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

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 lifePractical boundary-setting techniques for work-life separationThe impact of systemic issues and environment on burnoutPersonal stories of systemic injustice and boundary violationsHow to implement small guardrails in daily routinesThe importance of saying no and adjusting workloadsReflections on burnout prevention strategies and the limits of individual effortsThe role of self-awareness and systemic change in therapist wellnessResources & Links:Oliver Berkman - 4,000 Weeks: Time Management for MortalsCal Newport - Deep WorkMary 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 WebsiteConnect with Therapist Colleague:WebsiteLinkedIn

Subscribe to the Leaving the Chair Newsletter: https://balanced-thunder-281.myflodesk.com/drjenbAre you a therapist who keeps adding certifications, trainings, and credentials, hoping that this one will finally make you feel like you're enough? In this episode, Jen gets personal about the inner voices of imposter phenomenon — the ones that say "I failed," "I'm not cut out for this," and "how did I get it all so wrong?" — and shares the reframes (and the time it actually takes to get there) that helped her find compassion for herself and her journey.IN THIS EPISODEThe knowledge trap in independent practice When we're working alone, we rarely get to mirror our expertise back to others — and that silence can make us feel like we're missing something. Jen explores how that feeling can send us chasing certifications instead of addressing what's actually going on.The dog walker who hit different Jen's new dog walker is a former ornithologist who left her career and summed it up simply: "I was never done." That phrase perfectly captures the arrival fallacy — the belief that once you hit a certain milestone (the EMDR cert, the LLLP, the full fee), you'll finally feel like you've arrived.The voices of imposter phenomenon Some of the loudest thoughts Jen experienced during burnout: "I'm not cut out for this. I failed. I worked so hard — how did I get it all so wrong?" She shares why these thoughts are so sticky, and why it can take years (not weeks) to move from being stuck in them to finding a true reframe.Tools for distancing from looping thoughts You already have these tools — now use them on yourself. Jen encourages therapists to apply the CBT and mindfulness techniques they use with clients to their own imposter thoughts: visualizations, cognitive defusion, and anything that creates distance between you and the story your brain is telling.The reframe that took three years "Of course you needed a break." Holding a therapy practice through a pandemic, as a mother of young children — of course that was too much. Jen reflects on the compassion she's finally found for herself, and invites you to find yours too.Slowing down instead of piling on Instead of launching a new program or changing your whole practice model, what if the answer was to prune? To get quiet? To figure out what you actually need? Jen makes the case for softening — and for finding someone to help you sort through it.LINKS & RESOURCESEpisode 105 — Certifications and burnout: are you adding credentials to solve the wrong problem? Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/therapist-burnout-podcast-mental-health-business-and/id1698139097 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Z1uyhMcqZHh2SH1uCZaZxLeaving the Chair Newsletter — practical, honest writing for therapists who are burned out, burned through, or just figuring out what's next. Going twice monthly. https://balanced-thunder-281.myflodesk.com/drjenbThanks 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

📬 THE LEAVING THE CHAIR NEWSLETTER For therapists done with burnout, overwhelm, and overscheduling — whether or not you're leaving the chair. Published twice monthly, free, and practical. 👉 Sign up here: https://balanced-thunder-281.myflodesk.com/drjenbIn this episode: Jen asks the question therapists are thinking but not saying out loud — are certifications in our field kind of like an MLM? She digs into the research, shares her own EMDR certification journey (including the $6,000 price tag), and gives you a real framework for knowing when a certification makes sense — and when burnout is the actual problem you're trying to solve.What you'll hear:Why Jen started her private practice — a new baby, heart surgery, postpartum anxiety, and no real optionsThe training gap from grad school — lots of CBT, almost no trauma treatment, and EMDR had a "voodoo" reputationHer EMDR journey from PESI training to full EMDRIA certification — and where she actually started to feel competentThe "MLM ladder" in therapy training: training → advanced training → consultation hours → certification → consultant → trainer — and who's making money at each rungThe proliferation of low-barrier certifications and what it means when the fine print says "certification does not imply endorsement of clinical competency"A side-by-side of a low-barrier DBT credential vs. the DBT-Linehan Board Certification (endorsed by Marsha Linehan herself)What the 2025 Dodo Bird meta-analysis tells us about therapy modality and outcomesWhy burnout makes training feel like the answer — and why it usually isn'tA practical guide: when to get certified, when it's the wrong move, how to evaluate if a cert is legit, and how to know if burnout is your real issueResearch mentioned:Boxell et al. (2025) — Dodo Bird meta-analysis, Journal of Contemporary Psychotherapy. 90 trials, 2014–2024, n=9,637. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10879-025-09712-7Simpson et al. (2025) — EMDR clinical and cost-effectiveness review, British Journal of Psychology. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjop.70005Wampold's contextual model — therapeutic alliance, empathy, positive regard, and therapist responsiveness drive outcomes more than modalityU.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs — trauma prevalence statisticsLinks:📬 Leaving the Chair Newsletter (twice monthly, free): https://balanced-thunder-281.myflodesk.com/drjenbEMDRIA: https://www.emdria.orgDBT-Linehan Board of Certification: https://dbt-lbc.orgMaine Association of School Psychologists: https://www.masp.org

✨ New: The Leaving the Chair NewsletterTired of the overwhelm, the over-functioning, and maybe even the therapy chair itself? Leaving the Chair is Dr. Jen's new newsletter for therapists who are ready to stop white-knuckling their careers and start building something that actually feels like theirs.Sign up here: https://balanced-thunder-281.myflodesk.com/drjenbShow Notes — Bonus Episode: Dr. Jen on the Emotionally Wealthy PodcastIn this bonus episode, Dr. Jen shares a recent guest appearance on the Emotionally Wealthy podcast with Karen Conlon — licensed psychotherapist, coach, and relationship expert. Karen's show explores how childhood conditioning, emotional patterns, and unexamined beliefs quietly shape the way high-achieving adults show up in love, work, and life.The conversation between Dr. Jen and Karen hits close to home for many therapists: the quiet burnout that doesn't look dramatic, the way we gaslight ourselves into pushing through, and what it actually means to stop over-functioning and start recovering. It's exactly the kind of question that lives at the heart of Dr. Jen's work — what are we even doing here?Dr. Jen also shares an update on Leaving the Chair, her community for therapists navigating burnout recovery. The content being built there is focused, practical, and designed to help you reclaim clarity and direction — not another overwhelming program, but exactly what's needed.What you'll hear in this episode:The quieter face of burnout — numbness, resentment, and the slow loss of yourselfHow high achievers and helpers learn to sacrifice themselves and call it dedicationWhy self-gaslighting keeps us stuck, and what burnout recovery actually looks likeAn update on Leaving the Chair and what's being developed for the communityLinks:📩 Join the Leaving the Chair Newsletter: https://balanced-thunder-281.myflodesk.com/drjenb🎙️ Emotionally Wealthy with Karen Conlon on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/emotionally-wealthy/id1814244500🎙️ The episode featuring Dr. Jen — The Burnout You Don't Recognize: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-burnout-you-dont-recognize-how-over-functioning/id1814244500?i=1000752849777🌐 Karen Conlon's website: https://karenconlon.comNew episode from Dr. Jen in two weeks!

Join my Therapist Pen Pal list (free): https://balanced-thunder-281.myflodesk.com/drjenbOverbooked & Overwhelmed (again): How to Prune What You Can When Your Calendar Feels ImpossibleIn 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.In this episode, we talk about:A quick 2020 story (my cancelled “Cinderella’s castle” 40th birthday moment) and why the 2020s have felt like a relentless eraThe concept of a “polycrisis” and why therapists have been bracing for yearsWhy 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 + experimentingThe burnout reckoning: “When can I function like I used to?” (and why that question can keep you stuck)The practical starting point:Notice depletionIdentify what’s non-negotiable vs. optionalPrune what you canThe “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 lessCognitive overload + sensory input (especially your phone), and how to titrate it down without going cold turkeyConcrete examples of pruning:fewer evening sessionsdropping one non-essential obligationsimplifying meals/snacks so you’re not running on fumesdelegating home tasks (yes, even feeding the dog)pausing trainings/certifications when you have no bandwidthA gentle prompt to try (from the episode)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?Key line from this episodeDoing less does not mean you care less. It may be the exact thing that helps you care more—because it protects your capacity.Mentioned / referenced“Polycrisis” (the idea that multiple crises are happening at once and compounding)Cognitive burnout + constant input (especially phone use / scrolling)Stay connectedTherapist Pen Pal list: https://balanced-thunder-281.myflodesk.com/drjenbEmail: [email protected]: Find me at Dr. Jen Blanchette

Burnout Story: Today, I’m joined by Dr. Kiki Fehling (aka @dbtkiki), a psychologist, author, and DBT expert (Linehan board-certified). Kiki shares the burnout story that started in grad school and became impossible to ignore after an unexpected heart attack at 29 during internship.We talk about what happens when your body forces a reckoning, why therapists normalize burnout so hard, and how Kiki ultimately built a career teaching DBT skills outside the therapy room through writing, speaking, and content creation. We also get into the reality of being a clinician “in these internet streets” — ethical gray areas, overwhelm, and why content creation isn’t a quick burnout escape hatch.In this episode:Medical trauma as a catalyst for changeDBT’s “life worth living” question (and what it reveals)The therapist burnout elephant we name but don’t unpackIdentity shifts: quitting, not quitting, and letting it evolveSocial media ethics + boundaries for cliniciansLinks & resources:Dr. Kiki Fehling: https://www.kikifehling.com/Follow Kiki: @dbtkikiAPA social media guidelines (PDF): https://www.apa.org/about/policy/guidelines-optimal-use-social-media.pdfJoin my Therapist Pen Pal list: https://balanced-thunder-281.myflodesk.com/drjenb

Join Leaving the Chair (registration closes Sat, Jan 31 at midnight): https://balanced-thunder-281.myflodesk.com/jhvxnbroxeIn this quick episode, I’m recapping the live webinar I just hosted on burnout and pivots — and what surprised me most wasn’t the content… it was the honesty in the questions.A lot of therapists who showed up were already in motion: closing their practice, leaving a job, or standing right on the edge of a big change. And it reminded me how common this really is — and how heavy it feels when you’re trying to figure it out alone.I also share why I’m opening my 12-week group experience, Leaving the Chair, and how it’s designed to be supportive (not content-heavy) for therapists who are trying to make real decisions in the middle of burnout.In this episode, I coverWhat came up on the webinarWhy the questions weren’t casual — they were vulnerable and realThe themes I keep attracting: practice closure, leaving therapy, and “I can’t do this anymore”How much life it gave me to hold space with therapists who get itMy biggest takeawaysBurnout makes decision-making feel impossible When you’re fried, your brain treats everything like danger — and it’s hard to trust yourself.“What job should I do?” isn’t the real question There are infinite options — the deeper work is learning what your body and life can hold right now.Your pivot doesn’t have to be dramatic A slower move can be more sustainable (unless your body is forcing an emergency exit).The Career Traffic Circle (broad strokes)Stop / pause (sabbatical, medical leave, real break)Slow down (reduce intensity, reduce clients, contract work)Bridge (off-ramp immediate income or on-ramp training)Full pivot (usually later — after stabilization)Identity grief is real Untethering from “I am a therapist” can bring grief, confusion, and shame.Termination and closure always come to the table Client reactions, ethical goodbyes, and the emotional load of wrapping up.The biggest problem is doing it alone This is hard work — and isolation makes it heavier.Join me inside Leaving the ChairLeaving the Chair is a 12-week group experience for therapists who want support making a pivot — without panic decisions.Starts: Friday, February 6Meets: Fridays at 2:00 PM EasternInvestment: $950Includes: 12 group sessions + 4 guided workshops + supportive circles focused on space, feedback, and decision support (not content overload)Spots available: 5Registration closes: Saturday, January 31 at midnight👉 Register here: https://balanced-thunder-281.myflodesk.com/jhvxnbroxeWant my weekly notes on burnout + pivots?Join my Pen Pal list here: https://balanced-thunder-281.myflodesk.com/drjenbQuestions? Reach outEmail: [email protected]: @drjenblanchette (DM me — I’ll reply)Closing noteIf you’re in the “I can’t do this anymore” season, you’re not failing — you’re overloaded. And you don’t have to make these decisions by yourself.

After nearly three years of talking with therapists about burnout (and living my own recovery in real time), I wanted to pause and name what I keep seeing underneath the surface — especially for therapists who feel stuck, spinning, or quietly wondering if they can keep doing 1:1 work.In this episode:Burnout isn’t just exhaustion — it’s losing your alivenessTherapist burnout isn’t a personal failure — it’s a systems problemSpinning isn’t indecisiveness — it’s nervous system overloadYou don’t need a dramatic pivot to move forwardYou can be good at your job and still not be able to do it anymoreAlso mentioned:Burnout vs depression (and why real support matters)Menopause + mental healthCognitive burnout, digital overload, and modern lifeWhy doing less can be the most radical move in burnout recoveryLinks + ways to stay connectedTherapist Pen Pal List: https://balanced-thunder-281.myflodesk.com/drjenbFree Pivot Call (Mon Jan 26 @ 2pm ET) — replay available: https://balanced-thunder-281.myflodesk.com/hidsgfobzaSubmit a question for the Pivot Call (anonymous option): https://forms.gle/Hs5GYYKFFMP45xmn9Leaving the Chair (Group Program) — starts Feb 6 | Fridays at 2pm ET: https://balanced-thunder-281.myflodesk.com/jhvxnbroxe

Quick note: Enrollment is open for Love It or Leave It (Leaving the Chair).Closes January 30 (at the time of recording).Join Love It or Leave It (Open Enrollment):https://balanced-thunder-281.myflodesk.com/jhvxnbroxeBook a consult call (limited availability):https://calendar.app.google/JBkK3aUPXyvxr46F7About this episodeMicah Freeman interviews Jen for Episode 100.We talk about milestones, burnout (in real life), cognitive overload, and why so many therapists are done with 1:1 as it’s currently structured.What we coverWhat 100 episodes actually feels like (and why “arrival” doesn’t land the way we expect)The arrival fallacy and the “have done list”Jen’s current relationship with burnout and learning to be gentler with herselfCognitive burnout: screens, tabs, constant input, nervous system fatigueThe added layers for many therapists: caregiving, emotional labor, hormones/menopauseWhy Jen started studying burnout before becoming a psychologist (therapeutic foster care)Burnout vs depression and the overlap in symptomsTherapist isolation, clinical grief, and why support mattersCommunity, meaning, and the messy middle of spirituality/faithWhy listener emails and reviews matter more than you thinkA few lines that stuck“Earth School is very hard.”“There are only so many times you can walk through fire and not get burned.”“I wanted to give it the breadth of time. 100 felt like doing that.”Reflection questionsWhat am I waiting to achieve so I can finally feel okay?What would be on my “have done list” this year?What’s burning me out most: work, life load, cognitive overload, or all of it?What would a sustainable next step look like (not a dramatic pivot)?GuestMicah FreemanWebsite: egostrength.netPodcast: the self-study lab

Happy New Year, therapist. If you’re listening in real time, it’s 2026—and we made it through another year of “Earth school (thanks Liz Gilbert!)” in 2025.In this episode, I’m rejecting the hustle harder / reinvent yourself energy that shows up every January—especially when your nervous system is already fried. Instead, I’m making the case for a soft start: a gentle re-entry that’s doable, realistic, and rooted in your actual capacity.If you’re stuck between “why even try?” and “I have to change everything right now,” this one’s for you.Links Join Love It or Leave It (Open Enrollment):https://balanced-thunder-281.myflodesk.com/jhvxnbroxeBook a consult call (limited availability):https://calendar.app.google/JBkK3aUPXyvxr46F7In this episode, we coverWhy January can feel like a flood for therapists—not a clean slateThe thesis: you don’t need a January reinvention—after 2025, we need a soft startA nervous-system lens: window of tolerance + “titrating” your life (EMDR concept applied to real life)The origin of New Year’s resolutions (and why the timing is kind of absurd)The shame layer of burnout: “I failed… I should’ve known… I should be stronger”A quote (shared by Liz Gilbert) from Leonard Cohen: standing guiltless in the predicamentThe minimum effective dose approach to movement, connection, and nourishment“Addition vs. subtraction” with food (and why diet culture can create more stress than we realize)How to take small, doable steps toward change (not panic pivots)Notable quote (Leonard Cohen)“There is a feeling we have sometimes of betraying some mission that we were mandated to fulfill… and the deeper courage was to stand guiltless in the predicament in which you find yourself.”Timestamps0:00 — “It’s January. The internet wants you to sprint.”1:40 — Thesis: a soft start for 2026 after a tough year4:26 — Window of tolerance + titrating your life5:16 — Fitness instructor story: don’t push past your range6:45 — History: resolutions started in spring, then moved to January9:08 — “The system is broken, not you” + the shame of burnout11:11 — Why winter goals can feel like punishment12:46 — Leonard Cohen quote + “stand guiltless” reflection16:00 — Sponsor break (me) + program invite18:34 — Minimum effective dose: movement, connection, nourishment27:00 — Soft pivots: small actions toward what you want30:03 — Episode 100 teaser: Micah Freeman interviews meSponsor (me): Love It or Leave ItIf you’re a therapist who feels fried to a crisp—and you’re fantasizing about doing something else just to breathe again—I created Love It or Leave It, a small group coaching program for therapists who want to quit 1:1 therapy (or at least a lot less of it). We’ll do this softly—nervous-system friendly and practical, so you can make real moves.Enrollment:https://balanced-thunder-281.myflodesk.com/jhvxnbroxeConsult call:https://calendar.app.google/JBkK3aUPXyvxr46F7Next episodeEpisode 100 is next week—my friend Micah Freeman interviews me.

Join the therapist (Pen Pal List): https://balanced-thunder-281.myflodesk.com/drjenb I write back! Burnout isn’t just exhaustion — it’s the loss of feeling alive.In this final episode of the year, I’m sharing what burnout recovery has actually looked like for me: the slow parts, the stuck parts, the softening of ambition, and the small pockets of aliveness that are bringing me back to myself.In this episode, I talk about:Why burnout isn’t just about depletion, but about losing a sense of alivenessWhy leaving private practice didn’t “fix” burnout the way I expectedJumping straight into school psychology without a real break — and what that brought upThe existential “midlife stuckness” many therapists experienceWhy the question “What else can I do?” is a doorway, not a failureUsing memories of past aliveness as a bridge back to yourselfGlimmers, play, and small pockets of aliveness in daily lifeHow ambition has softened — and why the “arrival” point doesn’t actually existWhy burnout seemed to have a moment in 2025What it means to work toward enough instead of moreIf you’re feeling stuck…If you’re burned out and trying to figure out what’s next, I invite you to start here: come back to yourself first.Figure out what you need as a human — not just as a therapist.That’s the path out of burnout. That’s the path toward something more sustainable.What’s coming nextI share a bit about where the podcast is heading in the new year, including:moving toward a more sustainable rhythminviting more guestscontinuing to talk honestly about burnout, identity, and recoveryPen Pal List: https://balanced-thunder-281.myflodesk.com/drjenb

Ending a therapeutic relationship is never easy, whether it’s because you're closing your practice, changing your career path, or setting necessary boundaries to protect your own well-being. In this episode, I share my personal experiences and challenges with therapy terminations, especially when they’re not planned or mutual. We dive deep into the fears therapists often have about letting clients down and the emotional toll that comes with the decision to prioritize your own mental health.Join me as I discuss the importance of setting boundaries, handling the complex emotions that arise during terminations, and finding ways to ensure both you and your clients feel supported through the transition.In This Episode, You'll Learn:The common fears therapists experience when deciding to end therapeutic relationships, such as the fear of letting clients down.My personal journey with therapy terminations and the impact of these decisions on my practice and personal well-being.Strategies for effectively communicating terminations to clients in a way that acknowledges their feelings while setting clear boundaries.How to recognize when it's time to make changes in your practice or career for your own mental health and sustainability.The importance of self-compassion and self-care during the process of ending therapeutic relationships.Key Takeaways:Recognize Your Limits: Understanding and acknowledging your own boundaries is crucial for long-term sustainability as a therapist.Clear Communication: Honest, empathetic communication can help ease the transition for both you and your clients.Emotional Resilience: Allow yourself to feel the emotions that come with terminations, and seek support when needed.Prioritize Clinician Wellbeing in Therapy: Taking care of yourself is not just beneficial for you; it's essential for providing the best care to your clients.Resources Mentioned:Episode 12: Secret Grief when a client dies: 012: Secret Grief: Attending to the Loss of Therapists | Dr. Jen Blanchette (drjenblanchette.com)Insights into how to handle complex emotions and fears around ending therapeutic relationships.APA Guide on Termination: https://www.apaservices.org/practice/good-practice/discontinuing-treatment-issues.pdfLet's connect! Are you thinking of quitting your role as a therapist (or drastically reducing 1:1)? Be the first to hear about podcast updates, resources, and ways to work with me by joining my list. I call it the therapist pen-pal letter. I write back! It's a love letter to you. Sign up here: https://balanced-thunder-281.myflodesk.com/drjenb

December is often the most dysregulated month of the year—for our clients and for us.From managing the anxiety of cancellations and income dips to navigating family boundaries that get pushed to the limit, today we are covering how to protect your energy this month. Plus, I have a confession: I’m seeing a therapy client again.In this episode, we are having a real talk about how to handle the holidays—not just as a therapist holding space for others, but as a human being with your own family dynamics, exhaustion, and need for rest.In this episode, we cover:The Soft Pivot Circle: I am officially launching a small, intimate group (6-8 people) for therapists who need to make a career change but feel stuck. We will focus on nervous system care and making decisions without urgency.Private Practice Isolation: A listener asks where to find support when you leave the built-in community of an agency. I share my experience and why you need to "know your container."The Holiday "Break" Reality: Why family gatherings often require more output than work, and how to manage the guilt of taking time for yourself to regulate.Grief Corner: Acknowledging the heavy grief therapists carry, especially regarding client loss and suicide, during the holiday season.December Financials: Practical tips for handling the stress of client cancellations and protecting your income during the seasonal dip.Key Quotes:"I think making decisions in the way that your nervous system can handle is the way to go, and changing your career in incremental shifts is the way to do it.""You don't need to earn rest. You can just rest if you need it."Resources Mentioned:The Soft Pivot Circle: https://balanced-thunder-281.myflodesk.com/kt57aq4o19Structured Rest Series: Check out our summer episodes for a deep dive into my framework for recalibrating a burned-out nervous system.https://drjenblanchette.com/podcast/74-burned-out-dysregulated-and-still-showing-up-how-to-find-safety/Join the Pen Pal List: https://balanced-thunder-281.myflodesk.com/drjenbConnect with Me: If you have a question or want to share how you are navigating this season, reply to my newsletter—seriously, it’s really me responding!Rate & Review: If this episode supported you, please consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. It helps other therapists find this community.

Therapists are experts at spotting gaslighting in our clients' lives, but we are often the worst perpetrators of it in our own heads. If you’ve ever thought, "I should be able to handle this" or "If I leave, I’ve failed," you aren't just burned out—you are telling yourself what I call an "A$$hole Story."In this episode, I’m identifying The Top 5 A$$hole Stories that therapists tell themselves. These are the internal scripts that convince us we are "defective" when we are actually just depleted. They are the lies that keep us stuck in burnout, shame, and paralysis.From the belief that you "should" be able to handle impossible caseloads, to the fear that you have "no transferable skills," we are breaking down these stories one by one. I also share a bit about my own journey, why "Earth School" is hard for all of us, and why you don't need a perfect plan—you just need a soft pivot.Key Takeaways: The 5 A$$hole StoriesA$$hole Story #1: "I should be able to handle this."This is the therapist equivalent of self-gaslighting. We convince ourselves we aren't tough enough, rather than admitting we are working in a system set up for us to fail.A$$hole Story #2: "If I leave, I failed."This story is entrenched in our identity. We talk about the grief of leaving and why changing careers isn't a failure—it's statistically normal!A$$hole Story #3: "I don't have any other skills."The lie that we are only therapists. We discuss how to recognize your deep well of transferable expertise (like assessment and crisis management).A$$hole Story #4: "No one will hire me in this market."The binary thinking that stops us cold. Your next role doesn't have to be a forever career; it can be a bridge or an on-ramp.A$$hole Story #5: "I need a perfect plan before I make a move."The paralysis story. Why you don't need a 5-year plan to make a change, and why small, incremental shifts matter.Resources & Links:The Soft Pivot Circle: I am building a small, intimate circle for 2026 for therapists who are lost and need a space to figure out their next micro-turn. Join the waitlist here: https://drjenblanchette.com/coaching/Book Recommendation: The No ******* Rule: Building a Civilized Workplace and Surviving One That Isn't by Robert Sutton.Memorable Quotes:"I really think this is the therapist equivalent of self-gaslighting... telling ourselves we're drowning because we aren't tough enough, when we are actually trying to work within a system that's a setup for us to fail.""Small pivots count. The small moves that I make count. I am not too late. There is hope for me, there is hope for you.""You aren't behind for not having your life fully mapped out. Earth School is hard."

Join the Therapist Pen-Pal List for weekly reflections and burnout recovery tips:https://balanced-thunder-281.myflodesk.com/drjenbAfter a difficult meeting left me dysregulated and questioning everything (again), I knew it was time to return to this series: Structured Rest.In this personal and practical episode, I talk about:Why traditional rest isn't enough in burnout recoveryWhat it means to actually create safety in your bodyHow I’m listening to the parts of me that say, “I can’t keep doing this”The real-life commitments I’m making—like yoga as a student, taking real lunch breaks, and ditching sad saladsHow nervous system regulation and honoring capacity became my new foundationMentioned episodes:Ep 65 – Overbooked & Overwhelmed: UnF@#k Your Calendar:https://drjenblanchette.com/podcast/065-overbooked-overwhelmed-unfk-your-calandar/Ep 70 – Is It Burnout or Depression?https://drjenblanchette.com/podcast/070-therapist-burnout-or-depression-lets-get-granular/Ep 71 – Why We Wait Until We're Burned Out: https://drjenblanchette.com/podcast/071-why-we-wait-until-were-burnt-interoception-burnout-therapist-mental-health/Coming up in the Structured Rest Series:How to clear mental clutter with a weekly brain dumpThe Delete, Delay, Delegate method for managing your calendarAnchoring your week with movement, connection, rest, and moreBuilding nervous system capacity gently, without shameQuote to carry with you:Structured rest is what gives you the capacity to come back to yourself—to listen, to rest, and maybe, eventually, to build what’s next.Subscribe & follow for the rest of the series.Pen-Pal List: https://balanced-thunder-281.myflodesk.com/drjenb

Therapy is profoundly weird. It forces us into a messy middle ground—a hybrid existence that few outside the profession understand. As Matt Hussey shared, the more "unprofessional" we were in discussing these realities, the more it resonated.Get more therapist real talk on the newsletter for podcast updates, offerings, and my upcoming circles in 2026: https://balanced-thunder-281.myflodesk.com/drjenbThe Financial & Emotional ContradictionWe're trapped in a constant battle between our identity as a healer and our role as a business owner:The Worth Gap: We are socialized in training to provide free or low-cost service, creating therapists who are "terrible at following" the healthy boundaries we preach. This leads to profound financial anxiety. As Matt put it, "You can be a really good business person, but a terrible therapist... some of the best therapists I've ever met can barely ask to charge money for their work."The Business Trap: We spend Herculean effort achieving licensure only to be dumped into "the great nothing" (Matt Hussey)—where we must fend for ourselves, performing all administrative, marketing, and accounting tasks while simultaneously holding immense emotional space. The math often "is not math-ing," leading to total burnout.The Double Life and Clinical Grief 🎭The job requires us to exist in two versions of ourselves, creating an isolation that is unique to our field:The Asymmetry: We have so much emotional depth with clients, yet we are "not known though to them deeply and we can't be." This necessary emotional containment means that when clients leave or pass away, we experience clinical grief in a way that is "unnatural" and not socially prescribed.Borrowing Tools: Our skills become a coping mechanism. We can find ourselves "slipping into that role" in personal life, using our therapeutic tools "to cover for shyness or some sort of like social awkwardness" (Matt Hussey), which can feel "isolating and othering" to those closest to us.Emotional Numbing: The demand to suppress our own physical symptoms of fatigue—an interoception failure—means we give until we are "literally on fire." This often results in a protective emotional numbing, reducing our range of feeling because we're scared to "drop into therapist mode and help them get out of whatever they're in" in our off-hours.This work is difficult, nuanced, and requires deep courage to acknowledge the messy contradictions that define our role.More from Matt: https://www.thebrink.me/author/matt/

If you’ve ever thought, “I just can’t do this work anymore, but I don’t know what else I could do,” this episode is for you.Host Jen Blanchette sits down with career coach and recruiter Alki Thompson to talk about the real-life process of career transition—especially for therapists and helpers who feel stuck, depleted, or unsure of what comes next.Together they unpack:What burnout, instability, and under-compensation can teach you about your next moveThe importance of knowing your why before you leapHow to identify transferable strengths beyond your credentialsSmall, low-risk ways to start exploring new paths (without “burning the ships”)Why stabilizing income and recovering from depletion come before big decisionsThe difference between “a job” and “your next career chapter”Alki shares his own pivot story—from nonprofit work to recruiting—and how one simple conversation at a professional meeting led to a completely new path.If you’ve been spinning on “what else could I even do?” this conversation gives you both permission and practical first steps to start exploring what’s next.🔗 Connect with AlkiWebsite: https://smithdeale.com/about-usLinkedIn: Alki Thompson💬 Mentioned in this episodeJen’s free Practice Closure Quick Start Guide: https://balanced-thunder-281.myflodesk.com/closureguide

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.💬 In this episode, Jen covers:Why therapists often stay in their practices far longer than is healthyThe clinical, emotional, and practical fears that keep us stuckHow our bodies sound the alarm through anxiety, health issues, and shutdownThe myth of “failing” if you leave your practice or the therapy fieldHow to listen to your body’s cues and start pacing your exitPractical micro-moves:Reviewing your caseload for depletion vs. renewalReconnecting to treatment goals and considering ethical terminationsDischarging long-term clients who no longer meet goalsReducing hours, enforcing cancellations, or outsourcing billingWhy adding certifications or going private pay often isn’t the answer when you’re burned outReal talk about online business and coaching—why it’s not a quick fixHow slowing down and nervous system recovery create the clarity you actually need🧭 If you’re in this stage...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.🔗 Resources Mentioned:Private Practice Closure Guide https://balanced-thunder-281.myflodesk.com/closureguide your step-by-step playbook for the logistics of closing your practicePrevious episodes in the Private Practice Closure Series (listen to episodes 91–92 for context)💡 Reflection Prompt:What is your body trying to tell you about your work right now—and where might you need to listen more closely?

📥 Download the Free Practice Closure Guide: Your First 30 Days If you’re considering leaving therapy or closing your private practice, this guide gives you the emotional and logistical support you need during those first 30 days.🛑 What no one tells you about leaving the field of therapy? It can feel like grieving a version of yourself.In today’s episode of The Therapist Burnout Podcast, we’re not just talking about the decision to close your private practice—we’re talking about what it does to you emotionally. Because stepping away from therapy work isn’t just a professional change… it’s an identity shift.🔍 In This Episode:What it really feels like to close your therapy practiceWhy burnout is about emotional weight, not just hours workedHow grief, fear, shame, and relief show up in the closure processWhat no one prepares you for when you stop holding space for othersThe quiet, scary, and freeing in-between moments post-closureWhy nervous system support is a non-negotiable part of this transition💬 Real Talk from This Episode:“I wasn’t broken—I was buried under what I had been holding for years.”“Grief isn’t just sadness. It’s numbness, rage, confusion, and letting go of who you thought you'd be.”“There’s something else on the other side—but it might not look like what you expected.”📌 Mentioned in This Episode:🔗 Practice Closure Guide: Your First 30 Days 👀 Next week’s episode: The logistics of ethically and practically closing your practiceTherapist burnout, closing private practice, emotional fatigue therapist, grief therapist identity, practice closure tips, vicarious trauma therapist, therapist mental health, compassion fatigue, therapist career change, therapy business exit plan, therapy practice transition, nervous system healing therapist💌 Stay Connected:If you’re holding big feelings about leaving the field—you’re not alone. Subscribe to The Therapist Burnout Podcast for more honest episodes about the realities of therapy work, career transitions, and what healing looks like after burnout. And don’t forget to share this episode with a therapist friend who may need to hear this.

What if closing your practice wasn’t the end — but the beginning of a quieter, more intentional way of building?In this episode, I talk with Melvin Varghese, psychologist, creator of The Quiet Builder, and host of Selling the Couch. Melvin and I explore what it looks like to build a life and business rooted in peace, integrity, and enoughness — rather than urgency, comparison, or constant growth.We talk about the evolution many therapists face after private practice burnout — when you realize that the way you’ve been working is no longer sustainable, but you’re not sure what comes next. Melvin shares how his own journey from therapy to podcasting to online education unfolded slowly and quietly, through self-trust and paying attention to what felt aligned, not what looked impressive.Together, we dig into:What it truly means to be a quiet builder — and why slow, steady growth is often the most sustainableHow to listen for your next chapter after private practice burnoutBuilding work that fits your nervous system and your season of lifeLetting go of the idea that more output equals more impactHow Melvin rebuilt his business around family, creativity, and energyIf you’re at a point where you know something has to change — but you’re unsure where to start — this episode will help you imagine a softer, more sustainable path forward.And if you’re ready to begin your own transition, I created a free guide to help you start. 👉 The 30-Day Quick Start Guide for Practice Closure walks you through the first steps of closing your practice with clarity, structure, and less overwhelm.Listen to Episode 91 of The Therapist Burnout Podcast and rediscover what it means to build quietly, intentionally, and on your own terms.

If you’ve ever thought, “I left my agency job to have more freedom, but now I’m more exhausted than ever,” — this episode is for you.In Episode 90 of the Therapist Burnout Podcast, I’m asking a bold question: Is private practice a scam?When I left my agency job, I was told that private practice would mean freedom — flexibility, financial ease, and time for my life. But a decade later, I see a harder truth: many therapists are burning out under the weight of a system that was never designed to sustain them.This episode kicks off a new Practice Closure Series where I unpack what happens when private practice stops working — emotionally, financially, and ethically — and how to know when it’s time to make a change.💬 In this episode, I talk about:The myth of private practice as the “dream job” for therapistsWhat I discovered when my highest-earning year still brought in only $50K take-homeWhy so many therapists feel like they’re failing when the system itself is brokenThe emotional cost of “freedom” — no PTO, no supervision, and a lot of isolationHow insurance rates, under-earning, and compassion fatigue quietly drive burnoutWhy it’s okay to consider closing your practice — or changing how you work — without shame🧭 Key takeawayPrivate practice isn’t always the scam itself — but the promise that it will fix everything often is. It’s okay to admit when the numbers, energy, and emotional math just don’t add up anymore.🌱 Mentioned in this episodeEntrepreneurial Poverty (Mike Michalowicz) — why “more clients” doesn’t equal successThe upcoming Practice Closure Guide: Your First 30 Days to ClosureNext week’s guest: Melvin Varghese, host of Selling the Couch, on pivots and permission💌 Connect & Learn MoreIf this conversation resonated, join my Therapist Pen Pal List — you’ll get the first look at my new Practice Closure Guide and honest conversations about burnout, career pivots, and what comes next when therapy no longer fits.https://balanced-thunder-281.myflodesk.com/drjenb

Work-life balance is a myth—and it’s keeping therapists stuck in burnout.We’re told to strive for balance, to neatly separate our professional and personal lives, as if caregiving, therapy, parenting, and invisible household labor can be tucked into separate boxes. But the truth? For therapists and other caregivers, life doesn’t work that way.In this episode, I introduce a new concept I’m calling the Caring Quotient: the total emotional, physical, and mental energy you spend on caregiving—inside and outside the therapy room. When your caring quotient is maxed out, burnout is inevitable.I share stories from my Nana’s fried chicken, my own journey into motherhood after my son’s heart surgery, and years of working with brain injury survivors and their partners who were drowning in care. These stories reveal a deeper truth: burnout isn’t about poor self-care—it’s about the weight of unmeasured caregiving.You’ll learn:Why “work-life balance” sets therapists up for failureHow caregiving bleeds into every part of our lives—therapy sessions, parenting, household labor, emotional holdingWhy women therapists are disproportionately impacted by rising caregiving demandsThe connection between cognitive overload, caregiving, and therapist burnoutHow counterbalance—not balance—can help restore your capacity to carePractical ways to recognize when your caring quotient is maxed out and what renewal can look likeThis episode is for therapists who feel like they’ve hit the wall—emotionally, mentally, and physically. If you’ve ever wondered why your burnout feels different from other jobs, the caring quotient may be the missing piece.I’ll leave you with this reflection: What is your caring quotient right now? Are you maxed out, or do you have space for renewal?👉 Coming in October: A full series on practice closure—how to know when it’s time, how to honor endings, and how to create space for what’s next.

👉 First things first: Join my Therapist Pen-Pal List Get my weekly notes, practical prompts, and updates on ways to work with me. Subscribe: https://balanced-thunder-281.myflodesk.com/drjenbEpisode snapshotAfter 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 cliniciansWhy vacations alone don’t fix therapist burnoutThe layered experience of exhaustion, resentment, “I don’t care,” clinical grief, vicarious trauma, moral injury, body symptoms, and shameSmall moves to create safety and margin before “doing the trauma work” on yourselfThe Lasagna Layers of Therapist Burnout (because therapists need a good metaphor)Noodles: Exhaustion as the base You’re doing too much. First step: do less. Fewer clients, fewer tasks, more margin.Sauce: Anger and resentment Irritability that leaks into everything. Paperwork, payers, tough sessions, home life.Cheese through everything: “I don’t care” Scary to admit. Often a nervous system survival response, not a character flaw.Hidden filling: Clinical grief Losses without ritual or witnessing. Client death, sudden endings, ghosting.Spicy layer: Vicarious trauma Intrusions, hypervigilance, worldview shifts from the work itself.Bitter bite: Moral injury When systems force choices that betray your values. It hits identity and ethics.Burnt edges: Body symptoms Headaches, GI issues, tight chest, sleep disruption—your body waving a red flag.Top layer: Shame The whisper that says “You’re a bad therapist.” It seals the whole dish and keeps you stuck.A body-based reframeLike 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.Try one small move this weekCreate 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.Related episodeEp. 70: Burnout doesn’t stay at work — how it spills into life and what to do next.Share + stay connectedIf this helped, share it with a therapist friend. That’s how this message grows.Join the Therapist Pen-Pal List: weekly notes, gentle prompts, behind-the-scenes updates, and first dibs on offers.

What happens when therapists get honest about their burnout stories? Connection. Relief. And sometimes, the reminder that you’re not alone.This week, I’m joined by Dr. Jason Branch, host of The Three Parallels Podcast. Our conversation went deep into what it really looks like to live through burnout as a therapist—and how sharing these stories helps break down the isolation so many of us carry.Jason and I talk about:The realities of therapist burnout—what it feels like, what gets hidden, and how it shows up in daily lifeThe importance of story in moving through grief, fatigue, and compassion wearinessConnection as an antidote to isolation, and how finding “your people” can change the recovery processResilience redefined—why it’s less about “pushing through” and more about pacing, honesty, and supportIf you’ve ever wondered whether your burnout story matters, or felt like no one would understand what you’re going through, this episode is for you.🔗 Connect with Dr. Jason BranchListen to The Three Parallels PodcastVisit Jason’s Website✨ Resources for TherapistsJoin the Pen Pal List for real conversations and burnout reflectionsExplore more episodes of the Therapist Burnout Podcast www.drjenblanchette.comConnect with me on LinkedIn

In this episode, I dive into the newest burnout buzzword making its way across the workplace: quiet cracking. Unlike quiet quitting, which is a conscious decision to pull back, quiet cracking describes the inner unraveling behind a professional mask. You may look fine, you may even be excelling, but inside you’re falling apart.I share what this term reveals—and what it misses—about the lived reality of burnout, depression, anxiety, compassion fatigue, moral injury, and clinical grief. I talk about my own experiences of quietly cracking during the pandemic, why interoception is key to recognizing early signs, and how we keep pushing until the cracks explode.We’ll also look at why women burn out more, what Gen Z is teaching us about burnout, and why business solutions that stop at wellness apps or “new tasks” are missing the point. Real talk: when you’re depressed, the last thing you need is more to do.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhat “quiet cracking” means and why it resonates right nowThe difference between quiet quitting and quiet crackingWhy therapists and helpers often still “show up” while quietly falling apartHow interoception—the ability to sense what your body is telling you—can signal cracks before collapseHow burnout overlaps with depression and anxiety, and why that granularity matters for careThe unique layers of therapist burnout: compassion fatigue, vicarious trauma, moral injury, and clinical griefWhy women experience higher rates of burnout, and how structural inequities add to the loadWhy Gen Z may be the “burnout canary in the coal mine” and what older generations can learnWhy corporate fixes like wellness apps and new assignments won’t address the root of burnoutWhat systemic and clinical solutions could actually make a differenceEpisode HighlightsQuiet cracking defined: The silent unraveling masked by productivity and professionalism.Still showing up: Therapists (and many helpers) keep going until they literally cannot get out of the car.The soda can metaphor: Repressing stress until it bursts, often in dramatic and uncontrollable ways.Women and burnout: Research shows women experience higher rates of burnout than men, especially in caregiving roles.Coco Gauff at the US Open: A moment of visible emotion in elite sports and what it teaches us about pressure, performance, and mental health.Brain injury work parallel: Patients told “it’s just anxiety” when trauma was driving their symptoms—mirroring how burnout gets flattened and misdiagnosed.My pandemic experience: I thought I was burned out, but I was also deeply depressed, having panic attacks, and living with anxiety. Even as a licensed psychologist, I missed it at first.Granularity matters: Burnout can look like depression, and depression can look like burnout. Compassion fatigue, moral injury, and trauma complicate the picture.Gen Z and screen time: Rates of depression and anxiety have skyrocketed since smartphones became central to adolescence. Gen Z is speaking the truth older generations have hidden.The cost of quiet cracking: A recent Fortune article reported it’s costing companies $438 billion in lost productivity. On paper, the job market looks stable, but 60–80 percent of workers are burned out.Business solutions fall short: Assigning new tasks to someone who is depressed or burned out isn’t just ineffective—it’s cruel. A culture fix without systemic and clinical backbone is a band-aid on a crack in a dam.Real Talk SegmentWhen you’re depressed, the last thing you need is more tasks. Business keeps trying to treat burnout like a morale problem instead of a health problem. We need lighter workloads, peer support, real mental health care access, and fair pay for providers. Without that, no wellness app or gratitude journal will make burnout better.Resources MentionedEpisode 70: Burnout or Depression? Let’s Get GranularEpisode 74: Burned Out, Dysregulated, Still Showing UpWHO ICD-11 burnout definition: Read hereBMJ Open systematic review on organizational burnout interventions: Read hereFortune article on quiet cracking and workplace cost: Read hereCrisis Resources988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (U.S.): 988lifeline.orgTalk Suicide Canada: 1-833-456-4566 or talksuicide.caInternational directory: findahelpline.comNAMI Frontline Wellness: Support for healthcare and mental health workersStay ConnectedPen-Pal List for Therapists: Weekly reflections and resources Sign up hereLinkedIn: Dr. Jen Blanchette

As therapists, we know rest is essential—yet it often feels out of reach. In this deeply personal episode, Dr. Jen Blanchette reflects on the meaning of Labor Day, the hidden labor therapists carry, and what it means to reclaim rest in a world that never stops buzzing.Inspired by a prompt from Liz Gilbert’s Letters from Love, Jen shares a moving letter she wrote to herself—a love note to the part of her that’s tired, overwhelmed, and trying to keep up.This episode is a reminder: ✨ Rest isn’t something you earn. It’s something you’re allowed. ✨ Burnout doesn’t always come with a crash—it’s the slow erosion of presence, joy, and space. ✨ Even in seasons of struggle, rest can still find you—if you let it.Whether you’re on the verge of burnout or simply longing for more breathing room in your practice and life, this episode offers space to exhale.🔑 In This Episode:The surprising historical roots of Labor Day—and how they mirror today’s burnout cultureHow therapists are experiencing a new kind of labor crisis in the digital ageThe pressure to always be available—and why radical boundaries matterA letter from unconditional love to anyone who’s tired of holding it allWhy reclaiming rest is not selfish, but sacred📬 Want more reflections like this?Join the Therapist Pen Pal list to receive personal letters, insights, and first access to new offerings from Jen. 🔗 [Link in show notes]💬 Connect with Jen:LinkedIn: @drjenblanchette Newsletter: The Shift on LinkedIn Website: www.drjenblanchette.com

Links & Resources MentionedJoin the Therapist Pen Pal List – ask me questions for future AMA episodesPodcasting Business School with Adam SchaeubleThe Podcast Launch Journal by John Lee DumasHave you ever wondered what it’s really like to start a podcast as a therapist?In this Ask Me Anything episode, I answer a listener’s question: “How has the process of podcasting gone for you, and what has the response been like?”I’ve now been podcasting for four years total—two with my first show, The TBI Therapist Podcast, and two with The Therapist Burnout Podcast. In this episode, I share what I’ve learned across both experiences: the mistakes I made, the surprising opportunities that came out of it, and why my “why” for podcasting has shifted over time.If you’re considering launching your own podcast, this episode will give you a real look at what it takes, how to hold it lightly, and why clarity on your purpose matters more than fancy equipment or perfect marketing.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhy my first podcast felt like a “failure” (and how I see it differently now)The difference between podcasting as self-expression vs. marketing toolHow podcasts can evolve into unexpected opportunities (like my work helping therapists close practices)Why you won’t get a huge response at first—and why that’s actually goodThe time commitment and labor behind a weekly show (and why I set a 100-episode commitment for myself)How therapists’ unique skills (empathy, interviewing, deep listening) make us great podcastersPractical tips on choosing a niche, naming your show, and setting realistic expectationsEpisode TakeawayPodcasting is both labor and love. It can be a tool for visibility, a creative outlet, or a way to connect more deeply with your audience. But most importantly—it doesn’t have to be forever. Hold it lightly, let it evolve, and notice whether it feels like something you can’t not do.

Are you stuck in a job, practice, or even a hobby that no longer brings you joy? In this episode, I share my own story of letting go of teaching a fitness class — something that began as joy but slowly turned into striving and burnout.We’ll talk about Liz Gilbert’s four categories of work (hobby, job, career, vocation), Cal Newport’s Be So Good They Can’t Ignore You, and how easy it is to confuse passion with vocation. You’ll also hear how diet culture, striving for certifications, and perfectionism sneak into both therapy and fitness — and how to recognize when something that once brought joy now drains your energy.If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s time to stop doing something that no longer fits, this episode will give you a framework of 5 powerful questions to guide your decision.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why “follow your passion” isn’t always the best career advice (thanks, Cal Newport).Liz Gilbert’s framework of hobby, job, career, and vocation — and why not everything in your life should be all four.How I realized teaching my Monday night lifting class was more depleting than renewing.The role diet culture, perfectionism, and certifications play in therapist burnout.5 Questions to help you decide if it’s time to let something go in your work or hobbies.How to reclaim joy, creativity, and pleasure now — even in midlife.Resources MentionedElizabeth Gilbert on Hobby, Job, Career & Vocation (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0g7ARarFNnwBig Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert (Barnes & Noble): https://www.elizabethgilbert.com/books/big-magic/So Good They Can’t Ignore You: Why Skills Trump Passion in the Quest for Work You Love by Cal Newport: https://calnewport.com/writing/Email Love from me--yes, you're pen-pal Dr. Jen: https://balanced-thunder-281.myflodesk.com/drjenb

In this Ask Me Anything episode, I answer a listener’s heartfelt question:“How could a newer therapist — about one year into practice — navigate a trauma-heavy caseload while dealing with the grief of a parent being diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer?”We talk about what it means to hold space for others while you’re also going through a personal crisis — especially in the early years of your career when you may be more vulnerable to burnout. I share my own experiences navigating depletion during COVID, the vicarious trauma that caught me off guard early in my career, and the emotional output of early motherhood after my son’s traumatic birth.This is a conversation about capacity, permission, and the small but essential ways you can create rhythms of rest in seasons where life feels unbearably heavy.What You’ll Hear in This EpisodeThe reality for early-career therapists:The 2025 Moodle study showing younger and early-career therapists are statistically more prone to burnout.Why newer therapists often get assigned the most acute, complex cases — and how that intersects with personal crises.The double impact of primary and secondary trauma:How your own grief or crisis can combine with the emotional load of trauma work.What happens to the nervous system when you stay in prolonged sympathetic dominance.My personal experiences in difficult seasons:Developing panic attacks during COVID and not realizing my depletion until burnout hit.Losing two clients during the pandemic and only later recognizing the emotional toll.The vicarious trauma I experienced working with an infant loss case while pregnant — and what I wish I’d done differently.The underestimated emotional output of early motherhood after my son’s traumatic birth, and launching a private practice when I hadn’t yet healed.Questions to ask yourself in a crisis season:What is my true capacity for work right now?Is there other income I can earn that is less emotionally demanding?Is there financial wiggle room to take time off?What can I put down, even temporarily?Rhythms of rest and restoration in busy, painful seasons:Short walks between sessions, one work-free evening a week, connection with friends.Rituals and spiritual practices to mark beginnings, middles, and ends.Calling in favors and receiving help without guilt.A reminder for every therapist:“Put the stones down. The river will carry them now.”You are worthy of the same care you give others.Listener SpotlightI share a review from Alison in CA that truly made my day:"Genuine, grounded, no hard sell (thank god!)… I feel like I’m getting coffee with an old friend who gets me and has great insight when I hear her. THANK YOU!!"Resources & Links MentionedJoin my free Pen-Pal List for behind-the-scenes stories, resources, and a place to submit your own AMA question (direct submission): drjenblanchette.com/therapist-burnout-podcast or the pen-pal list: https://balanced-thunder-281.myflodesk.com/drjenbIf you’ve been enjoying the show, I’d love for you to leave a review on Apple Podcasts — I read every one, and they mean so much.

Episode Summary: In this episode of The Therapist Burnout Podcast, Jen reflects on the strange in-between season of late summer—a time that often feels like it should be restful, but rarely delivers. She opens up about the grief of an "unlived summer," the scarcity-driven urge to fill downtime with productivity, and the pressure to make the season mean something.Inspired by a Celtic prayer shared by Elizabeth Gilbert, Jen explores what it means to release cherished outcomes and bring an undefended heart into the transition ahead. For therapists bracing for the fall rush or wondering why summer didn’t restore them, this episode offers a gentle reframe and a deeply human invitation to soften.In this episode, Jen shares:The mismatch between the summer we imagine and the one we liveHow therapists often fill lulls with productivity to escape scarcityThe emotional toll of “cherished outcomes” and unmet expectationsA personal story of summer parenting and small moments that actually matteredA powerful Celtic prayer that reframes presence, hope, and disappointmentWhat it means to bring an undefended heart into friendship, work, and life after therapyResources Mentioned:The Celtic Prayer of ApproachPodcast featuring Elizabeth Gilbert (via a share from a biz bestie—thank you, Micah!)Upcoming fall episodes on practice closure, seasonal rhythms, and rebuilding differentlyJoin the conversation: Subscribe to the Pen Pal List to receive reflections, tools, and podcast updates directly in your inbox.

Therapist burnout recovery isn’t a one-time fix. It’s not about prevention. And it’s definitely not about productivity.It’s about returning to yourself—again and again—with care, rhythm, and nervous system awareness.In this final episode of the Structured Rest series, I’m bringing it all together and walking you through the full framework that’s emerged from my own lived experience with burnout, my work as an EMDR therapist and neuropsychologist, and the patterns I’ve seen in so many other helping professionals.You’ll hear how this framework centers on rhythm over rescue, and why most burnout advice misses the mark when it focuses on quick fixes instead of deep, cyclical recovery.🔑 What I cover in this episode:Why I don’t believe in burnout prevention and what actually helpsThe nervous system science behind long-term burnout and shutdownA reframe of recovery that mirrors substance recovery: it’s active, it’s ongoingThe full 3-part Structured Rest Framework:🔁 The Framework: Release, Regulate, Return to Rhythm1. Release → Let go of what’s too heavy. This includes:Delegating, delaying, deletingWeekly and daily brain dumpsCaseload pruningDigital detoxing and minimizing cognitive burnout (especially phone use)2. Regulate → Support your nervous system in real, sustainable ways:Sleep, nourishment, and gentle movementConnection as a healing rhythm (planned, not just spontaneous)Creating margin—because you are terrible at estimating how long things take (we all are)Start with one thing: one meal, one walk, one friend3. Return to Rhythm → Create sabbatical structures that honor your life:Daily pauses like unplugged meals and movementWeekly rituals for rest, not just recoverySeasonal time off and reflectionLet rest be something you live by, not something you earn🧠 Also inside this episode:The metaphor of my tiger lily garden (yes, really)Why phone addiction is tied to social connection, especially for womenThe “phone foyer method” I learned from Cal NewportWhy the phrase “burnout to breakthrough” makes me want to gagAnd how I’m still recovering—and always will be📆 What’s Next:August can bring a strange kind of grief for therapists. You didn’t rest like you hoped. You didn’t finish the thing. And now fall is coming.In next week’s episode, I’ll explore the seasonal rhythm of private practice, and what to do when you feel caught between not rested and not ready.💌 Want deeper support?Join my Therapist Pen-Pal List for weekly reflections, behind-the-scenes updates, and early access to all my upcoming resources:[Practice Closure Plan] coming early fall[Burnout Recovery Group Program] launching later this yearRetreat details, journal prompts, and more👉 Join the pen-pal list here: https://balanced-thunder-281.myflodesk.com/drjenb

Why burned out therapists need rest rhythms—not just time off📬 Join the Therapist Pen pal list for reflections on therapist burnout recovery, rest, and career shifts:https://balanced-thunder-281.myflodesk.com/drjenb🌐 Explore more burnout recovery tools and podcast episodes: https://drjenblanchette.com/podcastIntroductionWe didn’t just lose sabbaticals—we replaced them with productivity apps, guilt, and back-to-back Zoom sessions.In this episode, I explore how the structure of work has slowly pulled therapists away from any sustainable rhythm of rest. From the industrial revolution to the rise of smartphones and always-on culture, therapy work has been swept into a system built on output, not care. We talk about the deeper roots of therapist burnout and how I’ve started reclaiming small, intentional pauses—what I now call “mini sabbaticals.”Because burned out therapists don’t need another self-care checklist. They need permission to stop—and the structure to sustain it.What we cover in this episode:🌀 The historical loss of rest rhythms We explore how sabbaticals and seasonal rest used to be woven into life, work, and healing—and how they were replaced by industrial and academic productivity models. Even the early roots of therapy included slower pacing and breaks.📱 Smartphones and the rise of the “anxious generation” I share insights from Jonathan Haidt’s The Anxious Generation, including the sharp rise in parenting time, the collapse of unsupervised play, and how that contributes to burnout—especially for therapists who are also parents.🧠 Therapist burnout as cognitive and emotional overload We’re not just tired—we’re wired. A 2025 Moodle survey shows that 66% of U.S. workers are burned out, especially younger generations. Therapists are managing caseloads, crisis response, admin, and emotional labor without structural support.🌿 What “mini sabbaticals” look like in practice I share how I’m building rhythms of rest into my days, weeks, and seasons—including daily tech-free moments, quarterly pauses, and longer breaks when possible. Not as a luxury—but as a foundation for healing.Therapist burnout isn’t a personal failure—it’s a systems issue.This episode is a call to step outside of those systems, even briefly. To name what’s no longer working. And to try something new, even if it’s just a single walk without your phone.Referenced in this episode:📘 The Anxious Generation – Jonathan Haidt 📊 Moodle 2025 Burnout Survey (66% of U.S. workers)Related episodes on therapist burnout & rest:– Episode 74: Structured Rest Planning – Episode 76: Delete, Delay, Delegate – Episode 77: Rest Is Not a LuxuryLooking for support beyond the episode? 🤝 Explore coaching options for burned out therapists

🔗 Links & Resources📨 Join the Pen Pal list https://balanced-thunder-281.myflodesk.com/drjenb📰 The Shift – Jen’s new LinkedIn newsletter → First issue: AI Won’t Solve Therapist Burnout🎙️ Episode 60: Hey Therapist, You Need a Friend🧠 Episode SummaryIn this episode of The Therapist Burnout Podcast, we move beyond subtracting stressors and start focusing on what to add back in. If you’ve ever asked, “What do I even enjoy anymore?”—this one’s for you.Jen shares her five pillars of restoration—connection, sleep, nourishment, movement, and play—and guides you in remembering what actually makes you feel like you.You’ll hear:A powerful garden metaphor about tiger lilies and tending your timeA float-back practice to reconnect with your younger, joyful selfThe Atomic Habits lens on rebuilding: every small action is a vote for who you want to becomeReal talk on friendship loss, depleted joy, and the paradox of needing rest but feeling guilty for taking itEncouragement to start tiny: one text, one walk, one joyful moment✨ Weekly Prompt“What kind of rest or pleasure have I been denying myself?”💡 Tiny PracticeChoose one thing to add back this week—something nourishing, connective, playful, or restful. Then, protect the space for it with ferocity.

In this episode, I’m inviting you into a raw, honest conversation about your caseload—not just from a productivity lens, but from the reality of what your nervous system is holding.If you’ve been:Bracing yourself before certain sessionsStuck in client relationships that feel more obligatory than impactfulWondering if you’re doing something wrong because you’re so exhausted after the work…This episode is for you.In this episode, we’ll explore:Why therapists often feel emotionally responsible for outcomes—and how that leads to overfunctioningThe hidden weight of “drift clients” and how sessions become habit instead of intentionWhat alignment actually looks like in therapy (hint: it’s not about ease, it’s about purpose)How guilt, training, and scarcity shape unsustainable caseloadsA quiet caseload audit to help you reflect without judgmentWhen it’s time to consult, refer, or ethically discharge—and how to make those decisions without shameI also share a personal story of how scarcity, motherhood, and medical trauma led me to start a private practice before I was ready—and what I’ve learned since leaving it behind.🎯 This episode is especially for therapists who:Are feeling stuck, depleted, or unsure if 1:1 therapy is still right for themWant to make space in their schedule, but feel guilty letting go of certain clientsAre curious about leaving, pausing, or reimagining their therapy practiceNeed permission to put something down✨ Resources Mentioned:Join the waitlist https://drjenblanchette.com/coaching/Practice Closure Plan-Coming Soon! Next Up:In the next episode of Structured Rest, we’ll talk about why rest still feels impossible even after you clear your schedule—and how to rebuild safety, pleasure, and connection in your week.👋 Stay Connected:If this episode resonated, I’d love for you to share it with a colleague, leave a review, or tag me on social with your reflections. You’re not alone in this work—and you don’t have to figure it out alone, either.

💌 Want honest, grounded support in your inbox?Join my PenPal list where I share behind-the-scenes stories, podcast updates, and real talk on making therapist life sustainable.👉 https://balanced-thunder-281.myflodesk.com/drjenbAbout this episode:Your calendar might look fine—but it’s lying to you.In the second episode of the Structured Rest series, I walk through what I call calendar rehab—an honest look at how therapist schedules often ignore emotional labor, fragment our attention, and push us toward depletion.This isn’t about productivity. It’s about nervous system care.In this episode:• Why “light days” can still be exhausting• What your calendar leaves out (and why it matters)• Emotional weight from client work, consults, billing, and late-night emails• How even your renewing time gets hijacked by time confetti• A deeper, more honest way to track depletion• My story of how one email can spin me into hypervigilanceReflection prompt:“What’s on my calendar that leaves me feeling wired, tired, or stealing my joy?”Referenced:• Ashley Whillans on “Time Confetti” → Behavioral Scientist article• Ep 75: Cognitive Burnout • Ep 77 (coming next): Clinical Pruning—How to Stop Carrying What’s Too Heavy🎙 Listen wherever you get your podcasts.If this resonated, send it to a therapist friend or leave a quick review—it helps more than you know.

💌 Join the Therapist Burnout Pen-Pal ListGet personal reflections, nervous system healing practices, and soul-soothing songs that don’t make it to the podcast.👉 Sign up here:https://balanced-thunder-281.myflodesk.com/drjenbIs your brain full—but you can’t name half of what you’re holding?This week in the first edition of Structured Rest Jen explores the cognitive load of therapist burnout—what it feels like, why it happens, and how to begin recovering. From forgotten notes to invisible mental tasks, many therapists feel like they’re failing when in reality, their brains are simply overloaded.Drawing from her background in brain injury rehab, Jen introduces a practical way to start making space: the brain dump. She walks you through how to do it, what to do with what comes out, and how it fits into a bigger weekly rhythm of recovery.This episode is equal parts practical and personal—complete with a live brain dump demo, reflections on parenting overload, invisible labor, and why so many of us struggle to hold it all.🔍 In This Episode:What cognitive burnout looks like for therapists (and why it’s not your fault)Why memory, focus, and executive function suffer during chronic overloadA gentle reframe from Jen’s work in brain injury: your brain needs support, not pressureThe Delete–Delay–Delegate framework for reducing mental loadA real-time example of Jen’s weekly brain dumpHow to make it a practice, not a one-time fixA preview of what’s next: calendar audits and energy drains🧠 Key Quote:“Most therapists are carrying a hundred tabs in their mind—and think they’re failing when they can’t hold them all.”💡 Try This:→ Set a 5-minute timer. Brain dump everything: clinical, personal, emotional, invisible.→ Then review:• What can be deleted?• What can be delayed?• What can be delegated?→ Schedule the rest—or give it a home so your brain doesn’t have to hold it anymore.🔗 Resources Mentioned:📚 The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt→ Link to the book and research📄 Atlantic Article: Why Parents Are Bringing Back Landlines→ Read it here🎶 Trevor Hall – “You Can’t Rush Your Healing”→ Listen on Spotify🔁 Previous episodes referenced:Ep. 63 – Therapist Burnout and the BrainEp. 64 – Tips for OverwhelmEp. 65 – Overbooked and Overwhelmed🔜 Coming Next Week:Is It the Session or the Schedule?A deep dive into your calendar and energy audit—how to identify emotional drain points and restructure your time to support recovery, not just survival.

Episode 74 | Creating Safety for Your Own System: Why Structured Rest MattersJoin the Therapist Pen-Pal List for weekly reflections and burnout recovery tips:https://balanced-thunder-281.myflodesk.com/drjenbAfter a difficult meeting left me dysregulated and questioning everything (again), I knew it was time to return to this series: Structured Rest.In this personal and practical episode, I talk about:Why traditional rest isn't enough in burnout recoveryWhat it means to actually create safety in your bodyHow I’m listening to the parts of me that say, “I can’t keep doing this”The real-life commitments I’m making—like yoga as a student, taking real lunch breaks, and ditching sad saladsHow nervous system regulation and honoring capacity became my new foundationMentioned episodes:Ep 65 – Overbooked & Overwhelmed: UnF@#k Your Calendar:https://drjenblanchette.com/podcast/065-overbooked-overwhelmed-unfk-your-calandar/Ep 70 – Is It Burnout or Depression?https://drjenblanchette.com/podcast/070-therapist-burnout-or-depression-lets-get-granular/Ep 71 – Why We Wait Until We're Burned Out: https://drjenblanchette.com/podcast/071-why-we-wait-until-were-burnt-interoception-burnout-therapist-mental-health/Coming up in the Structured Rest Series:How to clear mental clutter with a weekly brain dumpThe Delete, Delay, Delegate method for managing your calendarAnchoring your week with movement, connection, rest, and moreBuilding nervous system capacity gently, without shameQuote to carry with you: Structured rest is what gives you the capacity to come back to yourself—to listen, to rest, and maybe, eventually, to build what’s next.Subscribe & follow for the rest of the series. Pen-Pal List: https://balanced-thunder-281.myflodesk.com/drjenb

All things therapist burnout and how "good therapist" conditioning shows up. Dr. Jen Blanchette discusses the concept of 'good therapist conditioning' and how it affects therapists in their careers. The host identifies five reasons why this conditioning shows up (and how they are burnout traps): perfectionism, fear of disapproval, sense of responsibility, cultural expectations and societal norms, and identity attachment. The conversation explores how these factors can lead to self-doubt, reluctance to make changes, and a sense of loss when considering alternative career paths. The host encourages therapists to break free from these pitfalls and prioritize their own needs and happiness. TakeawaysGood 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

Jump on the Pen-Pal List: My list for burned out therapists who are looking for support and a change:https://balanced-thunder-281.myflodesk.com/drjenbNearly half of therapists will end up leaving community mental health. Some are leaving entirely. So what else can we do for work?! The conversation covers three main categories: using clinical skills in a different way, utilizing therapy skills in non-clinical roles, and completely departing from the field of therapy. The host provides examples and suggestions for each category, including assessment work, working in a school setting, teaching adjunct courses, working in human resources, and exploring sales or marketing roles. The conversation emphasizes the importance of considering transferable skills and finding a job that aligns with personal interests and strengths.Keywords therapists, burnout, careers, quitting, therapy, transition, clinical skills, non-clinical roles, transferable skillsTakeawaysTherapists often experience financial strain and burnout, leading to high turnover rates in the field.There are various career options for therapists looking to transition out of therapy, including using clinical skills in different ways, utilizing therapy skills in non-clinical roles, and completely departing from the field.Examples of using clinical skills in different ways include assessment work, working in a school setting, and providing supervision or consultation.Examples of utilizing therapy skills in non-clinical roles include teaching adjunct courses, working in human resources, and exploring sales or marketing roles.Completely departing from the field of therapy can involve leveraging transferable skills in other industries, such as project management, real estate, or sales.It is important for therapists to consider their interests, strengths, and desired work-life balance when exploring career options outside of therapy.TitlesExploring Career Options for Therapists: Using Clinical Skills in Different WaysUtilizing Therapy Skills in Non-Clinical Roles: Teaching, Human Resources, and MoreSound Bites"Nearly half of therapists are leaving their jobs, it's the system's problem, not your own problem.""If you are in the throes of burnout, we need to find more ways for you to rest and replenish.""Career options for therapists: using clinical skills, therapy-adjacent roles, and complete departures."Grab my free money guide: https://balanced-thunder-281.myflodesk.com/tshwticuti

Subscribe to the Therapist Pen-Pal List: 💌 Get honest, therapist-to-therapist emails from me—and yes, I write back. 👉 https://balanced-thunder-281.myflodesk.com/drjenbEpisode Summary: In this final episode of my Mental Health Awareness Month series, I’m wrapping things up with some honest reflections—from what the data (and lack of data) says about therapist mental health, to what I’ve been feeling in my own nervous system lately.We’re talking about more than just burnout—this is about depression, anxiety, moral injury, compassion fatigue, and those moments where even your “easy” clients feel hard. If you’ve ever said, “I’m in therapy, but I still feel awful,” this episode is for you.In this episode, I share:Why so little data exists on therapist mental healthWhat we do know from global research on therapist depression, anxiety, and vicarious traumaWhy burnout in therapists often includes moral injury, identity confusion, and nervous system shutdownThe difference between having a 24 oz mug and a 4 oz espresso cup of capacityWhy I always start with the permission to quit: overworking, overscheduling, self-doubt, poor boundariesMy dream vision for therapist mental health support—and why we can’t rely on unpaid labor to get thereA preview of my upcoming Structured Rest summer seriesResources Mentioned:988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (U.S.): https://988lifeline.orgNAMI Frontline Wellness for Healthcare Workers: https://www.nami.org/Your-Journey/Frontline-ProfessionalsMy email list for therapists (Pen-Pal List): https://balanced-thunder-281.myflodesk.com/drjenbWhat’s Next:I’ll be taking a short podcast break (1–2 weeks) to prep for the Structured Rest series, launching in June. I’ll also be opening enrollment soon for my fall group for therapists in burnout who are ready to quit something—whether it’s your job, your role, or just the story you’re stuck in.

💌 Join my Pen Pal list: https://balanced-thunder-281.myflodesk.com/drjenbIn this deeply personal episode, I share the story of losing two beloved clients during the early months of the pandemic—and the quiet, complicated grief that followed.One of them used to bring me lavender. I still think of her every Mother’s Day.As therapists, we’re often left to grieve in silence. Whether through a client’s death, ghosting, or a sudden termination, the losses we experience rarely come with recognition, ritual, or closure.This episode explores:What clinical grief and ambiguous loss look like for therapistsHow unprocessed grief can be mistaken for burnoutWhy therapists may disconnect from their work, not from lack of care—but from overload and painThe role of ritual, time off, and peer support in metabolizing lossWhy honoring your grief is essential for therapist mental healthIf you’ve ever lost a client—and held that loss quietly—this episode is for you.🖤 Resources Mentioned:Center for Prolonged Grief – Columbia University(includes a self-assessment and therapist directory for grief treatment)https://www.cliniciansurvivor.org/aboutMy free Pen Pal List and reflection guide:https://balanced-thunder-281.myflodesk.com/drjenb

💌 Want A Burnout Pen-Pal? Join my pen-pal list for therapist burnout recovery tips & personal updates: 👉 https://balanced-thunder-281.myflodesk.com/drjenbWhy do therapists wait until they’re completely burnt out before seeking help?In this episode, I dive into the nervous system side of therapist burnout—starting with interoception, or how we notice (and ignore) internal signals like fatigue and tension. I share research-backed insights, cultural conditioning we don’t talk about enough, and real responses from therapists answering: “Why do we wait until it’s really bad to get help?”We cover:How therapist culture rewards disconnection from our bodiesWhy awareness doesn’t always lead to actionWhat research says about burnout, interoception, and recoveryPractical strategies to reconnect before you hit a wall🔗 Links to Studies & ResourcesHalonen et al. (2024) – Therapist Interoception StudyOvalle (2023) – Interoceptive Awareness & BurnoutDuquette (2017) – Emotional Suppression in Therapy WorkPrice & Hooven (2018) – MABT for Regulation

📬 Get my burnout support letters in your inbox: Join the Therapist Burnout Pen-Pal List for monthly notes, voice memos, private podcast drops, and real-talk support from someone who’s been there. 👉 https://balanced-thunder-281.myflodesk.com/drjenbEarlier this year, I thought I was burned out—again. I even joined a burnout group. But nothing shifted. Eventually, I had to face the truth: I wasn’t just burned out. I was depressed.In this episode, I’m unpacking why therapists often miss the signs of depression in themselves, how burnout gets misused as a catchall term, and why naming what’s really going on can change everything.What we cover:Burnout vs. depression — how to tell the differenceThe research behind burnout’s loose definition (142 of them!)Why therapist burnout often includes clinical grief, moral injury, and vicarious traumaWhat helped me through a depressive episode this yearThe nervous system toll of not stopping—and how I finally didHow language shapes the support we seekA reframe: what’s underneath “I’m just so burned out”?🔎 Key idea:“What we call burnout is often a layered experience—and getting granular about it can help you find your way out.”🛠 Resources mentioned:Rotenstein et al. (2018) meta-analysis on burnout definitionsGuille & Sen (2024) on burnout vs. depressionWorld Health Organization burnout definitionMy experience with postpartum and professional depressionClinical grief after losing clientsTherapist-specific supports: NAMI Warmline and others💡 Want more?Join the Pen-Pal ListFollow me on LinkedInWork with me – Coaching for Burned Out TherapistsYou are not meant to live in a constant state of depletion. If you’re carrying something heavy, this episode is for you.

🌟 Feeling isolated in burnout? Join my free Therapist Burnout Pen-Pal List for honest letters and support: Subscribe here: https://balanced-thunder-281.myflodesk.com/drjenbWhat if burnout isn’t a personal failure—or something you can hustle your way out of?Today I’m joined by David Politi, host of Empowered Through Compassion, for a real talk about burnout, therapist parts, and how we survive (and even find hope) inside broken systems.We dive into:Why burnout is often a lifelong spectrum, not a one-time eventHow Internal Family Systems (IFS) and EMDR offer new ways to sustain this workThe therapist parts that show up when we’re exhausted, discouraged, or ready to runWhy doing more trainings or certifications isn't always the answer (and sometimes it is)David also shares a sneak peek of his upcoming book IFS-Informed EMDR (out in 2025).If you’ve ever thought, "I’m too close to burnout again," this conversation is for you.Connect with David:Website: EmpoweredThroughCompassion.comPodcast: Empowered Through Compassion

We’re diving into a lot this week—tech drama, burnout brain fog, and a little puppy joy.If you missed last week’s episode with Shulamit, I highly recommend it. We talked burnout and what it means to be a "canary in the coal mine" when your nervous system just says nope.This week, I had planned to talk about money, but something came up in the therapy world that I couldn’t ignore…Here’s what we get into:My very personal reaction to the Seven Cups directory drama (yes, the founder was my clinical supervisor—wild).Why this situation is more than just an oversight—it’s about consent, ethics, and muddying the waters between therapy and tech.The deeper issue of our distrust in tech platforms that profit from therapist labor—without transparency or therapist input.What it means when platforms offer peer support under the guise of “therapy” and the ethical concerns that follow.My call to action: Google yourself + "Seven Cups" and check if your info is listed without your consent.Plus, a pivot to something I’ve been sitting with lately: Burnout, brain fog, and why so many therapists feel like their brains just don’t work the same anymore. I talk about:Cognitive symptoms of burnout (you're not imagining it, it is real)How trauma and vicarious trauma can literally change the brainWhy some of us may be navigating undiagnosed neurodiversity, and how that intersects with the mental load of being a therapistMy own reflections on being a "mover" and how traditional therapy work never quite fit how my brain and body want to operateAnd finally... I got a puppy! She’s already teaching me a lot about noticing joy, slowing down, and why acorns are apparently fascinating.Resources mentioned:Pen Pal list signup — join the email community where I send updates and reply to your notesNAMI Warmline (as an example of ethical, supportive peer support resources)If you’ve had any experiences with Seven Cups—good, bad, or weird—send me a message. I’m planning a follow-up and would love to include therapist voices. [email protected]

📬 Burned out and need a soft place to land? Join my pen-pal list for therapists who are over it, in it, or finding their way out. I send real letters—and I write back.👉 https://balanced-thunder-281.myflodesk.com/drjenbWhat 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 soldHow scarcity mindset impacts our brains, decision-making, and ability to dream biggerThe gendered messaging therapists receive about money—and how it shows up in our fee-setting, boundaries, and burnoutWhy business education is critical for therapists in private practice, and how Shulamit is helping to change thatPractical ways to set up support, systems, and mental health infrastructure in your businessWhat AI can and can’t do when it comes to easing therapist overwhelmShulamit’s powerful reminder that burnout is not a personal failure—it’s a signal something needs to changeWhether 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.caSubscribe to her newsletter: shula.ca/newsletterJoin my pen-pal list for burned-out therapists: https://balanced-thunder-281.myflodesk.com/drjenbLearn more about Dr. Michael A. Freeman’s research on entrepreneurship & mental healthPrivate 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, LynnFreeman study 2015: https://michaelafreemanmd.com/Research_files/Are%20Entrepreneurs%20Touched%20with%20Fire%20(pre-pub%20n)%204-17-15.pdfMost recent freeman study:  https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352673424000131

✉️ Join the Therapist Pen-Pal List: A low-pressure way to stay connected, get podcast updates, and receive reflections that support your career and wellbeing. Sign up here (Insert your actual link above)Show Notes for Episode 66: The Problem with Therapy ChatbotsHey therapists—today we’re diving into a hot topic that’s been making waves: AI in the therapy world. Specifically, I’m breaking down the first randomized controlled trial of a therapy chatbot, recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine. The chatbot is called Therabot—and yep, it’s stirring up a lot of feelings.👉 You can read the full study here: Artificial Intelligence–Delivered Psychosocial Intervention for Depression and AnxietyIn this solo episode, I share my honest take on what the study actually shows, what it misses, and why I’m not ready to hand over the therapy chair to a bot—no matter how efficient it is.Here’s what we get into:Why reducing burnout to “just write your notes faster” totally misses the pointWhat the study found about Therabot and the therapeutic alliance (spoiler: it’s not all bad news)The valid, complicated concerns about safety, confidentiality, and ethicsWhy I think we need to draw a clear line between human-centered therapy and AI-driven toolsAnd I’m not just talking theory—I tested this myself.I told Wysa, a well-known therapy chatbot, that I was suicidal. It immediately offered a safety plan. But because it's anonymous, it had no way to follow up with me. No continuity, no real-time support, and no accountability. That moment sealed it for me: AI can be many things, but what it offers is artificial therapy. And it should never be labeled as the real thing.After reviewing the research, my position is this: AI has many potentials when it comes to therapy-adjacent tools. It’s an important distinction that it isn't human-delivered therapy. These chatbots can offer psychoeducation, summarize ideas, reflect back emotions, and even help people feel momentarily supported. But they parrot—not feel—human experience.That brings us to a big question: Is the human part of therapy actually the most important part?For me, the answer is yes. Therapy is the moment we feel seen, heard, and cared for by another human. AI may offer something useful, but it can’t replace that kind of connection. And in a time where technology has already made us more isolated, more depressed, and more disconnected—we have to be cautious about the kind of “help” we’re normalizing.Plus, I read some of your thoughtful comments from a recent LinkedIn post where this conversation really took off. Because clearly, I’m not the only one feeling this tension.Spoiler: AI isn't going anywhere. But calling a chatbot “therapy”? That’s where I draw the line.

If you opened your calendar right now, what would it tell you about your life? Catch the last installment of my alive series how to feel ALIVE this week: https://balanced-thunder-281.myflodesk.com/drjenbYour calendar is a reflection of your priorities, but sometimes, what’s on it doesn’t align with what actually fuels you. In this episode, we dive into how to identify energy drains in your daily life—both at work and at home. We explore the importance of assessing every task, even those that are supposed to be "good for you," and recognizing whether they truly restore or deplete your energy. If you’re feeling stuck in burnout, this episode will help you take small but meaningful steps toward reclaiming control.Key Takeaways:Identifying Energy Drains: Open up your calendar and assess how your commitments make you feel. What’s truly non-negotiable, and what can be adjusted or removed?Small, Impactful Changes: Even if you can’t make sweeping career changes right now, there’s always something within your control. This could be as small as rethinking meal planning or offloading a single household task.Delegation & Mental Load: Are you carrying an unseen mental load? Whether it’s managing your kids’ schedules or handling everything at home, recognizing these responsibilities can help you ask for support.Brain Dumps & Organization: Writing things down—whether on a physical planner, whiteboard, or digital calendar—helps free up mental space and prevents overwhelm.Saying No & Setting Boundaries: What are you willing to let go of? Setting clear work and personal boundaries, like not scheduling late appointments or prioritizing deep work, can create more balance.Restoring Your Energy: Choose one category each week to focus on—nutrition, sleep, movement, or connection. Even small steps, like sitting down for a proper lunch or planning social time, can make a big impact.Scheduling Renewal Time: Building in intentional time for rest and connection is key. Whether it’s playing a sport, planning coffee with a friend, or calling family members, these moments help sustain you.Resources Mentioned:Deep Work & Slow Productivity by Cal NewportAtomic Habits by James ClearRelated Podcast Episodes:Ep 63: Burnout and the Brain: https://drjenblanchette.com/podcast/063-therapist-burnout-and-the-brain-why-you-feel-stuck-in-survival-mode/Ep 64: Small Steps to Prevent Overwhelm https://drjenblanchette.com/podcast/064-tips-for-overwhelm-for-therapists-in-burnout/Final Thoughts: Burnout can make it feel like everything is out of your control, but small shifts add up. What’s one thing you can delegate or say no to this week? And how will you prioritize one act of renewal? Let me know—I’d love to hear from you!

Catch my alive series on the email list this month (ONE week left!) Join here: https://balanced-thunder-281.myflodesk.com/drjenbEver 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 lifeThe importance of structured rest: 10 minutes per hour, one hour per day, one day per week, and one week every 12-16 weeksHow burnout affects cognitive function and why rest is non-negotiableThe impact of digital inputs on stress levels and how to minimize overstimulationPractical ways to build small, sustainable habits for better mental clarity and energyKey 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 NewportAtomic Habits by James ClearPremack Principle & Habit Stacking for behavioral changeCOGSmart program from the VA for cognitive rehabilitationRelated 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. What’s one small change you can make today to support your brain? Let me know! Join the therapist pen-pal list above

This is the question I get all the time. Jen why is my brain is so confused, exhausted, and foggy? I dive into the neuroscience and the parrallels with the impacts of trauma neurologically. This month on the Newsletter, feel alive today: get my alive series and join the therapist pen-pal list: https://balanced-thunder-281.myflodesk.com/drjenbBelieve me, you're not the only one. I hear repeatedly from other therapists that they just feel like, I can't think, I can't do my work. I have no idea which way to go. I feel like I'm spinning. And since it’s March, I want to touch base on Brain Injury Awareness Month. I am a certified brain injury specialist. Brain Injury Corner for the Month of March: Did you know that at least 64 million adults report having experienced at least one traumatic brain injury (TBI) in their lifetime? Or that there are at least 2.9 million TBI-related emergency department visits each year in the U.S.?Would it surprise you to learn that 81% of adults in the U.S. do not recognize concussions as traumatic brain injuries? This is a huge issue because a mild TBI—aka a concussion—is still a brain injury. I worked with folks who had a concussion and never fully recovered—losing jobs, relationships, and their sense of self. The emotional impact of brain injury is significant, and many people don’t get the follow-up care they need.If you suspect a concussion, the best thing you can do is get checked—ideally by a physical therapist specializing in concussion management. Outdated advice told people to avoid screens and stay in a dark room indefinitely, but we now know that moderate aerobic activity (like walking) is one of the best treatments for recovery.For therapists, I highly recommend taking a free training on concussion awareness, like the CDC’s Heads Up online courses. Having this knowledge is invaluable for referring clients and understanding the broader implications of brain health.Key Topics:My personal story of burnout in 2020, balancing a private practice and parenting without childcareThe emotional and cognitive symptoms of therapist burnoutRecent research on how burnout rewires the brain, affecting emotional regulation and executive functioningHow burnout mimics trauma responses, including an overstimulated amygdala and reduced ability to downregulate emotionsThe moment I realized I had to make a change—and why many therapists struggle to do the sameWhy This Matters:If you’ve ever felt like you’re just going through the motions, struggling to connect with your work or your loved ones, this episode is for you. Burnout isn’t just a phase—it’s a neurological and emotional shift that affects every part of our lives. Understanding what’s happening in the brain can help us recognize the signs earlier and take steps toward real recovery.Resources:Episode 5: How Burnout Rewires Your Brain – A deep dive into the neuroscience of burnout from an earlier episode.CDC Heads Up Concussion Training – Free online training for healthcare professionals on concussion awareness.Therapist's Experiences of Burnout ArticleGolkar Brain and Burnout ArticleHow Trauma Changes the Brain-Boston Clinical Trials WebsiteJoin the Conversation:Have you ever experienced burnout to the point of feeling disconnected from yourself? What helped you recover? Share your thoughts in the comments or connect with me on [LinkedIn].