Overview of Work-Related Stress & Burnout Counselling
Work-related stress affects people across all industries and levels of responsibility. It can develop slowly over time or arise suddenly during periods of pressure, conflict, change, or overwhelm. When stress becomes persistent, it can impact mental health, physical wellbeing, job performance and relationships — often leading to burnout if left untreated.
Work stress counselling offers a supportive space to understand what’s contributing to your stress, learn effective coping strategies, and regain a sense of balance. At Drop of Life Psychology, our therapists help individuals identify the root causes of stress, restore wellbeing, and build healthier patterns that support long-term resilience.
Understanding Work Stress & Burnout
Work-related stress can stem from a wide range of factors, including:
- High workloads or unrealistic expectations
- Workplace conflict or bullying
- Difficult dynamics with colleagues or management
- Compassion fatigue or emotional exhaustion
- Shift work or long hours
- Poor boundaries between work and home
- Job insecurity or major organisational changes
- Feeling undervalued, unsupported or overwhelmed
When these pressures continue without relief, they can develop into burnout, a state of emotional, physical and mental exhaustion. Burnout often includes:
- Feeling drained, depleted or “running on empty”
- Low motivation or loss of passion for work
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Increased mistakes or reduced productivity
- Cynicism or detachment
- Sleep difficulties
- Heightened anxiety or irritability
It’s important to recognise these signs early. With the right support, burnout is treatable, and work stress can be managed effectively.
How Work Stress Can Affect Your Life
Ongoing workplace stress often spills into other areas of life, such as:
- Emotional wellbeing (anxiety, worry, low mood)
- Physical health (headaches, fatigue, gut issues, muscle tension)
- Relationships with partners, children, or friends
- Sleep patterns
- Confidence and self-esteem
- Ability to switch off and relax
- Work-life balance
Understanding this broader impact helps guide treatment and ensures therapy targets the areas affecting you most.
How We Support Work-Related Stress
Our psychologists work with you to understand the challenges you are facing and develop strategies tailored to your situation. Sessions may include:
- Identifying stress triggers and unhelpful patterns
- Building healthy coping strategies
- Emotional regulation skills
- Assertive communication and boundary-setting
- Managing perfectionism or high-achievement pressure
- Working through workplace conflict or difficult relationships
- Values-based decision making
- Restoring work-life balance
- Preventing burnout and relapse
We use evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness, and strengths-based strategies to support sustainable change
When to Seek Support
It may be time to speak with a psychologist if you notice:
- Work stress is affecting your mood, sleep or physical health
- You feel overwhelmed, drained, or unable to switch off
- You’re avoiding work or feeling dread about going in
- Conflict or workplace issues feel unmanageable
- You’re questioning your confidence or abilities
- You feel stuck and unsure where to start
- You suspect burnout
Reaching out early can prevent symptoms from escalating and help you regain clarity and control.
How Work Stress Counselling Helps
Therapy provides a neutral, confidential space to explore difficult workplace situations that may feel hard to discuss with colleagues or managers. You will learn how to:
- Understand and manage stress
- Reduce overthinking and worry
- Improve decision-making
- Build confidence and assertiveness
- Navigate conflict calmly
- Strengthen resilience and coping
- Reconnect with your values and direction
Together, we work toward restoring emotional wellbeing, improving boundaries, and helping you feel more grounded both at work and at home.
Contact Us
If work stress or burnout is affecting your wellbeing, help is available.
Call our team on (07) 5520 7705 or get in touch to book an appointment with a psychologist who can support you in navigating workplace challenges and restoring balance.
