5 Burnout-Busting Boundaries Every Clinician Needs to Set

By Emily Hanlon

Intro: Burnout Doesn’t Slam Into You, It Creeps In Quietly

Burnout isn’t a sudden collapse; it’s a slow leak, usually caused by blurred boundaries and constant overextension.

Burnout doesn’t announce itself. It’s not a dramatic collapse or a one-off breakdown. It’s slow. Sneaky. It builds as your boundaries dissolve, day by day. As clinicians, we’re trained to hold space for others—but if we don’t hold space for ourselves, no one else will.

Let’s explore how you can draw the line, firmly, respectfully, and unapologetically, before burnout sets up camp in your nervous system.

1. Keep Work at Work

Emails. Session notes. Planning. If it’s not in your workday schedule, it doesn’t happen at home. Period. These things MUST be in your calendar, even if they are not client contact hours. You are not being paid to write notes while you’re cooking dinner or mentally rehearse tomorrow’s client session during bedtime stories. Treat your non-work time as sacred. Schedule your admin hours during the day. If they’re not there, they don’t exist.

2. Remove All Work Emails From Your Phone

Yes, all of them. This was literally the best decision I ever made, and my husband was the person who forced me to do it. It might feel extreme, but it might also save your mental health.

I didn’t make this decision lightly. It came after my husband pointed out how much it was ruining me. I was mentally checked out of family time, and emotionally, I was still at work. The moment I deleted those apps, the difference was immediate. The weight lifted. My evenings became mine again. And yours can too.

3. Set Clear Session Boundaries (And Script Them)

Boundary creep often begins with “just one more thing…” from a client. That’s why it’s vital to set clear expectations around session timing. “We’ll chat for 50 minutes, and I use the last 10 minutes for admin and documentation.” That 10-minute buffer isn’t extra, it’s essential. When clients know this from the start, they’re less likely to push over time, and you’re more likely to finish on time. I’ve included the full boundary-setting script in my Students & Graduates Guide (free for forum members).

4. Be Honest When You’re At Capacity

You’re not a machine. If you’re stretched, speak up. Whether it’s to your manager, your supervisor, or yourself, acknowledge when your caseload is unsustainable. Try asking for:

• A protected hour to catch up

• A temporary hold on new referrals

• Adjusted expectations for reporting

Most workplaces (especially in allied health and mental health) want to retain their staff, not break them. And if your workplace is not accomodating? It's time to book a supervision session to help you get your boundaries back in place.

5. Define What “Off-Duty” Means for You

Maybe it’s logging off at 5 p.m. Maybe it’s disabling notifications on your personal phone. Maybe it’s a physical ritual....like a walk, a shower, or changing clothes after work. Whatever it is, define it clearly. And stick to it like your license depends on it, because your wellbeing absolutely does.

And Remember: Boundaries Aren’t a Luxury....They’re Survival

This work is sacred, yes. But so is your nervous system. So is your family. So is your rest. Boundaries are not selfish, they’re your most powerful tool for staying well, staying present, and staying in this work for the long haul. Start with one. Practice it. Then stack the others on when you're ready. You don’t have to earn rest. You just have to claim it.