When rest no longer restores you. Counseling in English for burnout and long-term stress, online across Switzerland.
Book Free 20-Min Intro Session
How burnout tends to show up
Burnout rarely arrives as one collapse. It builds over months of demands that are larger than what you have to give. Many people who come to me are still performing well. That is part of why they waited.
- You are exhausted, and a weekend or a holiday does not change it
- Small decisions feel hard
- You feel detached or cynical about work you used to care about
- Your body stays tense after the working day ends, and sleep is light
- You have less patience with the people closest to you
Stress and burnout are not the same thing. Stress usually eases when the pressure eases. With burnout, the pressure can drop and the exhaustion stays.
Why it is common among internationals in Switzerland
Living and working abroad adds load that is easy to overlook. You may be working in a second or third language, proving yourself in a new system, and doing it without the family and friends who used to absorb some of the strain. High standards, long hours and a habit of handling everything alone make it harder to notice the early signs.
How counseling helps
We start by getting a clear picture: what drains you, what restores you, and where the two went out of balance. Then we work in small, practical steps.
- Understanding your own pattern, including perfectionism and over-responsibility
- Recovering energy in a way your daily life can sustain
- Setting limits at work and at home, and holding them without guilt
- Noticing the signals in your body earlier
- Deciding what needs to change in the longer term
I draw on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), body-oriented and Gestalt-informed methods, depending on what helps you.
“My condition changed dramatically. I had more energy, a stable emotional state, a good mood, and a desire to ‘live and act’.”
S.M., Parent
What counseling is, and when you need something else
I am a psychosocial counselor (SGfB) with an MSc in Psychology. Counseling supports you with stress, exhaustion and the changes that recovery asks for. It does not replace medical care. If you have symptoms such as persistent sleeplessness, panic, or thoughts of harming yourself, please see a doctor or psychiatrist; in an emergency call 144. Many clients use counseling alongside medical treatment. More on the difference: Counseling vs. psychotherapy in Switzerland.
Practical details
Sessions last 50 minutes and take place online on a secure video platform. In-person sessions are possible in Switzerland on request. A regular session costs CHF 120; the first 20-minute introduction is free. Swiss basic insurance typically does not cover counseling. Sessions are in English, Ukrainian or Russian.
Read more about burnout
- Burnout: how it develops and how to recover
- Burnout recovery is not just rest: why boundaries and expectations matter
- Stress body signals: what they may be telling you
- Why you cannot relax on days off
- When work stress follows you home
Questions about burnout counseling
How do I know if it is burnout or just a stressful period?
A stressful period usually eases when the workload eases. If you have been exhausted for weeks or months, feel detached from your work, and rest no longer helps, it is worth talking it through. The free introduction is a good place to start.
How long does recovery take?
It differs from person to person. Some people feel steadier after a few sessions; a longer burnout often needs several months of regular work. We review your progress together and adjust the rhythm.
Can I keep working while I am in counseling?
Many clients do. We look at what can change now and what needs more time. If your doctor has put you on sick leave, counseling can support your return.
Do I need a referral or a diagnosis?
No. You can book directly, without a referral and without a diagnosis.