Building Brave, Not Just Safe, Workspaces With Liz Frost

Liz Frost is the Owner and Founder of Intentional Spaces Psychotherapy, a trauma-informed telehealth practice based in Washington. She specializes in helping clients heal from complex trauma, religious harm, and identity-related struggles. With over a decade of clinical experience, Liz integrates EMDR, narrative therapy, and mindfulness-based approaches. She is dedicated to serving the LGBTQIA+ community and fostering a supportive, inclusive practice for both clients and clinicians.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

• [3:18] Liz Frost talks about lessons from biochemistry and learning how to fail well
• [5:57] The impact of unresolved trauma on leadership, productivity, and workplace culture
• [8:22] How to lead with authority while still creating a supportive environment
• [11:55] Building culture and connection in an entirely virtual therapy practice
• [16:25] Strategies for founders to prevent burnout and maintain perspective
• [21:04] Why brave spaces matter more than safe spaces in workplace culture

In this episode…

Creating a workplace where people feel seen and supported takes more than good intentions. Too often, leaders aim to provide a “safe space,” but what happens when safety alone isn’t enough to address deeper challenges, foster trust, and sustain growth? How can organizations move beyond safety to truly empower its people?

According to Liz Frost, a licensed clinical social worker with over a decade of experience in trauma-informed therapy, the answer lies in cultivating brave spaces. She explains that while a safe space implies no harm will occur, a brave space acknowledges that challenges will arise but ensures people can come forward without fear of retaliation. She highlights how unresolved trauma often fuels high performance in unsustainable ways, leading to burnout and isolation. Liz also emphasizes the importance of compassion and clarity as foundations for sustainable leadership.

In this episode of RAW Spotlight, host Emily Au sits down with Liz Frost, Owner and Founder of Intentional Spaces Psychotherapy, to talk about building brave, not just safe, workspaces. They discuss the impact of unresolved trauma on workplace culture, strategies to prevent burnout, and how leaders can balance authority with compassion. Liz also shares how virtual teams can foster genuine connection and community.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Victor Huynh on LinkedIn

• Emily Au on LinkedIn
• Ready Artwork
• Liz Frost: LinkedIn | Instagram
• Intentional Spaces Psychotherapy: Website | Instagram
• “Educating and Protecting Small Businesses Through Insurance and Mentorship With Amy Loh” on RAW Spotlight
• “The Big Reveal: Ready Artwork’s 7-Step Proven Website Blueprint” on RAW Spotlight 
• SimplePractice

Quotable Moments

• “My biggest lesson in my biochem degree was how to fail well.”
• “Succeeding requires a lot of failure, and in order to succeed well, you have to fail well.”
• “You can only stretch someone’s trauma response so far before they’re going to break.”
• “Clarity is kindness, so being really clear about expectations allows people to feel like they’re succeeding.”
• “We can’t promise a safe space, but we can promise a brave space.”

Action Steps

1. Normalize conversations about mental health at work: Open acknowledgment reduces stigma and encourages employees to seek support when needed.
2. Create brave spaces instead of only safe spaces: Empowering employees to speak up without retaliation builds trust and strengthens workplace culture.
3. Set sustainable caseloads and workloads: Preventing overwhelm ensures employees can thrive long-term without burning out or losing motivation.
4. Lead with both authority and compassion: Balancing clear expectations with empathy fosters loyalty, trust, and stronger team performance.
5. Encourage boundaries and proactive self-care: Supporting rest and balance helps individuals maintain resilience, creativity, and productivity over time.

Sponsor for this episode…

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