ISSUES
Improving Stress & Burnout: Finding Balance
What is Stress and Burnout?
Stress is a natural response to life’s demands, but when it becomes chronic or overwhelming, it can impact your emotional, mental, and physical well-being. Burnout, on the other hand, is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress—often tied to work, caregiving, or other high-demand responsibilities.
At Amanda Neves Therapy, we understand that stress and burnout are not just about being "too busy." They can deeply affect your ability to function, your sense of self, and your overall well-being. Our therapy approach focuses on helping you regulate your nervous system, rediscover your needs, and build sustainable ways to cope—all at a pace that works for you.
Signs of Stress and Burnout
Stress and burnout can manifest in different ways. You might be experiencing:
Emotional signs: Anxiety, irritability, hopelessness, emotional numbness, or feeling disconnected.
Physical symptoms: Headaches, digestive issues, chronic fatigue, muscle tension, or frequent illness.
Cognitive effects: Difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, racing thoughts, or decision paralysis.
Behavioral changes: Withdrawing from relationships, procrastination, overworking, or relying on unhealthy coping mechanisms.
Workplace impact: Feeling unmotivated, cynical, or unable to meet job demands—often feeling like you're running on empty.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, know that you don’t have to push through alone. Therapy can help you regain a sense of control, energy, and clarity.
Who Does Stress and Burnout Affect?
Stress and burnout can affect anyone, but certain groups may be particularly vulnerable:
Working professionals and students: The pressure to perform, meet deadlines, and manage responsibilities can lead to chronic stress.
Caregivers and parents: Balancing emotional and physical care for others while neglecting personal needs can lead to burnout.
Healthcare and helping professionals: Those in high-stakes roles, such as therapists, nurses, and social workers, often experience compassion fatigue and burnout.
Marginalized communities: Experiencing systemic barriers, discrimination, or financial stressors can lead to chronic stress and emotional exhaustion.
Perfectionists and high-achievers: Feeling the need to meet unrealistic standards can contribute to relentless stress and eventual burnout.
No matter what is causing your stress or burnout, therapy can help you reconnect with yourself and create lasting relief.
How We Approach Stress and Burnout Therapy at Amanda Neves Therapy
Our approach to stress and burnout therapy is holistic, trauma-informed, and tailored to your needs. We combine cognitive, emotional, and body-based techniques to help you feel more present, regulated, and in control. Our methods include:
Nervous system regulation: Learning how to shift out of survival mode through grounding, breathwork, and body-based awareness.
Cognitive strategies: Identifying unhelpful thought patterns, setting boundaries, and redefining self-worth beyond productivity.
Emotional processing: Exploring feelings of overwhelm, guilt, or frustration in a compassionate, validating space.
Rebuilding balance: Supporting you in creating sustainable habits and routines that align with your energy and values.
Somatic and experiential techniques: Helping you reconnect with your body’s signals, rather than pushing through exhaustion.
Our therapy process is not about adding another task to your to-do list—it's about helping you create space for rest, recovery, and self-compassion.
What to Expect in Your First Therapy Session
Starting therapy can feel like a relief, especially when you're running on empty. Your first session will focus on:
Understanding your current stressors and how they’re affecting your daily life.
Exploring past patterns of burnout and how to prevent them in the future.
Introducing simple, effective strategies to reduce overwhelm and regain balance.
Creating a personalized plan for moving forward, at a pace that feels right for you.
At Amanda Neves Therapy, you are not expected to have it all figured out. You simply need to start—and we’ll guide you from there.
Take the First Step Toward Relief
Burnout and stress don’t have to define your life. At Amanda Neves Therapy, we offer in-person therapy at our Toronto office and virtual therapy across Ontario, making support accessible wherever you are.
Find the right therapist for you through our Meet Your Match process—a simple way to connect with a therapist who understands your unique needs.
You don’t have to keep running on empty. Reach out today.