The Entrepreneur’s Therapist: Caring for Your Mental Health in a Relentless World: Shulamit Ber Levtov

In this enlightening conversation, Ruth sits down with Shulamit Ber Levtov, known as The Entrepreneurs' Therapist, for a deep dive into the critical intersection of mental health and entrepreneurship. This isn't your typical "self-care will fix everything" conversation - it's a raw, honest exploration of why running a business takes such a toll on our mental health, and why that's not actually our fault.

Shulamit brings over 30 years of entrepreneurial experience combined with her expertise as a licensed trauma therapist to challenge some of our most deeply held beliefs about struggle, success, and what it means to be "enough." From her groundbreaking work in financial therapy to her revolutionary take on imposter syndrome, this conversation will leave you questioning everything you've been told about personal responsibility and mental health.

KEY TOPICS COVERED

• Why therapists should be part of every entrepreneur's support team
• The mental health crisis in entrepreneurship that nobody talks about
• Financial therapy and why mental health professionals score lowest on financial wellness measures
• How scarcity triggers trauma responses in the body
• The myth of self-care as a cure-all for systemic problems
• Why women entrepreneurs face unique societal pressures and role conflicts
• The truth about imposter syndrome - it's not about you
• Reframing trauma as wounds inflicted on us, not something we "internalized"
• Finding strength through spiritual practice and connection to something greater
• Why vulnerability is actually a superpower

GUEST INFORMATION

Shulamit Ber Levtov, MA, RSW, CCTP, is known as The Entrepreneurs' Therapist. She's a licensed trauma therapist, registered social worker, and entrepreneur with over 30 years of business experience. After experiencing her own mental health crisis from running a business, she exited her group practice and dedicated herself to ensuring no other business owner has to go through what she did.

Shulamit specialises in supporting women business owners to care for their mental and emotional wellbeing in what she calls "an era of relentless stressors that can make you want to flip your lid on the daily." She's also trained in financial therapy, addressing the emotional aspects of money that are so central to entrepreneurial life.

Her unique perspective comes from living both sides - the entrepreneurial rollercoaster and the professional expertise to understand the mental health challenges that come with running a business.

RESOURCES MENTIONED

Financial Therapy and Money Trauma: • The Trauma of Money Institute: https://www.thetraumaofmoney.com/ • The Trauma of Money Book: https://www.thetraumaofmoney.com/trauma-of-money-book

Research and Educational Content: • Eldar Shafir's TED Talk on Scarcity: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMRcWj_GKxY • "Bicycle Face" Commencement Speech (referenced regarding imposter syndrome): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gV1ESN8NGh8 • Sustainable Compassion Training: https://sustainablecompassion.org/

Books and Literature: • Susan Juby's Buddhist Nun/Butler Mystery Series: https://www.susanjuby.com/books • John O'Donohue's "May the Light of Your Soul Guide You" (poem mentioned by Ruth)

CONNECT WITH SHULAMIT

Website: shula.ca
Newsletter: shula.ca/newsletter (recommended - you can reply directly to connect)
Social Media: Find her as "The Entrepreneurs' Therapist"

CONNECT WITH RUTH

Website: groundingwithruth.com
Social Media: @groundingwithruth on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn
Podcast: Available wherever you listen to podcasts

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Mental health challenges are inherent in entrepreneurship - it's not a personal failing when you struggle.

2. The systems we operate in aren't designed for human wellbeing, especially for women and other marginalised groups.

3. Imposter syndrome isn't a syndrome at all - it's a normal response to systems designed to make us feel like we don't belong.

4. Financial shame affects over 90% of people, but it's particularly acute for entrepreneurs who face unique financial pressures.

5. Self-care isn't about fixing ourselves - it's about responding to our organism's call for care in our distress.

6. Having a mental health plan should be as integral to your business as having a business plan.

7. Vulnerability and authenticity aren't weaknesses - they're sources of strength and connection.

8. There's nothing wrong with you when you're struggling - you're having a normal human response to difficult circumstances.

If this episode resonated with you, please follow Inspired Questions and leave a review. It really helps other women find these important conversations.

Stay Grounded.

For more episodes and resources, visit groundingwithruth.com.