Burnout & Finding Balance

Burnout

Image of a person with 8 arms, multitasking and feeling stressed.

Burnout is often described as a state of exhaustion, demoralization, and reduced capacity. It can manifest itself through mental and physical fatigue, feelings of stress, and changes in emotional reactivity. It is often accompanied by negativism, mental distance, and isolation. Although typically associated with excessive stress at work, burnout can show up in other areas of life, such as parenting, managing illness, or caretaking.

I have extensive experience working with people at different stages of burnout, from early accumulation of fatigue, to (most frequently) acute breakdown stages, to recovery periods. I rely on Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Compassion-based approaches, with specific techniques varying depending on the stage of burnout and your immediate goals.

  • If you are recognizing the early symptoms of burnout, I can help with lowering stress levels and adjusting your practices to achieve greater fulfillment and sustainability. We'll work on identifying your specific stressors, as well as your sources of energy and support, and then recalibrate your engagement to achieve better balance.

  • For more acute stages of burnout, we'll typically start with stabilization. This is followed by a careful assessment of what's causing your burnout. From there, we'll prioritize the changes you need to make to begin your recovery process. To help you transition out of the acute stage, I offer training in relaxation techniques, self-advocacy, self-compassion, and changing your thoughts and beliefs around the source of your burnout.

  • During the recovery stage, we’ll often engage in a deeper exploration of your values. As your values become more clear, we'll create a plan that aligns with your preferred direction in life. offer training in self-compassion and help you recognize your strengths and cultivate a non-judgmental view of your limits. Finally, I'll support you in designing — and testing out — a rhythm of life that you find sustainable and enjoyable.

Finding Balance

Person balancing on a large ball in a calm meditative pose

Finding balance is a very broad topic, with potential interventions ranging from making small adjustments to one’s schedule, to finding deeper life purpose. I have found joy and have worked effectively with clients on both ends of this spectrum.

My goal is to help my clients identify and capitalize on their areas of strength, while noticing and mindfully changing their areas of discomfort until a better, sustainable, balance is achieved.

Specific techniques vary highly depending on the needs of a given client.