CBT Therapy for Work Stress and Burnout
Work can be rewarding, purposeful and fulfilling, but when pressure becomes relentless, it can begin to affect every area of your life. If you're constantly feeling overwhelmed, exhausted or unable to switch off, you may be experiencing work-related stress or burnout.
Whether you're struggling with an excessive workload, perfectionism, leadership pressures, difficult workplace relationships or the emotional impact of caring professions, I can help you regain control and feel like yourself again.
Based in Newcastle upon Tyne, we offer face-to-face CBT therapy in Gosforth as well as secure online therapy across the UK.
What is Work Stress?
Work stress occurs when the demands placed upon you consistently exceed the resources you have available to cope. Whilst periods of pressure are a normal part of many careers, ongoing stress without adequate recovery can have a significant impact on both your mental and physical wellbeing.
You may notice yourself:
- Constantly thinking about work outside of working hours
- Feeling anxious on Sunday evenings or before meetings
- Struggling to switch off or relax
- Becoming increasingly irritable or emotional
- Feeling overwhelmed by even simple tasks
- Finding it difficult to concentrate
- Experiencing headaches, muscle tension or poor sleep
- Losing enjoyment in work you previously valued
Many people continue functioning at a high level despite experiencing significant stress. Colleagues may have no idea how much you're struggling internally.
What is Burnout?
Burnout develops when chronic workplace stress remains unresolved over a prolonged period. Rather than simply feeling tired, burnout is characterised by emotional, physical and mental exhaustion.
You may recognise signs such as:
- Feeling emotionally drained before the day has even started
- Loss of motivation or enthusiasm
- Feeling detached from your work or colleagues
- Reduced confidence and increasing self-doubt
- Feeling ineffective despite working harder than ever
- Difficulty making decisions
- Increased anxiety or low mood
- Feeling that you have "nothing left to give"
Burnout doesn't happen because you're weak, it often affects conscientious, caring and highly motivated people who have been carrying too much for too long.
How I Can Help with Work Stress and Burnout
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective psychological treatments for anxiety and stress-related difficulties. Rather than simply helping you cope, CBT aims to understand why the stress cycle has developed and teach practical skills to break it.
Together we will explore:
- The thoughts that keep stress going
- Unhelpful thinking patterns such as catastrophising or perfectionism
- Behaviour patterns including overworking, avoidance and people pleasing
- Stress management techniques
- Healthy boundaries at work
- Assertiveness skills
- Problem-solving strategies
- Developing a healthier relationship with work
- Building resilience without sacrificing your wellbeing
CBT is collaborative, practical and focused on helping you make lasting changes that continue long after therapy has finished.
Want more information? Take a look at these blog posts:
Not sure you're ready for therapy yet? Take a look at these FREE resources
Want to take a bite-size course that fits around your schedule? Check out these courses
My CBT Stress Toolkit is CBT for Stress and Overwhelm. Here you'll understand why high achievers struggle to switch off and get realistic strategies to actually do something about it.
High Standards without burnout: CBT for perfectionism is a workshop that explores the hidden cost of high standards, why "doing more" never quite feels enough, and how to build a healthier relationship with achievement.
Is This You?
We regularly support people experiencing:
✓ Workplace stress
✓ Occupational burnout
✓ Anxiety at work
✓ Leadership and management stress
✓ Healthcare professional burnout
✓ Compassion fatigue
✓ Workplace conflict
✓ Returning to work after stress leave
✓ Perfectionism at work
✓ Work-related low self-esteem
✓ Excessive worry about performance
✓ Difficulty switching off from work
Why Do High Achievers Experience Burnout?
Many of the people we support are dedicated professionals who care deeply about doing a good job. They often hold themselves to exceptionally high standards and feel responsible for everything around them.
Common patterns include:
- Perfectionism
- Difficulty saying no
- Taking responsibility for other people's problems
- Fear of making mistakes
- Imposter syndrome
- Constant self-criticism
- Feeling guilty when resting
- Believing your worth depends on your productivity
These thinking styles often help people achieve success—but over time they can also become the very patterns that maintain stress and burnout.
Whether you're a manager, healthcare professional, teacher, business owner or corporate employee, therapy can provide the space to step back, understand what's happening and move forward with greater confidence.
FAQ
Q: Can CBT help with burnout?
A: Yes. CBT has strong evidence for helping people experiencing work-related stress, anxiety and burnout by addressing the thoughts and behaviours that maintain exhaustion and overwhelm.
Q: How many CBT sessions will I need?
A: This varies depending on your goals and the severity of your difficulties. Many people begin noticing positive changes within several sessions, although therapy is always tailored to individual needs.
Q: Do I need to be off work to have therapy?
A: Not at all. Many clients continue working whilst attending therapy. Others access support during periods of sick leave before returning to work.
Q: Is online CBT effective?
A: Yes. Research shows that online CBT is highly effective for many anxiety and stress-related difficulties. We offer both online and face-to-face appointments.
Take the First Step Towards Feeling Like Yourself Again
If work has become something you dread rather than enjoy, you don't have to keep pushing through alone.
With the right support, it's possible to reduce stress, recover from burnout and build a healthier, more sustainable relationship with work.
If you're looking for CBT for work stress or burnout in Newcastle or online across the UK, we'd be pleased to help.
Would you like helpful tips and ideas to support your mental health, reduce burnout and strengthen your resilience at work straight to your inbox? Then why not sign up for my newsletter for resources and updates? You'll also receive my downloadable "Practical Strategies for Busy Professionals" for free on sign-up.