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

💌 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.

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. info@drjenblanchette.com

What I've realized after nearly two years out of private practice is that the opposite of burnout isn't just taking a break—it's being truly alive. Actually being a human, seeing nature, being with your loved ones, and making memories. And sometimes, to find that aliveness, you have to take a radical leap.Jump on the therapist pen-pal list to get my feeling alive series on the newsletter--you get all the good stuff and I write back: The Burned Out Therapist Pen-Pal ListThat's exactly what my guest, Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby, did.Forget the couch, she hit the open road in an Airstream. For a whole year! That's right, a year of trading in the traditional practice for the open road. Today, Dr. Bobby is sharing how that wild adventure led to a thriving practice and a life she truly loves. We're diving into her journey, from the depths of burnout to the freedom of the Airstream, and how she ultimately found a way to build a career that resonated with her soul.Key Takeaways:Multiple Burnout Chapters:Dr. Bobby experienced significant burnout during her doctoral internship, marked by overwork, vicarious trauma, and feeling inadequate in all areas of her life.She later faced burnout in her solo private practice due to feeling ineffective with clients whose needs didn't align with traditional clinical therapy models.The Impact of ADHD:Dr. Bobby discusses how her undiagnosed ADHD contributed to her stress, particularly in managing administrative tasks and time management.She also highlights the "superpowers" associated with ADHD, such as flexibility and a different approach to life.Life-Changing Decisions:A period of intense burnout led Dr. Bobby and her husband to take a year-long road trip in an Airstream, demonstrating the possibility of radical life changes.This lead to a life of more joy, and less conformity.Evolving Career and Coaching Psychology:Dr. Bobby found renewed purpose by incorporating coaching psychology into her practice, which better served clients with non-clinical needs.She emphasizes that therapists have more career options than they are often taught, and she seeks to empower her supervisees to explore these possibilities.Supervision and Empowerment:As a clinical supervisor, Dr. Bobby aims to provide a different perspective to early career clinicians, offering hope and showing them they can design their own careers.She tries to help clinicians see their own strengths, and to not make career decisions from a place of depletion.Challenging Traditional Paths:The interview touches on the pressures placed on therapists to conform to traditional career paths, such as taking insurance or solely focusing on clinical work.She stresses that there are many different successful paths to take.The importance of recognizing personal needs:Dr. Bobby highlights the importance of recognizing when life needs to change, and that it is okay to make those changes.Connect with JenWebsite: www.drjenblanchette.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjenblanchette/Newsletter: The Burned Out Therapist Pen-Pal ListConnect with Dr. BobbyWebsite: www.growingself.com

In this episode, I get personal about the highs and lows of 2024, reflecting on burnout recovery, battling impostor syndrome, and redefining my career as a contractor and part-time school psychologist. Through my journey, I’ve learned to value my unique expertise, embrace writing as a strength, and hold space for others in transformative ways. If you’ve ever felt like your skills don’t transfer, or you’re doubting your ability to make a change, this episode is for you.What to Expect in This Episode:Navigating Burnout:I share the challenges of working through burnout without adequate recovery time and how my body reminded me to slow down.Impostor Syndrome Insights:Hear how I overcame doubts in my psychological assessment abilities and learned to appreciate the value I bring to my roles.Recognizing Transferable Skills:Discover how your expertise as a therapist can translate into new opportunities and help you thrive in unexpected ways.The Power of Reflection:I encourage you to write your 2024 story—focusing on facts, feelings, and the shifts you’ve experienced—to uncover areas for growth and self-compassion.Reframing Mindset and Expectations:Learn how to neutralize negative self-talk, manage unrealistic expectations, and view yourself with kindness, especially during burnout.Resources Mentioned:Before You Quit Guide: A resource to help untangle your burnout and identify next steps for managing your career and well-being.Financial Systems with Rameet Sethi: Practical strategies to align your money with your values and goals.Episode 22 Money Scripts: https://drjenblanchette.com/podcast/022-therapist-money-scripts-how-therapists-can-move-from-money-shame-and-financial-burnout-to-awareness/Actionable Takeaways:Reflect on Your Year:Write your 2024 story—beginning, middle, and end. Look for patterns of depletion, burnout, or sticky thoughts, and hold them with curiosity and compassion.Embrace Neutrality:Shift to a neutral perspective when it’s hard to see the positives. Ask yourself, “What’s the next best thought I can think about this?”Redesign Your Environment:Consider what environmental changes you need to feel supported—whether it’s delegating tasks, simplifying routines, or seeking help.A Note from Jen:Thank you for tuning in and for all the messages, DMs, and consult calls you’ve shared with me this year. Your stories inspire the direction of this podcast and the work I do with therapists like you. Remember, you don’t have to live the way you’re living now. Change is possible—it just takes time and intention.Connect with Me:Grab the Before You Quit GuideGrab my Free Money Guide for therapists who want to quitNext Week:Tune in for a year-end recap and a look ahead to January, with exciting guests and burnout stories to inspire and support you in the new year.

Burnout is something almost every profession deals with, but for therapists, it hits differently. We’re not just exhausted from the long hours or the endless paperwork—it’s the emotional weight of holding space for others, the vicarious trauma we take on, and the unrelenting pressure to be “okay” so we can keep helping our clients.In today’s episode, I dive into why burnout for therapists has its own unique layers, and why it often takes us much longer to admit we need help. I’ll share some of my personal struggles with burnout, how I got trapped in a cycle of overwork, and what finally made me realize I needed to make a big change.Key Takeaways: Caseload & Case Mix: It’s not just the number of clients, but the emotional toll of each case. Regularly auditing your caseload can help manage triggers and reduce stress.The Payment Dilemma: Relying solely on client sessions for income adds pressure to maintain a full schedule. Diversifying revenue can ease this burden and reduce burnout.Fear of Losing Your License: Ethical pressures and people-pleasing often cloud treatment decisions. Focusing on therapeutic outcomes instead of trying to keep everyone happy is key.The Expectation to Be Superhuman: The pressure to seem emotionally resilient can be overwhelming. Setting boundaries and embracing vulnerability is essential for long-term sustainability.Emotional Labor & Compassion Fatigue: Holding space for clients’ trauma can be exhausting. Understanding the nuances between burnout and compassion fatigue is important for healing.Moral Injury: Dealing with systemic injustices can lead to moral injury, further deepening burnout.Burnout Before the Profession: Burnout can start as early as graduate school, with heavy workloads and financial stress. Robust support systems are critical for students entering the field.Get Support: Coaching for Therapists: Jennifer discusses her coaching services aimed at helping therapists navigate burnout, offering strategies like pausing, creating a 90-day game plan, and providing ongoing support. https://drjenblanchette.com/love-it-or-leave-it-coaching/Resources Mentioned:Episode #38: Conversation with Kate Donovan, host of Fried: The Burnout Podcast.https://drjenblanchette.com/podcast/038-escaping-burnout-with-cait-donovan-the-host-of-fried/LinkedIn Poll Insights: Featuring quotes from Michael Rose, Colin Albrow, Tamara Hubbard, and Brittney Lindsay. https://www.linkedin.com/posts/drjenblanchette_therapists-and-mental-health-professionals-activity-7240405419452436480-UE6X?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktopCompassion Fatigue Literature: Definitions and distinctions between burnout, compassion fatigue, secondary traumatic stress, and vicarious traumatization. http://www.figleyinstitute.com/documents/Workbook_AMEDD_SanAntonio_2012July20_RevAugust2013.pdfNational Center for PTSD: Information on moral injury and its implications beyond the military context. https://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/treat/cooccurring/moral_injury.asp

In this episode, Dr. Jen Blanchette discusses the intersection of imposter syndrome and burnout. She shares her personal experience with burnout and how it made her question her career and worth as a therapist. Dr. Blanchette talks about the difficulty of leaving a private practice and the feelings of being an imposter in a new job. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing our accomplishments and giving ourselves permission to take time and space to recover from burnout. Dr. Blanchette also encourages therapists to explore alternative career options and not feel trapped in their current path.keywordsimposter syndrome, burnout, career, worth, private practice, job, experience, time, space, choicestakeawaysImposter syndrome can be exacerbated by burnout and can make us question our abilities and worth as therapists.Taking time and space to recover from burnout is essential and can look different for each person.Therapists have choices and can explore alternative career options if they feel stuck in their current path.Recognizing our accomplishments and leaning into our experience can help combat imposter syndrome and build confidence.titlesThe Intersection of Imposter Syndrome and BurnoutLeaving a Private Practice: The Fear and ChallengesSound Bites"I honestly didn't trust myself anymore.""Oh, I don't have to do therapy anymore.""I bring up all that experience in this role. Like, oh yeah, I worked residential. Oh yeah, well, I remember this one time I was working, da, da, da, da."How to replace your 1:1 Therapy income Freebie link: https://balanced-thunder-281.myflodesk.com/tshwticutiMy Website: www.drjenblanchette.com

Ever felt that following your to become a therapist has led you to burning out and resenting your work? Or that you're not sure that becoming a therapist was the best choice for you. In today's episode, we're uncovering the truth behind the passion hypothesis and why your skills might trump your passion when it comes to finding career happiness.We delve into the controversial ideas presented in Cal Newport's book, "So Good They Can't Ignore You," and explore why the common advice to "follow your passion" might actually be leading us astray. If you're a therapist thinking about quitting your role or significantly changing your career, this discussion is especially for you.Key Takeaways:Passion vs. Skills:Cal Newport argues that following your passion is not the key to career satisfaction.Most people do not have pre-existing passions related to work.Developing skills and career capital is more important for job satisfaction.The Reality of Burnout:Burnout is a significant issue in the therapy profession, often exacerbated by the pressure to follow one's passion.Therapists may find themselves paralyzed by too many ideas and directions, leading to burnout.The Passion Hypothesis:The assumption that everyone has a pre-existing passion waiting to be discovered is flawed.Passions are often unrelated to work or education and tend to be hobby-like interests.Steve Jobs’ Misinterpreted Advice:While Steve Jobs advised to "do what you love," his own path to founding Apple was not driven by passion but by opportunity and skill development.Autonomy, Competence, and Relatedness:According to Self-Determination Theory, these three factors are essential for intrinsic motivation at work.Therapists need to consider these elements to find fulfillment, especially in private practice where relatedness can be challenging.Career Capital:Building valuable skills and expertise in your field (career capital) is crucial.Passion can develop from becoming skilled and achieving mastery in your work.The Privilege of Choice:The ability to follow one’s passion is a privilege not everyone has.A more practical approach is to focus on developing skills that make you valuable in your career.Resources Mentioned:Book: "So Good They Can't Ignore You" by Cal NewportSelf-Determination Theory (SDT)Episode Quote: “Follow your passion might just be terrible advice. Focus on developing valuable skills and career capital to find true job satisfaction.”Send me an email I'd love to connect: info@drjenblanchette.comLinks to my freebie and connect with a free consult call to Un*uck Your Practice: https://linktr.ee/drjenblanchette