The Courage to Do Your Own Work: Sarah Buino on The Innovative Therapist

Chronic shame, developmental trauma, healing in community, and why the future of therapy depends on therapists embracing their own growth. This week, we're sharing a conversation originally recorded for The Innovative Therapist with Shawn Hondorp. What started as a typical podcast interview quickly became a conversation that helped me better understand my own work (thank you very much!) We talk about how chronic shame disconnects us from our agency, why therapists need to be honest about power dynamics, and what happens when we stop trying to "arrive" at healing and instead embrace the lifelong journey of becoming. In this episode: Why personal power and agency are essential to healing from developmental trauma How therapists unintentionally recreate harmful power dynamics in therapy and workplace settings The connection between chronic shame and self-abandonment Why therapists must prioritize their own healing work How creativity, play, spirituality, and community can become powerful pathways to transformation If you've ever felt frustrated by the limitations of traditional therapy, exhausted by workplace dynamics, or curious about what authentic healing really looks like, I think you'll find something meaningful here. Originally aired on The Innovative Therapist podcast in 2026. Many thanks to Shawn Hondorp for the invitation and conversation. If you haven't already, check out her show and add it to your listening playlist. The Innovative Therapist Retreat October 2026 with Shawn Hondorp Join The Therapist Network and receive 20% off your subscription tier when you enter the code SARAHROCKS. Join the waitlist for the next Authentic Leaders Group! This is a journey of self-discovery and leadership mastery, where you'll not only enhance your leadership skills but also forge meaningful connections with fellow therapists who are committed to their own growth and the betterment of the therapy field. Apply now! Thank you to The Therapist Network for sponsoring the show! The Therapist Network is a global community built by and for therapists. You'll find live consult groups, an ever-growing library of workshops and courses, plus a community that really sees you. Sarah's group, Tending to the Wounded Healer, meets every other Monday from 1–2pm CT, and it's a space to explore the intersection of your lived experience and your clinical work. So if you want to feel more supported and less alone, visit TheTherapist.Network—or join Sarah's group directly at tinyurl.com/HealerConsultTTN. UPCOMING EVENTS Check the calendar for opportunities to connect with Sarah and earn CEs. SUPPORT THE SHOW Conversations With a Wounded Healer Merch Join our Patreon for gifts & perks Shop our Bookshop.org store and support local booksellers Share a rating & review on Apple Podcasts *** Let's be friends! You can find me in the following places… Website Facebook @headheartbiztherapy Instagram @headheartbiztherapy