Reclaim Your Energy
Stress and Burnout Counselling in Melbourne
Professional stress counselling in Melbourne to help you manage overwhelm, reduce emotional exhaustion, and rediscover what you love — whether you attend in person or online across Australia.
Too Busy to Relax? Find Relief with Stress Counselling in Melbourne
Have you spent the week swamped in tasks and chores, but hit the weekend and feel like you’ve got nothing to show for it except more to do? Or finally had some time to yourself, but spent it overwhelmed about everything else you need to do, and couldn’t enjoy it at all. Maybe you’ve hit the breaking point, and worry you need to quit your job to get relief.
There are endless priorities, and none of them feel like they’re for you.
If that sounds familiar, burnout or stress counselling in Melbourne can help you slow down, breathe, and find balance again.
- You’ve been “too busy” for fun, hobbies, or catching up with a friend for a long time now.
- You’re always thinking about work, chores at home, or the future, which leaves you feeling overwhelmed and anxious
- You’re experiencing physical symptoms of stress—headaches, tiredness or insomnia, and tightness in your chest or throat.
- There’s no “me” time, only time that you should be getting things done, and feel guilty that you aren’t.
If you live in Melbourne and have felt this, burnout or stress counselling can help you stop the cycle.
Am I burning out?
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I’ve been “too busy” for fun, hobbies, or catching up with a friend for a long time now
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I’m always thinking about work, chores at home, or the future, which leaves me feeling overwhelmed and anxious
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I’m experiencing physical symptoms of stress—headaches, tiredness or insomnia, and tightness in my chest or throat
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There’s no “me” time, only time that I should be getting things done, and feel guilty that I haven’t
Let’s Reclaim Your Time and Energy
In Stress counselling, we’ll…
- Find your biggest energy drains and decide whether they’re worth what you’re putting in
- Learn to prioritise what’s important to you, and stop letting other people’s priorities take over
- Reconnect to your passions, values, and what brings you joy- for your sake
- Recognise the signs of burnout before they hit, so you can protect yourself before it becomes a crisis
Together, we’ll move from survival mode to a place where you feel grounded, intentional, and more in control of your life.
Why Early Support Matters for Stress & Burnout
Chronic stress and burnout don’t appear overnight — they build quietly, breakdown by breakdown.
If ignored, they can spiral into anxiety disorders, depression, or chronic health issues.
In Melbourne’s fast-paced culture (commutes, cost pressures, digital overload), getting help early is a smart choice — not a sign of weakness.
You don’t have to wait until you break. Counselling can help you intercept stress, protect your wellbeing, and set healthier habits before things spiral.
Here’s What We’ll Do Together
Start putting yourself at the top of your To Do list, and become a priority
Putting yourself first sounds simple, but we know it’s not. Everything feels important, and like you’re the only one who can sort it out.
Counselling for stress and burnout can help you look at the choices you’re making with more intention so you don’t become the default solution to everyone else’s problems, and build boundaries that feel comfortable and worth maintaining. Rediscover your strengths and passions, and learn how to let go of guilt and shame so you can truly enjoy your downtime.
Together we’ll:
- Question the automatic assumptions and norms that keep you trapped
- Learn to recognise the warning signs that a situation or habit is causing you harm, and what to do next
- Reconnect you to your values, and learn how to prioritise what’s important to you
- Develop strategies to calm overwhelm when it appears in the moment
Each session gives you space to reflect, feel, and build tools you can use by the next day.
How Stress Counselling Works at Unmask Therapy in Melbourne
Whether you’re in Melbourne or anywhere in Australia, all sessions aim to feel safe, grounded, and immediately useful.
Here’s how we’ll work together:
A short chat to see where you’re at, what you need, and how we might work together.
Identify your stress patterns, habits, and emotional needs.
Explore emotional regulation, mindset shifts, boundary work, and coping tools.
You’ll walk away with practical techniques you can use in real life.
Meet Your Counsellor
Hi, I’m Felix (they/them) — neurodivergent counsellor, supervisor, and founder of Unmask Therapy.
I’ve spent 8 years working in mental health, queer and community spaces, and peer support services. My lived experience and training come together in a style that’s trauma-informed, inclusive, and attuned to neurodivergent ways of being.
I’m a Level 3 ACA counsellor who draws primarily from narrative therapy, body-based awareness, and creative tools (metaphor, mapping, doodles).
I work with folks who feel unseen, overwhelmed, or burnt out — especially queer, neurodivergent, and marginalised communities.
What You’ll Gain With Our Strees & Burnout Counselling
Over time, you may notice you’re less reactive, more focused, and more connected to what feels meaningful to you.
More reliable energy, less emotional drain
Better insight into triggers and responses
Clearer boundaries between work, rest, and relationships
A toolkit of self-care, regulation, and mindset practices
Confidence to say “no,” or to do things differently than before
Frequently Asked Questions
Is burnout only about work?
No! “Occupational burnout” is probably the best-known form, but it’s not the only one. Anything that takes up all your time and energy, and leaves you feeling worse at the end of the day, can lead to burnout.
If you’re Neurodivergent, you may have experienced “Neurodivergent Burnout”, the stress of constantly working to fit in and “be normal” around others.
What’s the difference between stress and burnout?
Stress is short-term, situational, and makes you feel high-energy and intense. Burnout is long-term, gets worse the longer it’s ignored, and leaves you exhausted and apathetic.
Long-term stress can lead to burnout, and while stress should stop when the situation does, once burnout hits, the road to recovery is longer and more complex.
What are the symptoms of stress?
Stress looks different for each of us, but a few common symptoms include.
- Physical: Increased heart rate, headaches, muscle tension, fatigue.
- Emotional: Anxiety, irritability, frustration.
- Cognitive: Difficulty concentrating, racing thoughts.
- Behavioural: Procrastination, overeating, or other coping mechanisms.
If you’re noticing stress building in your life, reach out early- the longer you leave it, the higher the risk of burning out entirely.
What are the symptoms of burnout?
Burnout can look different from person to person, and depending on what led to burning out, you might have no energy in one area of your life, but still feel energised in others. Broadly, here’s what to look out for:
- Physical: Constant exhaustion, frequent illnesses, lack of energy.
- Emotional: Feelings of detachment, apathy, hopelessness, or cynicism.
- Cognitive: Difficulty remembering things, a sense of futility (“nothing I do matters”).
- Behavioural: Withdrawal, reduced productivity, neglecting responsibilities.
Once you hit burnout, it can take time and major changes to your life or routine to start feeling better, so don’t wait: you can’t “push through” burnout, and the earlier you notice the signs, the easier the path to recovery can be.
How many sessions will I need?
It varies — some people benefit in 6–12 sessions; others use counselling support long term.
Does online counselling work as well as in person?
Yes. I’ve supported many clients across Australia via telehealth, with strong results and connections.
