The Crash After the Climb: Understanding Executive Burnout in Amsterdam
- Aurore Counseling
- Dec 4, 2025
- 2 min read
You built the career. You navigated the relocation. You integrated into the fast-paced rhythm of Amsterdam’s business world. From the outside, you are the definition of expat success.
But internally, the engine is stalling.
It often starts quietly. A sense of cynicism creeping into your work. A fatigue that a weekend of sleep doesn’t fix. The "Sunday Scaries" turning into daily dread. You are high-functioning—you still hit your targets, lead your meetings, and maintain your social face—but you are running on fumes.
At Aurore Counseling, we see this pattern often among the professionals we work with. It is the specific, silent crisis of the high-achieving expat.
The "High-Functioning" Trap
Burnout is not just about working too hard. It is about a disconnection from self. For expats in Amsterdam the pressure is twofold. You are proving yourself in a new culture while lacking the deep, historical support network you left back home.
You keep pushing because "pushing" is what got you here. But the strategies that fueled your success are now fueling your exhaustion. You may search for "burnout therapy near me" hoping for a quick fix, but true recovery requires a deeper architectural shift in how you relate to your work and your worth.
Why "Standard" Advice Fails Executives
You have likely tried the standard advice: "take a break," "meditate," "set boundaries." But when your identity is wrapped up in performance, stopping feels dangerous.
This is where specialized Expat Burnout Therapy differs. We don't just ask you to stop; we help you understand why you can't. We explore the drivers of perfectionism, the fear of failure, and the specific anxieties that come with living abroad.
The Value of Private, Non-Contracted Care
F
or the executive client, privacy is paramount. Navigating burnout within the public Dutch healthcare system (GGZ) can mean long waiting lists and permanent medical records that you may not want.
We offer a different path. Our practice is private and non-contracted. This means:
Absolute Discretion: Your files stay with us, not an insurance company.
Immediate Access: No waiting months for help. We understand that burnout is urgent.
Tailored Pace: We work on your timeline, deep-diving into the root causes rather than just managing symptoms.
Reclaim Your Edge
Recovery isn't about lowering your standards. It's about recovering your sustainable energy. It’s about moving from a state of survival back to a state of thriving.
You don't have to navigate this crash alone. As English and French-speaking therapists, we provide the nuanced, culturally aware support you need to rebuild.
Start the conversation. Book your free 15-minute introductory call today and find your ground again.


