Recovering from Burnout: Self-Care Practices for Therapists (That We Actually Need to Follow)

Let’s be real—if therapists actually did everything we tell our clients to do for self-care, we’d all be blissed-out, well-rested, boundary-setting masters of emotional regulation. But here we are, running on caffeine, squeezing in clients over lunch breaks, and telling ourselves we’ll meditate “when things slow down.”

We know better, but knowing isn’t the same as doing.

That’s why this article isn’t going to lecture you about the importance of self-care. You already know that. Instead, we’re going to explore why it’s so hard for therapists to practice what we preach—and more importantly, how we can actually implement self-care in ways that make a real difference.

Why Therapists Struggle with Self-Care (Even Though We Know Better)

Burnout and compassion fatigue don’t happen overnight. They creep in while we’re holding space for our clients, carrying their stories, and navigating the unique emotional weight of our profession.

The truth is, many therapists operate under an unspoken expectation that our well-being should come second to our clients’. We say things like:
✔️ “I’ll rest after I finish this paperwork.”
✔️ “I can take care of myself this weekend…if no one else needs me first.”
✔️ “I love my work, so I don’t really need a break, right?”

We wouldn’t let a client get away with that logic, so why do we accept it for ourselves?

The Self-Care Practices That Actually Matter for Therapists

If we’re going to talk about self-care in a way that actually lands, let’s make it practical, doable, and (dare I say?) enjoyable. These strategies go beyond surface-level self-care and get into what truly helps therapists sustain this work for the long haul.

1. Stop “Should-ing” Yourself About Self-Care

Yes, meditation is great. Exercise is great. Eating real food is great. But if self-care feels like another task on your to-do list, it’s not working.

Instead of should-ing yourself into guilt-driven self-care, ask:
“What would actually feel good right now?”
“What kind of self-care am I craving?”
“What’s something I could do in 5 minutes that would help me breathe a little easier?”

And remember: the best self-care is the kind you actually do.

2. Therapy for Therapists: Because We Need It, Too

We tell clients that therapy is life-changing, but when was the last time we let ourselves receive that kind of care?

Engaging in individual therapy as a therapist is not just a luxury—it’s essential. Whether you’re navigating personal challenges or just need a space to not be the one holding it all together, therapy helps us process our own stuff so we can show up fully present for our clients.

Better yet? Group work with other therapists. There is something uniquely powerful about sharing space with colleagues who get it—who understand the weight of this work and can support us in a way that few others can.

(If you’re curious about joining a therapist group, please browse this list of more than 25 Online Groups for Therapists)

3. Supervision & Peer Support: Let’s Normalize Talking About How Hard This Is

Private practice can be isolating. Even if you’re surrounded by colleagues, there’s often little space to process your own emotional responses to the work.

Regular consultation groups, peer support, or supervision provide a space to talk openly about the emotional labor of therapy—without feeling like you have to filter yourself.

If you’ve ever felt alone in the struggles of this work, consider finding a group of therapists to connect with (or better yet, join one of ours).

4. Boundaries, Boundaries, Boundaries (Yes, Even for That One Client Who….)

We all have that one client (or two, or ten) who we have trouble setting boundaries with. You know the ones—the ones we make exceptions for, overextend ourselves for, and justify bending our own limits for.

Here’s the thing: our clients don’t need a therapist who is constantly running on fumes. They need a therapist who is rested, resourced, and able to show up fully present.

• Some boundary reminders we all need from time to time:
• You do not have to respond to emails after hours.
• You do not have to squeeze in “just one more client.”
• You can say no to energy-draining commitments.
• You are allowed to take breaks, vacations, and mental health days.

(Side note: If this part made you uncomfortable, it might be time to talk about it… in therapy. 😉)

5. Movement, Food, and Sleep: The Things That Are Boring but Make a Huge Difference

There’s no magic wellness hack that makes up for exhaustion, malnutrition, and sitting in a chair for 8 hours a day.

• Move your body in a way that feels good.
• Eat something other than coffee and protein bars.
• Sleep. (Seriously.)

It doesn’t have to be perfect, but small shifts here can have a massive impact on your energy levels and emotional well-being.

6. Give Yourself the Support You Give Others

We know how powerful support is—we see it every day in our clients. So why do we convince ourselves that we should “handle things” on our own?

Therapists are better healers when we allow ourselves to be held in the same ways we hold others. That might mean:
✔️ Attending therapy (individually or in a group)
✔️ Joining a consultation or supervision group
✔️ Seeking out peer support with colleagues

Burnout doesn’t happen in isolation—and neither does healing.

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You Deserve the Care You Give Others

So, here’s your gentle but firm therapist-to-therapist nudge: self-care isn’t selfish. It’s not optional. And it’s not something you have to figure out alone.

If you’re feeling the weight of this work, we’d love to help.

🔹 Join one of our therapist groups (because healing happens best in community).
🔹 Schedule a session with one of our individual therapists (because even therapists need therapy).

Let’s take care of you—so you can keep doing what you do best.