Posting Isn’t the Problem: Why Burnt Out Therapists Resist Visibility

As therapists, we often find ourselves grappling with a paradox: the very work we do involves being present and visible for our clients, yet when it comes to showing up for ourselves and our practice online, we resist. The tension can feel overwhelming. How do we show up for our clients every day while managing our own mental health, avoiding burnout, and overcoming the discomfort of being visible online? The key to this dilemma lies in understanding the nervous system’s role in visibility and how, when done right, visibility can become healing.

The Nervous System’s Response to Being Seen

Before we dive into strategies to overcome this resistance, let’s take a step back and look at why being visible can be so difficult for therapists, especially those experiencing burnout. It’s not just a matter of personality or preference; it’s a physiological response rooted in the nervous system.

When we think about visibility, our nervous system reacts in much the same way it would if we were facing a stressful or threatening situation. Even though posting on social media or appearing on video may not pose an immediate danger, our bodies don’t always differentiate between real threats and perceived ones. This is especially true for those of us who are already burnt out or experiencing heightened stress levels.

When you’re burnt out, your body is already in a heightened state of stress—perhaps stuck in fight-or-flight mode—and the idea of exposing yourself, your thoughts, and your personal experiences to the public can feel like an overwhelming task. This reaction is linked to deep-rooted survival instincts, where vulnerability or exposure can be interpreted by the nervous system as a potential threat.

Our nervous system also plays a significant role in how we interpret emotional exposure. Vulnerability, in any form, can trigger anxiety, making the thought of showing up online feel uncomfortable or even paralyzing. Add to this the pressure many therapists feel to present themselves as perfect, polished, and always composed, and it’s easy to see why visibility can become a source of stress rather than a way to connect.

Why Visibility Feels Threatening

For burnt-out therapists, visibility can feel like an added burden rather than an opportunity. There are a few reasons why this is the case:

1. Fear of Judgment or Rejection
    One of the most common fears we face when showing up online is the fear of being judged or rejected. Many therapists may fear that if they show their true selves—whether that’s sharing their thoughts, their opinions, or even their personal struggles—clients or peers will disapprove. The fear of being criticized, misunderstood, or worse, ignored, can cause an overwhelming sense of vulnerability.

2. The Overwhelm of Perfectionism
    For many therapists, the drive to be seen as competent, professional, and above reproach can make visibility feel daunting. If you struggle with perfectionism, you may feel like you need to have everything figured out before you post. Your nervous system may interpret every post, video, or even an Instagram story as a task that needs to be flawless, further heightening your stress and preventing you from showing up authentically.

3. Emotional Exhaustion
    Burnout is, at its core, emotional exhaustion. As therapists, we give so much of ourselves to our clients, and when we are emotionally depleted, the thought of taking on more—even if it’s for our own business or brand—can feel draining. The mental energy required to create content, show up consistently, or respond to feedback feels like an additional layer of work that we simply don’t have the capacity for.

How Visibility Becomes Healing When Done Right

While the resistance to visibility is deeply rooted in the nervous system and burnout, the good news is that visibility, when approached mindfully, can actually become a form of healing. Let’s explore how visibility can become a tool for therapists to reconnect with themselves and their audience in a way that feels safe, empowering, and restorative.

1. Taking Control of the Narrative
    One of the most empowering aspects of visibility is the ability to control your own narrative. For many therapists, there’s a sense of empowerment in reclaiming the space to express your thoughts and ideas freely. Instead of being afraid of how your content will be received, you can choose to show up authentically, knowing that your content is a reflection of who you are and what you stand for.

2. Creating Boundaries Around Your Visibility
    As therapists, we are used to holding space for others, but often neglect the importance of holding space for ourselves. Setting boundaries around your visibility can help you manage burnout while still showing up online. Rather than feeling pressured to post daily or constantly share new content, you can establish a rhythm that works for you.

3. Building Connection Through Authenticity
    The more you allow yourself to show up as your true self, the more you create authentic connections with your audience. Visibility doesn’t have to be about selling or performing—it can be about showing up as a person who has experiences, thoughts, and struggles just like everyone else. When you allow yourself to be vulnerable, you invite others to do the same.

4. Mindful Visibility as Self-Care
    Lastly, showing up with intention can be an act of self-care. You don’t need to push yourself beyond your limits in the name of visibility. Instead, embrace a mindful approach. By being intentional about your visibility, you can engage in practices that help you feel grounded and centered. Use your content as a tool for self-expression, creativity, and reflection, rather than something to be feared or dreaded.

Conclusion: Visibility Can Be Healing

Being visible online doesn’t have to be overwhelming or exhausting. As a therapist, it’s important to understand that your resistance to visibility is tied to your nervous system’s natural responses to vulnerability, burnout, and fear of judgment. However, by approaching visibility mindfully, setting boundaries, and being authentic, you can transform this challenge into an opportunity for healing—not only for your audience but for yourself as well.

By embracing visibility in a way that feels safe and supportive, you can reclaim your power and create meaningful connections with others. The key is to show up on your own terms, in a way that feels nourishing, authentic, and sustainable. When done right, visibility isn’t a burden—it’s a gift that allows you to step into your full potential as a therapist and thought leader.