Episode Summary:

In this in-between time, as we transition from the holidays into the new year, we’re diving into how therapists can recharge, reflect, and prepare for meaningful change in 2025. Jen Blanchette recaps the December series on why it’s so hard to make changes as a therapist and shares actionable insights for overcoming fear, burnout, and those pesky “asshole stories” that keep us stuck. Plus, Jen gets personal about her own goals, challenges, and wins as she navigates this season of her career.

Fear is one of the biggest reasons therapists struggle to make changes, whether it’s closing a practice or stepping away from a role.

• Common fears include:
  • Not knowing what comes next.
  • Letting clients down or worrying about their reactions.
• Jen explores ways to work through fear and shift focus from what might go wrong to what’s possible.

When you’re deeply tired, even small changes can feel impossible. Many therapists in end-stage burnout feel stuck and unable to recover fully, even with reduced workloads.

• Key takeaways:
  • Rest is essential to recovery—become an “expert” on rest.
  • Address chronic depletion by prioritizing joy and rediscovering what renews you.
  • Avoid jumping into drastic changes like new coaching programs or group models without first replenishing yourself.

Our internal narratives often sabotage our progress. Jen discusses how exposure to trauma and years of caregiving shape the way we think about ourselves.

• Tips for managing self-talk:
  • Recognize how vicarious trauma impacts your emotional experience.
  • Use tools like journaling or thought reframing to neutralize negative self-talk.
  • Ask yourself questions like, “How can I make this easier?” or “How can I be kinder to myself?”

Jen challenges listeners to reflect on their needs as the new year approaches. Consider:

• What is depleting you in your work or personal life?
• What brings you renewal?
• Are you holding onto fear, exhaustion, or negative stories about yourself?
• Sketch out your ideal week and note where your energy is drained or renewed.
• Make intentional changes, even small ones, to shift the balance toward renewal.

Jen highlights the importance of gentle, consistent changes in both professional and personal life:

• Incorporate small, achievable habits like regular walks, yoga nidra, or weightlifting.
• Avoid perfectionism and focus on consistency.
• Resources mentioned: Atomic Habits by James Clear and the Full Focus Planner.

The transition into a new year can be overwhelming, but it’s also an opportunity to reassess and realign. Whether you’re considering a major career change or just seeking more balance, Jen encourages you to take the first step toward the life you need and deserve.

Resources Mentioned:

• Join my pen-pal list! I write back: https://balanced-thunder-281.myflodesk.com/drjenb
• My email: [email protected]

Let’s make 2025 the year you prioritize yourself. Tune in to future episodes as Jen continues to guide therapists toward thriving personally and professionally.

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 Guide
• Grab my Free Money Guide for therapists who want to quit

Next 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.

🎄 Finding Rest in the Holiday Hustle:

• Why December can feel like both a magical and overwhelming season.
• Jen's personal strategy for embracing rest during the holidays (spoiler: leftover Christmas dinner and lots of nothing!).
• The importance of communicating your needs and planning ahead to avoid burnout during festive chaos.

🛑 Rest as a Priority (Not a Luxury):

• What it means to be an "expert in rest" and why it’s a goal worth striving for.
• Breaking the cycle of constant push: Jen’s candid reflection on working through the weekend and her plan to make rest intentional.
• Rethinking support: Hiring help at home or in your practice to lighten the load.

✨ Energy Audits and Letting Go:

• Identifying your most depleting tasks or client sessions.
• How to evaluate your caseload and make ethical, compassionate discharges when needed.
• The emotional and professional benefits of “letting go” when it’s time.

🌿 Making Space to Be Human:

• Strategies to build in more space for boredom, play, and joy in your week.
• Why Jen values activities like tennis, fitness instruction, and even the possibility of learning drums!
• The power of recognizing when schedules or habits no longer serve you—and making changes to reclaim time for yourself.

❄️ Leaning Into Winter:

• How to embrace the coziness of the season, even if you’re not a fan of the cold.
• Exploring the beauty of winter routines like sunrises, snowfall, and the Scandinavian art of making the most of long nights.

💡 Practical Takeaways:

1. Be an Expert on Rest: Give yourself permission to stop and re-evaluate what’s depleting you.
2. Audit Your Energy: Identify what’s draining your time and energy—and let it go.
3. Create Space for Joy: Make room in your life for human moments, hobbies, and fun.

Free Resource for You:

Feeling overwhelmed and unsure what needs to change? Grab my free guide on burnout and depletion to pinpoint what’s holding you back and map out your next steps.

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

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

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

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

Key Takeaways:

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

Resources Mentioned:

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

Let’s Connect:

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

Final Reflection:

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

Burnout can make everything feel impossible. Decisions become overwhelming, and the stories we tell ourselves—especially the ones rooted in fear and self-doubt—only make it harder. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Lisa Herbert, a coach and leader who helps women in healthcare reclaim their confidence and balance their careers with purpose.

Together, we dive into how burnout impacts our sense of self and how to rebuild trust in our intuition when it feels like we’ve lost our way. Dr. Lisa shares her journey through burnout and self-doubt, offering insight into why so many high-achieving women feel stuck when it's time for a change. We explore the pivotal moments that helped us pivot and the practical strategies anyone can use to take the next best step forward.

Whether you’re in the thick of burnout or wondering if it’s time for a major pivot, this episode will help you recognize your resilience and take the first step forward.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How burnout mimics depression and impacts decision-making.
• The stories burnout tells us—and why they aren’t true.
• How to stop overthinking “the right decision” and focus on the best choice for you right now.
• Why intuition doesn’t disappear during burnout—it’s just buried.
• Practical strategies to rebuild self-trust and take action.

Mentioned in This Episode:

• Dr. Lisa’s advice for high-achieving women navigating self-doubt and career pivots.
• The advice that shifted my mindset: “Don’t worry about the ‘right’ decision. Make the best decision for you right now.”
• How burnout influenced my decision to close my private practice and take a leap in my career.

About Dr. Lisa Herbert:

Dr. Lisa is a healthcare leader, speaker, and coach who helps women in healthcare balance career success with personal fulfillment. Through her programs, she empowers women to reclaim their confidence and pursue their purpose with clarity and courage.

Resources for You:

• Connect with Dr. Lisa Herbert

Let’s Connect:

• www.drjenblanchette.com
• My Pen-Pal List--I write back!
• If this episode resonated, leave a review and share it with someone who needs to hear it!

Judy Hu, is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) turned Boundary Coach. She provides short term, intensive boundary healing and boundary coaching for adults, couples, and groups. Her clinical experience includes two decades of serving as a therapist for adults, children, couples and families; as a supervisor for clinical interns; and as a clinical director at a renowned outpatient clinic. Without being aware of it, Judy’s life was shaped by trying to fit into boxed laid out in front of her–by her immigrant family, by her peers, and by a society based on capitalism, patriarchy, and supremacy thinking. None of those boxes or expectations fit. Trying to mask feelings of being an imposter, she landed at an all time low and finally chose her Self.

In this episode, Judy shares her story of therapist burnout and how she transitioned to becoming a boundary coach. She also discusses the importance of boundary coaching for therapists and clients alike, and offers tips for preventing and healing from burnout.

**Key takeaways:**

* Set boundaries with your clients, your work, and your personal life.

* Take care of yourself physically and emotionally.

* Find a supportive community of other therapists or healers.

* Seek professional help if needed.

**Boundary coaching and it’s application to helpers:**

Boundary coaching can help therapists to:

* Set and enforce boundaries with clients, paperwork, and other demands on their time and energy.

* Identify and challenge their own limiting beliefs about boundaries.

* Develop a self-care routine that is sustainable and effective.

* Create a work-life balance that is healthy and fulfilling.

**Boundary coaching for clients:**

Boundary coaching can help clients to:

Identify and understand their own boundaries.

• Set and enforce boundaries with others, including family, friends, and coworkers.
• *Communicate their needs and expectations clearly.
• Say no without guilt or shame.
• Protect themselves from emotional and physical harm.

More from Judy: https://judyhucounseling.com/

More from Jen: www.drjenblanchette.com

My freebie: Before you Quit: A guide for therapists 

In this reflective and practical episode, Dr. Jen breaks down the holiday chaos therapists face—not just with clients but also within their own families, workloads, and personal lives. She offers simple, actionable steps to create a season that feels spacious, joyful, and manageable.

Key Themes in This Episode:

• Increased Client Needs & Emotional Labor: Supporting clients through their holiday stress without depleting yourself.
• Handling Cancellations: Practical strategies for clear policies and managing gaps in income during the holiday shuffle.
• Planning for Financial Dips: Tips to smooth out income fluctuations and plan ahead for slower months.
• Personal Holiday Stress: Why adjusting traditions and setting boundaries can help you reclaim joy in the season.
• Year-End Admin Burnout: Ways to tackle renewals, insurance headaches, and deductible resets without feeling overwhelmed.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

1. Reframing Holiday Stress:
   • The drama in our minds about December is often a predictable cycle.
   • Recognizing the patterns (with clients and family) helps reduce overwhelm.
2. Boundaries and Planning:
   • Map out your holiday season. Where are the breaks?
   • Be intentional about setting limits with clients and family.
3. The Four Pillars of Brain Health:
   • Dr. Jen shares her pillars—movement, nutrition, sleep, and connection.
   • Simple ways to check in with yourself and get back to basics.
   • Why neglecting these needs during the holidays leads to burnout.
4. Celebrating Joy and Novelty:
   • Breaking free from the monotony of midlife with small, joyful experiences.
   • Building simple traditions or moments of joy that anchor the season.

Key Quote:

"If you feel burned out, stretched thin, or untethered this holiday season, pause and ask: What do I need? Spaciousness? Connection? Rest? When you listen to your body, you’ll find the answer."

Reflections on Burnout and Connection:

Dr. Jen opens up about how the pandemic disrupted her relationships and the sadness that comes with losing connections. She offers reassurance that rebuilding relationships, even small steps like sending a text, is possible and worth pursuing.

Dr. Jen’s Quick Brain Health Checklist for Therapists:

• Movement: Aim for joyful movement like walks, yoga, or a tennis match (that's me ya'll).
• Nutrition: Focus on adding nourishing foods like berries, leafy greens, and omega-rich choices.
• Sleep: Prioritize rest, even if it means adjusting routines or asking for help.
• Connection: Reconnect with loved ones, friends, or pets. Relationships are healing.

Practical Takeaways:

• Schedule mini breaks throughout December to recharge.
• Reflect on how you want to feel after the holidays and build habits to get there.
• Identify one or two non-negotiable moments of joy or novelty to make the season special.

Resources:

• Email Dr. Jen to join her Pen Pal list for updates: [email protected]
• Follow on LinkedIn for more therapist-specific insights: Dr. Jen Blanchette
• Pen Pal List: Sign up for Dr. Blanchette’s newsletter for podcast updates and exclusive insights.

Spread the Message:

Enjoyed this episode? Share it with a therapist friend or leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Let Dr. Jen know what you need most this holiday season by dropping her a message.

How do you handle discussions around political stress with clients? Do you find it challenging to stay grounded, or is it a non-issue for you? With election week past us in the U.S., this episode touches on the impact of heightened political division, how it affects therapists, and strategies for supporting clients through politically charged sessions.

• Opening Thoughts on Political Anxiety: Dr. Blanchette reflects on the unique challenges therapists face around election time, balancing personal reactions with professional responsibilities. She shares insights from recent LinkedIn conversations where therapists voiced the complexities of showing up during a politically fraught period.
• Why Neutrality Can Be a Challenge: Traditional training encourages therapists to remain neutral, but in today’s climate, neutrality may not always feel possible—or authentic. Dr. Blanchette discusses how identity factors and the needs of marginalized communities complicate neutrality, and the importance of practicing ethical transparency.
• APA’s 2024 Stress Survey Findings: This episode references new findings showing that 77% of U.S. adults report significant stress about the future of the nation, highlighting how political anxiety has become a chronic cultural stressor. Dr. Blanchette shares tips on how to bring psychoeducation into sessions, normalizing these feelings for clients.
• Refocusing on Clinical Goals Amid Political Discourse: Dr. Blanchette offers grounding strategies for therapists feeling inundated by political discussion. She discusses how using techniques like DBT’s Radical Acceptance and EMDR’s Calm Safe Place can help re-center sessions on therapeutic goals, rather than purely venting.
• Encouraging Healthy Connection: The episode suggests ways therapists can guide clients to reduce news consumption and increase meaningful social interactions. Borrowing from Cal Newport, Dr. Blanchette recommends prioritizing face-to-face connections over social media as a way to support deeper connection and reduce anxiety.
• Tools for Navigating Sessions this Week: Dr. Blanchette advises therapists to come prepared with a “frame” for sessions, using psychoeducation and therapeutic techniques to help clients (and themselves) manage political anxiety and maintain focus on mental health goals.
• The Reality of Therapist Burnout During Election Season: Dr. Blanchette shares candid insights on the emotional toll election season can take on therapists. She offers strategies to help therapists maintain their own well-being and avoid numbing out by reconnecting with personal supports and routines.

• Episode 3: Navigating Burnout to Advocate with Krista Harrison – Insights on working with marginalized communities in politically charged climates.
• APA 2024 Stress Survey – Highlights current statistics on the mental health impact of U.S. political division.

• Email: [email protected] for comments or feedback.
• Pen Pal List: Sign up for Dr. Blanchette’s newsletter for podcast updates and exclusive insights.
• Website: www.drjenblanchette.com

In this episode, we're diving into the unique challenges that therapists face during election week, especially when clients bring their political views and anxieties into sessions. Reflecting on my past experiences as a therapist, I share insights into managing the emotional load that can arise during election cycles and tips for navigating difficult conversations that touch on politics, identity, and values.

I talk about some of the regrets I felt in 2020, a year marked by intense political and social divides. I discuss how challenging it was to sit with clients whose values didn’t always align with my own, and how I wish I had approached certain conversations differently—especially when I felt compelled to stay neutral, even as clients voiced polarizing or prejudiced views. If you’re feeling a mix of frustration and empathy in these situations, you’re not alone.

What to Expect:

• Reflection on Boundaries: Why therapists often feel pressured to listen without inserting their own views, and how to manage those boundaries more intentionally.
• Navigating Difficult Conversations: Practical ways to respond when clients’ political beliefs clash with your values, including prompts that encourage clients to self-reflect without escalating tension.
• Self-Care During Election Season: Tips for self-reflection, self-care, and minimizing political overload both before and after sessions.
• Building Self-Awareness: Why reflecting on your own political beliefs can actually strengthen your therapeutic work and help you approach challenging conversations with confidence.
• Practical Strategies for Support: Steps to take if you’re feeling especially triggered, including adjusting your schedule, limiting news exposure, and seeking supervision or training for support.

Why Listen?

Whether you’re a seasoned therapist who has weathered multiple election cycles or a newer therapist facing this for the first time, this episode offers insights on balancing professional obligations with personal beliefs. Learn how to manage your emotional load while maintaining an empathetic stance—even when it feels tough.

Resources Mentioned:

• American Psychological Association article on navigating authority topics in therapy: https://www.apa.org/monitor/2022/03/career-navigating-therapy

More from Jen:

www.drjenblanchette.com

The therapist pen-pal list write back": https://balanced-thunder-281.myflodesk.com/drjenb

Ever felt that your job asks more of your humanity than it should? In this week's episode, I explore the concept of moral injury in therapy work. We often talk about burnout, but what happens when we’re pushed to betray our own values for the sake of our roles?

In this solo episode of The Therapist Burnout Podcast, Jen Blanchette dives into the topic of moral injury among therapists. Reflecting on the recent conversation with Dr. Jenny Byrne in Episode 43, Jen expands on how the concept of moral injury applies to therapists, sharing insights on current events, systemic challenges, and her own personal experiences. She also touches on a recent strike involving mental health workers, highlighting ongoing issues of workload, reimbursement, and the emotional toll of the profession.

Takeaways

• Therapists are feeling overwhelmed by high caseloads and inadequate support.
• The concept of moral injury is crucial for understanding therapist burnout.
• Many therapists wish for a union to advocate for better conditions.
• Moral injury can stem from systemic issues within the healthcare system.
• Personal experiences of moral injury can shape a therapist's career.
• Burnout, moral distress, and moral injury are interconnected but distinct.
• Therapists often feel like cogs in a machine, losing their sense of self.
• The healthcare system profits from the labor of therapists without adequate compensation.
• Taking breaks and managing stress is essential for therapists' well-being.
• The holiday season can exacerbate stress for both therapists and their clients.

Sound Bites

"Therapists are humans too."

"Moral injury can be helpful in seeing systemic issues."

"We need to increase our pay and support."

More from Jen:

www.drjenblanchette.com

The therapist pen-pal list write back": https://balanced-thunder-281.myflodesk.com/drjenb