Workplace burnout and person-centred therapy

Workplace burnout affects many people every year. The World Health Organization classifies burnout as an occupational phenomenon resulting from chronic workplace stress. If you feel exhausted, detached from your work, or unproductive, you might be experiencing burnout.

Burnout does not happen overnight. It builds up over time. Early signs include feeling drained even after time off, losing motivation for daily tasks, and struggling with concentration. Over time, these symptoms can affect your mood, physical health, and relationships outside work. If you notice these changes, consider how work demands may be impacting your wellbeing.

Common Causes of Burnout

You might find yourself facing burnout for several reasons. Heavy workloads, long hours, unclear expectations, or lack of support all contribute to chronic stress. Even highly motivated people experience burnout when resources do not match demands. For some, unclear roles or unfair treatment by managers cause stress. For others, a lack of recognition for effort feels discouraging.

Remote work can also affect your ability to switch off after hours. The line between work and home blurs, making rest harder to achieve. Over time, these pressures affect both your performance and your mental health.

Recognising the Signs in Yourself

You might notice some or all of these warning signals:

• Feeling tired, even after a full night’s sleep

• Losing interest in your work or hobbies

• Becoming irritable or impatient with colleagues or loved ones

• Finding it hard to focus on simple tasks

• Experiencing physical symptoms, such as headaches or stomach problems

• Avoiding work responsibilities or calling in sick

  
  

If these symptoms persist, do not ignore them. Early action helps prevent more serious consequences, such as anxiety or depression.

How Burnout Affects Your Life

You might notice burnout changing how you feel about yourself and your job. You may question your abilities, lose confidence, or feel emotionally numb. You may withdraw from friends or family. Over time, burnout may lead to higher rates of absenteeism, increased mistakes at work, and strained personal relationships.

Research has found strong links between burnout and physical health problems, such as heart disease and high blood pressure. Burnout increases the risk of depression and sleep disorders. If you notice changes in your eating or sleeping habits, these might be warning signs.

Seeking Support: Why Therapy Helps

Many people try to cope with burnout by taking time off or changing jobs. Sometimes, you need more support. Therapy offers a chance to explore your feelings and learn new strategies. Person-centred therapy provides a supportive space for you to talk about your experience without judgment.

Why Person-Centred Therapy Helps Workplace Burnout

Burnout often leaves you feeling powerless or unheard. Person-centred therapy helps restore your sense of control. You set your own goals and move at your own pace. The therapist does not give advice or tell you what to do. Instead, you find solutions that fit your unique circumstances.

For example, you might feel pressured to agree to every request at work, even when your schedule is full. In therapy, you can explore why saying no feels difficult and practice setting boundaries. Over time, you are likely to become more confident in making choices that protect your wellbeing.

What to Expect in a Session

You will find person-centred therapy focuses on building trust. The therapist listens carefully and reflects back your thoughts and feelings. You will not face judgment or pressure to change quickly. Instead, you will gain insight into your own experience. This helps you identify what matters most to you.

Sessions often start with you sharing what feels important that week. You might talk about a difficult meeting or a recent frustration. The therapist helps you explore these experiences and consider new perspectives. You do not need to worry about saying the right thing.

Practical Steps You Can Take

Therapy helps, but you can also support your recovery with practical actions at home and work.

• Set clear boundaries. Decide when your workday ends and stick to it. Do not check email after hours. Let others know about your limits.

• Take regular breaks. Step outside, stretch, or drink water. Short breaks help you recharge and improve focus.

• Prioritise sleep. Set a consistent bedtime and create a relaxing routine before bed. Good sleep supports your mood and energy.

• Ask for support. Talk to trusted friends, family, or colleagues about how you feel. Sharing reduces isolation and helps you feel understood.

• Stay active. Regular movement, even a short walk, boosts your mood and helps your body manage stress.

• Revisit your values. Reflect on what matters most to you in work and life. Check if your current job matches those values. If not, consider what changes would help you feel more fulfilled.

You can try these steps on your own or discuss them in therapy. The therapist supports you in finding approaches that suit your situation.

Track Your Progress

Keeping a record of your symptoms helps you understand your progress. Write down how you feel each day. Note when you feel most stressed and when you feel calm. Over time, patterns become clear. For example, you might notice a drop in energy after long meetings or a boost in mood after lunch breaks.

Tracking your progress helps you recognise small improvements and adjust your strategies. Share your observations with your therapist to guide your sessions.

When to Seek Help

If you feel overwhelmed and self-help steps do not improve your symptoms, reach out for professional support. Signs that you would benefit from therapy include:

• Persistent low mood or feelings of hopelessness

• Difficulty functioning at work or home

• Thoughts of self-harm

• Physical health problems linked to stress

Therapists can help you find relief and regain your sense of purpose.

You CAN Recover from Burnout

Burnout affects your mind and body, but with the right support, you can feel better. Person-centred therapy offers a compassionate, practical approach to recovery. You take the first step by reaching out for help.

If you are ready to talk, please feel free to get in touch for a confidential chat.