Therapists Burn Out Too: Here’s How to Prevent It
Jamie Letcher • May 31, 2025
You're a therapist. You teach boundaries. You preach self-care. You help other people regulate, reflect, and reconnect. But here’s the thing no one likes to say out loud:
You’re not immune to burnout.
(And honestly? The fact that you care so deeply about your work probably makes you more susceptible to it.)
Whether you’re in solo private practice or part of a team, therapist burnout is real, and it doesn’t always show up with flashing lights and a sign that says “you’re done.” Sometimes it’s more subtle. Sometimes it feels like:
- Dreading sessions you used to enjoy
- Feeling emotionally numb or disconnected from your clients
- Snapping at your loved ones over absolutely nothing
- Losing the will to respond to one more admin email (just one more...)
- Wondering if you should’ve gone into accounting
If any of this rings true, take a breath. You’re not failing. You’re probably just… tired. Here’s how to prevent burnout (or catch it before it spirals):
1. Outsource what drains you
Let’s start here, because no matter how much lavender oil you diffuse, you can’t meditate your way out of admin overload.
Scheduling, invoicing, client follow-ups, paperwork, late cancellations... none of it has to be your sole responsibility. If you're spending more time on backend tasks than client care (or your own care), it might be time to bring in a VA who gets the therapy world and can take some of that weight off.
2. Rebuild your relationship with rest
We see you, “resting” with your laptop on your chest and 12 browser tabs open. Real rest, however that looks for you, should leave you feeling at least somewhat human again.
Whether it’s a weekend without checking emails or blocking off a non-negotiable lunch break, rest isn’t just allowed. It’s essential.
3. Set actual, human boundaries
Saying no doesn’t make you a bad therapist. Ending sessions on time doesn’t make you cold. And not being available 24/7 doesn’t make you selfish.
You teach these things, remember? Apply them to yourself. (Gently. With compassion. Like you would to a client.)
4. Make space for joy (not just decompression)
There’s a difference between collapsing on the couch and actively doing something that makes your heart feel full. Even if it’s small: a walk, a playlist, a really dumb meme, or a Tuesday-night dance break in your kitchen.
Burnout prevention isn’t just about managing stress, it’s about making room for delight, too.
5. Check in with yourself like you check in with clients ❤️
How’s your nervous system today? What do you need more of, or less of? Are you holding space for yourself the way you do for everyone else?
You deserve the same gentleness, honesty, and care you give your clients.
Just remember, you're human. Not a healing robot.
Burnout doesn’t mean you’re not cut out for this work. It means you need support, space, and a reminder that you’re allowed to need things, too!
Want to improve client retention in your therapy practice? These simple admin habits, like rebooking reminders and consult follow-ups, can help clients stay engaged and coming back.
Should you hire an admin for your therapy practice or work with a virtual assistant instead? Here’s how to decide and why more Canadian therapists are choosing VAs.
Running a private practice means wearing a lot of hats, and that includes making sure your phone system works just as hard as you do. Whether you’re a solo therapist or managing a group practice, having a secure, professional, and easy-to-use phone setup can make a big difference. But with so many options out there, how do you know which one’s the best fit for your practice? We’ve rounded up three of the most popular phone systems used by Canadian therapists and ranked them based on features, price, and overall ease of use. 1. OpenPhone: Best for Growing Practices 🏆 Price: Starting at $17/month CAD Platform: Desktop and mobile app (iOS and Android) OpenPhone is one of the most therapist-friendly options out there, especially if you’re growing a team or planning to. It gives you a dedicated business number that works from both your computer and phone, so you’re never tied to one device. You can call, text, send voicemail, and even share access with a team member (like a virtual assistant). Why Therapists Love It ✔️ Seamless call and text integration ✔️ Shared inbox (perfect if you work with an admin) ✔️ Canadian numbers available ✔️ Voicemail transcription ✔️ Easy to use and scale Heads-Up To ensure PHIPA compliance, you’ll want the Business plan and a signed BAA if you work with clients outside of Ontario too. Best For Therapists who want a professional, flexible setup that can grow with them. 2. Fongo Works: Best Free Option 🏆 Price: Free (basic version) Platform: Desktop and mobile app (iOS and Android) Fongo has been a staple for Canadian therapists who want a professional number without the extra monthly cost. You can get a Canadian number for free, use it for calling and texting, and upgrade if you want features like voicemail transcription or call recording. Why Therapists Love It ✔️ It’s free ✔️ Works on your phone and computer ✔️ Easy to set up and start using ✔️ No separate phone needed Things to Note Fongo doesn’t offer as many integrations or shared access features, so it may be better suited for solo therapists. Best For Therapists just starting out or keeping costs low. 3. Telus Business Connect (by RingCentral): Good for Large Teams Price: Starting at $35/month CAD Platform: Desktop and mobile app (iOS and Android) Telus Business Connect is a robust option built for businesses that need more traditional phone infrastructure. It’s a solid choice if you have a larger clinic with multiple therapists and want more advanced call routing and team features. Why Therapists Use It ✔️ Established provider ✔️ Good for clinics with multiple locations ✔️ High-quality call system ✔️ Option to integrate fax and conference calls Drawbacks It’s pricier, has a steeper learning curve, and may be more than you need if you’re a solo or small group practice. Best For Larger group practices with complex needs. Our Verdict For most Canadian therapists, OpenPhone and Fongo are the clear winners. If you're ready to invest in a sleek, scalable solution, OpenPhone is worth it. If you’re just starting out and need something simple and affordable, Fongo is a great choice. Want help setting up your phone system or managing client calls? Wellnix offers virtual assistant support tailored to Canadian therapy practices so you can spend more time with clients, not troubleshooting tech. ✨ Book a free consultation today to learn more! ✨
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