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

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...

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...

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 ope...

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 ac...

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 diffe...

In this conversation, Dr. Jen Blanchette interviews Andy Benckart about his experience with burnout. Andy shares his burnout story from working in residential treatment and how he decided to go back to school as a way to alleviate burnout. They discuss the challenges of being a former client working in the recovery community and the blurred boundaries between work and personal life. They also touc...

Ending a therapeutic relationship is never easy, whether it’s because you're closing your practice, changing your career path, or setting necessary boundaries to protect your own well-being. In this episode, I share my personal experiences and challenges with therapy terminations, especially when they’re not planned or mutual. We dive deep into the fears therapists often have about letting clients...

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...

Have you ever felt like you don’t know enough as a therapist? Maybe you’ve questioned your competence, especially when burnout has you feeling drained? In this episode, Dr. Jen Blanchette gets real about imposter syndrome—a struggle that hits hard for therapists. Sharing her own story of feeling unprepared in a postdoc neuropsychology role, she opens up about the self-doubt many of us face in new...

In this episode, I share my personal frustration with insurance companies and how their delays and denials led me to burn out. During the pandemic, I went months without payment, which made me feel like I was being scammed by the system. This experience, along with many others, eventually pushed me to leave my insurance-based private practice. I reflect on how therapists, including myself, often f...

Ever feel like you're just waiting for the day when someone finally calls you out as a fraud? You're not alone. In this episode, we're diving deep into the nuances of imposter syndrome specifically within the world of therapists. Arya Prasaad, a seasoned therapist and mental health advocate, joins us to unravel how this pervasive feeling of inadequacy impacts therapists more than we often acknowle...

In this hot take episode, Dr. Jen Blanchette delves into the challenges that smartphones and screen time pose to modern-day parenting, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. She shares her journey of self-awareness and steps taken to minimize digital distractions, inspired by authors like Susan Cain and Cal Newport. The conversation reflects on how these digital habits contribute to p...

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 menta...

Therapists constantly tell me they can't do what their doing anymore. I know you have no idea where to start. This podcast delves into the challenges therapists face when considering a career pivot or drastically reducing 1:1 therapy. Highlighting the difference between burnout prevention and recovery, the host suggests practical steps for therapists to evaluate their current roles and explore new...

The title says it all! We're diving into the top reasons that you are not making and change, and why it's the right time to heal your burnout. Dr. Blanchette explores the complex emotions therapists face when contemplating a career change. She shares a viral LinkedIn post where many therapists expressed a desire to switch to less demanding jobs, such as working at a library or a bookstore. Jen emp...

Nearly half of therapists will end up leaving community mental health. Some are leaving entirely. So what else can we do for work?! The conversation covers three main categories: using clinical skills in a different way, utilizing therapy skills in non-clinical roles, and completely departing from the field of therapy. The host provides examples and suggestions for each category, including assessm...

Ever felt that following your to become a therapist has led you to burning out and resenting your work? Or that you're not sure that becoming a therapist was the best choice for you. In today's episode, we're uncovering the truth behind the passion hypothesis and why your skills might trump your passion when it comes to finding career happiness. We delve into the controversial ideas presented in C...

Today, we're going to do a quick recap of June and give you a sneak peek of what’s coming in July. Last month, we dove deep into the topic of money. We explored money scripts, how therapists can move from money shame and financial burnout to awareness. If you missed it, definitely go back and check out episode 22—it’s full of great insights! Key Highlights from June Money Scripts: In episode 22, w...

Ryan Ryan Derousseau, CFP® , a certified financial planner, specializes in working with therapists and helping them thrive financially. He started working with therapists after realizing the need for financial guidance in the therapy world. Many therapists lack education on running a business and managing their finances, which can lead to financial pitfalls. One common pitfall is not transitioning...

Have you ever been told that you're 'bad with money' or that your career in therapy won't pay the bills? Are you feeling burned out financially? This self-fulfilling prophecy can seriously hold me back. In my latest podcast, I dive into the money scripts that keep therapists like me from building wealth. I explore the impact of money scripts on my financial success and highlight three key money sc...

In this podcast episode, therapist and host Dr. Jen Blanchette delves into the top three money mistakes private practice therapists make, often leading to burnout and the desire to quit. Drawing from her own experiences and the issues therapists commonly face, Dr. Blanchette offers valuable insights and practical solutions. The first mistake discussed is the failure to recoup earned income, such a...

In this episode, Felicia, also known as the Bad Therapist, shares her unique perspective on avoiding burnout in the therapy field. She discusses the importance of setting strong boundaries with clients and the challenges therapists face in maintaining those boundaries. Felicia also reflects on the unrealistic expectations placed on therapists to always be available and unaffected by abuse or ruden...

All things therapist burnout and how "good therapist" conditioning shows up. Dr. Jen Blanchette discusses the concept of 'good therapist conditioning' and how it affects therapists in their careers. The host identifies five reasons why this conditioning shows up (and how they are burnout traps): perfectionism, fear of disapproval, sense of responsibility, cultural expectations and societal norms,...

This is a reair of the first episode, my edits weren't saved, so I fixed it and now it's out of order, haha! This is real life inperfection :) If there are some editing mistakes, I have tried to update in podcast players, but they may not be updated. Anyways! If you're a therapist feeling burned out or considering leaving the profession?   I want to share with you my story on the "Finding Joy Afte...

Winners never quit...spoiler alert, they do! In this episode, the host reflects on her recent vacation and the challenges of traveling with children. She discusses the clinical responsibility of holding a caseload and the difficulty of leaving work behind. The theme of quitting is explored, with the host emphasizing that quitting is not a sign of weakness but a testament to strength and self-aware...