Find Therapy for Work Stress

Medically reviewed by Gabriela Asturias, MD on May 23, 2025
Written by the MiResource team

Work is a major part of life—but it shouldn't take over your life. When professional pressure becomes overwhelming, when your job starts to affect your sleep, relationships, or emotional health, it’s time to pause and prioritize your well-being. Therapy for work stress offers a space to breathe, reflect, and rebuild balance—because your mental health matters as much as your performance.

  • Lisa Johnson, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

    Lisa Johnson

    Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

    Remote only

    Lisa Johnson is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in undefined, undefined. They treat Work/Life Balance, Career, Relationship(s) with Parents/Children/Family.

    Therapist + prescriber offering virtual mental health services, ADHD testing & meds for college students & adults. 100% Virtual, Evening & weekend hours.

    View profile
  • Jamie Farrelly, Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)

    Jamie Farrelly

    Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)

    Remote only

    Jamie Farrelly is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) in undefined, undefined. They treat Work/Life Balance, Academic Concerns, Depression.

    College life can be overwhelming. I help young adults (18+) build coping skills in a safe, inclusive space to navigate stress, trauma, and life changes

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  • Kate Stewart, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC)

    Kate Stewart

    Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Counselor, Psychotherapist

    1684 Medina Road, Medina, Ohio 44256

    Kate Stewart is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in Medina, Ohio and has been in practice for 8 years. They treat Work/Life Balance, Physical Assault, Trauma.

    Our passion is creating a safe space to treat adults, children, couples, and families with their mental health needs.

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  • Kelly Huffaker, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

    Kelly Huffaker

    Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

    2460 West Ray Road, Chandler, Arizona 85224

    Kelly Huffaker is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Chandler, Arizona and has been in practice for 5 years. They treat Work/Life Balance, Postpartum Depression, Anger Issues.

    Dedicated to fostering a supportive environment where individuals can find healing, understanding, & empowerment on their journey towards mental wellness.

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  • Stephen Barlow, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

    Stephen Barlow

    Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

    5540 Falmouth Street, Richmond, Virginia 23230

    Stephen Barlow is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Richmond, Virginia. They treat Work/Life Balance, Spiritual/Religious Concerns, Insomnia.

    I help people overcome anxiety, depression, and stress stemming from relationships or past experiences, in individual or couples counseling.

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  • T.Lee Shostack, Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)

    T.Lee Shostack

    Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)

    Remote only

    T.Lee Shostack is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) in undefined, undefined and has been in practice for 12 years. They treat Work/Life Balance, Performance Anxiety, Sexual Identity.

    Therapy services for adults in Massachusetts and Vermont, providing group, relationship, and individual therapy. I have immediate daytime availability.

    View profile

You don't need to earn rest. Your well-being matters as much as your achievements.

Gabriela Asturias, MD

What are the signs that work stress is affecting my mental health?

Not all stress is harmful—some pressure can motivate and sharpen focus. But when stress becomes chronic or unmanageable, it begins to harm your emotional and physical well-being.

Common signs of work-related stress include:

  • Constant irritability or anxiety—feeling “on edge” all the time
  • Exhaustion even after a full night’s sleep
  • Difficulty focusing, making decisions, or remembering details
  • Dread of the workweek or feeling trapped in your job
  • Frequent headaches, stomachaches, or muscle tension
  • Social withdrawal or snapping at loved ones
  • Loss of motivation or purpose
  • Panic attacks or depressive symptoms before, during, or after work
  • Changes in appetite, sleep, or substance use

If these symptoms persist or worsen, it's more than just a tough week—it’s a sign that you may benefit from therapy for work stress.


It’s never too early—or too late—to get support. Consider seeking a work life balance therapist if:

  • You feel emotionally depleted at the end of every day
  • You find it difficult to relax, even when off the clock
  • You're constantly thinking about quitting—but feel stuck
  • You're experiencing stress-related health issues
  • Your relationships are suffering due to work demands
  • You feel like your identity or self-worth is tied solely to performance
  • You're coping in unhealthy ways (e.g., overeating, drinking, avoidance)

Sometimes people wait until they hit a breaking point. But therapy works best as early intervention—helping you catch signs of burnout before they take over.


What types of therapy help with job burnout or chronic work stress?

A range of therapeutic approaches can be effective for managing chronic work stress and job burnout, including:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Helps you identify and shift unhelpful thoughts like:

  • “I’m not allowed to say no.”
  • “If I rest, I’ll fall behind.”
  • “I have to be perfect to be valuable.”

CBT focuses on realistic, balanced thinking, emotion regulation, and behavioral change.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Helps you reconnect with your core values and let go of control over external stressors. ACT can help you move forward, even in the face of uncertainty or fear.

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)

Reduces physical symptoms of stress and improves your present-moment awareness so that you respond rather than react to triggers.

Narrative and Psychodynamic Therapy

Explores how your past experiences shape your current relationship with work, worth, and authority—especially helpful if you’ve internalized toxic achievement patterns.

A work life balance therapist may integrate several approaches based on your needs, work environment, and personality.


Can therapy help me improve my work-life balance?

Yes—and often dramatically. Therapy is one of the most effective tools for achieving work life balance, especially if you’ve been stuck in a cycle of overwork, guilt, or people-pleasing.

In therapy for work life balance, you’ll learn to:

  • Clarify your values so you can align your schedule and energy with what matters
  • Identify boundary violations and habitual over-functioning
  • Communicate assertively with colleagues or supervisors
  • Create rituals for rest and recharge that support productivity
  • Redefine success on your own terms—not hustle culture’s

Work-life balance isn’t a fixed destination—it’s an evolving relationship with time, energy, and priorities. With the help of a trained therapist, it becomes much easier to maintain that balance without guilt.


What is burnout, and how is it different from regular stress?

Burnout is more than just feeling tired or busy. It’s a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress—especially when you feel overextended and under-supported.

Symptoms of burnout include:

  • Chronic fatigue that rest doesn’t fix
  • Cynicism, detachment, or numbness at work
  • A sense of ineffectiveness, failure, or hopelessness
  • Reduced concentration and performance
  • Emotional outbursts or emotional flatness
  • Dreading every workday or avoiding responsibilities

Unlike regular stress, burnout doesn’t go away with a weekend off or a vacation. It requires systemic change, internal reflection, and often professional support. That’s where a therapist for work-related stress can help you recover your sense of direction and well-being.


How do I set healthy boundaries between work and personal life?

Setting boundaries isn’t just about saying “no”—it’s about saying “yes” to your energy, rest, and personal priorities. In therapy, you’ll learn how to:

  • Recognize when your boundaries are being crossed
  • Express your limits clearly and respectfully
  • Manage guilt or anxiety about disappointing others
  • Detach from perfectionism and unrealistic expectations
  • Design a sustainable workday with built-in rest and recovery
  • Use physical and psychological cues to separate work and home (especially in remote jobs)

Boundaries are a form of self-leadership—and they’re essential for managing work life balance long-term.


Can stress from work cause anxiety, depression, or physical health problems?

Yes. Chronic work stress can deeply affect both mental and physical health. The longer it goes unaddressed, the greater the risk.

Mental Health Risks:

  • Generalized anxiety or panic attacks
  • Depressive symptoms or suicidal ideation
  • Burnout-related emotional detachment
  • Trouble sleeping or racing thoughts
  • Loss of motivation, joy, or creativity

Physical Health Risks:

  • Weakened immune system
  • Tension headaches or migraines
  • High blood pressure or heart issues
  • Digestive problems (IBS, ulcers)
  • Hormonal imbalances or reproductive issues

Stress is cumulative. The sooner you begin therapy for work stress, the more you can protect your mental clarity and physical well-being.


What coping strategies or tools can help me manage work pressure more effectively?

In therapy, you’ll learn a toolbox of strategies for managing pressure, including:

  • Time-blocking and priority planning to reduce overwhelm
  • Mindfulness exercises to slow reactive thoughts and calm the nervous system
  • Cognitive reframing to shift self-defeating beliefs
  • Breathwork and movement for quick stress release during the day
  • Sleep hygiene and digital detoxing to support brain recovery
  • Values-based goal setting so your efforts feel meaningful—not just busy

You’ll also learn to recognize early signs of overwork and pivot before hitting a wall.

Find care for you

Recovery is possible. With early intervention, a supportive community, and the right professional care, you can overcome challenges and build a fulfilling life. We’re here to help you find the support you need.

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Find Therapy for Work Stress | Work Stress Therapy | MiResource