What happens when you know you’re done with therapy work—but you still can’t leave? In this episode of The Therapist Burnout Podcast, Jen continues the Private Practice Closure Series with an honest look at the in-between season: when your mind, body, and heart are saying “enough,” but your circumstances don’t yet allow for a full exit.

Jen shares her personal experience of sitting in this space—knowing she was finished with 1:1 work long before she actually closed her practice—and what she’s learned from supporting other therapists in that same tension.

You don’t need a sign or a playbook to know you’re done. You already know. But there are small, sustainable ways to make your work more tolerable while you prepare to leave.

💬 In this episode, Jen covers:

• Why therapists often stay in their practices far longer than is healthy
• The clinical, emotional, and practical fears that keep us stuck
• How our bodies sound the alarm through anxiety, health issues, and shutdown
• The myth of “failing” if you leave your practice or the therapy field
• How to listen to your body’s cues and start pacing your exit
• Practical micro-moves:
  • Reviewing your caseload for depletion vs. renewal
  • Reconnecting to treatment goals and considering ethical terminations
  • Discharging long-term clients who no longer meet goals
  • Reducing hours, enforcing cancellations, or outsourcing billing
• Why adding certifications or going private pay often isn’t the answer when you’re burned out
• Real talk about online business and coaching—why it’s not a quick fix
• How slowing down and nervous system recovery create the clarity you actually need

🧭 If you’re in this stage...

You may not be able to leave yet—and that’s okay. The work right now is making things as tolerable as possible while you prepare for what’s next.

Small shifts create space for the bigger decisions.

🔗 Resources Mentioned:

• Private Practice Closure Guide https://balanced-thunder-281.myflodesk.com/closureguide your step-by-step playbook for the logistics of closing your practice
• Previous episodes in the Private Practice Closure Series (listen to episodes 91–92 for context)

💡 Reflection Prompt:

What is your body trying to tell you about your work right now—and where might you need to listen more closely?