Rx for Storyteller Wellness with Therapist Shulamit Ber Levtov
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In This Episode
In this episode, I sit down with Shulamit Ber Levtov, "The Entrepreneurs' Therapist," to address a critical issue in the nonprofit world: the mental health of storytellers who bear witness to challenging narratives.
In the nonprofit sector, many of us wear multiple hats - we're not just storytellers but also fundraisers, advocates, project managers, and more. This balancing act, coupled with the emotional weight of the stories we tell, can lead to a unique form of stress and burnout.
How do we continue to do impactful work without sacrificing our own well-being?
Shulamit brings us practical nervous system care techniques that can be implemented by anyone, regardless of their resources or position.
If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the stories you tell, struggled with the many roles you play in your organization, or simply want to proactively manage your mental well-being while continuing to make a difference, this conversation is for you.
Tune in for nervous system care insights that could transform how you approach your work and self-care in the world of nonprofit storytelling.
About Shulamit Ber Levtov
Shulamit Ber Levtov, MA, RSW, CCTP, CFSW is an award-winning business owner, speaker, and The Entrepreneurs' Therapist. Shulamit is working passionately to transform the entrepreneurial ecosystem to include founder mental health as a business priority. She also works 1:1 with women business owners to prevent burnout and preserve their peace of mind as they ride the emotional rollercoaster of running a business. As a masters-level, licensed somatic trauma therapist and a trauma survivor herself, with certifications in Nonviolent Communication, Dare To Lead™, Trauma of Money and Financial Social Work, Shulamit brings a unique perspective and approach to supporting women in business.
Connect with Shulamit Ber Levtov
Website | Newsletter Signup | LinkedIn | Instagram
Connect with Maria
Speaking & Training | LinkedIn | Email
Transcripts
Today, I am honored to chat with Shulamit Ber Levtov, The Entrepreneur’s Therapist. Shula is a licensed somatic trauma therapist, award winning business owner, and speaker.
We are diving into a topic within trauma informed storytelling that I am deeply passionate about, storyteller wellness and navigating burnout in the nonprofit sector.
Maria Bryan:
Hello, Shula, and welcome to the show. This is such a treat to have you here.
Shulamit Ber Levtov:
Hi, Maria. I was delighted to learn about you and your work, and even more delighted to receive the invitation to share some space with you.
Maria Bryan:
Thank you. You have a really interesting journey. As The Entrepreneur’s Therapist, can you tell me a little bit about your background and career path?
Shulamit Ber Levtov:
Sure. I will start by saying that I am a trauma survivor and had my own trauma recovery journey earlier in my life.
I worked in a variety of fields before deciding to return to school and earn a master’s degree in counseling. At the time, I knew I wanted to graduate before I turned 50, and I did.
I also knew that entering a new field as a woman in my 50s made private practice the most viable option. So I went straight into business training, masterminds, coaching, and networking with other entrepreneurs while building my own practice.
In those spaces, I noticed there were no other therapists. People assumed I was a safe person to talk to, and I began hearing about the emotional and mental health challenges of entrepreneurship. I experienced those challenges myself as I grew my business.
Eventually, my business mind and my mental health mind merged, and I realized there needed to be therapists who truly understood the unique mental and emotional impacts of entrepreneurship. That is how The Entrepreneur’s Therapist was born.
Maria Bryan:
That specificity matters so much. The emotional roller coaster of entrepreneurship can be incredibly intense, sometimes even more demanding than parenting. I deeply appreciate that you named and built support around this experience.
Shulamit Ber Levtov:
What it really comes down to is survival. When you are an employee, imposter syndrome and emotional ups and downs are uncomfortable, but they usually do not threaten your survival.
When you are self employed, the body experiences business stress as a survival issue. If you cannot pay your bills, the nervous system interprets that as danger. It sounds extreme, but that is the math the body does.
Being in survival mode all the time is exhausting.
Maria Bryan:
That distinction resonates so deeply.
The reason I wanted you on the show is that nonprofit storytellers experience similar stressors. They are exposed to vicarious trauma and secondary trauma while holding space for painful stories. I have heard directly from storytellers experiencing mental health crises.
What signs should people be looking out for that a mental health crisis may be approaching?
Shulamit Ber Levtov:
Before I answer that, I want to say something clearly. When your work involves bearing witness to trauma, being affected by it does not mean there is something wrong with you.
Many people come to my office believing they are failing or broken because they are struggling. But distress is inherent in this work. We want to be moved as humans, not sunk.
A helpful starting point is to acknowledge distress with compassion instead of judgment. Placing a hand on your chest and saying, of course this affects me, there is nothing wrong with me.
That alone can reduce suffering.
Maria Bryan:
It is so easy to compare ourselves to others and assume we are failing, without knowing what is happening behind the scenes.
Shulamit Ber Levtov:
One signal to notice is how loud your inner critic becomes. Negative self talk exists for most people, but when it becomes louder and harder to shake, that is a sign something is off.
Other signals include changes from your baseline, such as disrupted sleep, reduced movement, increased physical symptoms, difficulty concentrating, or trouble making decisions.
Stress directs energy toward survival, which reduces access to creativity and problem solving. If writing or creative work suddenly feels impossible, that can be a sign of toxic stress.
Maria Bryan:
Creativity disappearing has been a huge signal for me. It took me years to recognize that writer’s block and exhaustion were connected to toxic stress, not personal failure.
So once someone notices these signals, what should they do next?
Shulamit Ber Levtov:
It can be hard to intervene once you are already overwhelmed because creative thinking is limited.
Ideally, people identify their own lead and lag indicators ahead of time. Lead indicators are the actions that support wellbeing. Lag indicators are the symptoms that tell you how you are doing.
I encourage people to track these regularly, just like business metrics. When you notice lag indicators increasing, you can respond early by increasing supportive practices.
If you are already in crisis, the most helpful thing you can do is reach out to someone you trust. Having company signals safety to the nervous system. Once the nervous system settles, problem solving becomes possible again.
Maria Bryan:
That framing is so powerful. These are not fluffy self care practices. They are neurological signals of safety and co regulation.
Shulamit Ber Levtov:
Exactly. When the brain receives safety signals, your natural impulse toward healing and flourishing can emerge.
I also want to say that self care is not prescriptive. Yoga and meditation do not work for everyone, especially trauma survivors.
What matters is understanding the principles of soothing, discharging, and nourishing the nervous system, and discovering what works uniquely for you.
Maria Bryan:
That leads perfectly into accessibility. Nervous system care needs to be doable. Can you share a few simple practices people can try, even at their desk?
Shulamit Ber Levtov:
One of my favorites is music. Turn off notifications, put on a favorite song, and gently move in your chair or standing. Even a few minutes can shift your mood.
Another simple practice is something I will invite you to try. This is optional.
Place your hands palm up on your thighs or desk. Bring awareness to your breath without changing it. On your exhale, gently curl your fingers in. On your inhale, open your hands. Repeat a few times, then rest and notice what you feel.
Maria Bryan:
That felt really grounding. The visual of opening my hands with the breath felt like a signal of safety.
Shulamit Ber Levtov:
A colleague calls that Lotus Hands. Synchronizing breath and movement naturally deepens the breath without forcing it, which can be more accessible than intentional deep breathing.
Maria Bryan:
I already feel lighter. How can people connect with you and your work?
Shulamit Ber Levtov:
The best way is through my newsletter at shula.ca/newsletter. That is where I share long form writing and engage directly with readers. My website is shula.ca, and you can also connect with me there.
Maria Bryan:
I am a subscriber and highly recommend it.
Shula, thank you so much for your wisdom and for holding this space with me.
Shulamit Ber Levtov:
Thank you, Maria.
The When Bearing Witness Podcast is produced by Rustic Roots. They are video storytellers passionate about sharing the impact of nonprofits. From story ideation to beautiful and powerful videos on screen, they've got you covered. Learn more at Rusticroots.co.