Therapy for Exhaustion and Stress
Welcome to book a consultation where we discuss what you need help with. I am a licensed psychologist and meet clients for psychotherapy. I offer in-depth conversations (individual therapy) where you gain more understanding of yourself, perspectives, and change. You can get help with fatigue and other issues. We book sessions at the practice in Östermalm, Stockholm, or online.
Understanding Exhaustion and Stress?
Exhaustion often develops after long periods of stress and insufficient recovery. It may build up gradually until you feel overwhelmed, unable to think clearly, or lacking physical and emotional energy. Physical symptoms may accompany the exhaustion. Sometimes, chronic stress reactions are linked to earlier experiences of trauma or events that could not be fully processed.
Symptoms vary from person to person and may include:
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Anxiety, inner tension, and irritability
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Fatigue, lack of energy, and sleep difficulties
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Reduced concentration and memory
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Feelings of insufficiency or self‑criticism
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Physical symptoms such as pain, dizziness, or stomach problems
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Sensitivity to light and sound
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Depressive moods or emotional numbness
Understanding these reactions and their effects on well‑being is essential for recognizing when professional support may be needed.
How Stress Reactions Arise
Stress reactions can appear after demanding or threatening situations. The body goes into alert mode, preparing for something that might go wrong. People react differently – by freezing, fleeing, or taking action. Usually, it’s possible to calm down after the event and reflect on what happened.
When this recovery phase does not occur, or when stress responses become rigid and repetitive, difficulties with health and quality of life often follow.
When Stress Becomes Long-Term
Chronic stress keeps the body and mind in a constant state of threat – trying to prevent or fix what might go wrong. These concerns may be realistic, but they can also be unnecessary or outdated.
Long‑lasting stress can lead to anxiety, depression, pain, and exhaustion. Rest and recovery may not be enough when inner activation has persisted too long. In such cases, therapy can help restore perspective and support change.
How Therapy Helps
There is no single treatment for exhaustion that fits everyone. Recovery often requires a combination of medical, psychological, and behavioral support. In therapy, we begin by examining sleep quality, rest routines, nutrition, and the capacity to engage in personally meaningful activities. We also discuss social expectations, responsibilities, and possible self‑imposed demands.
Over time, we work to find a balance between rest and activation that helps reduce symptoms and restore energy.
In affect‑focused therapy, emotional conflicts are often explored. These may have developed earlier in life, leaving stress patterns that continue today. Together, we pay attention to situations that bring relief and clarity rather than overwhelm. For those with exhaustion, sensitivity to impressions and emotional intensity is often heightened.
When emotions have been set aside rather than processed, they can manifest through physical symptoms – as pain, fatigue, or anxiety. Learning to notice and, when it feels right, express emotions is important for self‑understanding, relationships, and quality of life.
Read more about therapy research and emotions.
Why Exhaustion Persists
Prolonged exhaustion affects both physical and mental health. Energy, memory, and motivation often decline, and life may feel reduced to the essentials. Relationships, work, and creativity can lose meaning. Anxiety, negative self‑image, and sometimes depression are common.
Such periods can raise existential questions about who you are and how you wish to live. Financial or practical challenges may appear, adding to the strain. Recognizing these consequences helps determine when professional treatment is needed — ideally as early as possible.
Supporting Change in Therapy
The intention of therapy is to support positive and sustainable change. In exhaustion, this often begins with slowing down, prioritizing rest, and gradually introducing gentle forms of activation – such as engaging in activities that feel personally meaningful.
In therapy, we explore what nourishes and what depletes your health, planning a mix of recovery and activity that fits your individual situation.
As the process continues, we may work on emotionally processing present and past experiences so that healing can take place. The most important outcome is long‑term improvement – that psychological and physical symptoms decrease or disappear. When this happens, stress responses lessen, and the influence of prolonged strain on quality of life and mental health diminishes.
For some, lingering symptoms may remain after the acute phase, which is natural when recovery takes time. Read more about therapy here.
When symptoms have lightened or resolved, many people begin to live more fully – finding renewed joy and energy to take part in everyday life, relationships, and work. They can plan and follow through on activities without worrying about cancellations, extended rest, or taking sick leave.
Working with Emotions in Therapy
In affect‑focused therapy, we explore what you wish to address while paying attention to anxiety, restlessness, and emotions that may have been avoided. We look at how anxiety differs from emotion, and how connecting with feelings can promote calm and direction.
When someone says “there are so many feelings,” it often means there are many thoughts – overthinking, worry, or difficulty finding focus. Emotions, however, are part of the body’s regulation system and can bring calm, clarity, and guidance about what feels meaningful.
Because sensitivity is often heightened in exhaustion, we proceed step by step to avoid overwhelm. Over time, you learn to experience emotions with more balance, which helps reduce anxiety and rebuild presence and confidence.
Help with Exhausten and Stress
I am a lic. psychologist with extensive experience, offering therapy at my private practice in central Stockholm as well as online.
In therapy, we explore your situation and needs at a pace that feels right for you, with a focus on restoring balance, recovery, and trust in your own capacity.
Maria Sandgren
Licensed Psychologist, PhD in Psychology