About this episode
Episode Summary: In this episode of The Therapist Burnout Podcast, Jen reflects on the strange in-between season of late summer—a time that often feels like it should be restful, but rarely delivers. She opens up about the grief of an "unlived summer," the scarcity-driven urge to fill downtime with productivity, and the pressure to make the season mean something.Inspired by a Celtic prayer shared by Elizabeth Gilbert, Jen explores what it means to release cherished outcomes and bring an undefended heart into the transition ahead. For therapists bracing for the fall rush or wondering why summer didn’t restore them, this episode offers a gentle reframe and a deeply human invitation to soften.In this episode, Jen shares:The mismatch between the summer we imagine and the one we liveHow therapists often fill lulls with productivity to escape scarcityThe emotional toll of “cherished outcomes” and unmet expectationsA personal story of summer parenting and small moments that actually matteredA powerful Celtic prayer that reframes presence, hope, and disappointmentWhat it means to bring an undefended heart into friendship, work, and life after therapyResources Mentioned:The Celtic Prayer of ApproachPodcast featuring Elizabeth Gilbert (via a share from a biz bestie—thank you, Micah!)Upcoming fall episodes on practice closure, seasonal rhythms, and rebuilding differentlyJoin the conversation: Subscribe to the Pen Pal List to receive reflections, tools, and podcast updates directly in your inbox.
