When is the best time to have coaching in burnout?

Many doctors ask me when is the best time to have coaching when you are experiencing burnout?

My answer? It depends. It depends on where you are on the trajectory of burnout.

In my experience coaching is effective: – 

1) Before burnout hits- having coaching can help you avoid burnout. Primary prevention of burnout is so important. 

2) Definitely when you are on the burnout plateau; the early to mid-stages of burnout. If you want to work out what led you to this point and want to retrace your steps on the burnout trajectory back to wellbeing, now is the time to have coaching. During the later stages of burnout on the plateau, coaching is effective too.

3) If you have fallen off the edge of the performance cliff and are in full stage 12 burnout, you are probably not in the best headspace or well enough to have coaching. However, it’s worth having a conversation about this. You and your coach can decide when would be the best time to have coaching and if it’s best to delay it until you are in recovery

4) During recovery from burnout- a great time to have coaching to focus on you, your needs and what matters to you to ensure you fully recover.

5) Recovery post-burnout and beyond- coaching will help you in your secondary prevention of burnout and help you maintain your wellbeing.

If you are unsure where you are on the burnout curve, book your free complimentary chat via this website and we will have an open and honest conversation about if it is the right time for you to have coaching.

If you are feeling burnt out right now, reach out for support and help at any stage of the burnout curve – your GP, Occupational Health or Practitioner Health. It is important that you have all the support you need!

You are not meant to do this alone, and support is essential in all stages of burnout, including recovery!