Work-Related Stress
Restoring balance and wellbeing
Understanding Work-Related Stress
Work occupies a significant part of our lives, and when the demands of the workplace begin to exceed our capacity to cope, the effects can be far-reaching. Work-related stress is not simply about having a busy schedule or a demanding role — it is a deeply felt experience that can erode your sense of self, your relationships, and your overall wellbeing.
Burnout, a state of chronic physical and emotional exhaustion, often develops gradually. You may notice increasing feelings of cynicism or detachment from work that once felt meaningful. Concentration becomes difficult. Sleep is disrupted. Irritability spills over into your personal life, straining your closest relationships. You may feel trapped, believing that you should be able to manage, while inwardly feeling overwhelmed and depleted.
It is important to recognise that work-related stress is not a sign of weakness or personal failure. It is a natural human response to sustained pressure, and it deserves compassionate attention. Many people carry the weight of workplace difficulties in silence, believing they must simply endure. Yet acknowledging the toll that stress is taking is itself an act of courage — and the first step towards recovery.
How Psychotherapy Can Help
In my practice, I work from a psychodynamic perspective, which means we do not simply focus on managing symptoms or developing coping strategies in isolation. Instead, we explore the deeper, often unconscious patterns that shape how you relate to work, authority, achievement, and self-worth. Many of these patterns have roots in early life experiences — in your family of origin, in the messages you received about success and failure, and in the relational dynamics that shaped your sense of who you are.
With over 20 years of experience as a Counselling Psychologist, I have worked with many individuals who feel consumed by the pressures of their professional lives. Through our collaborative therapeutic relationship, we work together to understand what drives the cycle of overwork and exhaustion, to identify the emotional needs that may be going unmet, and to build a more sustainable and fulfilling relationship with your professional life.
Psychotherapy offers a confidential, non-judgemental space where you can begin to make sense of your experience. As we develop trust and understanding together, you may find that the patterns which once felt fixed begin to shift, opening the way towards genuine resilience and renewed purpose.
“the relationship is the therapy”
You Might Benefit from Therapy If…
- You feel emotionally exhausted, drained, or burned out by the demands of your work
- You have lost motivation or a sense of purpose in your professional life
- Work-related anxiety or dread follows you home, disrupting your sleep or personal relationships
- You find it difficult to set boundaries, often taking on more than you can sustain
- You experience persistent feelings of inadequacy, self-doubt, or the fear of not being good enough at work
- Physical symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, or tension have become a regular part of your life
- You feel disconnected, cynical, or increasingly irritable with colleagues, family, or friends
Taking the First Step
Reaching out for support is a sign of strength, not weakness. I offer a warm, confidential, and supportive environment where you can begin to explore your experience at your own pace. Together, we can work towards restoring balance and meaning in your life.