ABA Burnout Is Real — And You’re Not Alone

Burnout has become a growing and very real conversation within the ABA community — and for good reason. ABA therapists give so much of themselves every day: emotionally, physically, and mentally. The work is meaningful, but it can also be demanding, complex, and deeply human.

At In2Great, we want our ABA team to know this clearly: we see you, we hear you, and we value you.

Why Burnout Is So Common in ABA

ABA therapists often balance:

• High emotional investment in their clients

• Long, structured days that require constant engagement

• Navigating big feelings — both from children and families

• Pressure to meet goals while honoring each child’s pace

• The responsibility of showing up consistently, even on hard days

When you care deeply (as ABA therapists do), burnout can creep in quietly — not because you’re doing something wrong, but because you’re doing something that matters.

Burnout Isn’t a Personal Failure

One of the most important things to understand is this: burnout is not a reflection of your ability, passion, or commitment.

Burnout is often a signal that:

• You’ve been giving more than you’ve had time to replenish

• Systems, schedules, or expectations need support

• Rest and connection haven’t been prioritized enough

It doesn’t mean you’re not meant for this work. It means you’re human.

Supporting Burnout Prevention — Individually and as a Team

Preventing burnout isn’t about “pushing through” or doing more. It’s about creating space for balance, support, and sustainability.

Some ways ABA therapists can protect their well-being include:

• Giving yourself permission to take breaks and reset

• Leaning on your team and asking for support when needed

• Celebrating small wins and progress — they matter

• Setting boundaries where possible to protect your energy

• Remembering that progress is not linear, and neither is growth

At the department and clinic level, burnout prevention means fostering an environment where therapists feel supported, respected, and heard — not just for their outcomes, but for who they are as people.

At In2Great, Our Therapists Matter

Our ABA program is built on compassion — not only for the children and families we serve, but for the therapists who make this work possible.

We believe:

• Therapists deserve to feel supported, not stretched thin

• A healthy team creates better outcomes for children

• Emotional well-being is just as important as clinical success

• Connection, collaboration, and understanding go a long way

You are not “just” a therapist. You are a source of safety, growth, and connection for so many children — and that matters deeply.

A Message to Our ABA Team

If you’re feeling tired, overwhelmed, or stretched right now, please know: you are not alone, and you are appreciated.

Burnout is a conversation worth having — and together, we can continue building a culture that supports longevity, balance, and meaningful work.

Thank you for everything you do, every single day.