CFS Therapy & Burnout Support in Perth
Living with persistent fatigue, burnout or a chronic health condition can affect far more than energy levels. It can influence work, relationships, daily routines, identity, mood and the way you plan everyday activities.
Bilingual Psychology provides psychological support in Perth for people experiencing burnout, persistent fatigue or the emotional and practical impact of living with ME/CFS.
Psychological services are provided by registered psychologist Lin Tan from our Willetton practice, with appointments available in English, Mandarin and Cantonese.
Psychological therapy does not replace medical assessment or treatment for fatigue or ME/CFS. Instead, support may focus on the emotional, behavioural and lifestyle challenges associated with living with ongoing symptoms or prolonged stress.
Contact Bilingual Psychology to discuss whether psychological support may be appropriate for your circumstances.
What Is Fatigue?
Fatigue is more than simply feeling sleepy after a busy day.
It can involve feeling physically or mentally exhausted, having reduced energy or finding that everyday activities require considerably more effort than usual.
Fatigue can have many possible causes, including physical health conditions, medications, sleep difficulties, lifestyle factors and psychological concerns.
Because fatigue can arise from many different causes, persistent or unexplained fatigue should be medically assessed.
Psychological support should not be used as a substitute for investigating possible physical causes.
When Should Persistent Fatigue Be Medically Assessed?
If fatigue is ongoing, unexplained or interfering with everyday life, it is important to speak with a GP or other appropriate healthcare professional.
Medical assessment can help investigate possible causes and determine whether further testing or treatment may be required.
Healthdirect recommends seeking medical advice where fatigue persists or affects a person's ability to function. Fatigue can have many causes, so it should not automatically be assumed to be psychological.
What Is ME/CFS?
Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a chronic health condition that can cause severe fatigue and significantly affect everyday functioning.
ME/CFS can also involve symptoms such as:
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Post-exertional malaise
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Unrefreshing sleep
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Difficulty concentrating or thinking clearly
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Headaches
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Muscle or joint pain
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Dizziness or light-headedness
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Other physical symptoms
A key feature of ME/CFS is post-exertional malaise (PEM), where physical or mental activity can lead to a worsening of symptoms.
ME/CFS is a medical condition and should be assessed and managed with appropriate healthcare professionals.
Psychological therapy does not cure ME/CFS.
What Is Post-Exertional Malaise?
Post-exertional malaise, often shortened to PEM, refers to a worsening of ME/CFS symptoms following physical or mental activity.
The worsening may occur after activities that previously would not have caused difficulty and can sometimes be delayed.
For people experiencing PEM, simply trying to increase activity or “push through” symptoms may not be appropriate.
Activity management should therefore be approached carefully and in consultation with appropriate healthcare professionals.
Is ME/CFS the Same as Burnout?
No.
ME/CFS and burnout are not interchangeable terms.
ME/CFS is a chronic medical condition involving symptoms such as severe fatigue and post-exertional malaise.
Burnout is generally associated with prolonged stress, particularly in relation to work, caregiving or ongoing demands.
Some experiences may overlap, including:
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Fatigue
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Reduced concentration
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Feeling overwhelmed
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Difficulty completing everyday tasks
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Reduced motivation
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Sleep difficulties
However, similar symptoms do not mean the underlying cause is the same.
Appropriate medical and psychological assessment can help clarify what may be contributing to your difficulties.
What Is Burnout?
Burnout commonly develops when demands feel prolonged and difficult to recover from.
It may be associated with work, caring responsibilities, study or other sustained pressures.
People experiencing burnout may describe:
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Feeling emotionally exhausted
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Reduced motivation
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Difficulty concentrating
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Irritability
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Feeling detached from work or responsibilities
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Difficulty switching off
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Changes in sleep
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Feeling constantly overwhelmed
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Reduced sense of effectiveness
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Difficulty maintaining boundaries
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Feeling that everyday tasks require excessive effort
Burnout can develop gradually, which means some people do not recognise what is happening until their ability to function has already been affected.
What Can Cause Burnout?
Burnout is rarely about one difficult day.
It can develop when pressure is sustained and there are limited opportunities for recovery.
Factors may include:
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High workloads
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Long working hours
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Ongoing caregiving responsibilities
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Limited control over work
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Unrealistic expectations
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Perfectionism
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Difficulty setting boundaries
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Workplace conflict
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Unclear responsibilities
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Financial pressures
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Study demands
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Balancing work and family responsibilities
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Cultural or family expectations around achievement
The circumstances contributing to burnout will differ between individuals.
What Is the Difference Between Stress and Burnout?
Stress and burnout can overlap, but they are not necessarily identical.
Stress often occurs when demands exceed the resources a person feels they have available at that time.
Burnout may develop following prolonged exposure to stress or sustained demands without sufficient recovery.
Someone experiencing stress may feel highly activated or pressured, while someone experiencing burnout may feel increasingly exhausted, detached or unable to sustain their usual level of functioning.
Can a Psychologist Help With Burnout?
Psychological support can help explore the factors contributing to burnout and how these pressures are affecting you.
Depending on your circumstances, therapy may involve:
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Identifying sources of ongoing stress
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Understanding patterns of overcommitment
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Exploring perfectionism
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Developing healthier boundaries
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Examining expectations around achievement
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Identifying unhelpful thinking patterns
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Improving communication around responsibilities
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Considering realistic changes to routines
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Exploring emotional responses to work or caregiving
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Developing strategies for managing ongoing demands
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Clarifying priorities and values
The goal is not simply to teach someone how to tolerate an unsustainable environment.
Where external circumstances are contributing significantly to burnout, psychological therapy may also involve considering realistic changes to those circumstances.
How Can Psychological Support Help Someone Living With ME/CFS?
ME/CFS can affect many areas of a person's life.
Living with an unpredictable or limiting health condition may involve adjusting to:
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Changes in work or study
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Reduced independence
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Changes in relationships
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Uncertainty about symptoms
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Difficulty planning activities
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Loss of previous routines
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Changes in identity
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Frustration or grief
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Social isolation
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Emotional distress
Psychological support can provide a space to discuss these experiences.
Where appropriate, therapy may focus on coping with the emotional and practical effects of living with chronic illness rather than attempting to treat the underlying medical condition itself.
Does CBT Cure ME/CFS?
No.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy does not cure ME/CFS.
Psychological approaches such as CBT may sometimes be used to support people in managing the emotional or practical impact of living with a chronic condition.
For example, therapy may explore:
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Coping with uncertainty
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Adjusting to changed circumstances
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Managing distress
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Communicating needs to others
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Responding to unhelpful self-criticism
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Navigating changes in work or relationships
Any psychological therapy should respect the physical nature of ME/CFS and should not be based on the assumption that symptoms are imagined or caused by unhelpful thoughts.
What Is Pacing?
Pacing is an approach to managing energy by balancing activity and rest according to symptoms and individual capacity.
For someone living with ME/CFS, this may involve:
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Breaking activities into smaller tasks
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Prioritising essential activities
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Planning rest
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Monitoring how activities affect symptoms
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Avoiding repeatedly exceeding available energy
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Adjusting plans when symptoms change
Pacing is not the same as gradually increasing exercise regardless of symptoms.
People with ME/CFS should discuss activity management with appropriate healthcare professionals familiar with the condition.
Should I Push Through Fatigue?
Not necessarily.
Fatigue has many possible causes, and the appropriate response depends on what is contributing to it.
For someone experiencing ordinary tiredness, activity may have a different effect than it does for someone living with ME/CFS or another medical condition.
In ME/CFS, exceeding an individual's energy limits can contribute to post-exertional malaise.
Persistent fatigue should therefore be medically assessed, and advice about activity should reflect the person's underlying health condition and circumstances.
Burnout, Perfectionism and High Expectations
Burnout can sometimes occur alongside patterns of perfectionism or strong expectations around achievement.
Thoughts may include:
“I should be able to manage everything.”
“If I slow down, I'm failing.”
“I can't let anyone down.”
“Resting means I'm being unproductive.”
These beliefs can make it difficult to recognise limits or ask for support.
Psychological therapy may involve exploring where these expectations come from and whether they remain helpful in your current circumstances.
Burnout and Cultural Expectations
Culture and family expectations can influence the way people understand work, responsibility and achievement.
For some multicultural clients, burnout may occur alongside concerns such as:
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Pressure to achieve academically or professionally
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Family expectations
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Supporting extended family
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Intergenerational differences
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Expectations around financial success
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Difficulty saying no to family responsibilities
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Migration-related pressures
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Balancing individual wellbeing with family obligations
These experiences vary considerably between individuals.
Where relevant, they can form part of psychological therapy.
Fatigue and Depression
Fatigue and reduced motivation can occur alongside depression, but fatigue does not automatically mean someone is depressed.
Physical conditions, sleep disorders, medications and other factors can also cause fatigue.
Depression may involve additional experiences such as persistent low mood, reduced interest or enjoyment, negative thoughts and changes in everyday functioning.
If you are experiencing persistent fatigue together with significant changes in mood, psychological and medical assessment may both be appropriate.
Fatigue and Sleep Problems
Poor sleep can contribute to tiredness and difficulty concentrating.
However, persistent fatigue may still occur even when someone appears to be getting enough sleep.
ME/CFS, for example, can involve unrefreshing sleep.
If sleep problems or fatigue are ongoing, appropriate assessment can help determine what factors may be contributing.
What Happens During Burnout Counselling?
01
Understanding What Is Happening
Initial sessions provide an opportunity to discuss your circumstances, symptoms, responsibilities and sources of stress.
02
Identifying Contributing Factors
Your psychologist may explore patterns involving work, relationships, expectations, boundaries and coping.
03
Clarifying Priorities
You can discuss which areas of life require attention and what changes may be realistic.
04
Developing Psychological Strategies
Depending on your circumstances, therapy may involve strategies relating to stress management, thinking patterns, boundaries, communication or emotional regulation.
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Reviewing Progress
Your goals and circumstances can be reviewed as therapy progresses.
The approach can be adjusted according to your psychological needs and any relevant medical considerations.
Working Alongside Other Health Professionals
Persistent fatigue and ME/CFS often require medical assessment and may involve support from more than one health professional.
Depending on your circumstances, your care may involve:
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A GP
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Medical specialists
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Physiotherapy
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Occupational therapy
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Psychology
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Other allied health professionals
Psychological care should complement appropriate medical management rather than replace it.
Where clinically appropriate and with appropriate consent, coordination between healthcare providers may help support more consistent care.
Psychological Support in English, Mandarin and Cantonese
Living with chronic symptoms or burnout can involve complex discussions about work, family, identity and expectations.
Bilingual Psychology provides psychological services in:
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English
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Mandarin
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Cantonese
This may be particularly helpful where cultural expectations, family responsibilities or communication are part of what you would like to discuss.
Burnout & Chronic Fatigue Support in Willetton, Perth
Bilingual Psychology provides psychological services from Willetton, Western Australia.
Services are provided by registered psychologist Lin Tan.
Psychological support may be appropriate for people navigating burnout, prolonged stress or the emotional and practical effects of living with persistent fatigue or ME/CFS.
Do I Need a GP Referral?
You can contact Bilingual Psychology directly to enquire about psychological services.
However, persistent or unexplained fatigue should be discussed with a GP or another appropriate healthcare professional because fatigue can have many possible medical causes.
If you are seeking Medicare rebates for eligible psychological services, speak with your GP and Bilingual Psychology about current referral and eligibility requirements.
When Should I Seek Medical Help for Fatigue?
Speak with a healthcare professional if fatigue:
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Persists
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Is unexplained
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Is becoming worse
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Interferes with everyday activities
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Occurs alongside other symptoms
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Makes work, driving or other activities unsafe
Seek urgent medical attention if you experience symptoms suggesting an immediate or serious medical concern.
Book Psychological Support in Perth
If burnout, persistent stress or living with chronic fatigue is affecting your emotional wellbeing, psychological support may provide a space to explore what you are experiencing.
Bilingual Psychology provides psychological services from Willetton, Perth, with appointments available in English, Mandarin and Cantonese.
For persistent or unexplained fatigue, medical assessment should remain an important part of your care.
Contact Bilingual Psychology to discuss psychological support and appointment availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between chronic fatigue and ME/CFS?
Fatigue is a symptom that can have many possible causes.
ME/CFS is a specific chronic health condition involving severe fatigue and other symptoms, including post-exertional malaise.
Persistent fatigue should be medically assessed to determine possible causes.
Is ME/CFS a psychological condition?
ME/CFS is a chronic medical condition.
Psychological support may help with the emotional and practical impact of living with the condition, but this does not mean that ME/CFS is caused by psychological factors.
Can CBT cure ME/CFS?
No.
CBT does not cure ME/CFS. It may sometimes be used to support coping, adjustment or emotional wellbeing as part of broader care where appropriate.
Can a psychologist help with burnout?
Psychologists can provide support for concerns associated with burnout, including prolonged stress, perfectionism, work pressures, boundaries and emotional exhaustion.
The approach depends on the individual's circumstances and psychological needs.
What is post-exertional malaise?
Post-exertional malaise is a worsening of symptoms following physical or mental activity and is a key feature of ME/CFS.
Symptoms may worsen after activity and can sometimes be delayed.
Should I exercise if I have ME/CFS?
Activity recommendations for ME/CFS should reflect your individual symptoms and medical advice.
Healthdirect states that graded exercise therapy is not recommended for managing ME/CFS and may be harmful.
Pacing and symptom-contingent activity management may instead form part of care.
What is pacing for ME/CFS?
Pacing involves managing available energy by balancing activity and rest and adjusting activity according to symptoms.
It may involve planning, prioritising and breaking tasks into smaller activities.
Is burnout the same as depression?
No.
Burnout and depression can share symptoms such as fatigue, reduced motivation and difficulty concentrating, but they are not necessarily the same.
Professional assessment can help clarify overlapping symptoms.
Why am I exhausted even after resting?
Persistent fatigue can have many causes, including medical conditions, sleep difficulties, medications and psychological factors.
Fatigue that does not improve or is interfering with everyday life should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
Can stress cause fatigue?
Prolonged stress can contribute to fatigue and emotional exhaustion.
However, fatigue can also have many physical or medical causes, so ongoing or unexplained symptoms should not automatically be attributed to stress.
Do I need to see a GP before seeing a psychologist for fatigue?
You can contact a psychologist directly, but persistent or unexplained fatigue should also be medically assessed.
A GP can investigate possible physical causes and discuss appropriate management.
Is burnout support available in Mandarin or Cantonese?
Yes. Bilingual Psychology provides psychological services in English, Mandarin and Cantonese.
Where can I access psychological support for burnout in Perth?
Bilingual Psychology provides psychological services from Willetton, Western Australia, with services provided by registered psychologist Lin Tan.