Are you a therapist or a space holder that likes to think deeply and creatively about bringing healing to more people? Do you want to build trust with your body so that you can live a life that feels aligned and amazing, and help inspire others to do the same? Do you hate small talk - your idea of fun is deep and meaningful talks about living more courageous and connected lives?
If so, then welcome to the Innovative Therapy podcast where we cover topics like psychology, innovative methods for building body trust and healing, Internal Family Systems, weight inclusive approaches, and unlearning the many messages from oppressive systems that lead us away from body trust.
I’m Dr. Shawn Hondorp, clinical psychologist. My goal is to create safe learning environments for those who want to explore innovative approaches to healing, one authentic conversation at a time. 🌈✌🏻✌🏽✌🏿🌳
Hit subscribe and tune in each week for deep talks, inspiration, and get ready for more connection to yourself and others so you can pursue a life of joy and creativity.
All content for The Innovative Therapist is the property of Dr. Shawn Hondorp, PhD, ABPP and is served directly from their servers
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Are you a therapist or a space holder that likes to think deeply and creatively about bringing healing to more people? Do you want to build trust with your body so that you can live a life that feels aligned and amazing, and help inspire others to do the same? Do you hate small talk - your idea of fun is deep and meaningful talks about living more courageous and connected lives?
If so, then welcome to the Innovative Therapy podcast where we cover topics like psychology, innovative methods for building body trust and healing, Internal Family Systems, weight inclusive approaches, and unlearning the many messages from oppressive systems that lead us away from body trust.
I’m Dr. Shawn Hondorp, clinical psychologist. My goal is to create safe learning environments for those who want to explore innovative approaches to healing, one authentic conversation at a time. 🌈✌🏻✌🏽✌🏿🌳
Hit subscribe and tune in each week for deep talks, inspiration, and get ready for more connection to yourself and others so you can pursue a life of joy and creativity.
Leadership, Self Energy, & the Internal Family Systems Model with Rachel Bentley
The Innovative Therapist
1 hour 15 minutes 12 seconds
8 months ago
Leadership, Self Energy, & the Internal Family Systems Model with Rachel Bentley
Episode 140: Leadership, Self Energy, & the Internal Family Systems Model with Rachel Bentley
As therapists, business owners, and leaders, we often feel pressure to have all the answers. But what if the most impactful leadership doesn’t come from perfection—but from embracing our humanity and ongoing growth?
That’s exactly what I explored in my conversation with Rachel Bentley on The Innovative Therapist Podcast (Episode 140). Rachel is an Internal Family Systems (IFS) Level 2 trained therapist, group practice owner, and business consultant. She leads a 40-clinician practice with locations in Michigan and helps therapists navigate leadership, self-energy, and sustainable business growth.
In this episode, we dive into:
* How Internal Family Systems (IFS) can transform therapist leadership
* The role of self-energy in decision-making and leadership
* Overcoming imposter syndrome & self-doubt
* Why creativity and the Zone of Genius matter for therapists
* How to build a leadership team without burning out
The Power of IFS in Therapist Leadership
Rachel shared how IFS has revolutionized her leadership as a group practice owner. Instead of leading from a place of control or fear, she now understands how her internal parts—the ones managing decision-making, leadership stress, and self-doubt—can work together.
Why Self-Energy is the Key to Effective Leadership
IFS isn’t just a clinical tool—it’s a leadership framework. Rachel discussed how recognizing and working with her own parts has helped her:
Lead with more confidence and clarity
Trust her intuition in making business decisions
Navigate the challenges of growing a large team
Avoid burnout by recognizing protective parts before they take over
Many therapists struggle with imposter syndrome, especially when running a business. Rachel’s insights show that leading with self-energy—rather than fear-based parts—creates a more sustainable and authentic business.
Creativity & the Zone of Genius for Therapists
One of the most exciting parts of our conversation was Rachel’s journey with creativity. Like many therapists, she didn’t initially consider herself creative. However, she’s discovered that creativity isn’t just about art or music—it’s about problem-solving, visioning, and innovation.
What is the Zone of Genius?
The Zone of Genius is the space where your natural talents and passions intersect. It’s where work feels energizing instead of draining. Rachel and I explored how therapists can identify their Zone of Genius and lean into work that truly excites them.
Ask Yourself: What part of your work lights you up the most? Where do you feel the most “flow” and self-energy?
Creating Spaces Where We Don’t Have to Prove Ourselves
Therapists often feel pressure to appear “perfect”—as if we should always have it all together. But true leadership comes from embracing vulnerability and authenticity.
Rachel and I discussed the importance of creating spaces where therapists can show up without unrealistic expectations. Whether it’s within group practices, consulting, or therapist communities, we need places where: We can ask questions without judgment We don’t have to prove our worth We can be real about struggles and challenges
The Innovative Therapist
Are you a therapist or a space holder that likes to think deeply and creatively about bringing healing to more people? Do you want to build trust with your body so that you can live a life that feels aligned and amazing, and help inspire others to do the same? Do you hate small talk - your idea of fun is deep and meaningful talks about living more courageous and connected lives?
If so, then welcome to the Innovative Therapy podcast where we cover topics like psychology, innovative methods for building body trust and healing, Internal Family Systems, weight inclusive approaches, and unlearning the many messages from oppressive systems that lead us away from body trust.
I’m Dr. Shawn Hondorp, clinical psychologist. My goal is to create safe learning environments for those who want to explore innovative approaches to healing, one authentic conversation at a time. 🌈✌🏻✌🏽✌🏿🌳
Hit subscribe and tune in each week for deep talks, inspiration, and get ready for more connection to yourself and others so you can pursue a life of joy and creativity.
