Burnout Recovery: Signs, Symptoms and Treatment
Burnout recovery is possible, and with the right support, you can begin to feel like yourself again. Burnout is common and can happen to anyone when ongoing stress and demands leave little time to rest and recharge. Our experienced psychologists provide personalised support to help you understand burnout, recover, and develop strategies to protect your wellbeing in the future.
Burnout is more than feeling tired
Burnout can leave you feeling emotionally drained, physically exhausted, disconnected,
and unable to keep pushing through.
At Reimagine Psychology, we help you understand what has led to burnout
and build realistic strategies for recovery, boundaries, rest, and sustainable change.
How a Burnout Psychologist in Melbourne Can Help
The recovery process and signs of burnout can be different for everyone. Working with a psychologist trained in burnout recovery can involve:
Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based approach that looks at the way our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours can cause us to burn out and then keep us stuck in a cycle of burnout. Understanding workplace dynamics and putting in place proactive strategies to manage expectations, relationships, deadlines, and more.
Mindfulness-based approaches for burnout can help you learn how to manage your stress in healthy ways. By using breathing, meditation, and relaxation techniques, you can sit with these uncomfortable feelings without judging yourself. Research shows that it can help counteract the effects of stress and help you feel more relaxed.
These are just some of the evidence-based methods that our psychologists can help you get through burnout. We never use a one-size-fits-all approach, and you’ll always play an active part in the treatment planning process. Our team includes organisational psychologists and registrars who are specially trained in workplace mental health issues and burnout.
Understanding Burnout
You might be ambitious and driven, with a strong desire to do your best. These can be wonderful qualities, but when you’re constantly pushing yourself and putting your own well-being aside, the demands can eventually become too much.
The World Health Organization (WHO) describes burnout as an occupational phenomenon resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed. It involves feelings of exhaustion, increased mental distance or cynicism towards work, and reduced professional effectiveness.
Burnout can also be experienced alongside significant stress in your personal life. For example, relationship difficulties or ongoing caregiving responsibilities can leave you feeling mentally and emotionally exhausted.
Signs and Symptoms of Burnout
You Shouldn't Ignore
Burnout can look different for everyone, but there are some common signs of burnout to look out for. The signs and symptoms of burnout include:Burnout can look different for everyone, but there are some common signs of burnout to look out for. The signs and symptoms of burnout include:
Cynicism
You feel jaded or critical of your job (or other responsibility).
Hopelessness
You feel like no matter what you do, nothing will get better, and nothing you do makes a difference.
Decreased satisfaction
You used to feel like what you did mattered, and you felt a sense of satisfaction at succeeding. Now, you don’t get any satisfaction at all from your work.
Dread
You wake up in the morning and are filled with dread and anxiety about your job or other responsibilities.
Lack of focus
You have a hard time concentrating on the task at hand.
Apathy
You just don’t care anymore. This is especially common in the helping profession; you feel like you’re losing the compassion you used to have for your clients.
Increased substance use
You’re finding yourself using more drugs and alcohol than usual to try to cope with or escape from stress.
Fantasizing about escape
You frequently daydream about running away from it all and starting over somewhere else.
Low energy
You’re constantly exhausted or fatigued, and it may be hard to get out of bed in the morning.
Physical symptoms
Some people experience physical symptoms, like frequent headaches, stomach aches, and sleep issues.
Do you recognize any of these burnout symptoms in yourself?
If so, it might be time to schedule an appointment with a psychologist. If left untreated, burnout can lead to more serious mental health problems like depression, anxiety, and substance use disorder.
What You Can Expect at Reimagine Psychology
Our psychologists will make sure to understand your situation, what your world looks like, and what your goals are in therapy
We use evidence-based therapy approaches and help you build practical strategies that can fit into your life
No one-size-fits-all treatment. We work closely with you to tailor a plan to best support you.
Ongoing care for our clients, regular check-ins and support to reduce risks.
Why choose Reimagine Psychology Melbourne?
We bring our experience and expertise to tailor the best treatment plan for our client’s specific situation and workplace dynamic.
Meet our Burnout & Workplace Psychologists
Our expert team is experienced in helping people recover from burnout. Austin, Alec, Jenny and Joseph have a background in Organisational Psychology. Read our team profiles to find out more.Our expert team is experienced in helping people recover from burnout. Austin, Alec, Jenny and Joseph have a background in Organisational Psychology. Read our team profiles to find out more.
Austin Chu
Support for clarity, direction, personal goals, and meaningful growth.
Alec Smith
Practical support for work, life pressure, reflection, and sustainable change.
Jenny Bui
Support for professional growth, leadership, confidence, and wellbeing.
Joseph Yeow
Strengths-based support for resilience, direction, work, and life.
What happens next?
A clear process can make therapy feel less overwhelming.
Here is how we help you move from enquiry to a personalised care plan.
Enquire or book
Get in touch with our friendly team or book an appointment online. We’ll help you find the right psychologist and appointment time.
Your initial session
Your first session is a chance to talk about what’s been happening and what you’d like support with.
Your personalised plan
Ongoing support
Regular sessions provide a safe space to work towards your goals, build practical strategies and track your progress.
No GP referral is required to see a psychologist. A referral is only needed if you would like to claim Medicare rebates.
Understanding your fees and rebate options
We aim to make accessing psychological support as straightforward as possible. Medicare rebates may be available if you have an eligible Mental Health Care Plan and GP referral. We also welcome NDIS clients. For current appointment fees, rebates, and available options, please visit our FAQ page or contact our friendly team.
Session fees
Session fees start from $225 for General Psychologists, $235 for Senior Psychologists, and $245 for Principal Psychologists. For ‘after-hours’ appointments, an additional $15 surcharge applies (this includes appointments before 8:30 am and from 4:30 pm on weekdays, and weekends).
Medicare rebate
You can receive a Medicare rebate of $101.55 per appointment with a Mental Health Care Plan, for up to 10 sessions per calendar year.
WorkCover funding
WorkCover-funded sessions may be available for work-related burnout if you have a valid and current approval. If you’re not sure, reach out to your claims manager to check your eligibility for psychology sessions. Please note, gap fees apply and vary depending on the psychologist.
FAQ’s
Find answers about our services, fees, referrals, and what to expect when working with a psychologist. Still have a question? We’re happy to help.
What's the difference between burnout and depression?
Burnout is caused by chronic stress related to work or other life responsibilities. Symptoms are tied to the specific trigger, stressful environment, or work, but you may still find joy in other areas of life such as hobbies or relationships. However, when left untreated, burnout can lead to depression.
Depression is a mental health condition that affects all areas of life and is not linked to a specific cause. Common feelings include sadness, worthlessness, hopelessness, emptiness, and, at its extreme, suicidal thoughts or self-harm. Depression may require long-term care and a combination of medical treatment and psychological therapy.
Can WorkCover cover burnout treatment?
Yes, if you have a current approval from WorkCover for psychology. Please check with your claims manager if you are not sure. Gap fees may vary depending on the psychologist.
How long does burnout recovery take?
The recovery process can be different for everyone and can depend on your individual situation and goals for therapy. In general, shorter periods of therapy may range from 6 – 12 sessions to address a specific stressor that has popped up for the first time. Others may have longer-term involvement over years to maintain their mental wellbeing and prevent relapse.
Can burnout happen outside of work, e.g. parenting or caregiving?
Yes. Burnout can happen in any situation where ongoing demands leave you feeling emotionally or physically drained, particularly when there is little time for rest or recovery. Parenting, caregiving, studying, managing a household, or supporting a loved one can all contribute to burnout. You may notice persistent exhaustion, irritability, feeling overwhelmed, reduced motivation, or a sense that you’re struggling to keep up with everyday responsibilities. If these experiences sound familiar, you don’t have to manage them alone. It may be time to reach out for support.
Our Other Services
Resources for Your
Mental Health Journey
Book an Appointment
Appointments available by booking only.
Call us or send us a message to make a booking.
Phone: (03) 8330 5588
Email: hello@reimaginepsychology.melbourne
Address: 3 Howard Street, West Melbourne, VIC
Hours: Mon–Fri 9am–6pm · Sat 8am–3pm
Have a Question?
Leave your info and we’ll be in touch soon.
Your information is kept private and confidential.