Burnout, Identity Shifts, and
Feeling “Not Enough”
When the drive that once fueled you now feels like pressure
-
You used to function at a high level.
-
You pushed through. You achieved. You handled it.
-
Now you’re exhausted.
-
Maybe work feels heavier.
-
Maybe you question your direction.
-
Maybe the voice in your head keeps saying, “You should be further by now.”
-
Burnout doesn’t just drain energy. It can quietly unravel your identity.
-
And when your identity has been built on achievement, usefulness, or being the dependable one — burnout can start to feel like worthlessness.
Signs you may be stuck in the burnout–worthlessness cycle
-
Chronic exhaustion even after rest
-
Irritability or emotional numbness
-
Loss of motivation or direction
-
Feeling behind compared to peers
-
Increased self-criticism
-
Rumination and second-guessing
-
Pulling away from people
-
Questioning your value beyond what you produce
Many high-functioning adults don’t call this depression.
They call it “just stress.”
But internally, it feels like something is unraveling.
What a Navigating Change looks like
Major shifts — burnout, identity disruption, questioning your worth — require more than “pushing through.”
As a Therapist, I help you:
1. Slow the spiral
We reduce the constant mental noise — the overthinking, self-criticism, and pressure loops.
2. Rebuild identity from the inside out
Not based on performance.
Not based on comparison.
But based on values, strengths, and a steadier internal foundation.
3. Address the root of worthlessness
We examine where the “I’m not enough” narrative began — achievement pressure, early experiences, relational wounds, or chronic stress patterns — and begin restructuring it.
4. Restore sustainable functioning
Burnout recovery isn’t about quitting everything.
It’s about rebuilding energy, boundaries, clarity, and direction in a way that lasts.
Therapy for High-Functioning Adults Who Feel Lost
You may look successful on paper.
But internally:
-
You’re tired of carrying expectations.
-
You feel disconnected from who you used to be.
-
You worry that if you slow down, everything will fall apart.
Therapy becomes a place where:
-
You don’t have to perform.
-
You don’t have to prove your worth.
-
You can sort through the confusion without judgment.
My Approach
With over 25 years of clinical experience, I provide structured, collaborative psychotherapy for adults navigating high-stress seasons and identity transitions.
Depending on your needs, our work may include:
-
Cognitive strategies for self-critical thought patterns
-
Nervous system stabilization for chronic stress
-
EMDR-informed work when earlier experiences contribute to shame or inadequacy
-
Values clarification and behavioral alignment
-
Practical boundary-setting and burnout recovery planning
The goal is not just insight.
The goal is clarity, steadiness, and movement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this therapy or coaching?
This is psychotherapy focused on emotional health, identity patterns, burnout, and underlying narratives of worth. If stress, shame, anxiety, or depressive symptoms are present, therapy is the appropriate setting.
​
I’m functioning — does that mean I don’t “need” therapy?
Many clients are high-functioning. Burnout and worthlessness often show up internally long before they disrupt external performance.
​
What if I don’t know who I am without my achievements?
That’s a common starting point. We work gradually to define identity beyond productivity and performance.
​
Do you offer online sessions?
Yes. Therapy is provided online for adults seeking structured, practical support.