For the clinician searching for a safe place to land
So, you’re the therapist.
The one people trust.
The one who always holds the heavy stuff with grace, skill, and a slightly-too-full calendar.
And now, you’re tired in a way you don’t quite have language for.
Not just physically. Existentially. Deep in your bones.
You might still be showing up, still doing good work.
But somewhere inside, a voice is whispering:
“I don’t know how much longer I can do this like this.”
And here you are. Looking for a therapist.
Worn out, over functioning, and feeling weirdly guilty that you need help, too.
You’re Not Broken. You’re Maxed Out.
Let’s start there.
Burnout for therapists doesn’t always look like collapse.
It often looks like:
- Resentment creeping in where compassion used to live
- Decision fatigue about simple things like dinner or documentation(did you ever think you’d cry over not being able to pick between chicken or fish?)
- Fantasy-scrolling job listings in other fields (could I be a dental assistant?)
- Wondering if maybe you’re just not cut out for this anymore
And then what happens? You talk yourself out of it.
“Other people have it worse.”
“I have great clients.”
“I just need a weekend off.”
But weekends don’t touch this kind of tired.
You’re the One Who Knows the Signs
Which makes it harder to admit you’re seeing them in yourself.
You know what burnout is.
You probably explain it to your clients with metaphors and pacing strategies.
You’ve got your EMDR scripts, your Polyvagal theory, your grounding tools.
And still, here you are, tired and searching, hoping maybe someone gets it without you having to over-explain.
Let me say this plainly:
You deserve a place where you don’t have to be the competent one.
You deserve a space where you can say “I can’t keep doing this” without fear that it means you’re failing.
You deserve care that meets you where you are – not where you “should” be.
Therapist Overfunctioning FAQ
The “This Is Fine” Edition – For When You’re Burning Out but Still Saying ‘I Got This’
Q: I’m exhausted but hey, it’s just a busy week, right? I can handle this.
A: Oh, honey, if “busy week” feels like a slow-moving apocalypse, let’s pump the brakes. Saying “I got this” while running on empty is like trying to drive a car with no gas and no brakes. Spoiler: it doesn’t end well.
Q: I’m seeing 30 clients a week, but I love my work! Isn’t passion supposed to carry me?
A: Passion is awesome – until it turns into martyrdom. You’re not a superhero; you’re a human with limits. Let’s stop pretending you can pour from an empty cup and still make coffee.
Q: But I’m good at holding it together. Doesn’t that mean I’m fine?
A: Holding it together is a skill. But so is collapsing, just saying. Being “fine” on the outside while your nervous system files a restraining order against you isn’t sustainable. Spoiler #2: Nobody wins in that scenario. By the way unpacking “am I worthy if I am not producing” is one of my very favorite things to unpack and help people defuse.
Q: If I slow down or say no, clients will think I’m unreliable.
A: Guess what? Clients actually respect boundaries (when you have them). Saying no isn’t letting people down, it’s showing you care enough about your work and yourself to do it well.
Q: I can handle the paperwork later. It’s not urgent.
A: The paperwork is urgent, but procrastination feels safer, right? Newsflash: buried admin is like an emotional boomerang. It comes back around with interest, usually when you’re least prepared.
Q: I don’t want to look weak asking for help or therapy myself.
A: Asking for help is brave. “Weak” is the myth we tell ourselves to avoid vulnerability. I know we like the view of the client couch but sometimes we have to be willing to put our rear in that seat.
Q: I’m just tired, but I don’t want to quit or take a break.
A: Tired isn’t a personality trait, friend. It’s your body and brain begging for a pause. Ignoring that “pause” button doesn’t make you tougher, just more burnt out.
Q: Only bad therapists are burnt out and I don’t want that to be me.
A: A: Let’s bust that myth right now. Burnout doesn’t care if you’re amazing, experienced, or passionate. It happens to the best of us. In fact, the best therapists often push themselves hardest and carry the heaviest emotional loads. Burnout isn’t a sign of failure or incompetence, it’s your nervous system’s way of saying, “Hey, slow down before I make you stop.” So if you’re worried about burnout, you’re actually paying attention, which is exactly what keeps you from becoming “that therapist.” Read more about this here! Burnout is not a dirty word!
Final Snarky Truth Bomb:
If you’re here arguing with yourself that “this is fine,” it’s definitely not fine. That’s the first step, admitting the myth of “I’m okay” is wearing thin. Need some data (oh data is almost as good as our cardigan collection isn’t it?) Take a therapist burnout quiz
Ready to stop running on fumes? I’ve got you.
Need a therapist who gets it and won’t shame you? Check out my availability
What Therapy Looks Like With Me (For Therapists)
This space isn’t about fixing you.
It’s about giving you room to tell the truth.
About what hurts.
About what’s unsustainable.
About what it costs to keep holding space in a system that doesn’t always hold you in return.
You don’t have to impress me.
You don’t have to show up perfectly regulated.
Heck, you can admit that you didn’t use your stupid coping skills thank you very much!
You can bring the gallows humor, the emotional mess, the part of you that keeps saying yes when you want to scream no.
This is a room for you.
Not the version of you that your clients know.
The real one who’s starting to fray at the seams and needs to be witnessed, not managed. Because no matter how good you are (and I bet you are) no one can be their own therapist.
If You’re On the Edge, You’re Not Alone.
There are more of us than you think. Therapists quietly burning out in the “good” jobs, the good private practices, the places we thought would save us.
Seeking therapy doesn’t mean you’re not cut out for this work.
It means you’re wise enough to know:
- When you’re at capacity
- When your nervous system is sending SOS signals
- When it’s time to let someone else carry the clipboard for a while
If that’s where you are, I’ve got room for you.
You don’t have to do this part alone.
Burnout Survival Guide
For Therapists Who Keep Giving, Even When They’re Running on Empty
1. Recognize the Signs Early (Before the Crash)
Burnout rarely appears overnight. It creeps in as:
- Chronic exhaustion that doesn’t improve with rest
- Feeling detached or numb during sessions
- Increased irritability or frustration with clients and colleagues
- Physical symptoms like headaches, stomach issues, or sleep problems
- The “this is fine” voice whispering louder and louder
Reality check: If you’re nodding along to most of this, it’s time to listen to your nervous system instead of drowning it out.
2. Set Realistic Boundaries And Stick to Them
You’re a helper, not a superhero. Boundaries are your best friend. Try:
- Limiting your client sessions to a sustainable weekly number (20–25 is a good target)
- Protecting your mornings or afternoons for breaks and admin tasks
- Saying “no” or “not right now” without guilt when clients request last-minute changes
- Reserving at least one day or half-day per week for yourself (no sessions, no admin)
Pro tip: Boundaries help you show up better for your clients. They’re not a luxury, they’re essential.
3. Build Micro-Breaks Into Your Day
Even a 5-minute break between clients can help reset your nervous system. Use these moments to:
- Take a few deep, grounding breaths
- Step outside or open a window for fresh air
- Stretch or do a quick movement break
- Drink water mindfully (yes, hydration counts!)
4. Streamline Admin and Paperwork
Admin tasks can pile up and weigh on your brain like a slow leak. Combat this by:
- Batching paperwork into specific times during your week
- Using templates or automation tools to save time
- Considering a virtual assistant or admin support if your budget allows
- Keeping a simple checklist to stay organized and reduce overwhelm
5. Invest in Your Own Therapy and Support
If you’re still saying “I don’t have time for therapy,” you’re exactly the person who needs it most. Therapy:
- Provides a safe place to process your own emotions
- Helps you build coping tools for stress and burnout
- Reminds you that you’re human, not a machine
- Reprocess in a way that works
6. Practice Compassionate Self-Talk
When your inner critic shows up with “You should be doing more,” gently remind yourself:
- You’re doing the best you can, today is enough
- Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish; it’s necessary
- Mistakes and limits are part of being human, not failure
7. Prioritize Rest and Recharge
Rest isn’t just sleep (though that’s crucial). It can look like:
- Saying no to extra commitments
- Engaging in hobbies that bring joy and calm
- Spending time with loved ones without agenda or pressure
- Disconnecting from work emails and messages outside work hours
8. Know When to Ask for Help or Slow Down
If you’re experiencing any of these, it’s a sign to pause:
- Emotional numbness or cynicism toward clients
- Physical symptoms like frequent headaches or stomach issues
- Trouble sleeping or feeling anxious constantly
- Feeling overwhelmed by simple tasks
Don’t wait until you’re burned out beyond repair. Reach out early for support, supervision, or a reduced schedule.
Bonus: Quick Grounding Tool for Between Sessions
5-4-3-2-1 Sensory Check:
- 5 things you can see
- 4 things you can touch
- 3 things you can hear
- 2 things you can smell
- 1 thing you can taste (or a positive thought)
Use this to quickly bring your focus back and calm your nervous system.
Final Thoughts
Burnout isn’t a weakness or failure. It’s a signal your nervous system is overtaxed and asking for care. You can build a practice and life that honors both your passion and your limits.
Ready to make sustainable changes? You’re not alone and you’ve got this.