On Burnout

Burnout is a result of job stress stemming from the numerous hazards of the profession described in the preceding sections. At different periods of their careers, it affects all psychotherapists to some degree. Unlike the commonly held belief that burnout is experienced primarily by seasoned therapists, research has shown its frequent occurrence with neophyte therapists as well. Maslach, who wrote the important book Burnout - The Cost of Caring, states "It is a response to the chronic emotional strain of dealing extensively with other human beings, particularly when they are troubled or having problems."

Burnout manifests primarily as the therapists' emotional exhaustion and depersonalization of both their patients and themselves. It has also been called "emotional fatigue" or "emotional overload," when the therapist feels drained, depleted, all used up, with nothing else to give out. The depersonalization aspect of burnout manifests through general dislike of, and a detached and callous even dehumanized attitude towards the people served. The burned-out therapist experiences low energy, reduced interest and satisfaction, and often dreads work. Burnout in beginning therapists is linked closely to emotional overload and a sense of inefficacy.

Burnout is the leading cause of psychotherapists' high rate of depression, drug and alcohol abuse, and suicide. Due to the myth of care-giver invulnerability, psychotherapists are susceptible to burnout. Research has shown that psychotherapists are more prone to becoming depressed, substance abusing, or suicidal than any other comparable profession, such as physicians, attorneys, accountants, and dentists. 

Reference: http://www.zurinstitute.com/burnout.html