Sarah Buino

Sarah Buino, LCSW, RDDP, CADC, CDWF, NMT (she/her) is a speaker, teacher, therapist and the founder of Head/Heart Therapy — a thriving and respected group practice in Chicago. 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.

For more than a decade, Sarah has applied her social work skills supporting individuals, groups, helping professionals, and organizations with issues such as wellness for therapists, shame, antiracism, and trauma. Sarah founded Head/Heart Therapy in 2014 and it quickly grew into an important resource both in Chicago and nationally.

Sarah is also the creator, host and producer of the podcast Conversations with a Wounded Healer, which examines the parallel path of helping professionals of all types as they heal themselves, while supporting their clients. Interviewing prominent guests such as Lissa Rankin, Laurence Heller, Hillary McBride, Sera Beak, Sarah holds intimate and authentic conversations that inspire, educate and entertain listeners. Addressing a wide range of topics from spirituality to antiracism, she invites helping professionals to step into their own healing with courage.

In 2019, Sarah helped launch the podcast Transforming Trauma by The NARM Training Institute and served as the host for the first two years, interviewing leading trauma experts such as Gabor Maté, Dick Schwartz, and Veronique Meade, educating listeners on the NeuroAffective Relational Model (NARM), a revolutionary approach for healing Complex Trauma (C-PTSD) and restoring connection to self and others.

Sarah has been a member of the adjunct faculty at Loyola University’s School of Social Work since 2015 and Fordham University from 2019-2020. She is committed to supporting the newest generation of social workers to become passionate about and competent in working with substance use disorders.

Sarah has been recognized by 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).

Sarah is energized by helping other therapists and therapeutic organizations. Her clinical work supports helping professionals heal from trauma and shame, enhance resilience, and create a space for self-knowledge and growth. Sarah also integrates her knowledge of adjunct healing modalities and mystical practices such as music, yoga, reiki, tarot, astrology and the chakra system into her clinical practice to help clients enhance connection with their authentic selves. She is trained in a variety of therapy modalities including: NARM (neuro-affective relational model), sensorimotor psychotherapy, comprehensive energy psychology, experiential therapy, 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. Sarah is passionate about being the best version of herself, and is committed to daily meditation and spiritual practice. She also loves tattoos and changing her hair color often. Sarah finds joy and rest playing with her 10-pound chihuahua mix, Batman.

Education

• MSW Loyola University of Chicago (2008 — 2010)
• Bachelor of Music MIAMI UNIVERSITY (1997 — 2001)
• Fairfield High School (1995 — 1997)

Companies

• Podcast Producer and Host Conversations with a Wounded Healer (2018)
• Adjunct Professor Loyola University Chicago School of Social Work (2015)
• Owner and Founder Head/Heart Therapy, Inc. (2013)
• Podcast Host NeuroAffective Relational Model (2019 — 2021)
• Adjunct Professor Fordham University (2018 — 2020)
• Field Liaison for School of Social Work Loyola University Chicago (2014 — 2016)
• Addiction Counselor Presence Behavioral Health (2012 — 2013)
• Therapist Alternatives (2009 — 2012)
• Addiction Counseling Intern HARBORVIEW RECOVERY CENTER (2009 — 2009)