Feeling overwhelmed or completely drained? Life’s pressures can sometimes pile up and leave us struggling to keep going. If stress or burnout is affecting your daily life, you’re not alone. With counselling and therapy, you can take steps to regain control, manage stress, and restore balance.

What is Stress?

Stress happens to everyone—it’s a part of everyday life. But when stress becomes prolonged or chronic, it can negatively affect your mental and physical health. Common effects include:

  • Insomnia or trouble relaxing
  • Headaches and muscle tension
  • Feelings of anxiety or depressed mood
  • Weight gain
  • Increased risk of heart disease and high blood pressure

Therapy can help uncover and address the source of your stress – with respect to your work, relationships, family, or health.

Burnout Happens When Stress Takes Over

Burnout occurs when stress isn’t managed and reaches a breaking point. It’s more than just feeling tired—it’s emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion that can leave you feeling stuck and with a sense of hopelessness. Some signs of burnout include:

  • Constant fatigue and low energy
  • Difficulty focusing or feeling productive
  • Social withdrawal
  • Loss of motivation or interest in things you once cared about

Understanding the Stages of Burnout

Burnout doesn’t happen overnight. It develops in five stages:

  • Honeymoon Phase: You feel excited and optimistic about a new challenge.
  • Onset of Stress Phase: Fatigue and difficulty focusing start to creep in.
  • Chronic Stress Phase: You may start missing work, deadlines, or withdrawing from friends and family.
  • Burnout Phase: Stress takes over your life, leaving you mentally and physically drained.
  • Habitual Burnout Phase: Burnout becomes your “normal,” making it hard to function or find joy in daily life.


What’s the Difference Between Stress and Burnout?

While stress and burnout are related, they feel different:

Stress: You feel anxious, “full,” and emotionally heightened. Stress often pushes you to be more active.

Burnout: You feel emotionally “empty,” withdrawn, and struggle to find meaning in your work or life. Burnout often leads to disengagement and a sense of cynicism.

Understanding the difference is key to addressing your specific challenges effectively.

How Can Stress and Burnout Counselling Help?

As a therapist and counsellor, I will work with you to develop strategies that will help you regain a sense of efficacy and balance.

Counselling focuses on:

  • Identifying the root causes of your stress or burnout
  • Teaching effective coping mechanisms
  • Practicing relaxation techniques
  • Supporting better self-care routines

By prioritizing self-care and making meaningful changes, you can learn to better manage stress and burnout.

How do I know if I need counselling for stress or burnout?

If you’re feeling constantly overwhelmed, emotionally drained, or struggling to keep up with daily responsibilities, counselling can help. It is especially beneficial if stress or burnout is affecting your health, relationships, or work performance.

What can I expect in a session?

During your sessions, I will provide a safe and supportive space to explore your challenges and develop a personalized plan to reduce stress and improve your well-being. Techniques like relaxation exercises and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) may be used.

Do you offer virtual sessions?

Yes, I offer virtual and telephone counselling sessions across Ontario, making it convenient for you to get the support you need.

How do I book an appointment?

Feeling ready to take the first step? Booking is easy. Simply fill out the form below or email me (contact@susanshin.ca) to schedule your first session.

Request more information

If you are unsure about counselling or have any questions, I offer a free 15 minute phone consultation. Please contact me via email or phone to set up an appointment.

contact@susanshin.ca
647-243-1388