What Causes Burnout in Therapists?
I tend to tell clinicians that burnout is not an if but a when. Most folks use the Maslach definition of Burnout which encompasses 3 dimensions: emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishments (https://www.researchgate.net/publication/277816643_The_Maslach_Burnout_Inventory_Manual) . Burnout in therapists can be caused by a combination of factors, both personal and professional. Here are some common reasons:
Emotional Exhaustion: Therapists often deal with clients who are experiencing emotional distress or trauma. Constant exposure to these emotional challenges can lead to emotional exhaustion over time.
High Workload: Therapists may have high caseloads, with back-to-back sessions throughout the day. This can lead to physical exhaustion and not enough time for self-care or relaxation.
Lack of Work-Life Balance: Balancing personal life with a demanding career can be challenging. Therapists may find it difficult to separate their work life from their personal life, leading to chronic stress.
Lack of Support: Therapists who feel isolated or unsupported in their workplace may be at higher risk of burnout. This includes not having access to supervision, mentorship, or a supportive team environment.
Compassion Fatigue: Over time, therapists may experience compassion fatigue, where they feel emotionally drained from empathizing with their clients' pain and suffering. One measure I like to use to monitor compassion fatigue is the ProQOL.
Unrealistic Expectations: Therapists may feel pressure to achieve certain outcomes or meet unrealistic expectations from clients, supervisors, or the healthcare system. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy or failure.
Ethical Dilemmas: Therapists may face ethical dilemmas that challenge their values and beliefs, causing stress and moral distress.
Limited Resources: Therapists working in settings with limited resources, such as community mental health centers or underfunded organizations, may experience frustration and burnout due to not being able to provide adequate care to their clients. This is particularly true for therapists who are also experiencing personal stressors such as interpersonal conflict, financial stressors, or healthcare issues.
Personal Issues: Like anyone else, therapists can also experience personal issues such as health problems, family issues, or financial stressors, which can contribute to burnout.
Professional Development Challenges: Stagnation or lack of opportunities for professional growth can lead to feelings of dissatisfaction and burnout.
It's important for therapists to recognize the signs of burnout early on and take steps to address it. This may include seeking supervision or consultation, practicing self-care, setting boundaries, seeking support from colleagues, and considering changes in workload or job setting if necessary. Don’t forget Therapist 2 Therapist is here to help. I offer continuing education, a library of resources, and a membership to help members feel connected and supported. Read on in the Library for more resources to prevent/manage burnout.
(PDF) The Maslach Burnout Inventory Manual. (n.d.). https://www.researchgate.net/publication/277816643_The_Maslach_Burnout_Inventory_Manual
