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Therapy burnout, do you feel it?

Recognising and addressing therapy burnout for families of children with medical and complex needs is important on many levels.


Caring for a child with medical or complex needs often involves a demanding schedule of therapies, appointments, and interventions. While these therapies are vital for development and quality of life, the relentless routine can sometimes lead to “therapy burnout” for both the child and their family.


Therapy burnout occurs when the emotional, mental, and physical demands of a therapy-focused lifestyle become overwhelming. It’s important to recognise when burnout is present and understand that taking a step back to rest is not giving up—it’s an essential part of maintaining long-term health and well-being for everyone involved.


What Does Therapy Burnout Look Like?


For children, therapy burnout might look like:

• Increased resistance or refusal to participate in therapy sessions.

• Heightened emotional responses, such as frustration, anxiety, or sadness.

• Fatigue or a lack of motivation, making therapy feel like a chore.

• Declining progress or skills, not due to ability, but from feeling overwhelmed.


For parents and caregivers, therapy burnout can manifest as:

• Feeling emotionally drained or overwhelmed by the therapy schedule.

• Difficulty maintaining patience or motivation during sessions.

• Guilt or worry about whether they are doing “enough” for their child.

• Struggling to balance therapy commitments with other responsibilities.


The Importance of Rest


Taking a break from therapy does not mean abandoning progress—it’s about allowing the child and their family to recharge. Rest is essential for physical, emotional, and mental health.


For the Child:

• A break can reduce stress and help restore a positive mindset toward therapy.

• Play and unstructured time allow children to explore, learn, and grow naturally.

• Rest periods can lead to renewed energy, focus, and engagement when therapy resumes.


For the Parents/Caregivers:

• Time away from the therapy schedule offers an opportunity to reconnect with the child in non-therapeutic ways, strengthening emotional bonds.

• Rest can help caregivers regain perspective, reducing feelings of burnout and guilt.

• Parents and caregivers can use this time to focus on their own well-being, ensuring they have the capacity to support their child in the long run.


How to Address Therapy Burnout

1. Recognise the Signs

Pay attention to changes in your child’s behavior, mood, or participation in therapy, as well as your own feelings of exhaustion or stress.

2. Communicate with Your Therapy Team

Speak openly with therapists about the signs of burnout. They can help adjust the schedule, suggest alternative approaches, or recommend a temporary pause if needed.

3. Prioritise Rest and Balance

• Replace therapy sessions with fun, family-centered activities, like outdoor play or creative projects.

• Incorporate downtime into your routine, where the focus is on relaxation rather than progress.

• Use the time to let your child explore interests outside of therapy.

4. Practice Self-Care

• Make time for yourself as a caregiver to recharge, whether through hobbies, exercise, or social connections.

• Consider seeking support from other parents or caregiver groups who understand the challenges of raising a child with complex needs.

5. Focus on Quality, Not Quantity

Remember that more therapy sessions don’t always mean better results. A balanced approach, where both therapy and rest are valued, can lead to better long-term outcomes for everyone.


How Kalkoup Clinics Can Support You


At Kalkoup Clinics, we understand the toll that therapy burnout can take on children and their families. Our team is here to:

• Help families identify signs of burnout and offer strategies for finding balance.

• Provide flexible therapy plans tailored to the unique needs of your child and family.

• Offer support and education to empower families to navigate challenges with confidence.


Taking a Step Back to Move Forward


Therapy is important, but so is rest. By acknowledging therapy burnout and giving your child—and yourself—permission to take a break, you’re fostering a healthier, more sustainable path for progress and growth.


If you need support or guidance during this time, reach out to Kalkoup Clinics. We’re here to help you and your family thrive in 2025.

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