Bron is joined by Ben Searle (Organisational Psychologist and burnout researcher) to unpack what it really looks like to treat clients with severe burnout. Ben shares his own experience of burning out during COVID after years of researching stress, and why even doing “all the right things” didn’t lead to quick recovery.
They chat about:
👉🏽 Why burnout is still poorly understood and often lacks clear treatment pathways
👉🏻 How to tell the difference between stress and severe burnout in your clients
👉 The hidden severity of burnout, including cognitive, emotional, and physical impacts
👉🏿 Why time off alone often isn’t enough for recovery (and what the research actually shows)
👉🏾 Practical ways to support clients, including hope-building, pacing, and re-engaging with meaningful activities
👉🏼 Working with cynicism, detachment, and loss of motivation in therapy
You’ll walk away from this episode with a clearer framework for recognising severe burnout and some realistic, compassionate ways to support recovery when clients feel completely stuck.
Guest: Dr Ben J. Searle - Organisational psychologist, survivor of burnout, host of 'Mind on the Job' podcast
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Mental Work is the podcast for psychologists about the realities of working in mental health, with an early-career focus. Hosted by psychologist/researcher Dr Bronwyn Milkins.
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Have a question, episode idea or just want to say hi? DM Bron on Instagram, leave a comment on the Spotify episode, or email mentalworkpodcast@gmail.com
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CREDITS
Producer: Michael English
Music: Home
Commitment: Mental Work believes in an inclusive and diverse mental health workforce. We honour the strength, resilience, and invaluable contributions of mental health workers with lived experiences of mental illness, disability, neurodivergence, LGBTIQA+ identities, and diverse culture and language. We recognise our First Nations colleagues as Traditional Custodians of the land and pay respect to Elders past, present, and emerging. Mental Work is recorded on unceded Whadjuk Noongar boodja.
Disclaimer: Mental Work provides informational content. Mental Work is not a psychological service and being a listener or guest does not establish a therapeutic relationship. Content should not be considered a replacement for professional consultation or therapy. All views expressed are personal, subject to change, and do not represent those of any affiliated employer, service, or organisation past or present. Efforts are made to ensure accuracy, but opinions may not always align with fact. Listeners are encouraged to thoughtfully assess the information presented and report any inaccuracies or concerns via email. Further information can be found here.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
