Balance scale with cracked empty side and heavy workload side, representing workplace stress therapy.Workplace stress therapy has become essential for millions of professionals struggling with overwhelming job demands, impossible deadlines, and the constant pressure to perform. If you’re feeling exhausted, burned out, or stressed by your never-ending to-do list, you’re not alone in this experience.

This mounting workplace stress has reached crisis levels, with research from Harvard Business School showing that job insecurity increases the odds of reporting poor health by about 50%, while high job demands raise the odds of physician-diagnosed illness by 35%. The American Institute of Stress reports that job stress costs the US industry $300 billion annually in losses. The good news? Workplace stress therapy offers powerful, evidence-based solutions to help you reclaim control of your work life.

Feeling overwhelmed by work demands? Explore our comprehensive guide on understanding job burnout to recognize the warning signs early.

Seeking workplace stress therapy isn’t just for major mental health crises, it’s a proactive tool for managing the chronic stress that affects countless professionals. This approach focuses on building resilience, gaining perspective, and developing practical strategies to navigate modern workplace challenges without sacrificing your well-being.

Here are five evidence-based ways workplace stress therapy can help you combat work-related stress and get back to feeling more like yourself:

1. Unpacking the Root Causes Behind Your Workplace Stress

Often, we recognize that we’re stressed but struggle to understand the underlying triggers. Is it an unrealistic workload? A difficult colleague or micromanaging boss? Imposter syndrome? Lack of healthy boundaries? Workplace stress therapy provides a confidential, non-judgmental space to explore these root causes systematically.

A skilled therapist helps you identify specific triggers and patterns you might not recognize independently. They use evidence-based assessment techniques to map out your stress responses and workplace dynamics. By understanding the source of your stress, you can move from feeling overwhelmed to actively addressing the core problems.

Need help identifying workplace stress patterns? Learn more about recognizing signs and causes of workplace burnout with expert insights.

2. Developing Healthy Coping Mechanisms Through Workplace Stress Therapy

When under pressure, it’s easy to fall back on unhealthy coping mechanisms such as endless social media scrolling, over-caffeinating, excessive eating or drinking, or constantly complaining to friends and family. Workplace stress therapy helps you replace these distracting, yet unhelpful behaviors with effective, healthy strategies.

Research-backed techniques include:

  • Mindfulness techniques to stay grounded during chaotic workdays
  • Progressive muscle relaxation and stress-reduction exercises
  • Problem-solving skills to tackle overwhelming projects systematically
  • Emotional regulation techniques to manage frustration or anxiety in real-time
  • Time management strategies that reduce overwhelm and increase productivity

These evidence-based approaches form the foundation of effective workplace stress therapy programs.

3. Changing Negative Thought Patterns That Fuel Work Stress

Our thoughts profoundly impact our feelings and behaviors in work situations. A demanding boss might be a legitimate source of stress, but thinking, “I’m going to get fired for that tiny mistake,” creates exponentially higher anxiety than recognizing, “My boss is under pressure, and their feedback doesn’t reflect my overall worth or job security.”

Harvard Medical School research reveals that stress affects not only memory and brain functions like mood and anxiety, but also promotes inflammation that adversely affects heart health. The National Institute of Mental Health emphasizes that learning what triggers your stress and developing effective coping techniques can significantly reduce anxiety and improve daily life.

Many workplace stress therapy practitioners use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), a highly effective approach for addressing stress and anxiety. This therapeutic method helps you:

  • Identify cognitive distortions: Recognize unhelpful thinking patterns like catastrophizing (expecting the worst-case scenario), black-and-white thinking, or personalization (blaming yourself for factors outside your control)
  • Challenge and reframe negative thoughts: Learn to question the validity of negative assumptions and replace them with balanced, realistic perspectives that reduce stress
  • Develop healthier thought patterns: Create sustainable mental frameworks that support long-term resilience and workplace satisfaction
Want to learn more about CBT techniques? Discover how cognitive behavioral therapy can transform your stress response patterns.

This process can fundamentally change your emotional response to workplace challenges, making workplace stress therapy a powerful investment in your professional well-being.

4. Setting and Enforcing Healthy Workplace Boundaries

Picture this scenario: It’s 6 PM, you’re ready to head home, and your boss asks, “Could you just quickly…” If you shudder thinking about this phrase slowly eroding your personal time, you’re experiencing one of the most common sources of workplace stress, lack of healthy boundaries.

Many professionals struggle with saying “no” due to fears of appearing unhelpful or not being seen as team players. Workplace stress therapy serves as the perfect training ground for developing and practicing assertiveness skills.

A qualified therapist helps you:

  • Define your limits clearly: Establish what you’re willing and unwilling to do, and when work ends and personal time begins
  • Communicate boundaries effectively: Learn to express your limits clearly, respectfully, and confidently so others can understand and respect them
  • Navigate boundary-setting guilt: Address the guilt that often accompanies setting boundaries for the first time, identifying its sources and developing strategies to overcome it
Struggling with workplace boundaries? Read our guide on spotting burnout red flags and finding targeted support for boundary-setting strategies.

5. Improving Interpersonal Skills for Better Workplace Dynamics

Workplace dynamics can be incredibly complex and stressful. Miscommunication, conflicts with colleagues, or difficulty managing direct reports can create significant daily stress. In workplace stress therapy, you can safely dissect these interactions and develop more effective approaches.

Therapeutic techniques include:

  • Role-playing difficult conversations to practice responses and build confidence
  • Learning effective communication styles that reduce conflict and improve collaboration
  • Gaining insight into how your own behaviors might contribute to challenging dynamics
  • Developing conflict resolution skills that help you navigate workplace tensions more effectively

Improving your professional relationships can dramatically reduce daily friction and stress, allowing you to focus on what matters most in your job or business. This makes workplace stress therapy an investment in both your current well-being and future career success.

Man sitting stressed at desk with laptop, symbolizing workplace stress therapy. Title: Workplace Stress Therapy for Employee Burnout

Take the Next Step in Your Workplace Stress Therapy Journey

We spend a significant portion of our lives at work, making it crucial to find some joy, satisfaction, or at least comfort in our professional environments. This directly impacts our ability to function well in other areas of life, from relationships to personal pursuits.

Ready to start your workplace stress therapy journey? Use our therapist directory to find qualified professionals specializing in workplace stress and burnout.

Recognizing that you need support and actively seeking workplace stress therapy demonstrates incredible strength and self-awareness. If work-related stress is taking a toll on your mental health, relationships, or physical well-being, consider reaching out to a qualified therapist.

You don’t have to navigate workplace pressures alone. Workplace stress therapy can equip you with evidence-based tools, insights, and confidence to not just survive at work, but to thrive. Remember, your well-being should be your best work perk, and the biggest stress in your day should be something as simple as a missing stapler, not your entire job satisfaction.

 

FAQ Section

What is workplace stress therapy and how does it work?

Workplace stress therapy is a specialized form of counseling that focuses on addressing job-related stress, burnout, and workplace challenges. It uses evidence-based techniques like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help individuals identify stress triggers, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and build resilience in professional settings.

How long does workplace stress therapy typically take to show results?

Many people begin experiencing benefits from workplace stress therapy within 4-6 sessions, though individual results vary. Most therapeutic approaches for workplace stress involve 12-16 sessions for comprehensive skill-building and lasting change.

Can workplace stress therapy help with burnout prevention?

Yes, workplace stress therapy is highly effective for both treating existing burnout and preventing future episodes. Therapists teach proactive stress management techniques, boundary-setting skills, and early warning sign recognition to help maintain long-term workplace well-being.

What techniques are used in workplace stress therapy?

Common workplace stress therapy techniques include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based stress reduction, progressive muscle relaxation, assertiveness training, and interpersonal skills development. The National Institute of Mental Health provides comprehensive information on stress management techniques that therapists commonly use. Therapists customize approaches based on individual needs and workplace situations.

Is workplace stress therapy covered by insurance?

Many insurance plans cover workplace stress therapy when provided by licensed mental health professionals. Coverage varies by plan, so it’s recommended to check with your insurance provider about mental health benefits and any requirements for coverage.

Stressed man in purple shirt in office settingWhat exactly is workplace burnout? Have you ever felt like you were in a state of mental, emotional, and physical exhaustion? These could be the symptoms of workplace burnout.  It results from prolonged or excessive stress, which is a growing concern in today’s workplaces. Let’s look at some of the contributing factors and how to identify the early signs of workplace burnout.  We’ll also look at why recognizing this is so important for your well-being!  

Burnout Indicators

 One significant indicator of burnout is a gradual loss of motivation and engagement. You may start to feel disconnected from your work and notice that you’re having difficulty focusing on tasks that you might even have once enjoyed. This lack of enthusiasm usually manifests in the form of reduced productivity, decreased creativity, and a noticeable overall decline in performance.  

 Chronic fatigue is another telltale sign of burnout. As exhaustion sets in, you might have difficulty sleeping and feeling drained even after rest. You might find yourself needing more caffeine or other stimulants just to get through the day. This constant state of exhaustion not only hampers work performance but also spills over into your personal life, which makes even leisure activities less fun. This fatigue can also interfere with personal relationships. 

 You might notice that you are becoming more cynical or irritable. This, too, can signal workplace burnout. Pay attention to your moods in general and notice if you are becoming increasingly negative, skeptical, or pessimistic. Have you developed a cynical attitude towards your job and/or coworkers? Heightened stress levels can also lead to shorter tempers and frequent mood swings, further straining workplace dynamics. 

 If you notice these symptoms, start paying attention to what may be causing these.  There are several factors can contribute to burnout in the workplace. For example, a heavy workload or unrealistic expectations can cause excessive stress, pushing you beyond your limits and making you more susceptible to burnout.  

Work-Life Imbalance

 Work-life imbalance is another significant contributing factor. When your job demands begin to encroach on your personal time, you might very well begin to feel resentment.  You might also have a hard time getting adequate rest and rejuvenation. 

 The absence of support and recognition usually leads to feelings of isolation and devaluation. When you don’t have proper emotional and practical support or appreciation for your efforts, you begin to feel undervalued and lose your sense of purpose in the workplace. 

 Even more than the workload, or not feeling supported or appreciated, the most significant contributor to workplace burnout is a toxic environment.  As with any toxic environment, when you are surrounded by manipulation, confusion, passive aggressiveness, poor communication, gaslighting, or unhealthy office politics, you become exacerbated, and your stress levels sky-rocket to jeopardize your mental well-being. 

 Working in a toxic environment can lead to feelings of chronic stress, exhaustion, and cynicism – the hallmarks of burnout. Although changing the organizational culture is not within your control, there are other strategies you can sometimes use to safeguard your well-being. These strategies focus on self-care, boundary-setting, and resilience-building.  

Strategies to Improve Well-Being at Work

 First, establish clear boundaries between your professional and personal life by setting limits on the time and energy you dedicate to work-related tasks. Prioritize your physical and emotional well-being by allocating time for friends, family, hobbies, relaxation, fun, and self-reflection. 

Have a Strong Support System

 Cultivate a strong support network within and outside of the workplace. Seek out colleagues who share your values and foster positive relationships with them. Sometimes that is not always possible, depending on the work culture, so it is important to also maintain connections with friends, family members, or mentors who can provide validation for your feelings, encouragement and advice. 

Practice Mindfulness and Stress-Reduction Techniques

 Another thing you can do is practice mindfulness and stress-reduction techniques, such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga. These practices can alleviate stress and foster a sense of calm to help you remain grounded and focused on the present moment. 

Seek Professional Support

 If burnout symptoms persist or worsen, consider seeking professional support. A therapist or counselor can offer valuable insight and coping strategies to help you navigate the complexities of a toxic workplace. 

 In cases where the toxicity of the work environment becomes unmanageable, it could be necessary to devise an exit strategy. You might want to start gearing up for your next position. Update your resume, explore job opportunities, and set specific goals to facilitate a smooth transition. 

 Building resilience is an important part of getting through workplace burnout. Engage in activities that promote self-growth, such as acquiring new skills, attending professional development workshops, or reading self-improvement books. These pursuits can enhance your adaptability and self-confidence, better equipping you to face workplace challenges. 

 Remember even in the most challenging environments, seek out positive aspects that can help counteract the negatives. Reflect on any positive relationships, personal growth opportunities, or specific tasks that bring you fulfillment and satisfaction.  

 Recognize the signs of burnout and understand the contributing factors so that you can take the first steps in addressing this prevalent issue. If you are an employer, the last thing you want is for your valuable employees to feel burnt out, resentful, unsupported, exhausted and/or confused.  By fostering a supportive work environment, promoting a healthy work-life balance, and encouraging open communication, your employees will more likely be productive and contribute to the health of the team.  

 If you are an employee who might be suffering from burnout, you can play a central role in mitigating workplace burnout and nurturing your own overall well-being by having healthy boundaries and keeping communication clear and concise.  Let your employers know if you are feeling any of these symptoms, or if your work/life balance is off.  If you fear talking to your employer about this, let that be your first red flag. 

 

 

Work Burnout Despite more people becoming aware of it, burnout in the workplace is still incredibly common. This is due in part to people losing connection with themselves—disengaging from their emotions and “inner wisdom,” because quite frankly, who has the time? Burnout can manifest in many ways, and the key is to catch it before any major health issues occur. 

Here are some ways to recognize signs of burnout in the workplace: 

What is Burnout:

Burnout is a state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. It often creeps up on people in high-stress environments who don’t slow down or people who deal with caretaking others like healthcare workers, caregivers, and working parents who often “forget” that they need to care for themselves as well. 

How to Overcome Burnout: 

How to Prevent Burnout: 

Even though it can feel hard to make the time to address your burnout, it is important to do so before you crash or other health problems come along. 

 

Nancy Ryan, LMFT & CEO of Relationship Therapy Center 

Tired man working on laptopAccording to a recent Gallup poll, 44% of full-time employees experience occasional burnout, with an additional 23% reporting frequent or constant burnout. A person’s desire to work hard, be productive, and succeed at work may come into conflict with their need for time with family and desire for a fuller life that isn’t just defined by work.

Most workers say work is more demanding today than it was a generation ago. Research consistently shows Americans face higher burnout rates than people living in other nations. This suggests burnout is widespread cultural problem, not just an individual struggle.

Burnout Basics

The World Health Organization now recognizes burnout syndrome as a clinical syndrome. Because burnout is closely related to working conditions, however, burnout may not get better until a person changes jobs or their workload becomes more manageable. While therapy can help a person identify burnout and work toward solutions, their distress may continue until their working environment improves.

A Gallup study looking at employee burnout identified five factors that best predicted burnout:

People experiencing job burnout may worry the problem is their inability to handle the workload or to fit in at work. The evidence suggests otherwise. Employer and management practices are a major predictor of job burnout. But sometimes, what feels like burnout is actually something else.

Depression vs. Burnout

Distinguishing depression from burnout can be difficult, because both cause emotional exhaustion, low motivation, and anhedonia (difficulty finding pleasure). Moreover, burnout is a risk factor for depression. So it’s possible to be both depressed and burnt out.

Some factors that may distinguish one from the other include:

Anxiety vs. Burnout

Burnout can cause immense anxiety, especially when a pile of work accumulates and a person does not feel equipped to tackle it. When anxiety extends beyond work or does not get better when a person’s working conditions change, the culprit might be an anxiety diagnosis such as generalized anxiety or posttraumatic stress (PTSD).

Some signs that the problem might be anxiety and not burnout include:

When Job Burnout Comes with Company

Burnout is more than just frustration with work. It’s a serious affliction that can affect a person’s physical and mental health. Possible physical health effects of burnout include:

These symptoms can compound the stress of job burnout and may even make other mental health symptoms worse. Physical health issues may also make a person less effective at work. Symptoms can force people to take time off, potentially making the stress of a hefty workload even worse.

People experiencing burnout should know there is also significant overlap between mental health diagnoses and job burnout. A person with a mental health condition is more vulnerable to job burnout, and a person with job burnout is more likely to develop a mental health condition.

Mental health interacts with workplace challenges in complex ways. For example, a person with generalized anxiety may struggle to discuss unfair job expectations with their boss. A person with depression may be unable to take pride in workplace accomplishments.

Mental health is complex, with biological, social, psychological, and environmental roots. It rarely has a single cause. The more risk factors a person has for mental health issues, the more likely it is that burnout will lead to a mental health condition.

When to Get Help

It’s not always possible to leave a bad job. That doesn’t mean a person has to struggle with burnout forever though. Self-care strategies such as using the vacation time one has earned, separating one’s identity from work, doing enjoyable hobbies, and getting plenty of rest can protect a person’s mental and physical health.

A therapist can provide a healthy outlet, brainstorm solutions, and offer strategies that may help mitigate burnout. When a person is ready to leave their job, the right therapist can support them during their job search. A therapist can help with common job search challenges, such as impostor syndrome, anxiety, and low self-confidence.

People struggling with depression and anxiety may believe medication is the only option. Yet therapy can also prove invaluable. When a person uses medication, therapy increases its efficacy. And when a person prefers to avoid medication, therapy is a viable alternative that can help a person master new coping skills. Research shows therapy can even change the brain.

When burnout and other mental health issues collide, it’s even more important to get quality mental health care. A therapist can help a person sort through their emotions, develop viable solutions to workplace challenges, and steadily work their way out of the hole of burnout, depression, or anxiety.

GoodTherapy can help you find a therapist who specializes in burnout.

References:

  1. Job burnout: How to spot it and take action. (2018, November 21). Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/burnout/art-20046642
  2. QD85 burn-out. (n. d.). Retrieved from https://icd.who.int/browse11/l-m/en#/http://id.who.int/icd/entity/129180281
  3. Schonfield, I. S., Bianchi, R., & Palazzi, S. (2018). What is the difference between depression and burnout? An ongoing debate. Rivista di Psichiatria, 53(4). Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30087493
  4. Smith, S. B. (n. d.). Americans tend to burn out faster than other countries’ workers—Here’s why. Retrieved from https://www.rd.com/advice/work-career/american-workplace-burn-out
  5. Wigert, B., & Agrawal, S. (2018, July 12). Employee burnout, part 1: The 5 main causes. Retrieved from https://www.gallup.com/workplace/237059/employee-burnout-part-main-causes.aspx
  6. Wigert, B., & Agrawal, S. (2018, July 16). Employee burnout, part 2: What managers can do. Retrieved from https://www.gallup.com/workplace/237119/employee-burnout-part-2-managers.aspx?g_source=link_wwwv9&g_campaign=item_237059&g_medium=copy
  7. Wigert, B., & Agrawal, S. (2018, July 18) Employee burnout, part 3: How organizations can stop burnout. Retrieved from https://www.gallup.com/workplace/237185/employee-burnout-part-organizations-stop-burnout.aspx?g_source=link_wwwv9&g_campaign=item_237059&g_medium=copy
  8. Workplace stress. (n. d.). Retrieved from https://www.stress.org/workplace-stress

A middle-aged doctor frowns and covers his face.Many American doctors report being depressed or burned out, according to Medscape’s 2018 National Physician Burnout and Depression Report. Female physicians reported higher rates of burnout (48%) than did male physicians (38%).

Previous research supports the claim that physicians experience stress and trauma that can undermine their mental health. A 2016 study found traumatic childbirth experiences can cause secondary trauma in the healthcare providers who attend those births. Another 2016 study found 27% of medical students experience symptoms of depression, while 11%  have thoughts of suicide.

A Grim Picture of Physicians’ Mental Health

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The study polled more than 15,000 doctors in 29 specialties. In the survey, 42% of physicians reported burnout. Physicians in critical care, neurology, and family medicine had the highest rates of burnout. The specialties with the lowest rates were plastic surgery, dermatology, and pathology. The specialists with the lowest rates were also more likely to seek professional help for their mental health.

Fourteen percent of physicians reported being both burned out and depressed. The specialties with the highest rates of co-occurring depression and burnout were:

Causes and Effects of Physician Depression

Twelve percent of physicians said they experience symptoms of depression, and 3% reported clinical depression. The physicians cited their jobs as the leading cause. Other reasons included finances, family, romantic relationships, and their health.

Many physicians said their depression affected patient care:

A 2017 study found medical boards are more likely to ask about a physician’s mental health history than their physical health history. The boards often ask intrusive questions about mental health. Stigma could be deterring physicians from seeking treatment.

Reference:

Medscape national physician burnout & depression report 2018. (2018, January 17). Medscape. Retrieved from https://www.medscape.com/slideshow/2018-lifestyle-burnout-depression-6009235?faf=1#1

Dear GoodTherapy.org,

I left my job about two months ago, run-down and on the brink of something drastic because of how miserable I was. It was an extremely high-stress job in finance, and I was very good at it despite the long hours and the lack of creativity it took to do the job. Quitting it was a huge risk—I had savings, but no real prospects on the other side. I just wanted some peace after a decade of work that was at once mind-numbing and incredibly taxing.

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Since I left I’ve been making ends meet with some odd jobs, but after two months the thought is starting to creep in that I made a huge mistake. Life hasn’t been as fulfilling as I dreamed it would be, and though I have time and freedom now to explore hobbies I’ve wanted to take up and complete some lingering house projects, I seem to be … still stuck, somehow.

Maybe I had too many expectations for quitting? Did I build it up too much in my head? The company I just left has an opening, and part of me wants to return. My best friends are there, but I dread every other aspect of being employed there again. At the time, I thought quitting was the best decision I ever made and I vowed never to go back. Should I listen to my nagging regrets? Try harder to make a new life for myself? Or opt for stability and doing what I know? —Wealth or Worry

Dear WOW,

Thank you for your letter. As is so often the case (sayeth the psychotherapist), it raises more questions than answers. But first, let me make an observation or two.

We are often confused by the question of, “Is it the external circumstances that are the problem here, or is it me?” Typically, it is both. In fact, part of the problem can be seeing it as strictly either/or. Some of us grew up in misattuned environments, for instance, where we were always the problem. Some people in therapy also struggle because “they”/“him”/“her” is at fault.

There are always exceptions, but most of the time an external situation—especially a stressful one—is a catalyst for some psychological or emotional conflict we are sorting through. We cannot avoid seeing everything through our own “glasses” or filters. And everyone has ongoing, unsorted conflicts; there is no normal in this regard, as each person’s psychic conflict is highly individualized.

It sounds here as if the job was undoubtedly stressful, and no one can fault you for being a “quitter” since you hung in for a decade! One of our most basic needs is precisely what you stated—peace. I can confirm that the financial industry is anything but peaceful, what with the advent of ever-faster technological tools which seem to increase impatience from management and demand on workers. It is inherently a nerve-wracking business since it involves money, which touches on widespread fears and needs for security, leading to ongoing, socio-cultural anxiety and neurosis.

So the pressure was on, and from the sound of it, you prospered. That is no small feat. Clearly, you have marketable skills and can perform under pressure, to your credit, with a solid résumé that speaks to a decade of experience in a stressful environment.

Yet, in spite of your palpable relief at leaving, something lingers: self-doubt, a creeping sense of “what if I goofed?” This, to me, is probably the most emotionally significant part of your story.

Stability is, at least in part, an inside job. I have worked with quite a few wealthy individuals in therapy who were terribly unhappy. (I am not saying being able to pay bills and rent is insignificant.) In this case, though, it sounds like you have sufficient funds for now and can “make ends meet.” So rather than focus on the externals (the job opening, the company) or looking in the rearview mirror (“did I screw up by quitting?”), I would suggest you take time for sustained, empathic self-reflection.

Have you considered speaking with a therapist, career counselor, or another professional who has experience helping folks with precisely these concerns? Something new awaits—something good, I am sensing—but it’s hard to know which door to open, or where the door can even be found. This, in turn, stokes fear.

I strongly sense there is also a sense of conflict within yourself that wants security and certainty and peace or serenity, a sense of wholeness within the kind of work that truly, in the long run, is right for you. This is a tricky balance, one that requires more work and exploring on your part, but I am sure it is possible. You might not find perfection, but I am certain you can get inside the ballpark.

Renowned psychoanalyst D.W. Winnicott would call this yearning for peace as coming from your “true self,” while mythologist and Jungian author Joseph Campbell might call this process the beginning of your “hero’s journey,” or journey to authentic selfhood.

Campbell stated that the hero most often refused the “call to adventure” at first, deciding to take that journey only when backed into a corner. Carl Jung himself felt it is only when cornered, or up against a wall, that our conscious mind surrenders to deeper, creative forces seeking actualization, carrying us forward like the currents of a river.

Or, as an old Zen parable puts it, we are the train on the tracks, but we cannot be the tracks.

I sense, in other words, that you need to give the quieter “other side”—which wants peace or something different, which nagged you to quit the job—a little space and patience to speak up. (Journaling can help in this regard, or talking to a professional or a trusted friend.) There is always existential anxiety at giving up a path of certainty—the financial job, where you know you can succeed and make a good living—for the blank canvas of what next. But that is precisely the adventure! In a way, we need that anxiety to keep our search in motion. And it is trial and error; don’t give up if the answer doesn’t appear right away. It will, though answers come in bits and pieces. Dramatic “aha!” moments are, for the most part, best left for movies and television.

I’m guessing your courageous decision, which was a bold and necessary step to protect your sanity and serenity, has provoked deep-rooted voices—parental, perhaps?—that are saying things like, “Are you crazy? That job paid $_____ a year! Now what are you going to do? Watch daytime TV?”

That is the voice of fear. Fear tends to lead to black-and-white perception, where you are either secure or screwed.

But you have marketable skills, as I say. From a more neutral vantage point, I would guess you have options. By calming your fear and finding outlets for existential self-soothing, you might start to see that you could, for instance, work part-time for a company or even for yourself. And you are making ends meet, which might be good enough for now until you find something that resonates.

It can be overwhelming when what we are looking for hasn’t been found or doesn’t seem to exist (yet). This doesn’t mean it isn’t there. It just means you may need a little time and support to do something naturally difficult but, it sounds like, essential.

Have you considered working for yourself? Many folks are overwhelmed and confused by money matters (my hand is raised); could you do some independent advising or work for a smaller or less daunting firm, even part-time? Sometimes companies hire people for short-term projects, via a recruiter for instance. During that time, you could explore other options: volunteering, taking informational interviews, and so forth.

Corny as it sounds, this is a prime opportunity for you to stretch your wings. Daydream a little. Is there anything you’ve always wanted to try, or even go back to school to study? Is this the time to go to grad school in the evening for your philosophy degree or take a creative writing or guitar class? There is more to life than work, and we are not defined by work alone; for many, it is the least defining point of identity.

Try browsing online job sites, A to Z, and see if anything jumps out at you, something you never even thought of. Maybe you yearn to do some socially or environmentally conscious work (as a random example); could you end up as an investment adviser for a nonprofit? Could you do some combination of corporate and nonprofit work? Do you want to chuck finance altogether and teach English in Asia or Europe, or find a finance job in an international firm and live abroad?

It is possible you could write your own job description and follow it up with persistent footwork to make it happen. It sounds like you have a rare combination of gifts: a financial talent along with integrity and a need for something more personally fulfilling. You have a soul, and it is speaking to you. The soul—or the unconscious, or true self—does not always speak in digestible sound bites, which means we need to find ways to listen deeply to that quiet inner voice which is telling us something vital.

I have worked with people in your situation, and they have prevailed by not giving up. One was an attorney at a movie studio, and he was miserable. He was on-call 24/7, and despite working on prestigious projects, he felt depleted and beat up, with no time or energy to find a partner or start a family. Eventually he decided to get training in estate law, and now runs a quiet little business with a partner, with weekdays that end at 5 p.m.

It can be overwhelming when what we are looking for hasn’t been found or doesn’t seem to exist (yet). This doesn’t mean it isn’t there. It just means you may need a little time and support to do something naturally difficult but, it sounds like, essential. I would just remind you that you have options, per the above.

It’s natural to experience awkwardness after a decade of living a certain way and then stopping. You are carving out a new way of living, day by day. Give yourself credit for doing something brave. You can always go back—to your previous job, or others like it—though I can’t help but conclude that, on a soulful level, you truly don’t want to. So, keep the search going and I am sure the answers will come.

Thanks again for writing!

Kind regards,

Darren Haber, PsyD, MFT

Shelves containing medical filesPeople are generally entitled to access their medical records, including progress notes made by mental health providers to document the progress of treatment. Increased use of online progress notes makes it easier than ever for people to access their mental health records. A small study published in the journal Psychiatric Services suggests these records can both strengthen and harm the relationship between mental health provider and the person in therapy.

Researchers followed 28 people seeking treatment for mental health conditions at the Veterans Affairs (VA) Portland Health Care System in Oregon. Each participant answered interview questions about their reaction to provider progress notes. When records were consistent with what happened in treatment sessions, when notes indicated that providers listened, and when providers openly discussed diagnoses, participants expressed positive feelings about their providers and their medical records.

However, some components of progress notes eroded the relationship. Information gaps, incorrect information, and outdated treatment details were common sources of frustration. Some people said their records contained diagnoses their providers never discussed with them, significantly decreasing trust.

They study’s authors suggest their research provides important clues about how mental health providers can use progress notes and in-session discussions to strengthen their relationships with people in therapy.

Feeling Burned Out at Work? Join the Club

[fat_widget_right]Burnout at work is increasingly common, significantly affecting performance and morale. Most companies are ill-equipped to treat worker burnout. Moreover, issues with company culture—such as job insecurity and pressure to continually do more while working with less—can cause or worsen burnout.

Scientists Test Deep Brain Stimulation as Potential Anorexia Therapy

Deep brain stimulation, which uses electrodes to electrically stimulate the brain, may reduce symptoms of anorexia nervosa, according to a small pilot study of 16 people. Participants’ body mass index (BMI) increased an average of 3.5 points during the study, and some experienced a reduction in anxiety and depression.

Chicago Leaders Use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to Combat Violent Crime

A violent crime wave in Chicago has sparked international media coverage, with 812 people murdered last year alone. A cognitive behavioral therapy program that supports social skills, encourages trust, and offers healthy outlets for anger and aggression is trying to tackle the crime wave by improving the well-being of Chicago’s at-risk teen boys.

Researchers See Promise in Light Therapy to Treat Chronic Pain

Chronic pain is an intractable and complex issue, affecting as many as 100 million Americans. Many people with chronic pain turn to opioids to manage symptoms, but these drugs can be addictive and are not always effective. New research suggests light therapy might offer relief. Researchers still are not sure how this nonpharmacological remedy works, but they say it does appear to reduce symptoms.

Stressed by Success, a Top Restaurant Turns to Therapy

El Celler de Can Roca consistently ranks among the world’s top restaurants. The competitive restaurant world can be stressful, but the dining establishment’s owners have found a novel way to cope. Weekly staff sessions with an on-site psychologist offer a chance to blow off steam and discuss challenging emotions.

Schools Strained by Kids’ Mental Health Woes

In Wisconsin alone, 175,000 students have an undiagnosed mental health condition. These unmet mental health needs, which are often the product of traumatic experiences or chaotic home lives, can strain school resources.

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