🔹 Burnout Recovery & Learning to Ski at 44 – How facing my fears on the mountain mirrors the journey of recovering from burnout. Am I cruising yet? Not quite, but I’m getting there.

🔹 Political Stress & Holding Space as a Therapist – If you’re feeling the weight of absorbing difficult conversations, especially in 2025, you’re not alone. Let’s talk about when it’s okay to say, I can’t hold this anymore.

🔹 Termination: The Ending We’re Supposed to Plan For – We’re trained to begin with the end in mind, but that doesn’t mean terminations are easy—for clients or for us. I cover:

• Why termination gets rusty for mid-career therapists
• The fear of abandoning clients vs. the reality of ethical endings
• A refresher on APA guidelines for termination
• When therapy has become stagnant and how to navigate those tough calls

🔹 Looking Ahead – Next week, I’ll dive into mass terminations—when you have to end with multiple clients at once, like when closing a practice or leaving a job.

If termination has ever felt messy, emotional, or just plain confusing, this episode is for you.

Resources Mentioned:

• My free practice closure guide for therapists: https://balanced-thunder-281.myflodesk.com/closureguide
• APA article: When Therapy Comes to an End: https://www.apa.org/monitor/2022/07/career-therapy-conclusion

Let’s Connect!

Join my therapist burnout pen-pal list: I write back, you aren't alone if your tired, hopeless, and can't do this work anymore: https://balanced-thunder-281.myflodesk.com/drjenb

Thanks for listening! If this episode resonated with you, share it with a therapist friend who needs to hear it. That's how we grow this message!

In this episode, Jen dives deep into the realities of burnout recovery, practice closure, and how therapists can navigate career shifts without losing themselves in the process. She opens up about her own burnout journey, the need for meaningful rest, and the micro-moments that help signal safety to an overstressed nervous system. Jen also shares insights on ethical considerations for practice closure, balancing personal and professional ethics, and how to create space for career decisions while still in the thick of burnout.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

1. Burnout Recovery Essentials:
   • Why recovering from chronic stress takes time and how simple, small steps—like micro-breaks and rest—can make a difference.
   • Jen's mantra for 2025: Working at a human pace.
2. Navigating Career Decisions in Burnout:
   • Why it’s not the time for long-term decisions when you’re in survival mode.
   • How Jen is making space to figure out her next steps by adjusting her workload and setting boundaries.
3. Practice Closure 101:
   • Ethical considerations for closing a practice or leaving a job, including timelines, client communication, and referrals.
   • Step-by-step guidance from Jen’s free Practice Closure Guide.
4. Personal Reflections on Burnout and Seasons:
   • Jen’s experience managing burnout alongside depression and navigating seasonal challenges in Maine’s cold winters.
   • Her humorous (but serious) pitch for speaking gigs in Australia during the winter months to escape the cold and attend the Australian Open.

Notable Quotes from Jen:

• "Burnout recovery looks like deep self-care—caring for ourselves in a way that our nervous system knows we are safe."
• "If you’re asking, 'What’s next?' the answer might be to let go of something first."
• "Work doesn’t have to take our whole being anymore."

Resources Mentioned:

• Free Practice Closure Guide: Get Jen’s step-by-step resource for therapists considering closing their practices. https://balanced-thunder-281.myflodesk.com/closureguide
• Kate Donovan’s Fry the Burnout Podcast: A shoutout to Kate for reminding us about the importance of simple self-care, like peeing when we need to!

Jen’s Call to Action:

If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or questioning your next steps, start by creating space to rest and reflect. Download the Practice Closure Guide if you’re contemplating closing your practice, and don’t hesitate to seek support for your burnout recovery.

Connect with Jen:

• Website: www.drjenblanchette.com

Final Thought:

You don’t have to figure it all out right now. Burnout recovery is a process, and small changes can lead to big shifts over time. You’ve got this!

Hey, therapist! If you've been wondering about the logistics of closing your private practice or leaving a long-term group practice, this episode is for you. Dr. Jen Blanchette walks you through the first steps to take when planning your closure timeline. Whether you're retiring, transitioning out of private practice, or simply ready for a change, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you move forward.

Dr. Jen also shares her thoughts on systemic issues contributing to therapist burnout, why self-care alone won’t solve the bigger problems, and the emotional weight of closing this chapter of your career. Plus, hear her insights on navigating the shame therapists often feel when advocating for fair compensation and better systems of support.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why planning a 90-day timeline is often ideal—and when shorter timelines might work.
• Key steps: reviewing contracts, contacting liability insurance carriers, and setting closure dates.
• The importance of creating a transition plan that supports your clients and yourself.
• How systemic issues, not individual failings, are the root cause of therapist burnout.
• Dr. Jen’s response to criticism around therapists advocating for fair pay.

Resources Mentioned:

• Free Practice Closure Guide: https://balanced-thunder-281.myflodesk.com/gwk8pcfmpb

Key Quotes from the Episode:

• "While self-care can help, it won’t fix a system that underpays and overworks mental health professionals."
• "If you’re here, you’ve likely already made the decision. You can do this, and you can do it well."
• "The shame train needs to stop—advocating for fair compensation is not a failing, it’s survival."

Next Week’s Episode:

Join Dr. Jen next week as she tackles the emotional side of closing your practice—how to navigate multiple client terminations while maintaining ethical care and compassion.

In this episode, host Jen Blanchette dives into the challenging decision therapists face when considering closing their practice or transitioning out of the field. Whether you're in private practice or agency work, the uncertainty of such a big shift is real—but you're not alone. Jen offers practical insights to help you evaluate if it's time to make a change and shares her personal experiences, including navigating burnout, financial considerations, and the emotional toll of solo practice.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Evaluating Financial Viability:
  • How to assess whether your practice is financially sustainable.
  • The importance of understanding your personal finance needs and setting clear income goals.
  • Tools and resources, including Rameet Sethi’s Conscious Spending Plan, to help calculate your financial situation.
• Recognizing Burnout Symptoms:
  • The key burnout signs defined by the World Health Organization, including emotional exhaustion, increased cynicism, and reduced professional efficacy.
  • How these symptoms might show up in your practice and what they could mean for your future.
• Combatting Loneliness in Solo Practice:
  • Why isolation can be a hidden challenge for therapists in private practice.
  • Jen’s reflections on the value of workplace camaraderie and how leaving solo practice revealed what was missing.

Other Highlights from the Episode:

• Reflections on deductible season and navigating the financial logistics of private practice in January.
• Jen’s personal journey with seasonal depression and menopause while managing a therapy practice.
• How starting a practice during the pandemic added unique challenges for many therapists.

Resources Mentioned:

• Selling the Couch Podcast: Jen’s recent guest appearance where she shares more about her story.
• Conscious Spending Plan by Rameet Sethi: A tool to help you evaluate your financial priorities. Link to the tool here.
• Episode 15: Navigating Busy Season as a Therapist: Tips for handling the January surge in client demand.

Stay Connected:

• Sign up for Jen’s newsletter for burnout tips, personal insights, and links to her latest podcast episodes.

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

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

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Key Takeaways for Therapists Looking to Transition:

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

Resources Mentioned:

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

Connect with Jen

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

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!