Workplace Stress

Workplace stress is one of the most common challenges people bring to therapy, yet it’s often the one we feel the most pressure to minimize. Many of us are taught to “push through,” stay productive, and hold ourselves together—even when our bodies and emotions are telling us that something is deeply wrong. You may find yourself overwhelmed, exhausted, irritable, or unable to fully rest even when you’re off the clock. You may feel pressure to perform at a high level every day, no matter what is happening in your personal life. Or you may feel stuck in a job that drains you, but unsure how to make a change.

At Catalyst Counseling, we understand that workplace stress is not simply about having “too much to do.” It often involves a complex mix of expectations, power dynamics, identity factors, emotional labor, unresolved conflict, and the toll of constantly trying to meet standards that feel impossible—or constantly shifting. We provide a warm, culturally humble space to explore the impact of work on your mental health, your relationships, and your sense of self.

How Workplace Stress Shows Up

Workplace stress can take many forms, and it often sneaks up slowly. You may notice:
Constant overwhelm or mental exhaustion
Difficulty relaxing, even during time off
Irritability, frustration, or emotional reactivity
Trouble concentrating or staying organized
Physical symptoms like headaches, fatigue, or stomach issues
Feeling disconnected, numb, or “checked out”
Anxiety about making mistakes or disappointing others
Avoidance of certain tasks or responsibilities
Loss of motivation or sense of meaning
Conflict with coworkers or supervisors
Feeling underappreciated, overlooked, or invisible
A sense that you must “prove yourself” constantly
For many people, workplace stress becomes intertwined with core beliefs about worth, success, safety, and identity.

The Hidden Layers of Workplace Stress
Work stress doesn’t happen in isolation—it is influenced by culture, identity, and systemic forces. Our therapists understand that:
Racial and gender biases can shape how people are evaluated, supported, or treated at work
LGBTQIA+ employees may carry the stress of navigating authenticity and safety
First-generation professionals may feel intense pressure to succeed
Immigrants may manage cultural differences, language barriers, or visa-related uncertainty
Neurodivergent employees often face sensory overwhelm, burnout, masking, or misunderstood communication styles
Caregivers and parents may struggle with competing demands
People with chronic illness or disabilities may experience discrimination or lack of accommodations

When these realities are minimized in the workplace, stress compounds. Our culturally humble approach recognizes these layers—not as excuses, but as vital context for understanding your experience.

Burnout: When Stress Becomes Unsustainable
Burnout is more than stress. It is the point at which your emotional, mental, and physical reserves feel depleted. Burnout can include:
Emotional exhaustion
Cynicism or irritability
Feeling ineffective or unmotivated
Decreased empathy
Difficulty making decisions
Withdrawing socially
Feeling trapped or hopeless

Burnout is not a personal failing. It is a nervous system in survival mode. Therapy creates space to understand what led to burnout and how you can heal.

Workplace Trauma and Chronic Stress
Some workplaces are actively harmful. Toxic dynamics, harassment, discrimination, unrealistic expectations, or unstable leadership can create environments where you are always bracing for the next problem. Over time, this can lead to symptoms that resemble trauma: hypervigilance, fear of speaking up, emotional numbness, or trouble trusting others. Your reactions make sense. Therapy provides a space to understand what your body is carrying and how to move toward safety and empowerment.

Our Approach to Workplace Stress
At Catalyst, we don’t give generic advice like “take more breaks” or “set better boundaries.” Your stress deserves a far more thoughtful and personalized approach.

1. Understanding the System You Work In
We explore your workplace culture, expectations, power dynamics, and the unwritten rules that shape your experience. This helps you understand whether your stress comes from your role, the environment, perfectionistic patterns, or systemic factors.

2. Exploring Your Internal Landscape
Work often activates deeper emotional themes. We may explore:
People-pleasing or fear of conflict
Perfectionism or fear of failure
Imposter syndrome
Identity pressures or cultural expectations
Trauma triggers
Difficulty saying no
The belief that your worth is tied to productivity
These patterns likely developed with good reason. Therapy helps you understand them with compassion rather than shame.

3. Supporting Your Nervous System
Chronic stress affects the body. We focus on:
Somatic grounding
Polyvagal-informed strategies
Reducing hypervigilance
Identifying physical signs of stress
Learning to shift from survival mode to regulation
When the body feels calmer, decisions become clearer.

4. Strengthening Skills That Support You
Depending on your needs, we may work on:
Communication and boundary-setting
Prioritization and task management
Navigating conflict or difficult conversations
Coping with imposter syndrome
Rebuilding motivation
Evaluating career changes with clarity
Skills are always adapted to your cultural and personal context.

5. Reclaiming Meaning and Balance
Many people want to rediscover:
Purpose
Creativity
Joy
Autonomy
A sense of direction
Therapy helps you reconnect with these parts of yourself—to remember that you are more than your job.

You Deserve Support
Work occupies a significant part of life, but it should not consume your entire identity or drain your sense of possibility. You deserve a space where your experience is taken seriously, your emotions are honored, and your wellbeing matters.

Our therapists help you understand the pressures you’re under, make choices that align with your values, and rebuild a relationship with work—and yourself—that feels grounded and sustainable.

You don’t have to manage workplace stress alone. We’re here to support you.