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

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.
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• 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

What is moral injury and how does it relate to burnout? Dr. Jennie Byrne shares her personal experience of facing a medical board investigation and the impact it had on her mental and emotional well-being. She discusses the concept of moral injury and how it differs from burnout and trauma.

The conversation also touches on the challenges faced by healthcare professionals during the pandemic, including increased demand, virtual practice, and the loss of autonomy. Dr. Byrne emphasizes the importance of examining our ways of working and making intentional choices to prioritize self-care. The conversation explores the themes of burnout, feeling like a cog in a machine, shame, lack of collegiality, and the impact of technology on work-life balance. The guests discuss the need for better language to describe the experiences of therapists and clinicians, as well as the importance of setting boundaries and finding joy in one's work. They emphasize the need for peer support, self-awareness, and intentional self-care to address moral injury and prevent burnout.

Takeaways

• Moral injury is a deep wound to the soul that occurs when one's actions or experiences go against their internal values.
• Burnout, moral injury, and trauma are interconnected but distinct concepts that can affect healthcare professionals.
• The pandemic has exacerbated burnout and moral injury among healthcare professionals due to increased demand, virtual practice, and loss of autonomy.
• Examining and reevaluating our ways of working can help alleviate burnout and moral injury.
• Prioritizing self-care and setting boundaries are essential for maintaining mental and emotional well-being in the healthcare field. Burnout is a complex issue that can have different meanings for different individuals. It is important to go beyond the surface level and explore the specific experiences and emotions behind burnout.
• Many therapists and clinicians feel like cogs in a machine, disconnected from the collegiality and support they once experienced in their work. This industrial mindset can contribute to feelings of burnout and dissatisfaction.
• Shame and self-loathing are common experiences among those who are struggling with burnout or moral injury. It is important to create a safe space for open and honest conversations about these challenges.
• Setting boundaries and finding a work-life balance that aligns with individual needs and preferences is crucial for preventing burnout. This may involve utilizing technology to support boundaries and being intentional about self-care.
• Peer support and connection are essential for addressing moral injury and preventing burnout. Creating opportunities for meaningful conversations and support among colleagues can help alleviate feelings of isolation and provide a sense of community.
• Finding joy in one's work is a powerful antidote to burnout. Engaging in activities that bring personal fulfillment and reconnecting with passions and hobbies can help restore a sense of purpose and well-being.

About Dr. Jennie Byrne:

Dr. Jennie Byrne is a psychiatrist with years of experience in both private practice and larger healthcare systems. She is passionate about mental health care reform and shares her insights in her book, helping clinicians navigate the complexities of modern healthcare.

Resources:

• Dr. Jennie Byrne's website: https://drjenniebyrne.com/

More from Jen:

www.drjenblanchette.com

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

In this episode of the Therapist Burnout Podcast, Karen Conlon shares her personal journey navigating burnout as a therapist specializing in anxiety and trauma. She highlights the importance of setting boundaries and understanding the role of a therapist—not as a fixer but as a guide. Karen discusses her experiences across various stages of her career, including challenging environments like adolescent health centers and Mount Sinai Hospital. She addresses the unique impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health professionals and explores the notion of therapists becoming part of their clients' emotional lives.

Get Support:

• Are you ready to leave therapy? 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/
• Join the list: I send weekly burnout tips and stories to my list. I write back :)

Karen's website: https://expressivetalks.com/

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_desktop
• Compassion 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.pdf
• National 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

Let's go back in the way back machine. Jen Blanchette reflects on their career journey as a psychologist, sharing insights on what they would do differently if given a second chance. Discussing their transition from private practice to school psychology, the conversation touches on the importance of setting boundaries, managing emotions, and navigating the challenges of therapist burnout. The host also previews upcoming podcast topics, including the unique aspects of therapist burnout and the impact of election cycles on therapy sessions.

Have we really talked about the impact of the pandemic on therapists? I don't think so! Emily Irwin shares her burnout story, which includes experiences in the school system and private practice. She discusses the challenges of working in a dual role as a school psychologist and counselor, the impact of stress on her mental and physical health, and the decision to leave the school district and open a private practice. She also talks about the additional challenges and burnout caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the pressure to fix clients, and the fear and restrictions imposed by the profession. Emily also explores the concept of masking and the toll it takes on neurodiverse individuals, as well as the importance of showing up as our true selves in therapy. The conversation explores the idea of healing in community settings and challenges the traditional one-on-one therapy model. It discusses the impact of the mental health industrial complex and the need for systemic changes in the field. The conversation also touches on burnout in private practice and the search for joy and meaning in life. The concept of play and its role in healing and regulating the nervous system is highlighted.

Takeaways

• Working in a dual role in the school system can lead to burnout due to the high workload and diverse responsibilities.
• The COVID-19 pandemic has added additional challenges and stress to the field of therapy, including the shift to virtual sessions and ethical considerations.
• The pressure to fix clients and the fear instilled by ethics training can contribute to therapist burnout.
• Masking, or hiding one's true self to be socially accepted, is common among neurodiverse individuals and can contribute to burnout.
• It is important for therapists to show up as their authentic selves in therapy and create a space where clients can do the same. Healing in community settings has been a traditional approach in many cultures, and there is a need to explore alternative therapeutic models that prioritize collective healing.
• The mental health field is influenced by the mental health industrial complex, which treats mental health as a commodity and often fails to prioritize the well-being of therapists and clients.
• Burnout in private practice can be addressed by setting boundaries, prioritizing self-care, and exploring alternative ways of practicing therapy.
• Finding joy and meaning in life involves adding activities and experiences that bring joy and regulating the nervous system, rather than focusing on restrictions and limitations.
• Play is an essential aspect of human well-being and can contribute to healing and regulating the nervous system.

More From Emily: https://www.emilyirwin.com/about

More From Jen: www.drjenblanchette.com

Are you a therapist who's ready to quit? I've got you. Let's talk on a free 15 minute consult call: https://drjb.hbportal.co/schedule/6160e28b5e574330da01b03d

Have you felt so alone in your burnout that you feel like you literally have nothing to give this world? In this conversation, Dr. Jen Blanchette interviews Cait Donovan, host of the Fried, the Burnout Podcast, about her personal experience with burnout and the importance of addressing both the mental and physical aspects of burnout recovery. They discuss the similarities between therapists and acupuncturists in terms of work dynamics and the impact of burnout on their health. Kate shares her journey of discovering burnout and the self-judgment she experienced as a practitioner of stress management techniques. They also explore the role of self-neglect and the need for self-care practices that go beyond face value in burnout recovery.

The conversation highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to burnout, including therapy, coaching, and physical practices like yoga or acupuncture. They emphasize the need for therapists to be gentle with themselves and prioritize their own well-being. The conversation explores the importance of nature and movement in combating burnout. Walking in green spaces, being among trees, and getting sunlight can have significant benefits for mental and physical well-being. The definition of burnout is often limited to workplace stress, but it can also be caused by cultural, family, health, and environmental factors.

Takeaways

• Burnout is not just a mental issue, but also affects the entire physical body.
• Burnout prevention is stress management, but it may not be enough for those already in burnout.
• Therapists and acupuncturists often have a higher tendency to have experienced trauma, which can impact their ability to notice and respond to stress.
• Engaging in self-care practices, such as movement exercises like Tai Chi or Qigong, can help emotions move through the body and aid in burnout recovery.
• A multidisciplinary approach, including therapy, coaching, and physical practices, is crucial for addressing burnout. Walking in nature and being among trees can have significant benefits for mental and physical well-being.
• Burnout is not limited to workplace stress and can be caused by cultural, family, health, and environmental factors.
• Therapists may be susceptible to burnout due to their high ACEs scores and the nature of their work.

Sound Bites

"If you just pee when you need to pee for a few weeks, your life will be different, because your brain will be different."

"Your ability to learn what your body feels like at safety is a key element to your ability to recover."

"Engaging in something like Tai Chi or Qigong allows emotions to move through the physical form."

"Just knowing like walking can be one of those simple tools, gentle walking, know, in somewhere green."

"When you are walking amongst trees, not only are you having this, this, you know, carbon dioxide oxygen exchange, but you're also the sunlight when it reflects off bark turns into infrared light."

"There's no money made off walking or a tree, you know, like, you're not going to see an advertisement walking the new cure for everything. Trees, touch them. Not really going to happen."

More from Cait:

https://www.caitdonovan.com/

https://www.friedtheburnoutpodcast.com/

More from Jen:

The therapist burnout newsletter (the pen-pal list): https://balanced-thunder-281.myflodesk.com/drjenb

www.drjenblanchette.com

How can we ever truly balance the weight of this work? That's the question I seek to answer in this episode. In this conversation, Dr. Jen Blanchette discusses the myth of work-life balance and offers a different perspective on how to think about it. She shares four reasons why work-life balance is a myth and emphasizes the importance of counterbalance instead. Dr. Blanchette talks about the different seasons in life and how they require different levels of attention and focus. She also addresses the challenges of being constantly connected through smartphones and social media, and provides strategies for setting boundaries and managing time. Overall, the conversation highlights the need for self-care, breaks, and support in order to maintain a healthy work-life integration.

Takeaways

• Work-life balance is a myth, and it's normal for our lives to be out of balance at different points in time.
• Counterbalance is a more realistic and helpful concept to strive for, considering the different seasons and demands in our lives.
• Setting boundaries and managing time are essential for maintaining a healthy work-life integration.
• The influence of smartphones and social media makes it harder to achieve a sense of equilibrium, but establishing non-negotiables and guardrails can help.
• Self-care is important, but it cannot fix burnout or depletion. It requires constant care and attention to restore ourselves.
• Taking breaks and having time for ourselves is crucial, and we deserve it.

Let's Connect:

The List: The Therapist Burnout Newsletter- I write back: https://balanced-thunder-281.myflodesk.com/drjenb

Before you Quit Consult Call: https://drjb.hbportal.co/schedule/6160e28b5e574330da01b03d