Therapy for Over-Functioning & Burnout in California and Nevada

I help high-functioning adult women — including professionals and mothers — who are struggling with chronic over-functioning, burnout, and the exhaustion of carrying too much for too long.

I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) offering online therapy in California and Nevada for high-functioning adult women — including mothers and professionals — who are burned out, over-functioning, and emotionally exhausted from carrying too much for too long. My work is rooted in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a values-based, experiential approach to sustainable change.

Who I Commonly Work With

I often work with high-functioning adult women who are highly capable and used to holding everything together. Many are professionals and mothers who have spent years over-functioning: managing everyone's emotions, anticipating problems, carrying the invisible load, while their own needs slowly disappeared.

By the time they reach out, they're often dealing with burnout that sleep doesn't fix, chronic resentment, snapping at people they love then spiraling with guilt, or a growing sense that they've lost themselves completely. They may look "fine" on the outside, but internally they're maxed out, exhausted, and wondering how much longer they can keep this up.

How I Help With Over-Functioning & Burnout

I provide therapy specifically focused on chronic over-functioning, burnout, people-pleasing patterns, and the cycle of self-abandonment that often develops in high-functioning adult women.

If you're noticing overlapping patterns, you may also want to explore:

Therapy for People-Pleasing - If people-pleasing in relationships resonates most

Therapy for Mom Burnout - If burnout from carrying the invisible load of motherhood is what you're experiencing

When This Work Is a Good Fit

This work is often a good fit for people who want therapy that addresses the root of over-functioning and burnout — not just symptom management or time management tips. It tends to work best when you're open to exploring where these patterns came from, ready to practice tolerating discomfort (like other people's disappointment), and willing to make different choices even when guilt shows up.

This work tends to be a strong match if you're outwardly competent and reliable, but internally exhausted, resentful, and unsure how to stop carrying more than your share.

This work begins with weekly sessions; I don't offer biweekly or monthly therapy at the start of treatment. Clients often work with me for several months as they build and practice new patterns. This work is a good fit if you're tired of quick fixes and want long-term shifts that don't require becoming someone you don't recognize.

In practice, this means we focus on understanding patterns, practicing new responses in real time, and building nervous-system tolerance for change.

When This May Not Be the Best Fit

This may not be the best fit if you're looking for quick tips to "manage stress better" or if you need crisis-level support or help with active suicidality; immediate local or emergency resources are more appropriate in those situations. I don't provide treatment for unmanaged psychosis or substance dependence. I also don't begin with monthly or maintenance sessions; this work requires weekly sessions initially to build momentum and create sustainable change. This approach is not a fit if you're looking for court-mandated therapy or insurance-based services. I work on a private pay basis.

Practical Details

I'm Nicole Byrne, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT).

Licensed in: California (License #90540) and Nevada (License #1026)

Work with: Adults

Format: Online therapy

Payment: Private pay

Location: Based in Pasadena, California, offering online therapy throughout California and Nevada

Where to Go Next

If you're exploring support around:

Over-functioning and burnout → Therapy for Over-Functioning & Burnout

People-pleasing in relationships → Therapy for People-Pleasing

Burnout from motherhood and the invisible load → Therapy for Mom Burnout

Ready to talk about whether this work is a fit for you? → Schedule a Free 20-Minute Consultation