Burnout and Growth: Narratives of Australian Psychologists

Y Research indicates that burnout is prevalent among psychologists. Despite this, relatively little research has explored the lived experience of burnout in psychologists. A richer understanding of burnout among psychologists is necessary to develop frameworks for future research and interventions. This study explored the lived experiences of 17 Australian psychologists in relation to burnout, recovery, and broader wellbeing. A qualitative narrative enquiry research methodology was used, with analysis conducted in two stages, descriptive then interpretative. Three key themes emerged from these narratives. Psychologists respond to burnout and stress by growing in a variety of ways, including changes focused on self-care and changes related to personal and professional identity. Psychologists who reflect on issues related to identity learn to moderate high expectations and accept their own limitations as therapists. Psychologists feel there is insufficient attention paid in the profession to the emotional needs of clinicians and the person of the therapist. Workplaces and training settings for psychologists need to reorient from a focus on performance and technique to also include the recognition and support of the personhood of the therapist, their self-care and emotional needs, and the limitations of their capacities.