Clinician Burnout & Self-Care Check
A brief, non-diagnostic monthly check-in for therapists covering exhaustion, cynicism, vicarious trauma and compassion satisfaction, followed by a three-area restoration plan.
2-page fillable PDF · US Letter (prints on A4) · Clinician wellbeing
- Approach / concern
- Clinician Tools
- Technique
- Clinician wellbeing
- Format
- Fillable PDF, 2 pages (US Letter / A4)
- Access
- Advanced plan
- For
- Licensed clinicians to use with clients
- Updated
- October 2026
Key facts
What is the Clinician Burnout & Self-Care Check?
Burnout is characterized by exhaustion, cynicism or detachment, and reduced professional efficacy. Mental-health clinicians are also at risk of compassion fatigue and vicarious traumatization from repeated exposure to clients’ trauma. This sheet offers a quick self-reflection rather than a formal measure.
Why it works
Burnout is common in helping professions and affects both clinician wellbeing and quality of care (Maslach & Leiter, 2016). Regular self-monitoring and planned self-care are recommended as ethical and practical safeguards (Figley, 1995; Norcross & VandenBos, 2018).
When to use it
- Monthly self-reflection for clinicians
- Clinical supervision and peer consultation
- Team wellbeing check-ins
- Training programs for new therapists
How to use it in session
- Complete privately and honestly.
- Notice patterns rather than totals.
- Choose one realistic change in each area if possible.
- Share with a supervisor, peer or therapist.
- Repeat monthly and compare.
Clinician tips
- Use a validated measure (such as the ProQOL) for more formal assessment.
- Address systemic factors like caseload, not just individual self-care.
- Seek your own therapy if symptoms persist.
Worked example
Sharing with clients
Members can download the PDF to print or email, or copy a private client link from the download box. Your client opens the link and downloads the worksheet on any device. No client account is needed, and nothing your client writes is stored on TherapyAid.
Frequently asked questions
Is this a validated burnout measure?
No. It’s a brief reflection tool. For formal assessment, consider validated instruments such as the Professional Quality of Life Scale.
What’s the difference between burnout and compassion fatigue?
Burnout relates to chronic workplace stress; compassion fatigue relates specifically to the cost of caring for people who are suffering. They often overlap.
References
Maslach, C., & Leiter, M. P. (2016). Understanding the burnout experience: Recent research and its implications for psychiatry. World Psychiatry, 15(2), 103-111.
Figley, C. R. (Ed.). (1995). Compassion fatigue: Coping with secondary traumatic stress disorder in those who treat the traumatized. Brunner/Mazel.
Norcross, J. C., & VandenBos, G. R. (2018). Leaving it at the office: A guide to psychotherapist self-care (2nd ed.). Guilford Press.
This worksheet is an educational tool for use by, or under the guidance of, a licensed or registered mental-health professional. It is not a diagnostic instrument or a substitute for clinical judgement. If a client is in crisis in Canada, call or text 9-8-8 or call 9-1-1.
