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Therapy for Burn Out Due to High Stress Jobs in NY and California
Through evidence-based interventions, we will begin your recovery, restore your energy, and create a path toward a more balanced, fulfilling life.
We specialize in evidence-based therapy for individuals experiencing burnout.
What is Burnout?
Burnout (noun) : a syndrome conceptualized as resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed. It is characterized by three dimensions: feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion; increased mental distance from one’s job, or feelings of negativism or cynicism related to one's job; and reduced professional efficacy.
What are the Signs of Burnout?
exhaustion
You may feel emotional and physical fatigue in response to work and other areas of your life, no matter how much rest or sleep you get. You may experience recurring feelings of despair towards tasks and your overall professional path.
Low motivation
You may have trouble generating motivation to accomplish tasks and to find the drive to pursue new opportunities. This may impact your professional and personal lives.
Physical ailments
You may experience headaches, sleep disturbances, digestive problems, or tension in your body that feels increasingly difficult to release.
Lack of purpose
You may develop a persistently negative attitude toward your job, colleagues, or clients, or feel a sense of hopelessness about your future in the field. You may struggle to see a path towards success and balance.
disengagement
You may struggle to connect with your work, feeling indifferent about your accomplishments, or withdrawing from professional or social activities. You may find yourself avoiding colleagues and struggling with follow-through on work tasks.
Irritability
You may feel more easily frustrated, angry, or impatient, both at work and at home. You may feel irritation towards friends, family and/or partners who do not relate to your work stress.
Questioning Self-worth
You may find yourself questioning your professional skills and your ability to succeed. You may begin to question past history of success in your field and experience feelings of despair in response to the questioning of your professional value system.
Difficulty focusing
You may find it hard to concentrate, stay organized, or make decisions as stress mounts. You may find yourself overthinking and questioning your judgement.
Lack of self-care
You may be neglecting your health, skipping meals, avoiding exercise, or using unhealthy coping strategies like alcohol or caffeine to get through the day.
If these things are on your mind,
you’ve found the right place
Our team will use the following modalities to support you
Chronically high levels of work stress can erode your physical and mental health and take a toll on your relationships. Take the first step toward reclaiming your well-being.
Our therapists will use the following modalities to help you build the skills you need:
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CBT is a structured, goal-oriented therapy that focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns, emotions, and behaviors. For those experiencing burnout and work stress, CBT offers practical tools to manage overwhelm, reduce negative self-talk, and regain control.
How CBT Can Help:
Challenging Perfectionism: You may be experiencing beliefs like, "I have to do everything perfectly," or "I can’t say no to extra work." CBT helps reframe these unrealistic expectations and replace them with healthier, more achievable standards.
Addressing Negative Thought Patterns: Chronic stress can lead to thoughts like, "I’ll never get this all done," or "I’m not good enough to succeed." CBT helps identify and challenge these cognitive distortions, fostering a more balanced perspective.
Improving Time Management: CBT provides tools to prioritize tasks, set boundaries, and create realistic goals to reduce the pressure of work-related responsibilities.
Developing Stress Management Strategies: Techniques such as relaxation exercises, thought reframing, and behavioral experiments help manage stress and prevent emotional exhaustion.
Techniques in CBT for Burnout & Work Stress:
Cognitive Restructuring: Identifying and challenging unhelpful beliefs about work and productivity.
Thought Records: Tracking and analyzing stress-inducing thoughts to develop alternative, healthier perspectives.
Behavioral Activation: Engaging in restorative activities to counterbalance work-related demands and promote well-being.
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Somatic Experiencing (SE) is a body-centered approach that addresses how stress and trauma are stored in the nervous system. For those dealing with burnout and work stress, SE focuses on releasing tension, improving emotional regulation, and restoring a sense of calm.
How SE Can Help:
Releasing Physical Stress: Chronic work stress often manifests in the body as tension, fatigue, or other physical symptoms. SE helps release these stressors by focusing on physical sensations and promoting relaxation.
Regulating the Nervous System: The constant pressure of work can leave the nervous system in a heightened state of arousal. SE teaches techniques to calm and balance the nervous system, reducing feelings of overwhelm.
Reconnecting with the Body: You may feel disconnected from your body due to chronic stress. SE fosters a gentle reconnection, promoting self-awareness and emotional processing.
Building Resilience: By working through stress in a gradual, controlled way, SE helps build greater emotional and physical resilience to future challenges.
Techniques in SE for Burnout & Work Stress:
Grounding Exercises: Techniques to stay present and reduce feelings of overwhelm during high-stress situations.
Tracking Sensations: Noticing and releasing physical manifestations of stress, such as muscle tension or shallow breathing.
Pendulation: Moving between states of stress and relaxation to process emotions safely and effectively.
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Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS) explores the different "parts" of the self, each with unique roles and perspectives. For those experiencing burnout, IFS provides a framework to understand inner conflicts and promote self-compassion.
How IFS Can Help:
Understanding Overachieving Parts: You may have parts driven by perfectionism or the need to overperform. IFS helps identify these parts, understand their motivations, and develop healthier dynamics.
Healing Wounded Parts: Burnout often stems from internalized beliefs, such as "I must prove my worth" or "I can’t disappoint others." IFS allows you to connect with and heal these parts, fostering greater self-compassion.
Reconnecting with the Self: IFS emphasizes the Self—a compassionate, confident core—as the leader of the internal system. Reconnecting with the Self empowers you to set boundaries, prioritize well-being, and rediscover a sense of purpose.
Balancing Internal Conflicts: IFS helps harmonize parts that feel torn between work obligations and personal needs, fostering a sense of internal alignment and peace.
Techniques in IFS for Burnout & Work Stress:
Parts Mapping: Identifying the roles of different internal parts influenced by work stress and perfectionism.
Self-to-Part Dialogue: Engaging with overachieving or self-critical parts to foster understanding and transformation.
Unburdening: Releasing emotional pain or beliefs tied to work-related stress, such as the need for constant validation.
In summary
Burnout and work stress often result from a combination of external pressures and internalized beliefs. An integrative therapeutic approach combining CBT, SE, and IFS provides comprehensive support:
CBT equips individuals with tools to manage stress, challenge perfectionism, and develop healthier thought patterns.
SE addresses the physical and emotional impacts of chronic stress, promoting balance and resilience.
IFS fosters self-compassion and internal harmony by resolving inner conflicts and healing wounded parts.
Together, these therapies offer a holistic framework for healing, empowerment, and growth. Whether you’re seeking to reduce stress, set boundaries, or rediscover joy in your work, therapy can help you navigate this journey with clarity and confidence.
Meet our Therapists For Burnout and Work Stress
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Janine Cheng, LCSW
FOUNDER + CLINICAL DIRECTOR
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JOY BELAMARICH, LCSW
STAFF THERAPIST
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MARISSA KIRSHENBAUM, LMSW
STAFF THERAPIST
After Therapy for Burnout and Work Stress
Many patients complete therapy after 3 - 6 months and report:
Emotional & Mental Well-being
Reduced chronic stress and anxiety related to work
Increased ability to manage pressure without feeling overwhelmed
More emotional resilience in handling setbacks and challenges
Improved self-worth beyond job performance and productivity
Greater sense of control over work-life balance
Cognitive & Behavioral Changes
Less perfectionism and overworking to prove worth
Improved ability to delegate tasks and set realistic expectations
Reduced procrastination due to exhaustion or fear of failure
Increased ability to recognize and address early signs of burnout
More mindfulness and presence in daily activities
Work-Life Balance & Boundaries
Stronger ability to set and maintain healthy boundaries at work
More comfort with saying “no” to excessive demands without guilt
Reduced tendency to take work stress home
Increased ability to take breaks and recharge without feeling unproductive
More structured and sustainable work habits
Physical & Health Improvements
Better sleep quality and reduced physical symptoms of stress
More consistent self-care routines, including exercise and relaxation
Increased energy levels and reduced fatigue
Less reliance on unhealthy coping mechanisms (e.g., excessive caffeine, alcohol, or screen time)
Improved focus and cognitive clarity
Work Satisfaction & Career Growth
More alignment between personal values and career choices
Increased confidence in advocating for fair workload and conditions
A healthier perspective on success and achievement
Greater ability to handle workplace conflicts with emotional balance
More enjoyment and fulfillment in daily work tasks
Relationships & Social Well-being
Improved relationships with colleagues due to better communication and boundaries
Stronger connections outside of work, reducing feelings of isolation
More time and energy for personal relationships and social activities
Reduced irritability and emotional exhaustion in personal interactions
A healthier balance between work identity and personal life
Overall Life Satisfaction
A renewed sense of purpose and motivation
More joy and fulfillment outside of work achievements
Increased ability to relax without guilt
Greater perspective on long-term career goals vs. short-term stress
A sense of empowerment in shaping a healthier, more balanced life