Therapist Burnout Podcast: Mental Health, Business, and Career Tips for Therapists, Counselors, & Psychologists – Details, episodes & analysis

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Are other therapists gaslighting us about burnout? In this episode, Jen responds to a social media post claiming "burnout is not a given" — and unpacks why that framing, while well-intentioned, can quietly turn burnout into a "you problem." She talks honestly about arriving at burnout already burnt, why a new business model isn't always the escape hatch, and what she learned from running her first Leaving the Chair group.

IN THIS EPISODE

"Burnout is not a given" — yes, and… Jen responds to a post arguing that therapists just need a more sustainable business model to escape burnout. She agrees burnout shouldn't be normalized — and pushes back on the implication that if you're burnt out, you simply picked the wrong model. Many of us arrive at burnout in full surrender, with real mental health symptoms, needing recovery rather than prevention.

Burnt by the work itself The research is clear: therapists often arrive at burnout, not burning out. Not "a little crispy" — fully burnt. Jen normalizes that some of us will face burnout, compassion fatigue, or vicarious traumatization despite our business model, because of trauma exposure. It's okay if you need help. Full stop.

The escape-hatch industry Jen names the constant stream of pitches in her inbox — AI companies, coaching programs, consultation packages — all promising to "solve" therapist burnout. Some consultation is genuinely helpful (she's used it), but be discerning. People benefit financially from therapists buying their way out, and a stopgap is not a solution.

What she learned running Leaving the Chair Jen's first cohort of the Leaving the Chair group wrapped in May 2026. Instead of "fix your nervous system in a weekend," the group started with pruning — cutting back what isn't working — and moved into the harder question: who am I now, and what do I actually value?

The values bridge Through Susie Welsh's values bridge work (found via Kate Donovan's podcast), Jen was surprised to learn she's genuinely okay with a smaller life. Marketing, launching, scaling — not high on her list right now. Partnership, family, tennis, gardening, her dog — those are.

The arrival fallacy, again High-achievers in this field are trained to look for the next rung: the license, the practice, the group practice, the podcast, the program. Jen reflects on being squarely in midlife and — maybe for the first time — being comfortable being where she is.

"I don't want to." Borrowing from Martha Beck, Jen describes the little creature at the end of herself that finally said, "I don't want to." Not collapse — refusal. She wants to do good work, thoroughly, and still not overwork. She wants to play.

A hobby is something that doesn't make you money Jen stopped teaching fitness classes during the group — $25/hour is real money, but it wasn't a hobby and it wasn't her job. She talks about reclaiming hobbies as hobbies, and helping therapists think about their whole life as something worth enjoying, not just optimizing.

What a sabbatical is actually for Jen is taking a summer sabbatical in late June. Spoiler: a sabbatical is not a vision quest. It's not the time to figure life out. It's a time to rest and to cease work — something modern life has thoroughly messed up. A full episode on sabbaticals is coming.

Thanks for listening. If this episode resonated with you, share it with a therapist friend who needs to hear it — and subscribe to the newsletter for more at https://balanced-thunder-281.myflodesk.com/drjenb

Can you prevent burnout as a therapist? This episode explores the balance between work life and personal life, the importance of boundaries, and how to navigate systemic challenges in the therapy field. Main Topics:

• The concept of guardrails in therapy and personal life
• Practical boundary-setting techniques for work-life separation
• The impact of systemic issues and environment on burnout
• Personal stories of systemic injustice and boundary violations
• How to implement small guardrails in daily routines
• The importance of saying no and adjusting workloads
• Reflections on burnout prevention strategies and the limits of individual efforts
• The role of self-awareness and systemic change in therapist wellness

Resources & Links:

• Oliver Berkman - 4,000 Weeks: Time Management for Mortals
• Cal Newport - Deep Work
• Mary Oliver - Poem on Our One Wild Life (related poem)

Connect with Jen Blanchette:

• Leaving the Chair Newsletter (subscribe for stories, journal prompts, and updates)
• Jen’s Website

Connect with Therapist Colleague:

• Website
• LinkedIn

• Good therapist conditioning can lead to perfectionism and a fear of making mistakes as well as burnout.
• Therapists often feel a strong sense of responsibility for their clients' well-being.
• Cultural expectations and societal norms can reinforce traditional gender roles and influence therapists' perception of themselves and their careers.
• Attachment to the identity of being a therapist can make it difficult to consider alternative career paths.
• Therapists should prioritize their own needs and happiness and not be afraid to make changes.

Links to my stuff: https://linktr.ee/drjenblanchette

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Ever feel like you’re sprinting through life with no chance to catch your breath? In this episode, I dive into the power of pacing—how to slow down and work at a human pace in a world that never stops. Drawing from my experience in neurorehabilitation, I break down the impact of cognitive fatigue, burnout, and why structured rest isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. Plus, I’ll share practical ways to reduce information overload, manage digital consumption, and make small but powerful shifts to support your brain health and well-being.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How to incorporate the neurorehab pacing framework into your daily life
• The importance of structured rest: 10 minutes per hour, one hour per day, one day per week, and one week every 12-16 weeks
• How burnout affects cognitive function and why rest is non-negotiable
• The impact of digital inputs on stress levels and how to minimize overstimulation
• Practical ways to build small, sustainable habits for better mental clarity and energy

Key Takeaways:

• If you feel like you can’t stop working or your brain is always “on,” you may be experiencing cognitive burnout.
• Digital overstimulation, especially from our phones, is draining our attention and rest time. Consider a digital declutter challenge.
• Start small: bookend your day without media, take short movement breaks, and spend just 10 minutes outside to reset.
• The laws require breaks at work—yet many of us don’t take them. It’s time to change that.

Resources Mentioned:

• Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport
• Atomic Habits by James Clear
• Premack Principle & Habit Stacking for behavioral change
• COGSmart program from the VA for cognitive rehabilitation
• Related Episodes:
  • Episode 29: The Anxious Generation & Therapist Burnout – Why forcing yourself to work harder won’t fix burnout and what actually helps.
  • Episode 30: Hot Take: Your Phone and Burnout – How systemic pressure to overwork keeps therapists stuck and strategies to resist it.

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Overbooked & Overwhelmed (again): How to Prune What You Can When Your Calendar Feels Impossible

In this episode, I’m revisiting a topic I first talked about last year: what to do when you look at your calendar and genuinely can’t see how you’re going to make it through the week.

I’m naming the backdrop we’re all living inside of (what some people are calling a “polycrisis”) and why it matters that we stop pretending our overwhelm exists in a vacuum. Then I take you into a simple (not easy) starting point: notice what’s depleting you, and prune what you can—without needing a perfect plan or a five-step system.

• A quick 2020 story (my cancelled “Cinderella’s castle” 40th birthday moment) and why the 2020s have felt like a relentless era
• The concept of a “polycrisis” and why therapists have been bracing for years
• Why you can’t live in nervous system dysregulation forever (your body has a limit)
• What brain injury recovery taught me about burnout recovery: it’s rarely “one fix”—it’s ongoing listening + experimenting
• The burnout reckoning: “When can I function like I used to?” (and why that question can keep you stuck)
• The practical starting point:
  • Notice depletion
  • Identify what’s non-negotiable vs. optional
  • Prune what you can
• The “come to Jesus” questions:
  • What is this pace doing to your body in 6 months?
  • What is it doing to your patients, your partner, your kids, your life?
• How resentment shows up internally (and why it’s human)—and when you’re past “just do more consultation”
• Why “doing less” does not mean you care less
• Cognitive overload + sensory input (especially your phone), and how to titrate it down without going cold turkey
• Concrete examples of pruning:
  • fewer evening sessions
  • dropping one non-essential obligation
  • simplifying meals/snacks so you’re not running on fumes
  • delegating home tasks (yes, even feeding the dog)
  • pausing trainings/certifications when you have no bandwidth

If you can (and not while driving):

Look at your calendar and just sit with it for a minute. Then ask:

• What do I dread every week?
• What is the cost of continuing to do it like this?
• What’s truly non-negotiable… and what’s optional even if it doesn’t feel optional?
• What’s one small thing I can prune this week?

Doing less does not mean you care less.

It may be the exact thing that helps you care more—because it protects your capacity.

• “Polycrisis” (the idea that multiple crises are happening at once and compounding)
• Cognitive burnout + constant input (especially phone use / scrolling)

• Therapist Pen Pal list: https://balanced-thunder-281.myflodesk.com/drjenb
• Email: info@drjenblanchette.com
• LinkedIn: Find me at Dr. Jen Blanchette

What happens when you know you’re done with therapy work—but you still can’t leave? In this episode of The Therapist Burnout Podcast, Jen continues the Private Practice Closure Series with an honest look at the in-between season: when your mind, body, and heart are saying “enough,” but your circumstances don’t yet allow for a full exit.

Jen shares her personal experience of sitting in this space—knowing she was finished with 1:1 work long before she actually closed her practice—and what she’s learned from supporting other therapists in that same tension.

You don’t need a sign or a playbook to know you’re done. You already know. But there are small, sustainable ways to make your work more tolerable while you prepare to leave.

• Why therapists often stay in their practices far longer than is healthy
• The clinical, emotional, and practical fears that keep us stuck
• How our bodies sound the alarm through anxiety, health issues, and shutdown
• The myth of “failing” if you leave your practice or the therapy field
• How to listen to your body’s cues and start pacing your exit
• Practical micro-moves:
  • Reviewing your caseload for depletion vs. renewal
  • Reconnecting to treatment goals and considering ethical terminations
  • Discharging long-term clients who no longer meet goals
  • Reducing hours, enforcing cancellations, or outsourcing billing
• Why adding certifications or going private pay often isn’t the answer when you’re burned out
• Real talk about online business and coaching—why it’s not a quick fix
• How slowing down and nervous system recovery create the clarity you actually need

You may not be able to leave yet—and that’s okay. The work right now is making things as tolerable as possible while you prepare for what’s next.

Small shifts create space for the bigger decisions.

• Private Practice Closure Guide https://balanced-thunder-281.myflodesk.com/closureguide your step-by-step playbook for the logistics of closing your practice
• Previous episodes in the Private Practice Closure Series (listen to episodes 91–92 for context)

What is your body trying to tell you about your work right now—and where might you need to listen more closely?

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After nearly two years of talking with hundreds of therapists about burnout (and living my own), I’m revisiting the core question: What is therapist burnout—really? I share a body-based story from a back injury, then map burnout using a memorable lasagna metaphor so you can name what you’re feeling and choose a first small step.

You’ll hear about:

• Why the ICD-11 frame only scratches the surface for clinicians
• Why vacations alone don’t fix therapist burnout
• The layered experience of exhaustion, resentment, “I don’t care,” clinical grief, vicarious trauma, moral injury, body symptoms, and shame
• Small moves to create safety and margin before “doing the trauma work” on yourself

1. Noodles: Exhaustion as the base You’re doing too much. First step: do less. Fewer clients, fewer tasks, more margin.
2. Sauce: Anger and resentment Irritability that leaks into everything. Paperwork, payers, tough sessions, home life.
3. Cheese through everything: “I don’t care” Scary to admit. Often a nervous system survival response, not a character flaw.
4. Hidden filling: Clinical grief Losses without ritual or witnessing. Client death, sudden endings, ghosting.
5. Spicy layer: Vicarious trauma Intrusions, hypervigilance, worldview shifts from the work itself.
6. Bitter bite: Moral injury When systems force choices that betray your values. It hits identity and ethics.
7. Burnt edges: Body symptoms Headaches, GI issues, tight chest, sleep disruption—your body waving a red flag.
8. Top layer: Shame The whisper that says “You’re a bad therapist.” It seals the whole dish and keeps you stuck.

Like my back flare, burnout involves multiple systems at once. It’s not about you “mismanaging stress.” It’s about adjusting inputs, removing aggravators, and rebuilding capacity step by step.

• Create margin: Remove one task or one client block.
• Add safety: Choose one nervous-system support (sleep, movement, gentle connection).
• Get care: Loop in your therapist, PCP, or a trusted peer for assessment and support.

• Ep. 70: Burnout doesn’t stay at work — how it spills into life and what to do next.

If this helped, share it with a therapist friend. That’s how this message grows.

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What happens when a thriving group practice becomes too much to hold?

In this episode, I’m joined by Shulamit Baer Levtov—a therapist, entrepreneur, and burnout recovery coach—who shares her deeply personal story of walking away from a successful group practice because it no longer aligned with her values or her health. Together, we talk about the behind-the-scenes of therapist burnout, especially in leadership roles, and the tricky relationship many therapists have with money.

Shulamit brings clarity and compassion to topics that so often carry shame: struggling in your business, feeling stuck in scarcity, and believing you’re failing when in fact the system was never set up for your wellness in the first place.

In this episode, we explore:

• The hidden costs of group practice ownership and why it’s not always the burnout solution we’re sold
• How scarcity mindset impacts our brains, decision-making, and ability to dream bigger
• The gendered messaging therapists receive about money—and how it shows up in our fee-setting, boundaries, and burnout
• Why business education is critical for therapists in private practice, and how Shulamit is helping to change that
• Practical ways to set up support, systems, and mental health infrastructure in your business
• What AI can and can’t do when it comes to easing therapist overwhelm
• Shulamit’s powerful reminder that burnout is not a personal failure—it’s a signal something needs to change

Whether you’re a therapist on the edge of burnout, rebuilding after stepping away, or navigating the stress of entrepreneurship, this conversation is a reminder: you’re not broken, and you’re not alone.

Resources & Links:

• Connect with Shulamit at shula.ca
• Subscribe to her newsletter: shula.ca/newsletter
• Join my pen-pal list for burned-out therapists: https://balanced-thunder-281.myflodesk.com/drjenb
• Learn more about Dr. Michael A. Freeman’s research on entrepreneurship & mental health
• Private Practice Made Simple: Everything You Need to Know to Set Up and Manage a Successful Mental Health Practice Paperback – June 2 2011 by Randy J. Paterson PhD (Author)
• 12 MONTHS TO YOUR IDEAL PRIVATE PRACTICE (book and WORKBOOK) By Lynn Grodzki, Lynn
• Freeman study 2015: https://michaelafreemanmd.com/Research_files/Are%20Entrepreneurs%20Touched%20with%20Fire%20(pre-pub%20n)%204-17-15.pdf
• Most recent freeman study:  https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352673424000131

In this heartfelt and inspiring episode, host Dr. Jen Blanchette sits down with Dr. Melvin Varghese, psychologist and host of the renowned Selling the Couch podcast, to explore the emotional toll of burnout and the journey of reimagining success in the therapy profession. Together, they discuss the pressures of clinical work, the impact of systemic challenges, and how to embrace career pivots with curiosity and patience.

Melvin shares pivotal moments from his own path, including the burnout that stemmed from his early career as psychologist in testing, to the realization that the traditional practice model wasn’t sustainable for him, and the careful steps he took to transition into podcasting and course creation. From starting with a $60 mic and an ironing board to building a top 0.5% global podcast, Melvin’s journey offers both inspiration and practical takeaways for therapists seeking to prioritize their well-being and explore new opportunities.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

The Emotional Toll of Burnout and Self-Sacrifice: Melvin reflects on feeling the weight of being one of the few Indian male psychologists and the need to meet overwhelming demand. He vulnerably shares the physical and emotional toll of prioritizing others’ needs over his own—hair loss, insomnia, and emotional exhaustion—and emphasizes the importance of deep self-care: “We deserve the same level of care we give to others.”

Signs It’s Time for a Change: Melvin and Jen share moments of clarity when they knew something had to shift. From dreading the workweek to questioning their ability to keep going, they discuss how the emotional labor of balancing clients’ needs with their own well-being made traditional therapy unsustainable.

The Pivot to Podcasting and Courses: Melvin’s transition started with small, curious steps and years of consistent effort. He recounts key milestones:

• • Launching Selling the Couch in 2015 as a side hustle.
  • Balancing early-morning recordings, full workdays, and late-night editing.
  • Transitioning to full-time entrepreneurship with careful planning.

The Realities of Building a Podcast and Course:Melvin shares the slow, steady growth of his podcast, now with 379 episodes, 1.1 million downloads, and a spot in the top 0.5% globally. His podcasting course has served 244 students and generated $323,000 over nine years, a testament to persistence and adaptability.

Balancing Life and Business During COVID-19:The pandemic cemented Melvin’s decision to leave clinical work, as safety concerns for his family—including a premature daughter and a partner with severe asthma—made in-person therapy impractical. This challenge ultimately led to clarity and growth.

Key Takeaways for Therapists Looking to Transition:

• You don’t have to sacrifice your well-being to meet others’ needs.
• Start small, be patient, and focus on creating something sustainable.
• Give yourself permission to pivot and evolve over time.

Resources Mentioned:

• Selling the Couch Podcast: https://sellingthecouch.com/stcpodcast/
• Melvin’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melvinvarghesephd

Connect with Jen

• Website: www.drjenblanchette.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjenblanchette/
• Newsletter: The Burned Out Therapist Pen-Pal List

In this episode, host Dr. Jen Blanchette takes you behind the scenes of her podcast journey, including a technical hiccup that led her to re-record this episode. But the silver lining? It gave her a chance to dive deeper into the topic of fear—specifically, how fear holds therapists back from making necessary changes in their careers and lives.

Jen shares her own story of hitting peak burnout in 2021, navigating the challenges of balancing parenting, a private practice, and the financial frustrations of dealing with insurance panels. She discusses the two biggest fears therapists face when contemplating change:

1. The Fear of No Options
   • When burnout hits, it can feel like there’s no way out. Jen reflects on her journey of discovering options beyond one-on-one therapy and encourages listeners to explore alternatives they may not have considered.
   • She also revisits episodes from her career series (episodes 25-28), offering a roadmap for therapists wondering what’s next.
2. The Fear of Letting People Down
   • From closing practices to discharging clients, the fear of disappointing or harming clients can be paralyzing. Jen normalizes these feelings and offers insights on navigating these transitions ethically and compassionately.

Throughout the episode, Jen highlights the importance of giving yourself permission to rest, recognizing your limits, and trusting that change doesn’t mean failure—it’s a step toward sustainability.

Key Takeaways:

• Burnout isn’t a personal failing; it’s often a sign that your current circumstances are unsustainable.
• Fear is natural, but it doesn’t have to hold you back. With reflection and support, you can find new paths that align with your needs.
• Rest and recovery aren’t just privileges—they’re essential for your longevity as a therapist.

Resources Mentioned:

• Career-focused episodes:
  • Episode 25: The Passion Paradox in Therapist Careers
  • Episode 26: What Other Jobs Could Therapists Do Besides Therapy?
  • Episode 27: Why Therapists Fantasize About Working at Target
  • Episode 28: Three Steps to Pivot Your Career Away from One-to-One Therapy
• Episode 35: Unspoken Endings—Navigating Unilateral Terminations

Let’s Connect:

• Find me on LinkedIn: Dr. Jen Blanchette
• Ready to explore your options? Check out my coaching offerings for therapists navigating burnout and career change. www.drjenblanchette.com

Final Reflection:

Fear often shows up when we’re on the brink of transformation. If you’ve been feeling stuck or scared to make a change, know that you’re not alone. You have options, and your next step doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to be yours.