Chronic Stress
& Burnout Therapy in Kingston

When coping turns into surviving, it’s time for support

What chronic stress and burnout can look like.

Chronic stress and burnout don’t always arrive dramatically. More often, they build quietly, through long days of responsibility, emotional labour, pressure to perform, and little space to recover. Over time, what once felt manageable can start to feel heavy, draining, or impossible to sustain.

Burnout is more than “being tired.” It often shows up as a combination of physical, emotional, and cognitive strain, such as:

  • Constant exhaustion, even after rest
  • Feeling overwhelmed, numb, or emotionally flat
  • Irritability, resentment, or reduced patience
  • Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
  • Loss of motivation or enjoyment in things that once mattered
  • Physical symptoms (headaches, muscle tension, digestive issues)
  • A sense of being “on edge” or unable to fully relax
  • Feeling trapped between responsibilities and personal limits
  • Many people experiencing burnout are highly capable, caring, and committed to their work, families, or others.

Burnout is not a personal failure; it’s often a sign that your system has been under strain for too long.

In therapy, we may work on:

  • Identifying stress patterns and early warning signs
  • Understanding how your nervous system responds to prolonged pressure
  • Developing practical strategies to reduce overwhelm and restore energy
  • Exploring boundaries, roles, and expectations that may be unsustainable
  • Addressing perfectionism, people-pleasing, or chronic self-criticism
  • Processing emotional labour, workplace stress, or caregiver fatigue
  • Reconnecting with rest, meaning, and values without adding more “to-dos”

Therapy is not about pushing you to do more or “fixing” you. It’s about creating conditions in which your system can recover and change becomes possible.

Burnout often affects people who…

  • Work in helping, caregiving, or high-responsibility roles
  • Feel responsible for others’ well-being
  • Struggle to rest without guilt
  • Have learned to push through stress rather than respond to it
  • Have experienced long-term pressure, trauma, or emotional neglect
  • Are balancing work, parenting, relationships, and limited support

Therapeutic Approaches

Evidence-Based Approaches That Work

Our therapists are trained in modalities specifically designed for stress and burnout.

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)

Deepens emotional safety and restores connection between partners.

Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy

Identifies thought patterns that fuel misunderstandings.

Internal Family Systems (IFS)

Explores the protective parts each person brings into the relationship.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Builds flexibility and value-driven responses to conflict.

Couples and Family Therapy

Address relational dynamics and strengthen support systems.

Narrative Therapy

Shift the story from “this is who we are” to “this is what we’re learning.”

You Don't Have to Know What You Need

At Cataraqui Counselling Clinic, you don’t have to be anyone but yourself. We offer a non-judgmental, confidential, and compassionate space where you can feel comfortable being you. Whether you’re looking for support with a specific mental health concern or simply need a place to process what you’re going through, our Kingston therapists will meet you where you are. Meaningful change begins with you, and we’re here to walk alongside you every step of the way.

Our clinic is conveniently located at 107-1020 Bayridge Drive in Kingston, Ontario, with flexible scheduling options including daytime, evening, and weekend availability. Not in Kingston? Virtual counselling sessions are available for anyone in Ontario.

Session Cost

$80–$180 per individual session

Location

In-person at 107-1020 Bayridge Drive, Kingston ON or virtual anywhere in Ontario

First Step

Free 15-minute phone consultation to see if we’re the right fit

Our Team

Meet the Therapists

These therapists have experience supporting individuals through chronic stress and burnout.

victoria davies

Victoria Davies

Registered Psychotherapist

brianna rooks collinson

Brianna Rooks-Collinson

RP (Qualifying)

kavita brijpaul

Kavita Brijpaul

Registered Psychotherapist

rebecca bates

Rebecca Bates

Registered Social Worker

jaime kempster

Jaime Kempster

Registered Psychotherapist

Kaylie Jansen

Kaylie Jansen

RP (Qualifying)

Affordable Therapy with Student Interns

Our supervised student intern therapists offer quality therapy at reduced rates — $80 per session with sliding-scale and pro bono spots available.

Our Space

Our Counselling Office in Kingston

counselling-office-kingston
counselling-office-kingston
counselling-office-kingston

Ready To Start Your Healing Journey

Book a free 15-minute phone consultation. No commitment, no pressure — just a conversation about what you’re going through and how we can help.