7 reasons therapists burn out (and what you can do about it)

Therapists care for others but often forget to care for themselves. Burnout isn’t just feeling tired; it’s a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged or excessive stress. And for therapists, it’s alarmingly common. 

And it’s not just therapists who are struggling. A recent article in The Boston Globe highlighted the alarming number of doctors leaving medicine due to burnout and workplace issues, with over 70,000 physicians exiting the field between 2021 and 2022 alone. Their stories of overwhelming administrative burdens, corporate pressures, and a diminishing focus on patient care resonate deeply with the challenges faced by therapists today. Just as doctors are struggling, therapists are also finding themselves stretched thin, leading to a quiet crisis that demands attention. Let’s explore some key reasons why therapists are burning out and, more importantly, what can be done to prevent it. 

1. You’re overcommitted

Therapists often wear many hats—counselor, advocate, mentor, administrator, and sometimes even business owner. With so many responsibilities, it’s easy to overcommit and lose sight of your own boundaries. When you’re juggling too many tasks, your energy gets spread thin, and the work you once found fulfilling can start to feel overwhelming. 

In addition, therapists can struggle with compassion fatigue. This isn’t simply empathy; it’s the cumulative effect of bearing witness to others’ pain, trauma, and suffering. You absorb their emotions, and over time, it can lead to emotional numbness, cynicism, and a sense of helplessness. 

It’s also unfortunately common for therapists to be overbooked. Balancing a heavy caseload with the emotional demands of therapy can lead to feeling overwhelmed and rushed, impacting the quality of care and your own well-being. 

What you can do: 

• Set clear boundaries. Establish clear boundaries between work and personal life. Turn off your work phone and computer (or set your work apps to show no notifications) at the end of the day. Don’t respond to emails or calls outside of designated hours. Learn to say “no” to requests that don’t align with your priorities or capacity, additional clients, or tasks when you’re feeling overwhelmed.   
• Delegate when possible. If you run a practice, consider hiring support staff or outsourcing administrative tasks. 
• Schedule downtime. Block off time in your calendar for regular breaks during your workday to step away from your computer and recharge, just as you would for client appointments. Use your vacation time! It’s not a luxury; it’s a necessity. 

2. You’re carrying too much emotional weight 

Therapists are trained to help others understand their pain, but this can take a toll on your emotional well-being. Your work is intensely empathetic. Each session requires deep listening, emotional regulation, and the ability to hold space for clients’ difficult experiences. This constant emotional labor takes a toll. Over time, the weight of other people’s struggles can seep into your own psyche, leaving you feeling drained or even numb. Exposure to clients’ trauma can also trigger your own unresolved issues or create a sense of secondary trauma.  

What you can do: 

• Practice self-compassion. Acknowledge the emotional labor you’re carrying and give yourself permission to feel it. Imagine if you were speaking to a friend or a client; wouldn’t you give them some grace? Allow yourself that same kindness. 
• Engage in regular self-care. This isn’t selfish; it’s essential. Schedule regular time for activities that nourish your mind, body, and soul – exercise, meditation, hobbies, spending time in nature, connecting with loved ones. 
• Seek supervision or consultation. Talking to a trusted colleague or supervisor can provide perspective and emotional support. 

3. You’re not recharging between sessions 

Therapy requires deep focus and emotional engagement, which can be exhausting. It’s easy to blur the lines between professional and personal life, leading to overwork and neglecting your own needs. Checking emails at night, responding to client calls outside of work hours, and taking on too many clients are all examples. If you don’t give yourself time to recharge between clients, it’s easy to feel depleted by the end of the day.

What you can do: 

• Build buffer time into your schedule. Even just 5-10 minutes between sessions can give you a chance to breathe and reset. 
• Use grounding techniques. Try breathing exercises, stretching, or a quick walk to help transition between clients. 
• Set boundaries with technology. Avoid checking emails or texts immediately after sessions, so you can fully transition out of “work mode.” 

4. You’re neglecting your own needs 

Ironically, the very people who help others prioritize self-care often struggle to practice it themselves. This can manifest as neglecting sleep, diet, exercise, and social connections. When you’re focused on helping others, it’s easy to put your own needs on the back burner. But self-neglect can quickly lead to burnout, leaving you feeling disconnected from yourself and your passion for the work you do. 

What you can do: 

• Prioritize your physical health. Eat nourishing meals, get regular exercise, and prioritize sleep. If you can avoid it, don’t work when you’re sick. 
• Cultivate hobbies outside of work. Find activities that bring you joy and help you reconnect with yourself. 
• Seek professional help: If you’re struggling with burnout, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. A therapist can provide support and guidance in developing coping mechanisms and strategies for self-care. For therapists struggling financially, consider checking out the Therapy for Therapists Collective. 

5. You’re dealing with administrative and financial stress 

Running a private practice or navigating insurance and billing can be incredibly stressful. These administrative tasks can feel far removed from the therapeutic work you love, but they’re often unavoidable and can contribute to burnout. The paperwork, insurance claims, scheduling, and marketing can feel overwhelming, taking precious time away from actual therapy and self-care. And the financial realities of private practice add another layer of pressure to an already demanding profession. 

What you can do: 

• Streamline your systems. Invest in tools or software that make administrative tasks easier. Look for ways to automate tedious tasks. 
• Outsource when possible. If finances allow, consider hiring someone to handle billing or scheduling. 
• Set aside dedicated time for admin work. Block off time in your calendar to focus on these tasks, so they don’t spill into your personal time. 
• Advocate for better working conditions: If you’re working in an institution, advocate for policies that support therapist well-being, such as reasonable caseloads, adequate administrative support, and access to supervision and mental health resources. No amount of yoga can fix poor working conditions. 

6. You’re feeling isolated 

Therapists often work alone, which can make it hard to build meaningful connections with colleagues. Without a support system, it’s easy to feel isolated, especially when you’re struggling with your own challenges. Feeling isolated and unsupported can exacerbate burnout. And while peer supervision is beneficial, it’s not always readily available or accessible.  

What you can do: 

• Join a professional community. Attend workshops, conferences, or networking events to connect with other therapists. Consider joining social media support groups, vent sessions, or forums. 
• Find a peer support group. Regular supervision is crucial for processing difficult cases and receiving support from experienced colleagues. Consider joining a peer support group or finding a therapist for your own well-being. Sharing experiences with colleagues can provide camaraderie and validation.  
• Stay connected to friends and family. Make time for relationships outside of work, even if it’s just a quick phone call or coffee date. 

7. You’re overlooking the joy 

Therapy is deeply meaningful work, but it’s easy to get so caught up in the challenges that you forget to celebrate the successes. When you lose sight of the positive impact you’re making, the work can start to feel like a slog. While burnout often makes practitioners feel shame or inadequate, it’s often the most dedicated people who burnout the fastest.  

What you can do: 

• Acknowledge your wins. Take time to reflect on your clients’ progress and the difference you’re making in their lives. It’s not uncommon to get stuck on one negative experience and forget the many, many positive things your clients say or think. 
• Celebrate small victories. Whether it’s a successful session, a completed administrative task, or a moment of self-care, savor the good moments. 
• Practice gratitude. Write down three things you’re grateful for each day, even if they’re small. 

Additional strategies inspired by doctors’ experiences 

Advocate for better working conditions: 

• Institutional changes: If you work in an institution, advocate for policies that support therapist well-being, such as reasonable caseloads, adequate administrative support, and access to mental health resources. 
• Professional advocacy: Join or support professional organizations that advocate for better working conditions and policies for therapists. 

Explore alternative roles: 

• Consider different settings: If the current environment is too stressful, explore other settings where you can practice therapy, such as schools, community centers, or telehealth platforms. 
• Transition to related fields: If you feel a strong need for change, consider roles in related fields such as consulting, teaching, or research. Some therapists find fulfilling roles in academia, writing, or coaching. 

You’re not alone 

Burnout is a real challenge, but it’s not a reflection of your ability or dedication as a therapist. It’s also an opportunity to reclaim your time and empower your care with the right tools and support systems in place. The truth is burnout can happen to anyone—even the most passionate and skilled professionals. The key is to approach it with compassion and a willingness to make changes that prioritize your well-being. 

Remember, taking care of yourself isn’t selfish—it’s essential. When you’re thriving, you’re better equipped to help your clients thrive. So, take a deep breath, give yourself permission to slow down, and start taking steps to prevent or beat burnout. Your well-being matters, and so does the incredible work you do. 

You’ve got this.  When you’re ready to explore a simple, integrated solution that lightens your administrative load, learn more about Ensora Mental Health and how it can support your practice.