Daniel, I want to thank you so much for sharing your experience. I happened to stumble across your video 'Why I quit being a therapist' on You Tube and what you say is absolutely spot on. I have worked as a counsellor for many years in the mental health field in Australia (private practice) and have suffered continuous burnout for all of the reasons you mention. I agree with your suggestion that listening (and the burden of helping) is something that should be shared amongst communities, not assigned to a percentage of people who are paid to carry the load of many. This is a flawed and unsustainable system. Like many others in this field, my passion for helping has morphed over time into an avoidance of my own life and the things I truly value - and yes, it is impossible not to take client issues home with you. I completely understand the notion that, as therapists, we assist the people we meet to fly free, often at the expense of remaining in a cage of our own making. Your final reason brought me to tears, because I have been trying to put into words what this career choice has taken from me (despite what it has given) and what it stands to take if I continue. I find myself sitting in sessions thinking 'but when is it my time?'. Well, I think my time is now. Thank you for your insight and encouragement.