Burnout

Burnout Therapy in Vancouver

You wake up already tired. Work that once felt meaningful now feels like something to get through. Even a weekend off doesn't seem to help.

If this has been going on for a while, it may be burnout. Dr. Joseph Tse is a Licensed Psychologist in Vancouver, BC. He provides therapy for adults with burnout and long-term work stress, in English, Cantonese and Mandarin.

What Is Burnout?

Burnout happens when stress at work goes on for so long that it wears a person down, in both body and mind. The World Health Organization calls burnout an "occupational phenomenon." In plain words, that means a problem that comes from work. It is not a medical condition on its own. But it is real, and it can affect many parts of life.

Signs of Burnout

Common signs of burnout include:

Feeling tired all the time, even after rest
Dreading work, even before anything has gone wrong
Trouble sleeping
Headaches or stomach problems
Trouble focusing
Getting annoyed or angry more easily
Pulling away from coworkers, friends, or family

People with burnout often say they feel "drained." A weekend off or a full night's sleep no longer helps. Over time, they may feel negative about their job. They may also feel that nothing they do makes a difference.

What Causes Burnout?

Burnout rarely comes from one bad day. It builds up slowly from ongoing problems at work, such as:

Too much work and not enough time to do it
Little control over how the work is done, such as being micromanaged
Little thanks or credit for the effort
Unclear expectations, such as vague instructions or goals that keep changing
Tense or difficult relationships at work
Unfair treatment, such as favouritism or uneven workloads
Being asked to do things that go against personal values

Because burnout builds slowly, many people don't notice how worn out they are until it starts to affect their sleep, relationships, or health.

Burnout, Depression, and Anxiety

Burnout can look a lot like depression or anxiety. All three can leave a person tired, unmotivated, and unable to focus. One difference is where they show up. Burnout is usually tied to work, and it often eases with time away from the job. Depression and anxiety tend to follow a person everywhere: at work, at home, and on vacation. Still, these problems often overlap.

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Components of Burnout

Burnout has three main parts:

Exhaustion (Feeling Drained) - Body and mind both feel worn out. Rest and days off no longer seem like enough. This can look like:
- Feeling tired even after a full night's sleep
- Needing a long time to recover after a normal workday
- Feeling tired in a way that rest does not fix
Cynicism (Feeling Checked Out) - Work that once mattered starts to feel distant. A person may feel negative or bitter about the job itself, their coworkers, or the people they serve. This can look like:
- Zoning out during meetings or tasks
- Feeling resentful toward coworkers, clients, or the job
- Caring less about things that used to matter
Feeling Ineffective (Reduced Sense of Accomplishment) - A person starts to doubt that their work makes any difference, even when they are still doing it well. This can look like:
- Wondering whether the work matters, even when it is going well
- Feeling that nothing is ever enough
- Losing confidence in their abilities

Not everyone with burnout has all three parts, or has them to the same degree. Most people who seek help notice some mix of the three.

When Working Hard Leads to Burnout

Many people learn from a young age that hard work is how to show responsibility and care. That is a good value. But "work hard" can turn into "never slow down," "never say no," and "never admit you are struggling." That can wear a person out. Often, the most dedicated and reliable people are the ones who burn out. They keep going long after they should have stopped. Therapy can help people keep what they value about hard work without letting it cost them their health.

How Therapy Helps with Burnout

Therapy with a psychologist is one way to address burnout. It usually looks at two things: what is happening at work, and how a person has been coping with the stress.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can help people notice thoughts that keep them stuck, such as "I can't say no" or "It has to be perfect." Over time, they can work on changing those thoughts. CBT can also help build healthier habits around work and rest.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help people reconnect with what matters most to them. It can also help them spend less energy fighting hard thoughts and feelings about their job.

Therapy may also include:

Setting limits at work that are realistic to keep
Figuring out what a person wants from their work
Learning to truly rest during time off, instead of staying "switched on"

Get Started

Exhaustion, feeling checked out, or feeling that work no longer matters are worth taking seriously once they start to affect daily life. The first step is a free 15-minute consultation. You can ask questions and see if therapy feels like a good fit.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is burnout a mental health diagnosis?
No. Burnout is not a mental disorder. The World Health Organization calls it a work-related problem, not a medical condition. But burnout often shows up alongside depression or anxiety. If it goes on for a long time, it can lead to them. That is one reason to take it seriously early.

How long does it take to recover from burnout?
There is no set timeline. It depends on how long the burnout has been building and how serious it is. It also depends on how much of the cause can change, such as workload, role, or values. Dr. Tse and the client review progress together along the way, instead of promising a set number of sessions.

Will my insurance pay for therapy?
It depends on your plan. BC's Medical Services Plan does not cover private psychologists. Some extended health plans cover services by a Licensed Psychologist, but plans differ. Please contact your insurance company to ask what your plan covers, how much it pays each year, and whether you need a doctor's referral.

Is therapy available in Cantonese or Mandarin?

Yes. Dr. Tse speaks English, Cantonese and Mandarin, and therapy can be in any of these languages. Many people find it easier to talk about personal things in the language they grew up with.

What if I need urgent help?
The practice may not be able to provide immediate or urgent support. If you need help right away, these community services are available:

9-1-1: If you're in immediate danger, call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call or text, 24 hours a day.
310-6789 (310 Mental Health Support): BC's mental health support line, 24 hours a day. No area code needed; interpreters available.
Access and Assessment Centre at Vancouver General Hospital: 604-675-3700. Support for urgent but non-life-threatening mental health concerns for Vancouver residents, open every day, with interpreters available.