The Doctor of Burnout Syndrome

About

Dr. Farrell psychologist - About

Dr. Maria Farrell

Psychologist, Speaker, and Burnout Consultant

Throughout my career as a psychologist, I have spent over a decade studying human behavior, focusing on how individuals connect with themselves, others, and the world around them.

Over time, my passion expanded to explore the intricate relationships people form with their work—and how these connections shape their well-being, sense of purpose, and overall life satisfaction.

This pursuit led me to develop the first known clinical treatment model for burnout syndrome, and I remain deeply committed to my clinical practice today.

As a CPA-approved sponsor for continuing education for psychologists, I have shared my burnout expertise to both professional and public audiences. I have been featured on Time Square, ABC News, Authority Magazine, and Dentons Global, and I am a regular contributor to podcasts aimed at advancing public education about burnout syndrome.

About Dr. Farrell

I was raised along the wild coastline of St. John’s, Newfoundland, and my early childhood was influenced by its down to earth culture and deep-rooted sense of community values.

I grew up in a conservative family, where education and moral values were strongly emphasized, shaping my views on responsibility, discipline, and integrity.

I learned from an early age that I was meant to help people in a big, meaningful way.

Burnout Story

How Burnout Changed My Life—and My Mission

My Burnout Story

Experiencing my own burnout firsthand changed everything.

I was working 16-hour shifts in an acute psychiatric hospital while studying full-time and completing my Masters thesis.

Every day felt like an uphill battle—running on 4 hours of sleep, neglecting my family and friends, and telling myself I just had to make it through one more shift, one more exam, one more day, i’ll get to my goal of being a psychologist. My body was running on adrenaline, my mind was in constant brain fog, and even though I had dedicated my life to understanding mental health, I was completely losing my own.

Everywhere I turned, the so-called cure for burnout was self-care—just take a break, set boundaries, and you’ll be fine. If it were that simple, there wouldn’t be a burnout problem in the first place. 

To be honest, I was disgusted with this advice.

I soon came to realize that effective treatment for burnout syndrome simply did not exist. That is when I took matters into my own hands.

I thought, “If tangible, practical, and scientifically backed advice for burnout doesn’t exist, I am going to take matters into my own hands – and I am going to use the very best of science in doing so, so that no one is mislead or misinformed.”

Game On.

I started my doctoral studies and matched with Yale School of Medicine researcher and graduate, Dr. Carolyn Ortega, in tackling this problem. I needed the very best of scientists on my side – so that I myself was not mislead or misguided on my path to the truth. 

I spent the next seven years searching for answers. Thousands of hours of interviews. Endless data collection. Every research article I could find. I dug into the very best of scientific research—determined to uncover the truth. All so no one else would have to endure what I did—or lose years of their life to this syndrome.

Clinical Credentials

Professional Licensure

Formal Education

Professional Affiliations

Continuing Education

Burnout Story

Life Now

My clinical practice is now fully dedicated to burnout syndrome, and I founded my consulting firm with the goal of helping others worldwide.

Every day, I live by rhythm and intention. Morning Pilates sets the tone, grounding me in movement and breath before the day begins. I prioritize activities that nourish both my body and mind—whether it’s playing the piano, taking reflective walks between sessions, or simply making space to be present.

Horses are my deepest passion, and I ride several times a week to reconnect with myself. This year is especially meaningful, as I prepare to welcome a new foal—becoming a horse mom is a dream come true. I also chase waves on my surfboard whenever I can, finding quiet freedom in untouched waters around the world.

I make it a point to take several trips a year to recharge—yes, I do go MIA for a few weeks at a time! But that’s intentional. I prioritize my own well-being so I can show up fully—grounded, present, and clear—for the nurses, teachers, and corporate professionals I support in recovering from burnout.

If you’re ready to find your way back to yourself, I’d be honoured to help guide you there.

Dr. Maria Farrell

Psychologist, Speaker, and Burnout Consultant

Dr. Maria Farrell Psychologist. Stress Management

Throughout my career as a psychologist, I have spent over a decade studying human behavior, focusing on how individuals connect with themselves, others, and the world around them.

Over time, my passion expanded to explore the intricate relationships people form with their work—and how these connections shape their well-being, sense of purpose, and overall life satisfaction.

This pursuit led me to develop the first known clinical treatment model for burnout syndrome, and I remain deeply committed to my clinical practice today.

As a CPA-approved sponsor for continuing education for psychologists, I have shared my burnout expertise to both professional and public audiences. I have been featured on Time Square, ABC News, Authority Magazine, and Dentons Global, and I am a regular contributor to podcasts aimed at advancing public education about burnout syndrome.

Dr. Farrell psychologist - About

Credentials

Professional Licensure

Registered Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists

Registered Psychologist with the College of Psychologists of British Columbia

Registered Psychologist with the Government of Yukon

Professional Affiliations

Canadian Psychological Association

American Psychological Association

Canadian Association of Cognitive & Behavioral Therapies

Golden Key International Honours Society

Formal Education

Doctor of Psychology – California Southern University. Supervised by Dr. Carolyn Ortega, Yale University School of Medicine 

Masters of Counselling – City University of Seattle, Edmonton, Alberta

Bachelor of Arts, Major in Psychology – Grant MacEwan University, Edmonton, AB

Continuing Education

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy – Anxiety and Depression, CBT Canada – Accredited by the College of Family Physicians of Canada

The Unified Protocol – Transdiagnostic Treatment of Emotional Disorders: Introductory Workshop. Boston University

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Level 1 and 2 training with EMDR Consulting

AbouT

I was raised along the wild coastline of St. John’s, Newfoundland, and my early childhood was influenced by its down to earth culture and deep-rooted sense of community values.

I grew up in a conservative family, where education and moral values were strongly emphasized, shaping my views on responsibility, discipline, and integrity.

I learned from an early age that I was meant to help people in a big, meaningful way.

My Burnout Story

Dr. Maria Farrell ICON

Experiencing my own burnout firsthand changed everything.

I was working 16-hour shifts in an acute psychiatric hospital while studying full-time and completing my Masters thesis.

Every day felt like an uphill battle—running on 4 hours of sleep, neglecting my family and friends, and telling myself I just had to make it through one more shift, one more exam, one more day, i’ll get to my goal of being a psychologist. My body was running on adrenaline, my mind was in constant brain fog, and even though I had dedicated my life to understanding mental health, I was completely losing my own.

Everywhere I turned, the so-called cure for burnout was self-care—just take a break, set boundaries, and you’ll be fine. If it were that simple, there wouldn’t be a burnout problem in the first place. 

To be honest, I was disgusted with this advice.

I soon came to realize that effective treatment for burnout syndrome simply did not exist. That is when I took matters into my own hands.

I thought, “If tangible, practical, and scientifically backed advice for burnout doesn’t exist, I am going to take matters into my own hands – and I am going to use the very best of science in doing so, so that no one is mislead or misinformed.”

Game On.

I started my doctoral studies and matched with Yale School of Medicine researcher and graduate, Dr. Carolyn Ortega, in tackling this problem. I needed the very best of scientists on my side – so that I myself was not mislead or misguided on my path to the truth. 

I spent the next seven years searching for answers. Thousands of hours of interviews. Endless data collection. Every research article I could find. I dug into the very best of scientific research—determined to uncover the truth. All so no one else would have to endure what I did—or lose years of their life to this syndrome.

Life Now

My clinical practice is now fully dedicated to burnout syndrome, and I founded my consulting firm with the goal of helping others worldwide.

Every day, I live by rhythm and intention. Morning Pilates sets the tone, grounding me in movement and breath before the day begins. I prioritize activities that nourish both my body and mind—whether it’s playing the piano, taking reflective walks between sessions, or simply making space to be present.

Horses are my deepest passion, and I ride several times a week to reconnect with myself. This year is especially meaningful, as I prepare to welcome a new foal—becoming a horse mom is a dream come true. I also chase waves on my surfboard whenever I can, finding quiet freedom in untouched waters around the world.

I make it a point to take several trips a year to recharge—yes, I do go MIA for a few weeks at a time! But that’s intentional. I prioritize my own well-being so I can show up fully—grounded, present, and clear—for the nurses, teachers, and corporate professionals I support in recovering from burnout.

If you’re ready to find your way back to yourself, I’d be honoured to help guide you there.