healing happens not through perfection or productivity, but through intentionality, community, ethical care, and a belief that meaningful change is possible when we’re willing to put action behind our values.This episode is an invitation to stop minimizing your pain, honor your resilience, and remember that healing, rest, and meaningful change are not only possible—they’re allowed.What We Explore in This EpisodeWhat it really means to create intentional, ethical healing spacesBurnout in mental health systems—and how to prevent itPhases of trauma healing: denial, grief, anger, and acceptanceKey Quotes“I think about my life as bonus content now. I’m just doing side quests to help the world.”“Actually, you can heal. It might not be on the timeline you want—but actually, you can.”“Burnout doesn’t happen all at once. It happens quietly, without street signs.”Why This Conversation MattersSo many people—especially helpers, clinicians, and caregivers—are taught to push through exhaustion, silence their needs, and call it dedication. This conversation gently but firmly challenges that narrative.Liz reminds us that ethical care begins with intentional systems, honest self-reflection, and the courage to imagine safer ways of living and working. If you’ve ever felt overextended, unseen, or unsure whether rest and healing are truly allowed, this episode offers both validation and hope.About the GuestLiz Frost, LICSW, is a licensed therapist and the founder of Intentional Spaces Psychotherapy. With nearly a decade of clinical experience, Liz specializes in trauma, religious harm, burnout, and relational healing.Connect with Liz:Instagram: @yourhonesttherapistInstagram: @intentionalspaceshealingPodcast: With IntentionPractice Website: https://intentionalspaces.comAbout the HostLaurel LeMohn is a trauma therapist, somatic wellness coach, and host of Spiritual Friction: A Space for Deep Feelers — a podcast exploring healing, personal growth, and what it means to be human through heartfelt, reflective conversation. Her integrative approach weaves together trauma-informed care, narrative therapy, nervous system regulation, and spirituality to create grounded, compassionate spaces for healing.Explore more episodes, resources, and future conversations at:https://www.soulbodywellness.healthCommunity & SupportIf you're longing for a safe place to land, you're warmly invited to join our free community gathering on the first and third Tuesdays of each month at 6:00 PM PT—a space to slow down, connect, and be held in community.Some conversations invite reflection. Others invite us into deeper work. If you're seeking individualized support, I offer virtual trauma-informed therapy for adults throughout California and Washington through Redwood Coast Psychotherapy.Learn more at:https://www.redwoodcoastpsychotherapy.comStories held with care.DisclaimerSpiritual Friction: A Space for Deep Feelers is a storytelling and educational podcast and is not a substitute for medical or mental health care. Listening does not establish a therapeutic relationship. If you are in distress, please seek support from a qualified professional or emergency services.