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

Hosted by Dr. Jen Blanchette

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114

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May 2026

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About the show

Are you a Therapist, Counselor, Coach, Psychologist, or Trauma Professional dealing with burnout or compassion fatigue? Do you own your private practice and it's full and you're miserable? Are you working with too many clients in an agency or group practice? Are you considering quitting the profession all together? If so, you've found the right podcast, we will answer the following questions: Am I suffering from burnout? What are the symptoms of therapist burnout? What other things can I do besides therapy or working 1:1 with clients? What other roles or jobs could I do after my career as a therapist or helper? What other business ideas can I explore besides private practice or agency work?

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60 recent

May 21, 202618 min

108: Burnout isn't inevitable?

Subscribe to the Leaving the Chair Newsletter: https://balanced-thunder-281.myflodesk.com/drjenbAre other therapists gaslighting us about burnout? In this episode, Jen responds to a social media post claiming "burnout is not a given" — and unpacks why that framing, while well-intentioned, can quietly turn burnout into a "you problem." She talks honestly about arriving at burnout already burnt, why a new business model isn't always the escape hatch, and what she learned from running her first Leaving the Chair group.IN THIS EPISODE"Burnout is not a given" — yes, and… Jen responds to a post arguing that therapists just need a more sustainable business model to escape burnout. She agrees burnout shouldn't be normalized — and pushes back on the implication that if you're burnt out, you simply picked the wrong model. Many of us arrive at burnout in full surrender, with real mental health symptoms, needing recovery rather than prevention.Burnt by the work itself The research is clear: therapists often arrive at burnout, not burning out. Not "a little crispy" — fully burnt. Jen normalizes that some of us will face burnout, compassion fatigue, or vicarious traumatization despite our business model, because of trauma exposure. It's okay if you need help. Full stop.The escape-hatch industry Jen names the constant stream of pitches in her inbox — AI companies, coaching programs, consultation packages — all promising to "solve" therapist burnout. Some consultation is genuinely helpful (she's used it), but be discerning. People benefit financially from therapists buying their way out, and a stopgap is not a solution.What she learned running Leaving the Chair Jen's first cohort of the Leaving the Chair group wrapped in May 2026. Instead of "fix your nervous system in a weekend," the group started with pruning — cutting back what isn't working — and moved into the harder question: who am I now, and what do I actually value?The values bridge Through Susie Welsh's values bridge work (found via Kate Donovan's podcast), Jen was surprised to learn she's genuinely okay with a smaller life. Marketing, launching, scaling — not high on her list right now. Partnership, family, tennis, gardening, her dog — those are.The arrival fallacy, again High-achievers in this field are trained to look for the next rung: the license, the practice, the group practice, the podcast, the program. Jen reflects on being squarely in midlife and — maybe for the first time — being comfortable being where she is."I don't want to." Borrowing from Martha Beck, Jen describes the little creature at the end of herself that finally said, "I don't want to." Not collapse — refusal. She wants to do good work, thoroughly, and still not overwork. She wants to play.A hobby is something that doesn't make you money Jen stopped teaching fitness classes during the group — $25/hour is real money, but it wasn't a hobby and it wasn't her job. She talks about reclaiming hobbies as hobbies, and helping therapists think about their whole life as something worth enjoying, not just optimizing.What a sabbatical is actually for Jen is taking a summer sabbatical in late June. Spoiler: a sabbatical is not a vision quest. It's not the time to figure life out. It's a time to rest and to cease work — something modern life has thoroughly messed up. A full episode on sabbaticals is coming.Thanks 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

May 4, 202625 min

107: Can I create guardrails for burnout as a therapist?

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

April 20, 202617 min

106: Imposter Phenomenon and Therapist Burnout 2.0

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

April 6, 202650 min

105: Should I get a certification as a therapist?

📬 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

March 12, 202650 min

Signs of Therapist Burnout You're Probably Ignoring

✨ 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!

February 24, 202529 min

60. You need a friend

Therapist, you spend your days holding space for others—but who’s holding space for you? Join the therapist pen-pal list! I write back: https://balanced-thunder-281.myflodesk.com/drjenbIn this episode, we’re diving into a topic that doesn’t get nearly enough attention: friendship, and why therapists need real, meaningful connections too. If you’ve been listening for a while, I hope you consider me a friend in some way, but let’s be real—no podcast can replace the power of in-person connection. Inspired by a recent conversation that left me rethinking everything I thought I knew about friendships, I was blown away by the research on how they directly impact our mental and physical health. Let’s talk about why friendship isn’t just a ‘nice to have’—it’s a necessity.I also discuss groundbreaking research, including Julianne Holt-Lunstad’s studies on social connectivity and mortality risk. Her research found that strong social bonds reduce the risk of death by 50%—a greater protective factor than even quitting smoking. In other words, friendships aren’t just nice to have; they are essential for our survival and well-being.I reflect on my own experiences of isolation as a therapist and how the nature of therapy work can make it difficult to build and maintain friendships. I also explore how modern life and technology have contributed to a loneliness epidemic. Inspired by Mel Robbins’ discussion of ‘The Great Scattering,’ I examine how friendships naturally decline as we move through different life stages, and why it takes intentional effort to maintain them as adults.Finally, I share a personal story about navigating rejection in friendships and how my perspective has shifted over time. If you’ve ever felt disconnected or struggled to maintain friendships while balancing the demands of being a therapist, this episode is for you.Key Topics Covered:The shocking lack of mental health resources for therapistsThe connection between social isolation and mental health strugglesMy personal experience with depression and how disconnection played a roleThe powerful research on friendships and longevityWhy therapists, especially in solo practice, need to prioritize friendshipsHow life transitions and modern technology contribute to lonelinessStrategies for building and maintaining friendships as an adultResources Mentioned:Episode 59: Are You Burnt Out or Are You Depressed?Julianne Holt-Lunstad’s research on social connectivity and mortality riskMel Robbins’ podcast episode on friendships and ‘The Great Scattering’Platonic by Dr. Marisa FrancoJoin the Conversation: What has your experience been with friendships as a therapist? Do you find it hard to maintain connections outside of work? Let’s talk about it—DM me on LinkedIn and share your thoughts!

April 21, 202518 min

68. Therapist Scams, Burnout Fog & Neurodiversity (Also... I Got a Puppy 🐶)

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

October 7, 202429 min

41. Why Is Therapist Burnout Different?

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

August 22, 20248 min

34. How Burnout Amplifies Imposter Syndrome

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

August 5, 202436 min

29. Thoughts on 'Anxious Generation' for Therapists: The Decline of the Play-Based Childhood

What is really going on with Gen Z's mental health? For Therapists that are parents or work with parents or youth, this is a must listen! This book is blowing my mind about the role of phones in the lives of children and for all humans. Here are some the takeaways: The impact of smartphones and social media on the mental health of the younger generation. Evidence of a significant increase in mental health issues like depression and anxiety since the introduction of smartphones. The negative effects of a decline in play-based childhood and overprotection, leading to decreased socialization and physical activity among youth. Recommendations for parents include limiting screen time, promoting in-person activities, and fostering independence and responsibility. Emphasizes the need for therapists to address their own burnout and consider the impact of social media on their well-being.All my stuff: https://linktr.ee/drjenblanchetteEmail me, yes, I'll write you back: info@drjenblanchette.com