About Sarah Buino

Sarah Buino, LCSW, RDDP, CADC, CDWF, NMT is a therapist, teacher, and speaker.

As the founder of Head/Heart Therapy, a thriving group practice in Chicago, and Head/Heart Business Therapy, a consulting agency focusing on organizational wellness for therapists and healthcare businesses, Sarah has made a significant impact on the mental health and well-being of clients, therapists, and organizations alike. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Registered Dual Diagnosis Professional, Certified Alcohol and other Drug Counselor, Certified Daring WayTM Facilitator, and NARM Master Therapist, and holds a master’s degree from Loyola University in Chicago.

In addition to her work in direct therapy practice, Sarah shines as the visionary behind the captivating podcast, Conversations with a Wounded Healer. Through this transformative platform, she fearlessly delves into the parallel journey of helping professionals, as they navigate their own healing process while providing unwavering support to their clients. In each episode, Sarah skillfully crafts intimate and authentic conversations that serve as a wellspring of inspiration, education, and entertainment for her listeners. The podcast covers an extensive array of subjects, ranging from spirituality to antiracism, as Sarah wholeheartedly encourages her fellow helping professionals to embrace their own healing journey with courage and vulnerability.

In 2019, Sarah helped launch the podcast Transforming Trauma by The NARM Training Institute and served as the host through 2021, interviewing leading trauma experts and educating listeners on the NeuroAffective Relational Model (NARM), a revolutionary approach for healing Complex Trauma (C-PTSD) and restoring connection to self and others. 

As a highly regarded member of the adjunct faculty at Loyola University’s School of Social Work, Sarah has been dedicatedly instructing courses on substance abuse since 2015. Her commitment lies in nurturing the newest generation of social workers, supporting their growth of a deep passion and exceptional aptitude for effectively working with individuals facing substance use disorders.

Collaborating with Sarah Suzuki, The Sarahs create and facilitate powerful workshops and provide invaluable leadership consultation services to organizations. Their mission is to lead a heartful revolution towards antiracism and liberation. Through engaging, thought-provoking experiences, they help organizations transform their cultures and embrace diversity, creating a more inclusive and embodied world.

Sarah’s recognition and awards such as, Illinois Certification Board (ICB) as Professional of the Year (2022); National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Illinois as an Emerging Leader (2017); the Illinois Association of Addiction Professionals as a Rising Star (2018); and by Sierra Tucson with its Gratitude for Giving Humility Award (2014) reflect her commitment and impact on the industry.

With a holistic approach to therapy, Sarah integrates various healing modalities and mystical practices like music, yoga, reiki, tarot, astrology, and the chakra system to help clients connect with their authentic selves. Her expertise encompasses a diverse range of therapy modalities, including NARM (Neuro-Affective Relational Model), Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Comprehensive Energy Psychology, experiential therapies, somatic therapies, and shame-resilience.

A born performer from an early age, Sarah shared the stage with her mother, a professional singer. Sarah continues to sing in local Chicago bands and has utilized her musical skills, developing interventions for addiction treatment centers.Fueling her desire for personal growth, Sarah prioritizes daily meditation and spiritual practices. She also loves tattoos and changing her hair color often. Sarah finds joy and rest playing with her two pups: Batman and Cilantro.