Therapist Burnout: Signs, Causes, & How to Cope

What Is Therapist Burnout?

Therapist burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion experienced by mental health professionals as a result of prolonged exposure to the demands and stressors of their work. Burnout can manifest as feelings of depersonalization, cynicism, decreased job satisfaction, and a sense of diminished personal accomplishment. Ultimately, feeling emotionally drained can impact the quality of care provided to clients and may lead to decreased effectiveness in therapy sessions.

How Common Is Therapist Burnout?

Therapist burnout is a prevalent issue in the mental health profession, affecting a significant number of therapists and counselors. Some research shows rates are relatively high, with 45% of providers reporting burnout in 2022.¹ These findings underscore the importance of addressing this issue to ensure the well-being of therapists and the quality of care they provide.

Therapist Burnout Symptoms

Symptoms of therapist burnout often include emotional exhaustion, feelings of detachment from clients, decreased empathy, and apathy toward work. Many also experience physical symptoms, such as headaches or gastrointestinal issues, due to chronic stress. Some may exhibit increased irritability, leading to conflicts at work or with clients. Unaddressed therapist burnout can significantly impact the quality of care as providers struggle to function within their roles.

Below are common symptoms of therapist burnout:

• Feeling emotionally drained
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Feeling overwhelmed
• Difficulties concentrating
• Depersonalization
• Fatigue

Signs of Therapist Burnout

A therapist experiencing burnout may notice a sudden decline in their ability to function at and outside work. They may dread seeing clients, with some finding reasons to cancel, showing up late, or daydreaming during sessions. They may feel a sense of disconnection, decreased empathy, or more negativity or cynicism about their work.

Common signs and symptoms of therapist burnout include:²

• Cynicism: Therapists may develop a negative or cynical attitude toward their clients, the therapeutic process, or the field as a whole. They may experience a sense of disillusionment or become emotionally detached from their work.
• Social withdrawal: Burnout can lead to isolation and a desire to withdraw from colleagues and friends. Therapists may lack energy or interest in engaging with others outside of work-related responsibilities.
• Loss of passion: Therapist burnout often results in a significant decrease in enthusiasm and passion for the profession. What was once a fulfilling and meaningful career may feel draining and unfulfilling.
• Unhealthy work-life balance: Burnout can lead to an imbalance between work and personal life. Therapists may find setting boundaries or prioritizing self-care difficult, resulting in an excessive focus on work at the expense of their well-being.
• Compassion fatigue: Therapists can experience compassion fatigue after continuously empathizing with clients and absorbing their emotional pain, sometimes resulting in diminished abilities to connect with clients.
• Feeling detached from clients: Burnout may cause therapists to feel emotionally disconnected or numb in their interactions with clients. They may struggle to maintain genuine empathy and engagement, thus impacting the therapeutic relationship.
• Self-doubt: Burnout can erode confidence and self-assurance in clinical skills. Therapists may question their effectiveness and experience self-doubt about their ability to help their clients.

Causes of Therapist Burnout

The demanding nature of providing support, exposure to distressing stories, high job stress, and challenging emotional experiences can contribute to therapist burnout. Additionally, heavy workloads, long hours, lack of self-care, and insufficient boundaries between work and personal life can increase the risk of chronic exhaustion and overwhelm, further exacerbating burnout.

Stressors that contribute to therapist burnout may include:

• Secondary trauma: Therapists can experience secondary trauma as a result of being exposed to client experiences. Continuously hearing and empathizing with these stories can impact emotional well-being.
• Heavy workloads: A high volume of clients and demanding schedules can lead to overwhelming workloads. Trying to meet the needs of numerous clients while managing administrative tasks and paperwork can contribute to burnout.
• Role conflict: Therapists may experience role conflict when they feel pressured to navigate ethical dilemmas or conflicting demands from clients, organizations, or colleagues.
• Slow client progress: Therapists may feel frustrated and doubt their effectiveness when clients do not make progress or experience setbacks in therapy. Decreased self-confidence as a provider can lead to feelings of professional inadequacy and burnout.
• Lack of control: Lacking control over a work environment, decision-making, or treatment plans can contribute to burnout. Therapists may feel disempowered and have limited autonomy in their practice.
• Low incentives at work: Little recognition, rewards, or incentives can contribute to burnout as therapists feel undervalued or underappreciated.
• High-risk clients: Working with high-risk clients, such as those with severe mental health issues, suicidal ideation, or a history of violence, can be emotionally demanding and increase the risk of therapist burnout.
• Toxic work environment: A toxic work environment characterized by poor leadership, lack of support, interpersonal conflicts, or a culture of negativity can contribute to burnout. Feeling unsupported or undervalued by colleagues or supervisors can amplify stress and emotional exhaustion.
• Inability to relax: Therapists may lack the necessary time for self-care and rejuvenation if they struggle to disconnect from work and relax. This constant “go, go, go” mentality can lead to chronic stress and burnout over time.

How to Prevent Therapist Burnout

Preventing burnout in mental health professionals takes intention and self-advocacy. Therapists can start by prioritizing self-care and setting boundaries with clients. Learning to separate personal and professional lives is crucial when cultivating a positive mindset and developing an identity outside work.

Some strategies that can help prevent therapist burnout include:

1. Practice Self-Care

Self-care is an essential aspect of life for everyone, especially when experiencing burnout. Avoid waiting for the next spa day or vacation to prioritize your emotional, mental, spiritual, and physical health. Focus on drinking enough water, tending your relationships, and engaging in activities that foster joy and rejuvenation.

2. Leave Work at Work

Therapists need solid boundaries between their work and personal time. For those working in an office, imagine a physical line on the way home after sessions that symbolizes the end of your workday. When working from home, consider shutting down your computer, turning off emails, or closing the door to your office. This separation allows space for you to unwind after long days of offering support.

3. Tap Into Hobbies & Passions

One effective way to combat therapist burnout is to tap into hobbies and passions outside work. Engaging in activities that promote relaxation, creativity, and personal fulfillment can provide a much-needed break from the emotional demands of the therapeutic work. Hobbies and passions are essential for self-expression and emotional release, helping replenish energy and increase overall well-being.

4. Connect With Peers for Support

Being a therapist can be a lonely and isolating job. Others may struggle to understand the pressures associated with the profession, and privacy laws prevent therapists from sharing details of their day. Professional organizations and peer support groups can be a helpful way to connect with others who can recognize and validate your experiences.

5. Exercise Regularly

Studies show a positive relationship between exercise and mental health. Physical activity can reduce the effects of stress, emotional exhaustion, and burnout. Simply walking, moving around, or stretching can help. Consider incorporating movement breaks throughout your day to promote calm and stress management.

6. Make Time for Family & Friends

Making time for family and friends is crucial in preventing and managing therapist burnout. Building and maintaining connections outside work can provide a support system and a sense of belonging essential for emotional well-being. Quality time with loved ones can remind you of the positives in your life, helping counterbalance the challenges and stressors of therapeutic work.

7. Set Boundaries With Clients

Therapists need boundaries with clients. Set limits around when and how they can contact you between sessions. Let them know your cancellation policy and how you plan to conduct treatment. These guidelines are important, so communicate them to clients and stick with them!

8. Set Your Ideal Schedule

Crafting and sticking to a schedule is one way for therapists to protect their time and energy when preventing burnout. Block out time for lunch breaks, administrative time, and days off when possible. Everyone needs space to de-compress from work, especially those in supportive fields.

9. Consider Your Work Environment

Consider discussing the situation with your boss if your schedule leaves little room for self-care or rest. Sometimes, overcoming therapist burnout requires changes at the organizational level.

10. Limit Client Caseloads

Managing the increased demand for mental health services can be challenging. Many therapists try to squeeze in just one more client. Remember, having a higher caseload doesn’t benefit you or your clients. You cannot help everyone–overextending yourself will cause more harm than good.

11. Work With Ideal Clients

Ideal clients are those whose presenting issues align with your expertise and interests. Working with clients who fit your skills and passions can increase job satisfaction and a sense of fulfillment. Building a realistic caseload allows you to utilize your strengths and feel competent at work, which can combat feelings of frustration and burnout.

12. Get Trained in a New Modality

Getting trained in a new modality can reinvigorate therapists and help prevent burnout. Learning a new approach or technique can bring a fresh perspective to your practice and open new avenues for client sessions. Education stimulates intellectual curiosity and creativity, offering a sense of growth, professional development, confidence, and adaptability.

13. Change Your Mindset

A fixed mindset keeps people believing they cannot change their situation. On the other hand, a growth mindset perceives every situation as an opportunity to learn, grow, and improve for the better. Practice nurturing a growth mindset to combat therapist burnout.³

When to Seek Professional Help

Even mental health professionals can benefit from therapy for burnout. While you may feel silly asking for support, untreated burnout can worsen into more serious problems. Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) can help with secondary trauma, while cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) can increase distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and mindfulness. Remember, you are not alone in your journey.

Below are signs to consider seeking help for therapist burnout:

• Persistent feelings of exhaustion and fatigue
• Irritability, mood swings, or increased sensitivity
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Increased cynicism or negative attitude towards work
• Decreased empathy or compassion towards clients
• Increased isolation or withdrawal from colleagues and loved ones
• Physical symptoms such as headaches, stomach issues, or muscle tension
• Increased use of substances (alcohol, drugs) to cope with stress
• Chronic self-doubt or feelings of inadequacy in therapeutic work
• Thoughts of wanting to quit or feeling trapped in the profession