
Conversations With a Wounded Healer
Who’s a wounded healer? It’s any one of us who works in a caring profession and is bravely doing their own work, while helping others. My goal is to share the parallel journey we as healers walk along with our clients and how we attend to our own humanity while caring for others.
My podcast is about conversations and community building, what we can learn from each other, and how we can help heal each other. We’re cultivating a space where we celebrate vulnerability, authenticity and “showing up.”
It’s a place to meet people I think will inspire you, help you heal and grow – and who you can relate to at the same time.
I’m inspired by C.G. Jung’s “wounded healer” concept, where the healer’s own hurt that gives the measure of his own power to heal.
Another one of my heroes, Brene Brown, puts it best: “Mindfully practicing authenticity during our most soul-searching struggles is how we invite grace, joy and gratitude into our lives.”
Together, I hope this marriage of vulnerability and professionalism will inspire and entertain you...enjoy!
Latest episodes

May 28, 2025 • 27min
289 - Tamila Gresham, Part 1 - Therapy is Political: Learning the Actions to Go With the Activation
Some advice for therapists and those in adjacent healing professions: This (gestures wildly at everything) is not the time to close ranks. We’re being called to proceed with less ego and more accountability. Lately, however, anger (much of it warranted) and impatience have turned accountability into more of a cudgel than the intended call-in. Tamila Gresham is here to reconnect us to core strategies that have always worked but may have gotten away from us in the current social climate (see: anger and impatience). Tamila is co-founder of Harmonize, a consulting firm that helps organizations bridge the gap between values, vision, and impact. Tamila centers justice and heart-work in her efforts to change organizations and the world. She’s our people, and you’re gonna love her as much as I do. GUEST BIO Tamila Gresham is a co-founder of Harmonize, a consulting firm helping organizations bridge the gap between values, vision, and impact. She's a life-long educator, with formal education in law, sociology, & philosophy. She centers justice and heart work in her efforts to change organizations to change the world. *** Join the Group Practice (R)evolution! GPR is a new platform and podcast series offering insights from owners, employees, and experts, and resources to support this wildly ambitious vision for the future. For a limited time, podcast listeners can get a full year of membership for only $19.99 by using the discount code PODCAST. Visit: https://tinyurl.com/GPRPodcast and click on “have a coupon” and enter PODCAST to enjoy all the perks of Group Practice (R)evolution for a year! 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

May 21, 2025 • 40min
Group Practice (R)evolution: The Ideals of Therapy vs the Limitations of Capitalism with Jeff Levy
How can we learn from past experiences to improve future practices? You may not know this but LGBTQ-focused group practices are a fairly recent development in our field. Jeff Levy recounts his journey from co-founding Live Oak, in Chicago, to his current solo private practice with a focus on virtual therapy and consultations. He and Sarah discuss the evolution of group practices, market shifts post-COVID, and the challenges of maintaining a practice including capital investment, balancing client and staff needs, and transparency in financial operations. *** Group Practice (R)evolution is a new platform and podcast series offering insights from owners, employees, and experts, and resources to support this wildly ambitious vision for the future. Podcast episodes are available for free in this feed for a limited time. If you want to hear more episodes like this one and access Sarah’s “why do you stay?” interview template… Join other leaders in the Group Practice (R)evolution! Available episodes include: Sustainable Solutions for Staff Retention and Satisfaction with Jennifer Froemel Creating Emotional Safety, Belonging, and Buy-In With Your Staff with Mirjam Quinn Regular podcast listeners can get a full year of membership for only $19.99 by using the discount code PODCAST. So visit: https://tinyurl.com/GPRPodcast and click on “have a coupon” and enter PODCAST to enjoy all the perks of Group Practice (R)evolution for a year! *** About Our Guest: Jeff Levy, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker with over 30 years of experience. For the past six years, he has maintained a private practice, where he offers psychotherapy, consultation, and training to fellow clinicians. Prior to that, he spent over 14 years as co-founder and CEO of Live Oak, Inc., a group practice in Chicago. Jeff began his career as a recreation therapist working with youth in foster care and residential settings—early work that shaped his enduring commitment to trauma-informed, LGBTQIA+ affirmative, and relational care. jrlevymsw@gmail.com www.jeffreylevylcsw.com

May 14, 2025 • 33min
288 - David Allen, Part 2 - The Beautiful Process of Really Hearing What People Want
David Allen is quietly and thoroughly advancing the notion of masculinity into a new era. He’s a tattoo artist working with post-mastectomy clients in Chicago. David is also a father who, despite his childhood wounds, has devoted himself to raising emotionally intelligent kids. It’s a path informed by his work with cancer patients, his ancestral lineage, and his commitment to therapy. If you missed the first half of our conversation, go back one episode where you’ll learn about David’s artistry and quest for self-awareness. GUEST BIO David Allen is a Chicago-based tattoo artist known for his bespoke floral designs that transform mastectomy scars into powerful expressions of healing and renewal. With a deep respect for each client’s voice and story, David approaches tattooing as a collaborative process — one that centers agency, artistry, and emotional care. His work is rooted in compassion, intention, and connection. Authentic Leaders Group Are you a therapist stepping into leadership for the first time? Or maybe you've been in a leadership position for a while, but are bumping up against new struggles? Our Authentic Leaders Group is here to help you become the authentic and wholehearted leader you aspire to be. And we believe this journey is best undertaken with the guidance of experienced mentors alongside fellow learners. Join Sarah in this journey of self-discovery and leadership mastery, where you'll enhance your leadership skills and forge meaningful connections with fellow therapists who are committed to their own growth and the betterment of the therapy field. Join the waitlist now to be part of the next Authentic Leaders Group! 1:1 With Sarah Wounded healers need supervision too. Sarah is passionate about fostering therapists’ personal and professional growth through mentoring, supervision, and consultation. Mentoring options are available for therapists who are looking for a transformative supervision experience and practice owners who are looking for customized support. Supervision not only plays a crucial role in the professional development and ethical practice of therapists, but also provides parallel process for our own healing. In consultations, Sarah helps practice owners align their business with their lifestyle goals. Together, we'll look at both the concrete business practices as well as the emotional stuff that complicates business ownership. Reach out to find out more and book! 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

May 7, 2025 • 29min
287 - David Allen, Part 1 - A Tattoo Artist Holding Space for Healing and Renewal
Look for the helpers. It’s a simple axiom meant to comfort small children, a reminder to find supportive adults in times of distress. But good advice doesn’t stop being good just because we’ve aged out of the original target audience. Adults need helpers, too. David Allen is an absolute gem of a helper, an art director turned tattoo artist who works with post-mastectomy clients in Chicago. While breast cancer survivors aren’t the whole of his business, David gratefully acknowledges the indelible mark that these warriors have left on his personal life and professional outlook. GUEST BIO David Allen is a Chicago-based tattoo artist known for his bespoke floral designs that transform mastectomy scars into powerful expressions of healing and renewal. With a deep respect for each client’s voice and story, David approaches tattooing as a collaborative process — one that centers agency, artistry, and emotional care. His work is rooted in compassion, intention, and connection. Authentic Leaders Group Are you a therapist stepping into leadership for the first time? Or maybe you've been in a leadership position for a while, but are bumping up against new struggles? Our Authentic Leaders Group is here to help you become the authentic and wholehearted leader you aspire to be. And we believe this journey is best undertaken with the guidance of experienced mentors alongside fellow learners. Join Sarah in this journey of self-discovery and leadership mastery, where you'll enhance your leadership skills and forge meaningful connections with fellow therapists who are committed to their own growth and the betterment of the therapy field. Join the waitlist now to be part of the next Authentic Leaders Group! 1:1 With Sarah Wounded healers need supervision too. Sarah is passionate about fostering therapists’ personal and professional growth through mentoring, supervision, and consultation. Mentoring options are available for therapists who are looking for a transformative supervision experience and practice owners who are looking for customized support. Supervision not only plays a crucial role in the professional development and ethical practice of therapists, but also provides parallel process for our own healing. In consultations, Sarah helps practice owners align their business with their lifestyle goals. Together, we'll look at both the concrete business practices as well as the emotional stuff that complicates business ownership. Reach out to find out more and book! 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

Apr 23, 2025 • 29min
286 - Steve Duke, Part 2 - Reimagining the Future of Therapy and Human Connection Beyond AI
Ready to dive into artificial intelligence in the therapy space?! Steve Duke, founder of The Hemingway Group, is back for part two of our conversation. Steve helps us think more purposefully about how we can AI-proof the relational component of therapy while acknowledging that the tech may make other aspects of the job easier, like note-taking. GUEST BIO Steve Duke (he/him) is the founder of The Hemingway Group - a business working with mental health organisations to help them succeed clinically and commercially. He also writes an industry publication called The Hemingway Report, which is read by thousands of mental health operators and clinicians each week. Authentic Leaders Group Are you a therapist stepping into leadership for the first time? Or maybe you've been in a leadership position for a while, but are bumping up against new struggles? Our Authentic Leaders Group is here to help you become the authentic and wholehearted leader you aspire to be. And we believe this journey is best undertaken with the guidance of experienced mentors alongside fellow learners. Join Sarah in this journey of self-discovery and leadership mastery, where you'll enhance your leadership skills and forge meaningful connections with fellow therapists who are committed to their own growth and the betterment of the therapy field. Join the waitlist now to be part of the next Authentic Leaders Group! 1:1 With Sarah Wounded healers need supervision too. Sarah is passionate about fostering therapists’ personal and professional growth through mentoring, supervision, and consultation. Mentoring options are available for therapists who are looking for a transformative supervision experience and practice owners who are looking for customized support. Supervision not only plays a crucial role in the professional development and ethical practice of therapists, but also provides parallel process for our own healing. In consultations, Sarah helps practice owners align their business with their lifestyle goals. Together, we'll look at both the concrete business practices as well as the emotional stuff that complicates business ownership. Reach out to find out more and book! Conversations With a Wounded Healer Listener Feedback 2025 Help me to get to know you better and enter a massive giveaway! Share your feedback & enter to win 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

Apr 16, 2025 • 25min
285 - Steve Duke, Part 1 - The Dilemma of Venture Capital and Tech Platforms vs Quality of Care in the Therapy Field
How are y’all doing while the United States (specifically) plummets into political, social, and economic freefall? Therapists are freaking tf out right with good reason. We're at a tipping point in the evolution of our field, especially when it comes to the rapid ascendancy of venture capital, consolidation, and technology––those AI chatbots lurking and learning in the digital shadows. I sound the alarm to encourage resistance. Steve Duke is one of the bright minds I turn to for data-driven inspiration and motivation. He founded The Hemingway Group, a business working with mental health organizations to help them succeed clinically and commercially. He’s parlayed his experiences at McKinsey and two unicorn startups to help leaders scale mental health innovations. GUEST BIO Steve Duke (he/him) is the founder of The Hemingway Group - a business working with mental health organisations to help them succeed clinically and commercially. He also writes an industry publication called The Hemingway Report, which is read by thousands of mental health operators and clinicians each week. Authentic Leaders Group Are you a therapist stepping into leadership for the first time? Or maybe you've been in a leadership position for a while, but are bumping up against new struggles? Our Authentic Leaders Group is here to help you become the authentic and wholehearted leader you aspire to be. And we believe this journey is best undertaken with the guidance of experienced mentors alongside fellow learners. Join Sarah in this journey of self-discovery and leadership mastery, where you'll enhance your leadership skills and forge meaningful connections with fellow therapists who are committed to their own growth and the betterment of the therapy field. Join the waitlist now to be part of the next Authentic Leaders Group! 1:1 With Sarah Wounded healers need supervision too. Sarah is passionate about fostering therapists’ personal and professional growth through mentoring, supervision, and consultation. Mentoring options are available for therapists who are looking for a transformative supervision experience and practice owners who are looking for customized support. Supervision not only plays a crucial role in the professional development and ethical practice of therapists, but also provides parallel process for our own healing. In consultations, Sarah helps practice owners align their business with their lifestyle goals. Together, we'll look at both the concrete business practices as well as the emotional stuff that complicates business ownership. Reach out to find out more and book! Conversations With a Wounded Healer Listener Feedback 2025 Help me to get to know you better and enter a massive giveaway! Share your feedback & enter to win 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

Apr 2, 2025 • 27min
284 - Heather Lovegood, Part 2 - Tap Into the Healing Wisdom of Body and Spirit
“I thought I knew what this conversation might be like. I had all my worries, concerns, and anticipations of what might be brought up––and it didn't go that way,” laughs Heather Lovegood. Intrigued?? Check out part one, and then come back here for the conclusion of my conversation with Heather, a holistic bodyworker and lymphatic drainage expert who provides healing-centered, trauma-trained services to clients in Chicago. We’re exploring the interconnectedness of everything, the subtle energy of Indigenous wisdom, and the power we claim (or not) in spaces where healing occurs. GUEST BIO A long-time student of life, Heather Lovegood’s own healing path led her to the healing arts, specifically bodywork. Drawing from these tools for both her personal practice and her work with clients has been the deepest gift and greatest of teachers. Authentic Leaders Group Are you a therapist stepping into leadership for the first time? Or maybe you've been in a leadership position for a while, but are bumping up against new struggles? Our Authentic Leaders Group is here to help you become the authentic and wholehearted leader you aspire to be. And we believe this journey is best undertaken with the guidance of experienced mentors alongside fellow learners. Join Sarah in this journey of self-discovery and leadership mastery, where you'll enhance your leadership skills and forge meaningful connections with fellow therapists who are committed to their own growth and the betterment of the therapy field. Join the waitlist now to be part of the next Authentic Leaders Group! 1:1 With Sarah Wounded healers need supervision too. Sarah is passionate about fostering therapists’ personal and professional growth through mentoring, supervision, and consultation. Mentoring options are available for therapists who are looking for a transformative supervision experience and practice owners who are looking for customized support. Supervision not only plays a crucial role in the professional development and ethical practice of therapists, but also provides parallel process for our own healing. In consultations, Sarah helps practice owners align their business with their lifestyle goals. Together, we'll look at both the concrete business practices as well as the emotional stuff that complicates business ownership. Reach out to find out more and book! Conversations With a Wounded Healer Listener Feedback 2025 Help me to get to know you better and enter a massive giveaway! Share your feedback & enter to win 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 of this show *** Let’s be friends! You can find me in the following places… My Website: https://www.headheartbiztherapy.com/podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeadHeartBizTherapy/ Instagram: @headheartbiztherapy

Mar 26, 2025 • 27min
283 - Heather Lovegood, Part 1 - Surrender in the Face of Fear of the Unknown
I’m a firm believer in the connectedness of everything. Healing happens at the intersection of spirituality, science, and Indigenous wisdom. Sure, each principle can (and has!) exist in its own sphere, but the true magic is in the mix. Heather Lovegood agrees. She’s a holistic bodyworker and lymphatic drainage expert who provides healing-centered, trauma-trained services to clients in Chicago. She helps people build the capacity to identify and release buried, inflammatory emotions–those squishy, sticky, and often devastating sensations that our bodies hold onto in the wake of complex trauma or prolonged periods of stress. GUEST BIO A long-time student of life, Heather Lovegood’s own healing path led her to the healing arts, specifically bodywork. Drawing from these tools for both her personal practice and her work with clients has been the deepest gift and greatest of teachers. Authentic Leaders Group Are you a therapist stepping into leadership for the first time? Or maybe you've been in a leadership position for a while, but are bumping up against new struggles? Our Authentic Leaders Group is here to help you become the authentic and wholehearted leader you aspire to be. And we believe this journey is best undertaken with the guidance of experienced mentors alongside fellow learners. Join Sarah in this journey of self-discovery and leadership mastery, where you'll enhance your leadership skills and forge meaningful connections with fellow therapists who are committed to their own growth and the betterment of the therapy field. Join the waitlist now to be part of the next Authentic Leaders Group! 1:1 With Sarah Wounded healers need supervision too. Sarah is passionate about fostering therapists’ personal and professional growth through mentoring, supervision, and consultation. Mentoring options are available for therapists who are looking for a transformative supervision experience and practice owners who are looking for customized support. Supervision not only plays a crucial role in the professional development and ethical practice of therapists, but also provides parallel process for our own healing. In consultations, Sarah helps practice owners align their business with their lifestyle goals. Together, we'll look at both the concrete business practices as well as the emotional stuff that complicates business ownership. Reach out to find out more and book! Conversations With a Wounded Healer Listener Feedback 2025 Help me to get to know you better and enter a massive giveaway! Share your feedback & enter to win 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 of this show *** Let’s be friends! You can find me in the following places… My Website: https://www.headheartbiztherapy.com/podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeadHeartBizTherapy/ Instagram: @headheartbiztherapy

Mar 19, 2025 • 7min
Group Practice (R)evolution: Sparking Change with Magic and Mindset
How do we bridge the divide between practice owners and employees in the therapy field to create better healing environments for everyone? Discover how innovation, open communication, and shared values can transform group practices, resulting in a culture of connection. Group Practice (R)evolution is a new platform and podcast series offering insights from owners, employees, and experts, and resources to support this wildly ambitious vision for the future! Learn more about how you can join the Group Practice (R)evolution! *** Group Practice (R)evolution platform is in beta testing mode! We're just getting everything up and running. But if you just CAN'T WAIT and want to join the revolution now, use code REVBETA25 to get a 3-month trial membership for $10! Sign up here! Group Practice (R)evolution Website Head/Heart Business Therapy Website Facebook @headheartbiztherapy Instagram @headheartbiztherapy

Mar 12, 2025 • 27min
282 - Cara Chae, Part 2 - How to Balance Compassion With Boundaries in Group Practice
Leadership is lonely, y'all. It's also hella rewarding. Cara Chae, LCPC, knows this duality all too well. She's working on finding (and holding!) the balance between the two––an evolutionary pursuit that resonates with many. GUEST BIO Cara Chae, LCPC, (she/her) is a psychotherapist working in a group private practice in Chicago. Her professional interests include working with issues related to Attachment (parenting, relationships, childhood wounds), and, more recently, Neuroplastic Symptoms. Cara’s second full time job is parenting her two elementary school aged children while trying to simultaneously take care of herself, too. Authentic Leaders Group Are you a therapist stepping into leadership for the first time? Or maybe you've been in a leadership position for a while, but are bumping up against new struggles? Our Authentic Leaders Group is here to help you become the authentic and wholehearted leader you aspire to be. And we believe this journey is best undertaken with the guidance of experienced mentors alongside fellow learners. Join Sarah in this journey of self-discovery and leadership mastery, where you'll enhance your leadership skills and forge meaningful connections with fellow therapists who are committed to their own growth and the betterment of the therapy field. Join the waitlist now to be part of the next Authentic Leaders Group! 1:1 With Sarah Wounded healers need supervision too. Sarah is passionate about fostering therapists’ personal and professional growth through mentoring, supervision, and consultation. Mentoring options are available for therapists who are looking for a transformative supervision experience and practice owners who are looking for customized support. Supervision not only plays a crucial role in the professional development and ethical practice of therapists, but also provides parallel process for our own healing. In consultations, Sarah helps practice owners align their business with their lifestyle goals. Together, we'll look at both the concrete business practices as well as the emotional stuff that complicates business ownership. Reach out to find out more and book! Conversations With a Wounded Healer Listener Feedback 2025 Help me to get to know you better and enter a massive giveaway! Share your feedback & enter to win 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 of this show *** Let’s be friends! You can find me in the following places… My Website: https://www.headheartbiztherapy.com/podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeadHeartBizTherapy/ Instagram: @headheartbiztherapy