What to Do About It
Recovering from therapist burnout isn’t about slapping on a temporary fix like a spa day or a yoga class, although those things can help in the moment. True recovery requires a deeper commitment to changing the way you care for yourself and approach your work. Dr. Jen Blanchette shared some powerful insights on how to do just that. Here’s how you can take meaningful steps toward healing:
1. Become an Expert on Rest
Rest isn’t just a luxury—it’s a skill, and one many of us need to relearn. It’s not about zoning out on your phone or crashing on the couch after a long day. True rest means intentionally stepping away to recharge your body and mind.
Start small. Can you carve out 10 minutes between sessions to step outside, breathe deeply, and feel the sun on your face? These micro-rests can make a world of difference. Then, think about the bigger picture. When was the last time you truly unplugged?
Giving yourself permission to rest deeply and without guilt is vital. You’re not just recharging; you’re protecting your ability to show up fully for yourself and your clients.
2. Build Community
Burnout thrives in isolation, and as therapists, it’s all too easy to feel alone in our work. Whether you’re in private practice or an agency, the weight of your clients’ stories and struggles can feel like yours to carry alone. But here’s the thing: you weren’t meant to do this by yourself.
Seek out others who understand what you’re going through. Join a peer consultation group or an online community of therapists. If you don’t already have one, find a therapist who can hold space for you to process your own challenges. Building community can go a long way in preventing therapist burnout.
And don’t forget to nurture friendships outside of work. Spending time with people who remind you of who you are beyond your professional role can be incredibly grounding.
3. Focus on Brain Health
Think of your brain like the engine of your car—it can’t run on fumes forever. The basics matter: Are you getting enough high-quality sleep? Are you eating meals that sustain your energy instead of just getting you through the next session? Regular movement—whether it’s a yoga class, a quick walk, or dancing in your living room—keeps your body and mind connected.
And let’s not forget mindfulness. It can be as simple as pausing to notice how you’re feeling or focusing on your breath for a few moments. These small selfcare practices for therapists add up and can help reset your nervous system when you’re feeling overwhelmed.
4. Reflect on Your “Why”
When was the last time you paused to ask yourself why you became a therapist? For most of us, it wasn’t about the money or prestige—it was about making a difference, connecting deeply with others, and helping to heal. But over time, it’s easy for those original motivations to get buried under the demands of the job.
Take some time to reconnect with your purpose. What aspects of your work still bring you joy? Are there parts that drain you more than they should? Maybe it’s time to shift gears—whether that means changing your focus, setting firmer boundaries, or even exploring a new career path that aligns more closely with your values and energy. Give yourself permission to evolve.
Pivoting vs. Persevering
One of the most profound parts of our conversation was when Dr. Jen said, “If it’s not working, you can’t just patchwork your way out of it. You need to ask yourself: What is the cost of staying?”
For some therapists, the answer to therapist burnout isn’t to quit entirely but to pivot. This could mean reducing your caseload, specializing in a different population, or even transitioning into coaching or consulting. These options allow you to use your skills in new ways while making your work more sustainable.
For others, leaving the field is the right choice, and that’s okay too. It’s not failure—it’s growth. Your therapy skills translate beautifully into other careers, like leadership coaching, HR, or even starting a new business. Leaving doesn’t erase the impact you’ve made; it honors your need for a fulfilling life.
Resources to Help You Thrive
If anything we’ve talked about today hits close to home, I want you to know that you don’t have to figure this out alone. Truly, there are steps you can take to start feeling better and moving forward—and I’m here to help.
First, I want to share something that could truly transform your career as a therapist. You know how hard you work to support your clients, but let’s be real—traditional therapy tools alone don’t always cut it. And the frustrating part? Untrained “coaches” are out there stepping into spaces that you’re more than qualified to own.
But here’s the good news: You can do something about it.
In my free What Every Therapist Must Know About Coaching Masterclass, I’ll show you how evidence-based coaching techniques can breathe new life into your practice. Imagine having tools that not only help your clients make faster progress but also keep them deeply engaged and motivated—creating meaningful, lasting change.
And here’s the best part: these tools don’t just enhance your clients’ outcomes—they help you, too. They bring new energy and focus to your work, helping you prevent burnout and rediscover the passion that got you into this field in the first place.
👉 Join the Masterclass Now and let’s create the change you deserve.
Second, let’s connect! I’m always sharing tips, resources, and inspiration to help therapists grow and succeed. Come say hi on LinkedIn—you can follow me here. I’d love to hear from you.
Xoxo
Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby
P.S. If this article made you think of a friend or colleague who might be struggling, please share it with them. A small gesture like this could make a world of difference.
Resources:
Skovholt, T. M., & Trotter-Mathison, M. (2014). The resilient practitioner: Burnout prevention and self-care strategies for counselors, therapists, teachers, and health professionals. Routledge. https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/mono/10.4324/9780203893326/resilient-practitioner-thomas-skovholt-michelle-trotter-mathison
Duncan, S., & Pond, R. (2024). Effective burnout prevention strategies for counsellors and other therapists: a systematic review and meta-synthesis of qualitative studies. Counselling Psychology Quarterly, 1-30. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/09515070.2024.2394767
Farber, B. A., & Heifetz, L. J. (1982). The process and dimensions of burnout in psychotherapists. Professional psychology, 13(2), 293. https://psycnet.apa.org/record/1982-28926-001
