Episode 4: Burnout Isn’t Always Obvious

In this episode of Both Sides of the Couch, Kari unpacks the often sneaky onset of burnout, not just as a therapist, but as a human living with chronic illness. She shares how her definition of “enough” has evolved from grinding through nine clients a day to creating sustainable balance with a four-client maximum.

Kari reflects on how burnout doesn’t always announce itself with warning signs, sometimes it just hits, and other times it slowly builds through physical, emotional, or “health burnout,” where managing chronic illness becomes its own full-time job.

She offers insight into recognizing early warning signs, building a wellness plan, and using the “wellness wheel” to identify areas of imbalance before exhaustion takes over. Kari emphasizes that burnout can’t always be prevented, but it can be managed, with boundaries, community, and compassion.

✨ Takeaway: “You can’t manage burnout alone.” Check in with yourself, reevaluate your balance, and accept help, because no one can hold it all by themselves.