Specialised coaching for therapists and
psychologists who are at risk of burnout
A very warm welcome, and thanks for dropping by. We’re currently preparing to release the second edition of Mindfulness Burnout Prevention (MBP) scheduled for publication in February 2026. This updated edition will feature a new foreword by Meriel Stanton, an accomplished psychologist and psychotherapist, as well as a new introduction by Dr Bernice Sant, an experience peak performance psychologist.Please check back closer to the time for more details about the updated workbook, as well as upcoming specialised coaching offerings and retreats designed specifically for therapists and psychologists.In the meantime, for more information, or to claim your guided meditation audio recordings which were included in the first edition, email us today at [email protected]
© Mindfulness Burnout Prevention (MBP). All rights reserved 2015-2025. UK & EU.
About
Specialised coaching to prevent
burnout and restore clarity
Since its first publication and specialised coaching services back in 2015, we’ve always had health professionals in mind. Over time, our clarity has deepened, and our commitment to coaching therapists and psychologists has become increasingly focused and purposeful.Mindfulness Burnout Prevention (MBP) provides specialised coaching to therapists and psychologists who are at risk of burnout and emotional exhaustion, helping them cultivate resilience and experience greater clarity.We understand and deeply appreciate the challenges that come with being a successful, in-demand therapist, or psychologist. From nurturing your own mental and emotional health, to holding space for your clients, to the professional isolation that can often come with the role—all while navigating your own personal life—this work can be both rewarding and depleting.Burnout and exhaustion are common risks over the span of a long career in mental health or peak performance psychology. And recovering from extreme fatigue is rarely straightforward; it’s often a long, draining process. And so, it makes sense to invest in your future by establishing strong, sustainable support—carefully placed structures that help you avoid burnout, rather than facing a potential 9–12 month recovery period. In more severe cases, recovery can stretch to 14–16 months.The data around burnout in your profession is consistent, though the degree of risk varies. Psychotherapists working with eating disorders, psychologists trained in psychotherapy, and those in private addiction treatment settings are particularly vulnerable.With a structured coaching framework, a personalised support plan, and access to seasoned, mindfulness-based coaches, we offer a strong and reliable partnership for mental health professionals. Your privacy is treated with the utmost respect and discretion.
Founder
Christopher Dines is an author, a seasoned mindfulness coach for therapists and psychologists, and a former DJ. He has published eight books on mindfulness and addiction, including The Kindness Habit, which he co-authored with Dr. Barbara Mariposa, a distinguished medical doctor. Christopher’s books have featured forewords by renowned figures such as Rudolph E. Tanzi, PhD, of Harvard Medical School, and the late John Bradshaw—#1 New York Times bestselling author—at The Meadows, Arizona.Christopher founded and published Mindfulness Burnout Prevention (MBP) training and coaching in 2015, having already authored several books on mindfulness, goal manifestation, and deep meditation practices. He is particularly in sync with the therapeutic and psychological communities, having worked as part of clinical and therapeutic teams in private clinics, and through facilitating over 200 workshops.
© Mindfulness Burnout Prevention (MBP). All rights reserved 2015-2025. UK & EU.
Coaching
Evidence-based coaching to cultivate
clarity, resilience, and tranquillity
One-on-One Coaching
In this 8-week Mindfulness Burnout Prevention (MBP) coaching package, we'll both support and guide you in preventing burnout and reconnecting with clarity, energy, and enthusiasm in your work.This specialised package includes eight one-on-one sessions over eight weeks, designed to help you build emotional resilience. You’ll receive personalised mindfulness coaching to support lasting change and manifesting your goals. A certificate will be provided upon completion.As with group coaching, this package draws on fresh insights and refined techniques from the forthcoming second edition of Mindfulness Burnout Prevention (MBP).If you’d like to move forward, contact us today at [email protected]. We can then arrange a complimentary 15-minute introductory call.
Group Coaching
Specialised, tailored group coaching can be especially effective—particularly when everyone is in sync. In this 8-week Mindfulness Burnout Prevention (MBP) group coaching package, we’ll support and guide you in preventing burnout and reconnecting with clarity, energy, and enthusiasm in your work.This specialised programme is designed to meet the immediate needs of the group. It includes eight one-on-one coaching sessions over eight weeks, each focused on building emotional resilience. You’ll receive personalised mindfulness coaching to support lasting change and the manifestation of your goals. A certificate will be provided upon completion.As with one-on-one coaching, this package draws on fresh insights and refined techniques from the forthcoming second edition of Mindfulness Burnout Prevention (MBP) scheduled for publication in February 2026.If you’d like to move forward, email [email protected]. We can then arrange a 15-minute consultation call.
© Mindfulness Burnout Prevention (MBP). All rights reserved 2015-2025. UK & EU.
Events
Restoring energy and serenity begins
with regular, intentional rest
We're in the process of facilitating mindfulness retreats in Spain and Malta in 2026 and 2027, designed to support the mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being of psychotherapists and psychologists.There’s something uniquely rewarding about the connection and community that these retreats help build. If you’d like to stay informed about upcoming retreats and receive exclusive updates and offers, sign up the Mindfulness Burnout Prevention (MBP) newsletter.
Press Pause on Anxiety — Professional Development Workshop
On Friday 17th October 2025, Christopher Dines will be co-facilitating an online workshop with an experienced psychotherapist and author, Fran RobertsThis session will provide:
• Evidence-based mindfulness tools for managing personal anxiety
• Practical strategies you can integrate into clinical work with clients
• A supportive space to pause, reflect, and strengthen resilienceThe workshop is designed for therapists, and psychologists, who want to deepen their self-care while gaining tools they can bring into their practice. If you’d like to attend, or learn more, simply email [email protected] with any questions.Alternatively, visit Eventbrite to secure your digital seat today.
© Mindfulness Burnout Prevention (MBP). All rights reserved 2015-2025. UK & EU.
Insights & Updates
Essentially, mindfulness means having
a deeper awareness of what is
Sustaining Calm and Enjoying Serenity
Therapists and psychologists committed to preventing burnout often engage in regular supervision, sometimes monthly or more, and connect with peers for mutual support. These practices not only benefit the professionals themselves but also improve outcomes for their clients. Sustaining boundaries, such as avoiding weekend work and seeking natural ways to feel calm and serene, is a sign of strength.Unfortunately, burnout remains a persistent issue among otherwise brilliant and accomplished therapists and psychologists. Certain professionals are at higher risk: for example, eating disorder psychotherapists and clinicians working full-time with substance misusers often face intense, emotionally taxing caseloads. Younger or newer trauma therapists, eager to prove themselves, may also take on gruelling workloads that jeopardise their own health, sometimes leading to early career exit.The good news is that burnout is preventable. It requires a structured support system, including supervision, specialised coaching, and peer group support. Prevention also demands deliberate action and clarity to identify pressure points in both professional and personal life. Mindfulness is particularly effective: it promotes clarity, self-awareness, neural connectivity, and helps reset the nervous system. As reported in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, a randomised clinical trial demonstrated that “practice of mindfulness meditation results in a decreased response to stress, and mindfulness-based interventions have been effective at reducing workplace stress and burnout.”A practical tool for cultivating a mindful, deliberate lifestyle is to regularly check in with yourself throughout the day. Ground yourself in the present by taking a long, deep breath, ensuring that your exhale is longer than your inhale. For added benefit, place both feet firmly on the ground while breathing. These simple practices help reset the nervous system and create moments of calm and serenity. Professionals who integrate mindfulness into their personal routines tend to experience more frequent calm, as mindfulness positively influences brain function. The more attention given to the breath, the stronger the prefrontal cortex becomes, supporting higher-order mental functions.A 2024 case study titled Neurobiological Changes Induced by Mindfulness and Meditation: A Systematic Review, published by the National Library of Medicine, highlights the neurobiological benefits of mindfulness: “Their study emphasized the interplay between gene expression pathways activated in stress responses, with an observed increase in neural activity in regions associated with emotional regulation. Bakshi and Srivastava (2024) explained the neurobiological understanding of yoga and mindfulness, and their effects on neuronal function, stress, and well-being. Their review showed that the impact of mindfulness and yoga on the brain areas responsible for regulating stress, emotional control, and cognitive processes is positive. Specifically, function is enhanced in areas such as the prefrontal cortex and amygdala, which substantiate emotional resilience and improve cognitive control.”By integrating mindfulness into your daily routine, sustaining calm and enjoying serenity is possible.All the best,
Christopher Dines
MBP 10-Year Anniversary (First Edition)
— Published in July 2015
It’s the 10-year anniversary of Mindfulness Burnout Prevention (MBP), which was published in July 2015. At the time of writing the manuscript, many health professionals were warning that exhaustion, burnout, and mental illness would become endemic in many Western countries by 2020, including medical doctor and author Dr. Barbara Mariposa, who wrote the foreword to Mindfulness Burnout Prevention (MBP). However, none of us could have foreseen Covid-19 and its grave impact in the years that followed. During the pandemic, both in the UK and globally, people were under incredible stress, and exhaustion became widespread, continuing into the post-Covid years.As a mindfulness coach and practitioner, I witnessed firsthand how both therapists and psychologists were deeply affected during the Covid-19 era and beyond, with a noticeable increase in reports of burnout. I, myself, struggled to navigate the post-Covid landscape, especially after the adrenalised period had passed.That’s why I’m delighted to announce that to mark the 10-year anniversary of Mindfulness Burnout Prevention (MBP), I’m currently writing the second edition, specifically for therapists and psychologists navigating exhaustion. As with the first edition, there will be newly recorded guided meditations and visualisations to accompany the original recordings. The second edition will feature a new foreword and introduction written by two distinguished psychologists, while the original foreword from the first edition will also be included.I’d like to thank everyone who has supported my work, research, and services over the years.All the best,
Christopher Dines
Burnout Among Psychologists & Therapists
Being a therapist and/or psychologist can be life-changing for your clients. Whether you’re helping someone work through trauma, supporting a person with an addictive behaviour, or guiding a couple as they repair their marriage, the impact of your work is immense. There’s a deep sense of fulfilment when a client experiences a breakthrough, knowing you’ve played a role in their healing process. And as your experience grows, so does demand for your services (some clients will pay whatever you ask just to keep working with you).Balancing empathy with professional boundaries is a skill, one that’s far from easy, but the fact that you can do it leaves a lasting impression. Most clients respect and appreciate the boundaries set in therapy, even if they come in with high emotional demands.The challenge comes when burnout starts creeping in. While supervision with an experienced colleague serves an essential role, offering guidance and providing distance from the emotional weight of client work, many therapists will still experience exhaustion and burnout at some point in their careers. Some areas of psychology and therapy are particularly intense; for example, a therapist working in a private drug and alcohol rehabilitation clinic might burn out within two to three years because of the relentless nature of the environment. Even therapists in private practice, working from beautiful, spacious settings, aren’t immune to burnout.By the time a therapist and/or psychologist reaches the point of compassion fatigue and exhaustion—where the passion for the work starts to fade despite having built a dream career—it’s often a sign that burnout has set in. And without meaningful lifestyle changes, recovery can take up to a year (sometimes 16-18 months).So how do you prevent burnout? And how do you sustain a sense of enjoyment in your work? It may sound obvious, but prioritising self-care is essential. Regular, intentional rest—downtime with minimal activity—can make all the difference. This could mean reducing your client load, scheduling daily naps, or carving out non-negotiable time off. Travel, holidays, trips, and even short breaks from therapeutic conversations can help reset the mind and body.Incorporating mindfulness practices, whether meditation, breathwork like box breathing, or yoga techniques can reduce stress and build resilience. The key is self-awareness: tuning into your thoughts and emotions, listening to what your body is telling you, and, most importantly, respecting those signals.The good news is that burnout isn’t inevitable. And for those already recovering from burnout, sometimes a few small, deliberate adjustments—pulling a different lever here and there—can be enough to cultivate a more sustainable, tranquil life as a therapist or psychologists. Therapy and psychology are needed now more than ever. It’s a profound service with lasting effects.All the best,
Christopher Dines
Therapy and Psychology are Life-Changing
The work of therapists and psychologists is life-changing—especially in an increasingly uncertain and tumultuous world. As mental illness, trauma, and emotional distress continue to rise, the need for skilled therapists and psychologists has never been more vital. The impact of good therapy and psychology is truly life-changing.I’ve personally experienced the profound benefits of therapy and psychology—whether through talking therapy, EMDR, or deep feeling (inner child) work. Each approach has offered healing, relief, and much-needed closure. The strength and dedication it takes for an exceptional therapist or psychologist to hold space, listen deeply, mirror, guide, and respond with care are truly remarkable.I’ve spoken with dozens of people whose relationships and overall well-being have improved because of therapy or psychology. That’s why I believe it’s essential to create more spaces where therapists and psychologists can receive the same level of support they provide to others.A simple yet powerful practice for therapists and psychologists is to observe the natural flow of the breath throughout the day. Every hour, take a moment to ask yourself, “What’s my breathing like?” Then gently focus on its rhythm for a minute or so. This small act of mindfulness can anchor you in the present and create a sense of calm amidst the challenges of the day.All the best,
Christopher Dines
Mindfulness Burnout Prevention (First Edition) featured in the HuffPost UK back in 2016
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) deteriorating mental health will represent one of the most serious health challenges to Western society of the twenty-first century. The WHO report states, "In the World Health Report 2001 that we devote to mental health, we bring updated figures which show that four of the ten leading causes of disability worldwide are neuropsychiatric disorders, accounting for 30.8% of total disability and 12.3% of the total burden of disease. This latter figure is expected to rise to 15% by the year 2020."Similarly, Dr Barbara Mariposa refers to this report in her blog, "Stress, anxiety and depression are predicted to be the second biggest causes of ill health in Western countries by 2020."Overwhelming stress, anxiety and the effects of depression are taking their toll on people from all walks of life. All of us can "burn out" regardless of social or economic status but there is no doubt that financial concerns can place enormous additional strain on those already struggling to juggle the day-to-day pressures of everyday modern life.High achievers are not immune from professional burnout either. The founder of The Huffington Post, Arianna Huffington changed her lifestyle after a rude awakening. She suffered from burnout and exhaustion, "When I collapsed in April 2007, I was by our society's definition very successful, but by any sane definition of success, I was not ... As long as our culture defines success as money and power, we're stuck on a treadmill of stress, sleep deprivation, and burnout."Stress, anxiety and mild depression (also substance misuse) have in the past been very problematic for me. As a matter of fact, in summer 2004 I burnt out while DJing, which left me no choice but to seek help and change my lifestyle completely. It was a huge wake up call -- I had hit a dark rock bottom. While I have improved dramatically in the last twelve years, I am certainly not immune to stress and anxiety and I can still succumb to feelings of despondency from time to time. Nonetheless, I have found several invaluable tools which help me to take care of myself and reduce the risk of burnout re-occurring. Practising mindfulness in all areas of my life has been the most wonderful investment I have ever made into my mental, physical, spiritual and emotional well-being.Below are eight gentle suggestions which I put together in an eight-week course format, inspired by my book, Mindfulness Burnout Prevention: An 8-Week Course for Professionals. They are well worth exploring:• Present-Moment Awareness, Equanimity and Calmness-- Focusing on the present moment brings clarity with regard to our thought-life, emotional state, behaviour and immediate environment. Such clarity will reveal when we are neglecting our wellbeing. The more we practise present-moment awareness, the easier it is to see how futile it is to be attached to an outcome. We can begin to flow and demonstrate equanimity during life's vicissitudes. There are many different ways to practise present-moment awareness, however the simplest way is to get into the habit of watching the breath. Throughout the day pause on a regular basis and observe the breath flowing through your body. This is a good start.• Communicating Mindfully-- When I burnt out I was in a mild state of self-delusion. I thought that "I was fine" even though my body was giving me clear signals that I was exhausted. I pretended to be "super human", and so, I was being dishonest with myself and my fellows. Had I been able to communicate mindfully how I was truly feeling, I would have been able to slow down before it was too late. It's worth learning how to be honest with yourself and others by communicating with clarity. Ask yourself, "How am I really feeling?" "Am I mentally and/or emotionally overwhelmed?" "How often do I feel resentful towards my current circumstances?" "Am I dissatisfied or frustrated in my job/career?" "When was the last time I ate healthily or rested my body?" "How often do I take gentleness breaks?" "Am I communicating mindfully with my colleagues and family?"• Focus, Alertness and Concentration-- A lack of focus, alertness and concentration show that we are not anchoring ourselves in the present moment. Naturally, this will increase the likelihood of making mistakes and being less effective. Being able to focus on the task at hand releases stress and can be very fulfilling, even if it is something relatively mundane or "unimportant". Similarly being alert and aware of our mental commentary helps us to detach from mental noise and destructive thoughts. Note: being alert is very different from being "hyper-vigilant". The latter is emotionally draining and usually a symptom of PTSD or unresolved childhood trauma. Being alert is a calming emotional state and goes hand-in-hand with a dedicated daily mindfulness practice.• Mindfulness and Emotional Intelligence-- Mindfulness is a wonderful way to practise "being" instead of compulsively "doing". Mindfulness is consciously being aware of our thoughts, feelings, emotions and sensations and being aware of the external world with clarity. Practising mindfulness on a daily basis will boost mental and emotional wellbeing and lessen the impact of stress, anxiety and depression. It can also enhance our spiritual wellbeing. We can be mindful of our lifestyle and the company we keep. Rather than being on auto-pilot, we can pause and respond to events rather than reacting and being thrown off course by the slightest problem.Similarly, emotional intelligence helps us to monitor our emotions. We can feel our feelings (pain, sadness, fear, sorrow or joy), without being overwhelmed by them. We can learn to recognise that while it's important to validate our feelings, we are not our emotions (we have feelings but we are not our feelings).• Emotional Resilience-- Life is difficult. Building a successful career in a global economy is a tall order. Bringing up a family also brings many challenges. However, when we develop emotional resilience we can persist and progress in our affairs. Rather than trying to force our way through life (which is counterproductive and leads to grave resentment) it is much healthier to focus on our efforts instead of potential outcomes. The fruit is in our efforts. It's the process that makes life fulfilling, not just a result. Remember that there are over seven billion people who also have personal desires, thus no matter how hard you try to push, resistance will be close by. The next time you find yourself trying to force your way through life, breathe and emotionally let go.• Body Scan Awareness and Meditation Practices for StressBeing aware of the condition of our body is essential. If we can listen to the human body and be aware of its needs, we will reduce stress. We know that memories are stored inside the muscles of the human body (traumatic or joyful memories). The human body remembers everything. Similarly, the human body informs us through feelings, aches and sensations when it needs to be nurtured or requires time to rest. By scanning the body with various meditation techniques we can boost our emotional wellbeing and reduce stress. Ask yourself "How is my body feeling in this very moment?" "How often do I pay attention to my body?" "Do I give my body regular exercise?" "How often do I allow myself downtime?"• Self-CompassionLearning to direct compassion inwards is probably the kindest thing that we can do for ourselves. It's so easy to direct blame towards ourselves. When we are kind and compassionate towards ourselves, self-care becomes natural. If we nurture and take care of our mental, emotional, spiritual and physical wellbeing, we are far less likely to burn out. It was Jack Kornfield who said, "If your compassion does not include yourself, it is incomplete." Therefore, ask yourself on a regular basis, "Am I directing compassion inwards?" "Do I put enough time aside to relax and unwind?" "Am I allowing myself to believe cruel things about myself?" "What can I do right now to be more compassionate and loving towards myself?"• Cultivating Gratitude and Appreciation in the WorkplaceRegularly reminding ourselves about things we cherish and appreciate will shield us from adopting a negative frame of mind. While we cannot be appreciative all of the time, we can pause once a day and reflect on the things we can be grateful for rather than focussing on what is "missing". Writing in a gratitude journal can be very helpful or talking to your spouse/partner or a friend about your thankfulness will amplify your emotional health.To read the full article visit HuffPost UK
© Mindfulness Burnout Prevention (MBP). All rights reserved 2015-2025. UK & EU.
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© Mindfulness Burnout Prevention (MBP). All rights reserved 2015-2025. UK & EU.