Ideas in Progress: Meaning, Mischief & Mayhem

Half-thoughts, strong opinions, open endings

Behind the Couch: Burnout in Private Practice Therapists

When we think of burnout, we often picture corporate workers crushed under deadlines or doctors racing through understaffed wards. But one group, often forgotten in this conversation, sits quietly in therapy rooms every day—holding space for others while carrying an invisible weight of their own.

I recently ran a small academic research project on burnout in private practice therapists. As part of my Executive MBA, I was encouraged to explore a real-world challenge. Having personally benefited from therapy, I turned the lens on the people doing the healing.

What the Survey Revealed

Within 48 hours, over 30 therapists responded to a simple questionnaire. The results were as moving as they were sobering:

  • Burnout is real: More than half rated their burnout at 3 or higher on a scale of 0–5.
  • Admin is draining: Therapists spend an average of 3–5 hours per week on admin tasks like scheduling, note-taking, and reporting.
  • Isolation matters: Many cited the emotional toll of solo practice, lack of peer support, and client trauma exposure as key stressors.
  • People want change: When asked what might help reduce burnout, therapists pointed to smarter tools, peer networks, and better boundaries.

Beyond the Data: A Community in Need

What struck me most wasn’t just the data—it was the heartfelt replies. Some therapists thanked me for asking the question. Others offered to speak further or share the survey with colleagues. One simply wrote: “I’ve felt this way for a long time. No one asks.”

That hit me. Hard.

What’s Next?

I’m still digesting what I’ve learned — and I suspect there’s more to come. My goal here isn’t to build something or fix something, but simply to understand: What does burnout really look like for therapists? And what might ease it, even slightly?

This project has shown me how much quiet strain exists behind closed doors — in rooms meant for healing others. I don’t have the answers. But I do believe it’s worth asking better questions.

If you’re reading this and have thoughts, experiences, or reflections of your own — I’m listening. This is just a first step in what I hope will be a deeper inquiry into how we support the people who support so many others.

These are just the initial insights from my research. If you’re interested in knowing how this develops, please leave your name and email below. I will update you once I have analysed the final results. Thank you.

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