Burnout Therapy
in Central London

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes burnout?

Burnout can develop when stress, demands and responsibilities remain high for a prolonged period without sufficient opportunity to recover. These pressures may come from work, relationships, caring responsibilities, significant life circumstances, or several areas of life at once. Often, it is the cumulative effect rather than any single cause that becomes overwhelming.

The way we respond to these demands can also play a part. A strong sense of responsibility, perfectionism, difficulty saying no or asking for help, or feeling that you must keep going regardless of the cost can make it harder to recognise and protect your own limits. Therapy can help you understand how external pressures and these individual patterns interact, and what may need to change for recovery to be sustainable.

Our guide to anxiety at work explores how perfectionism and pressure to perform can become difficult to sustain.

Is burnout a medical condition?

Burnout is not classified as a medical condition in its own right. The World Health Organization describes burnout specifically as an occupational phenomenon resulting from chronic workplace stress. However, the experience of profound exhaustion and depletion can extend well beyond work and affect many areas of a person’s life.

This does not make burnout any less significant. Prolonged exhaustion and stress can have a considerable impact on both physical and psychological wellbeing and may occur alongside difficulties such as depression and anxiety. Recovery often involves understanding both the pressures someone is facing and the patterns that may make it difficult to recognise, communicate or protect their own needs and limits.

What is the difference between burnout and depression?

Burnout and depression can share many features, including exhaustion, reduced motivation, difficulty concentrating and withdrawing from things that once felt manageable or rewarding. Depression is a recognised mental health condition and may involve persistent low mood, hopelessness and a loss of interest or pleasure across different areas of life. Burnout is generally understood in relation to prolonged demands, stress and insufficient opportunity for recovery.

The two can overlap, and it is not always easy to distinguish between them yourself. If low mood, loss of interest or other difficulties have become more pervasive, you may also find our page on depression helpful. A thorough assessment can help make sense of what you are experiencing and identify the most appropriate therapeutic approach.

How long does it take to recover from burnout?

Recovery from burnout varies considerably from person to person. It can depend on how long you have been feeling depleted, the pressures and circumstances that have contributed to it, and the extent to which there is opportunity for meaningful change and recovery.

For many people, recovery is gradual rather than immediate. Therapy can help you recognise what your mind and body need, rebuild energy and capacity at a sustainable pace, and address the patterns or pressures that contributed to burnout in the first place. The aim is not simply to return to how things were, but to find a healthier and more sustainable way forward.

Can you recover from burnout while still working?

For some people, it is possible to recover from burnout while continuing to work. This will depend on your individual circumstances, the severity of the exhaustion you are experiencing, and whether there is enough opportunity to reduce demands, establish healthier boundaries and create meaningful space for recovery.

Many people seek therapy because they want to continue working but recognise that something needs to change. Therapy can help you understand what is contributing to burnout, identify what is realistically within your control, and develop a more sustainable relationship with work alongside the other demands in your life.

Our guide on managing overwhelm in London may also be helpful.

How can therapy help with burnout?

There is no single approach to therapy for burnout. Effective therapy considers both the difficulties you are experiencing now, such as exhaustion, disrupted sleep, difficulty concentrating or changes in mood, and the circumstances, patterns and pressures that may have contributed to burnout developing.

Our psychologists and psychotherapists draw on evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) and Schema Therapy. Your approach will be carefully tailored following assessment, based on your individual needs and what is likely to support meaningful, sustainable change.

When should I seek therapy for burnout?

It may be helpful to seek therapy when exhaustion persists despite rest, everyday demands feel increasingly difficult to manage, or you notice changes in your motivation, mood, relationships or ability to function as you usually would. You do not need to wait until you feel unable to continue before asking for support.

Burnout can develop gradually and may be difficult to recognise, particularly when you are still managing to meet your responsibilities outwardly. If keeping going requires considerably more effort than it used to, you feel increasingly depleted or disconnected, or people close to you have noticed a change, these can all be signs that it is worth seeking support.

How much does burnout therapy cost?

Fees vary according to the experience and specialism of the psychologist or psychotherapist you see, with the initial assessment charged separately. Your exact fee will always be agreed with you in advance, and you can find our current fees in full on our fees page.

Before booking an appointment, we offer a complimentary 15-minute telephone consultation with our Clinic Director, Dr Steven Mahan-Taylor. This gives us an opportunity to understand what you are looking for, answer any questions you may have, and carefully match you with the therapist best suited to your individual needs.