Stress is part of life. Burnout doesn’t have to be.
Stress and burnout counselling is a specialised therapy designed to help individuals cope with and manage the effects of stress and burnout. It provides support, guidance, and strategies to address the physical, emotional, and psychological symptoms associated with these conditions. The aim is to enhance well-being, restore balance, and prevent negative consequences.
Stress refers to the body’s response to demanding or challenging situations. While stress can sometimes be beneficial, chronic or excessive stress can negatively affect mental and physical health.
Burnout is a state of chronic physical and emotional exhaustion often caused by prolonged exposure to stressors, such as work-related pressures or personal challenges.
Signs and symptoms of stress and burnout
Signs of stress or burnout can appear in physical, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral ways. While occasional symptoms are normal, if these symptoms persist over an extended period and disrupt daily life, it may signal a deeper concern.
Physical Symptoms
- Fatigue and low energy levels
- Insomnia or disrupted sleep patterns
- Headaches or migraines
- Muscle tension, aches, or pains
- The weakened immune system leads to frequent illnesses
- Digestive issues, such as stomach pain, bloating, or changes in appetite
Emotional Symptoms
- Increased irritability, moodiness, or agitation
- Anxiety or panic attacks
- Feeling overwhelmed or unable to cope
- Decreased motivation or enthusiasm
- Emotional exhaustion or feeling emotionally drained
- Depressed mood or feelings of sadness
Cognitive Symptoms
- Difficulty concentrating or focusing
- Memory problems or forgetfulness
- Racing thoughts or constant worry
- Impaired decision-making or problem-solving abilities
- Reduced creativity or decreased ability to generate ideas
- Heightened self-criticism or negative thinking patterns
Behavioural Symptoms
- Withdrawal from social activities or decreased interest in hobbies
- Increased use of substances such as alcohol or drugs
- Changes in appetite or weight (either increased or decreased)
- Procrastination or difficulty initiating tasks
- Reduced productivity or performance at work or school
- Relationship problems or increased conflict with others
Benefits of Stress and Burnout Counselling
Stress reduction
Learn effective coping strategies to manage stress better.
Emotional support
A safe space to express emotions and receive expert guidance.
Improved self-awareness
Understand stress triggers and patterns to make positive changes.
Enhanced coping skills
Develop tailored techniques to handle stress and challenges.
Healthy boundaries
Set limits, prioritise self-care, and prevent burnout.
Improved work-life balance
Adjust priorities and time management for a healthier lifestyle.
Preventing burnout
Recognise early signs and build resilience against burnout.
Long-term well-being
Sustain mental well-being with lasting self-care strategies.
Benefits vary based on individual needs and therapy approach. The therapeutic relationship and personal commitment to counselling play a key role in outcomes.
Stress and Burnout Counselling at Incontact
Our counsellors tailor the approach to each individual, using techniques like CBT, MBSR, and more to ensure personalised support. Here are key components they incorporate…
Assessment
The counsellor assesses the individual’s symptoms, sources of stress, and the impact of burnout on their daily life.
Psychoeducation
The counsellor provides information about stress, burnout, and their effects. This helps individuals understand the underlying causes, identify triggers, and develop awareness of their stress response.
Coping Strategies
The counsellor teaches individuals healthy coping mechanisms and stress reduction techniques. This may include relaxation exercises, time management skills, boundary setting, and self-care practices.
Cognitive Restructuring
The counsellor helps individuals identify and challenge negative thought patterns and beliefs contributing to stress and burnout. By replacing unhelpful thoughts with more positive and realistic ones, individuals can develop healthier perspectives and reduce stress levels.
Emotional Support
The counsellor provides a safe and non-judgmental space for individuals to express their emotions and process their experiences. They offer empathy, validation, and guidance to help individuals navigate their feelings effectively.
Lifestyle Changes
The counsellor assists individuals in making necessary changes to their lifestyle and work habits to reduce stress and prevent burnout. This may involve exploring work-life balance, setting boundaries, and implementing self-care routines.
Relapse Prevention
The counsellor helps individuals develop strategies to prevent relapse and manage future stressors. They may provide ongoing support, resources, and techniques to help individuals maintain long-term well-being.
Thrive360: A holistic path to overcoming stress and burnout
Stress and burnout affect more than just your mind—they take a toll on your body and career too. Thrive360 is Incontact’s exclusive program, combining personalised counselling, health coaching, and executive coaching to address all aspects of your well-being.
In just 7 weeks, you’ll gain the tools to feel physically revitalised, mentally clear, and emotionally grounded. This multi-dimensional approach sets you up for sustainable growth—something you can’t find anywhere else.
Start your journey to a balanced, thriving life with Thrive360.
See also
FAQ
If stress feels overwhelming, affects your daily life, or leads to exhaustion, anxiety, or irritability, counselling can help you regain balance and build resilience.
Stress is a short-term response to pressure, while burnout is prolonged exhaustion, detachment, and reduced motivation caused by chronic stress.
Yes, counselling helps you develop coping strategies, set boundaries, and shift perspectives, even in situations you can’t control.
Sessions are tailored to your needs and may include identifying stressors, learning coping techniques, setting boundaries, and improving emotional resilience.
Our counsellors use a personalised mix of approaches, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), and lifestyle adjustments.
Yes, counselling helps you identify unhealthy patterns, manage workload effectively, and establish a healthier work-life balance.
Absolutely. All sessions are private and confidential, ensuring a safe space for you to explore your concerns.
Progress varies, but many clients experience relief and improvement within a few sessions, with lasting benefits over time.
Yes, therapy helps you build resilience, recognise early warning signs, and implement long-term strategies to prevent burnout.
Persistent fatigue and lack of motivation can be early signs of burnout. Counselling can help address underlying issues before they escalate.
