Therapy for Workaholism and Burnout: Online Support for Founders and High Achievers

Sep 29

4 min read

For founders, business owners and high achievers online across the UK.

Calm home office at golden hour with a closed laptop, a mug of tea, a plant and an open notebook

You've built a lot. From the outside it probably looks like it's working.

But you can't switch off. You've taken the holiday, had the weekend, tried the rest... and you're still exhausted. Work has quietly become the place you feel most in control, and everywhere else feels harder.

I'm Rachel Vora, an MBACP accredited psychotherapist with around ten years' clinical experience. I specialise in working with people whose ambition has started to cost them more than it gives back.

Who I work with

Founders and business owners who feel their business has become their identity
High achievers and professionals who can't slow down without feeling anxious or guilty
People who've "done everything right" and still feel burnt out
Anyone who suspects their relationship with work isn't healthy, even if they can't quite name why

You don't need to be in crisis to start. Many of my clients are functioning well on paper. That's often part of the problem.

What we work on

Burnout isn't always about working too many hours. More often it's about why we work the way we do. Together we look at:

Workaholism and overworking. When work stops being something you do and becomes a way to cope
Hyperindependence. Finding it hard to ask for help, delegate or rely on anyone
Perfectionism and fear of mistakes. The fight, flight, freeze or fawn response that kicks in when something goes wrong
Burnout that rest doesn't fix. Because you can't rest your way out of a way of being
Relationships under strain. When work becomes the third person in your relationship
Identity and self-worth. Who you are when you're not achieving

My approach is built around moving from anxious ambition to grounded ambition. It's not about wanting less or giving up what you've built. It's about making your ambition sustainable, so success doesn't cost you your health, relationships or sense of self.

How it works

Online sessions across the UK, so you can fit therapy around your work and location
50-minute sessions, weekly or fortnightly
Private fees: £90 per session, or a bundle of six sessions for £510 (£85 per session)
Health insurance: I'm recognised by Bupa, AXA, Vitality, WPA and Aviva. If you have cover, you may be able to claim for your sessions. Check with your provider for authorisation first.
A free initial consultation call to see if we're a good fit

Book a free consultation call →

Frequently asked questions

Is workaholism a real thing, or am I just busy?

Workaholism isn't a formal diagnosis, but it's a well-recognised pattern. It's less about how many hours you work and more about whether you can stop. If you feel anxious, restless or guilty when you're not working, or you use work to avoid other parts of life, it's worth exploring.

How do I know if I'm burnt out or just tired?

Tiredness usually improves with rest. Burnout often doesn't. Common signs include feeling exhausted even after time off, becoming cynical or detached from work you used to care about, and feeling less effective despite trying harder. If a holiday hasn't touched it, that's a sign something deeper is going on.

Will therapy make me less ambitious?

No, and that's a really common worry. The aim isn't to take your drive away. It's to help your ambition come from a steadier place, so you can keep building without burning out.

I don't really have time for therapy. Is it still worth it?

Most of my clients say the same thing at the start. Sessions are online and fit around your working day. Often the people who feel they have the least time are the ones who benefit most.

How much does therapy cost?

Sessions are £90 each, or £510 for a bundle of six (£85 per session). If you have health insurance, your sessions may be covered.

Can I use my health insurance?

Yes. I'm recognised by Bupa, AXA, Vitality, WPA and Aviva. Contact your insurer for authorisation, then get in touch with me to book.

Do you work with people outside of Wilmslow and Manchester?

Yes. All sessions are online, so I work with clients across the UK.

What happens in the first session?

We'll talk about what's brought you to therapy, what you'd like to be different, and how we might work together. There's no pressure to go into everything straight away.

Are sessions confidential?

Yes. I work to the BACP Ethical Framework, and everything we discuss is confidential within the usual professional limits, which I'll explain when we first meet.

About me

I'm Rachel Vora, a BACP accredited psychotherapist with around a decade of clinical experience. I specialise in workaholism, burnout and the psychology of ambition. I also write Grounded for Founders on Substack and speak to founders and organisations about sustainable success.