ABOUT THIS EPISODE
Burnout, Moral Injury, and Sustainable Recovery for Therapists
In this episode, we explore why burnout for therapists often reflects ethical strain, cumulative trauma exposure, and nervous system overload rather than simple fatigue.
Reflection & Journaling Exercises for Clinicians
If you want a deeper dive into moral injury and burnout, take some time and reflect on the following:
Values:
• Where in my work lately have I felt that something is off?
• Which value feels most challenged: dignity, safety, fairness, integrity, access to care?
Somatic Awareness
• When during my workday does my body feel most activated?
• What small reset could I realistically do between sessions?
Restoring Agency
• Where do I feel I have no choice right now?
• Where might I have one small choice I have not been using?
Overfunctioning Patterns
• What am I afraid will happen if I don’t keep pushing?
• What would sustainable care look like without self-sacrifice?
Redesigning Your Practice
• What part of my workload take the most energy?
• What part of my workload is the most energizing?
Stay Connected & Explore More
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Research & Evidence Referenced
Burnout as a Systems Issue
Maslach, C., & Leiter, M. P. (2016).
Understanding the burnout experience: Recent research and its implications for psychiatry.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/wps.20311
Meta-analysis on Moral Injury Severity
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/389000562
Secondary Traumatic Stress
Whittenbury et al. (2025).
https://doi.org/10.1177/15248380241309371
Power, Agency, and Burnout Inequities
Kirk et al. (2023).
https://doi.org/10.1177/26320770231189611
Norris & Primm (2022).
https://psychiatryonline.org/doi/full/10.1176/appi.ps.20220522
References are provided for educational purposes only and do not constitute therapy, supervision, or individualized clinical consultation.
