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
We’ll consider both your responses to pressure and the demands you are facing. Where workload or workplace conditions are contributing, we can explore boundaries, practical changes and other support that may be needed.
My clinical and leadership experience helps me understand the responsibilities people carry at work. You do not need to be off sick or at breaking point to ask about support.
Depending on your goals, we may work on:
- Worry, perfectionism and harsh self-criticism.
- Overworking, avoidance or people-pleasing.
- Assertiveness, boundaries and difficult conversations.
- Problem-solving and realistic workload changes.
- Making space for rest and activities that matter to you.
- Planning a sustainable return to work where relevant.
We’ll agree a plan together and review how it is helping. Appointments cost £90 for 50 minutes, in Gosforth or online. Fees and FAQs.
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.
Frequently asked questions
Can CBT help with burnout?
CBT may help with patterns such as worry, self-criticism, avoidance and overworking. We’ll also consider workload, workplace conditions, rest and other support. An assessment helps us decide whether this approach is suitable for you.
How many sessions will I need?
This depends on your difficulties and goals. We’ll discuss a likely plan after the assessment and review progress together.
Do I need to be off work?
No. You can seek support while working or during sick leave. We can discuss your circumstances and, where relevant, goals for returning to work.
Can we work online?
Yes. I offer online appointments across the UK as well as face-to-face sessions in Gosforth. We can discuss which format suits you and the importance of a private, uninterrupted space.
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.