Episode 151: Why Creativity Isn’t Optional Anymore for Therapists and Helpers (Season 5 Finale)

What if your burnout is actually a signal that it’s time to shift?
What if the path back to fulfillment isn’t more certifications or better time management—but more creativity, play, and aligned living?

If you’re a therapist, helping professional, or creative entrepreneur feeling burned out, stuck, or unsure how to keep showing up in this field you used to love… this episode is for you.

In this solo season finale of The Innovative Therapist Podcast, I share what I’ve learned in Season 5—and in my own life—about why creativity isn’t optional anymore. Not just as a bonus. But as a necessary part of sustainable, meaningful work.

A Season of Alignment, Creativity, and Courage

This season has been the most “me” the podcast has ever felt. We talked about creative living, storytelling, nervous system regulation, entrepreneurship, embodiment, and how to do more of the work that lights us up.

And behind the scenes? I turned 40.
I danced in a contemporary show.
I choreographed a duet with my friend Allie about perfectionism and authenticity.
I celebrated, rested, cried, and reimagined what I want to build.

And most importantly—I listened.
To my body. To my joy. And to the parts of me that still get scared when I try something new.

If You’re Asking “What Else Can I Do With My Therapy Skills?”… You’re Not Alone.

Many of us became therapists or helpers because we’re deeply empathetic and want to create change. But somewhere along the way, you might find yourself asking:

• How do I keep going when I’m burned out?
• What other career paths exist for therapists like me?
• How can I use my gifts without sacrificing my well-being?
• Is it okay to want something different—even if I’ve invested so much into this path?

I hear these questions all the time from folks in my community. And I’ve asked them myself.

Which is why this episode is about offering both reflection and direction. Because creativity, when we make space for it, helps us unlock new answers to these questions.

Why Creativity Matters—Especially Now

Here’s what I believe:
Creativity and joy aren’t frivolous. They’re essential.

They help us connect with our own aliveness. They open up possibilities. They offer healing not only for ourselves, but for our clients and communities.

And they are especially important for therapists and helping professionals navigating:

• Burnout and compassion fatigue
• A changing mental health landscape
• Systems that reward overworking and self-sacrifice
• The desire for more flexibility, freedom, and fulfillment

In short? Creativity is your asset.
Not a distraction. Not a hobby. But a path to deeper alignment and more sustainable impact.

Tools + Resources for Burned Out Therapists & Creative Helpers

If you’re feeling stuck, uninspired, or unsure how to move forward, here are two simple ways to begin reconnecting with your Zone of Genius:

🔍 Free Resource: Uncover Your Zone of Genius Guide
A short, powerful reflection tool to help you identify the work that brings you joy and flow. It’s helped dozens of therapists and creative entrepreneurs start imagining new ways to use their skills—with more ease and purpose.
➡️ Download it here

🌿 New Offering: The Intentional Collective
A virtual, low-pressure weekly gathering for therapists and helpers who want to make space for creativity, rest, or aligned work.
We meet for 45 minutes on Monday mornings to ground, reflect, and set intentions for the week.
This isn’t a course. It’s a container for support, accountability, and space to explore your next right step.

Get more details and join here.

✨ You don’t need to have it all figured out to join—just a desire to reconnect with what matters most.

A Look Back at Season 5 (and What’s Next)

This season featured some incredible guests—all modeling how to integrate creativity, embodiment, and alignment into their work:

• Randi Rubenstein on Pack Leadership and parenting with play and presence
• Rachel Bentley on self-led leadership and curating a community summit
• Adeshola Nnamdi on creativity, reclaiming identity, and artistry as activism
• Melvin Varghese on designing a business around intentional, sustainable routines
• Elisa Pérez-Arellano on blending food, mental health, and cultural healing
• Michelle Ringle & Alyssa Jewell on creative writing as a tool for healing and connection

Each of them is doing work that aligns with their unique gifts. Each one offers a different version of what’s possible when we give ourselves permission to come alive.

Looking Ahead: Season 6 & More Opportunities to Connect

I’ll be taking a summer pause from the podcast to rest, reflect, and create behind the scenes.
Here’s what’s in the works:

🌀 The Inspired Innovators Circle – A 3-part in-person Grand Rapids series integrating yoga, creativity, and the book Big Magic by Liz Gilbert.
📬 The Intentional Collective – Weekly virtual gatherings + Voxer accountability for ongoing creative support.
📖 Future Retreats + Workshops – Stay tuned for a potential 3-night creative retreat, and new writing and movement workshops.

➡️ See all upcoming offerings here: drshawnhondorp.com/events

Final Thoughts: Follow What Makes You Come Alive

I’ll leave you with a quote I’ve loved for years, from Howard Thurman:

“Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”

So if you’re asking yourself:
“What do I do now?”
“How else can I use my skills as a therapist?”
“What if I want something more?”

Start here:

• Rest.
• Reflect.
• Reconnect with what makes you feel most alive.

You don’t need to burn everything down. You just need to start listening again.

🎧 Listen to Episode 151: Why Creativity Isn’t Optional Anymore for Therapists and Helpers
📬 Join the email list for updates + resources: drshawnhondorp.com/contact
🌀 Grab your free Zone of Genius guide: pages.drshawnhondorp.com/zone

Disclaimer:
This blog and podcast are for informational and educational purposes only. They do not constitute medical or mental health advice and are not a substitute for professional consultation or treatment.