In 2024, over 50% of therapists reported moderate to high levels of burnout. In one study of VA trauma-focused clinicians, 35.2% were clinically burned out (PMC, 2024).
Let’s set the scene
It’s Thursday afternoon. You’ve had six clients, two were in crisis. You skip lunch again to catch up on notes. Your neck aches, your mind feels dull, and the thought of cooking dinner makes you feel exhausted. You’re not just tired...you’re running on empty.
What’s really going on
Burnout is fueled by chronic emotional exposure, excessive workloads, high demand, and poor boundaries. It leads to emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and a fading sense of purpose.
How this manifests itself
Becoming emotionally flat or cynical
Dreading even small personal tasks after work
Feeling “done” by midday
Reduced sense of achievement
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The goal isn't to overhaul your routine. It’s to insert moments of regulation, reflection, and reconnection exactly when you need them most.
Here are 5 tracks that can help.
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Burnout
Set an intention each morning to create a clear boundary between your personal self and your professional role
Use 5-minute resets between sessions to help clear emotional residue and avoid carryover fatigue
Take short breathwork breaks to down-regulate your nervous system and interrupt the constant state of “on”
Do a quick body scan after a long stretch of sitting to reduce physical tension and reconnect with your own needs
Reflect at the end of the day to remember the moments that mattered and protect your sense of purpose

Taking care of yourself isn’t separate from your job as a mental health professional. It’s what allows you to truly be there for your clients.
If you are in a crisis or any other person may be in danger - don’t use this site. Use these resources