Therapy for Career & Work Issues

When your work life weighs on your well-being, it’s time for support that sees the whole you.

What Career & Work Stress Can Feel Like

Work is more than a paycheck — it’s often tied to your identity, stability, and sense of purpose. So when something feels off, it can impact everything.

You might be feeling:

Burnt out, exhausted, or emotionally drained

Stuck in a job that no longer fits

Unsure about your purpose or direction

Overwhelmed by career transitions or job loss

Anxious about performance or imposter syndrome

Struggling to balance ambition with personal life

Whether you're questioning your path or dealing with a toxic workplace, these feelings are real — and worth exploring.

Why This Is So Common — and So Overlooked

We live in a culture that often ties our worth to productivity — and tells us to “just push through.” But when your career becomes a source of anxiety, confusion, or self-doubt, pushing harder doesn’t help.

You might be navigating unrealistic expectations, cultural or family pressure, discrimination, or internal conflict around what success means for you.

Therapy gives you a space to explore all of this — without judgment, and without needing to have it all figured out.

How Therapy Can Help

Together, we can explore:

Clarifying what you truly want (and what’s getting in the way)

Identifying burnout, boundary issues, or perfectionism

Processing career changes, layoffs, or workplace trauma

Rebuilding confidence and agency

Navigating ambition, values, and life balance

I often integrate approaches such as:

Mindfulness-based strategies to manage stress and reactivity

Strengths-based therapy to reconnect with your values and voice

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to reframe limiting beliefs

Narrative work to re-author your career story

This is about more than work — it’s about your life, your choices, and your well-being.

What to Expect in Sessions

Whether you're at a crossroads, overwhelmed by work stress, or just tired of feeling stuck — our sessions are a place to untangle what’s weighing on you.

Some sessions may focus on clarity and direction; others on emotion, identity, or boundaries. You don’t have to bring polished answers — just your honest questions.

Together, we’ll shape a path that fits your values, not just your résumé.

 “Let’s make space for what you really want — not just what you’re ‘supposed’ to do.”

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What Clients Say

“Before working with Irene, I didn’t even realize how anxious I was all the time. She helped me slow down, breathe, and feel like I wasn’t broken — just burnt out.”

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What Clients Say

“I used to feel like my mind never shut off. Now I feel like I have actual tools that work. And I know I’m not alone.”

two person holding papercut heart

What Clients Say

“Irene helped me realize I don’t have to say yes to everything. Learning to set boundaries changed everything.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is this for people who are employed or unemployed?

Both. Whether you’re in a high-pressure role or between jobs, your experience matters — and therapy can help.

Q: What if I’m not sure I want to change careers?

You don’t need to decide anything right away. Therapy is a space to explore possibilities and check in with yourself.

Q: Can therapy help with burnout?

Yes. Therapy can help you recognize the signs of burnout, set boundaries, and begin to recover from chronic stress or overextension.

Q: Is this confidential? I don’t want my employer to know.

Yes. All sessions are private and protected under HIPAA. Nothing is shared with employers.

Q: Do you offer online sessions?

Yes. I offer online therapy for California residents and in-person sessions in Newport Beach.

Schedule a Free Consultation

Work shouldn’t cost you your well-being. If you’re feeling lost, overwhelmed, or ready for something different, let’s talk about what’s possible.

In-Person in Newport Beach

Online for California residents

Free 15-minute phone consultations available

Maria Irene Alvarez de Schwartz, LMFT 155789

(949) 385-3689

Newport Beach Office

1000 Quail St., Suite 220

Laguna Beach Office

333 3rd St #6

Online Therapy

California Residents Only


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