- Many individuals entering treatment carry significant professional responsibilities.
- At THE BALANCE, engagement with work during treatment is approached cautiously, intentionally, and within clear clinical boundaries.
- The primary focus of care remains stabilisation, recovery, and long-term well-being.
Many individuals entering treatment carry significant professional responsibilities. At THE BALANCE, engagement with work during treatment is approached cautiously, intentionally, and within clear clinical boundaries. The primary focus of care remains stabilisation, recovery, and long-term well-being. Work is considered only where it supports – and does not undermine – the treatment process.
CLINICAL PRIORITY COMES FIRST
Treatment is not designed to be combined with full professional workload. Recovery requires space, presence, and a reduction in external pressure. For many individuals, stepping back from work is a necessary part of stabilisation. Any engagement with work is:
- secondary to clinical goals
- time-limited and structured
- reviewed regularly
- adjusted based on progress and capacity
Work never replaces treatment.
WHEN WORK MAY BE CONSIDERED
In selected cases, limited professional engagement may be appropriate. This may include:
- essential decision-making responsibilities
- time-sensitive leadership obligations
- structured handover or transition tasks
These decisions are guided by assessment of:
- mental and emotional stability
- nervous system regulation
- impact on recovery
- risk of avoidance or overextension
Not all roles or situations are suitable.
STRUCTURE & BOUNDARIES
Where work engagement is approved, it operates within clear limits. This includes:
- defined time windows
- restricted access to communication
- clear separation from therapy and rest
- ongoing clinical review
Boundaries protect both treatment integrity and long-term professional functioning.
SUPPORT FOR TRANSITION & DELEGATION
For many individuals, the most important work-related task is stepping back. Support may include:
- planning delegation or handover
- preparing absence communication
- addressing guilt or anxiety related to disengagement
- reframing productivity and control
These processes are often integral to recovery.
TECHNOLOGY, COMMUNICATION & SECURITY
Where work engagement is permitted, communication is handled carefully. This may involve:
- secure and limited access to devices
- defined communication channels
- protection of privacy and confidentiality
- avoidance of constant availability
Technology use is structured, not open-ended.
A THERAPEUTIC CONSIDERATION
Work patterns often reflect deeper themes. Treatment may explore:
- identity linked to performance
- difficulty resting or delegating
- fear of loss of control
- chronic over-responsibility
Working during treatment is never treated as a purely logistical issue.
WHEN WORK IS NOT SUPPORTED
In many cases, work engagement is not clinically appropriate. This may apply when:
- symptoms require full containment
- stress or pressure worsens instability
- work reinforces avoidance patterns
- boundaries cannot be maintained
These decisions are made transparently and revisited as care progresses.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I continue running my business while in treatment?
In most cases, no. Limited involvement may be considered, but treatment requires meaningful disengagement from daily operations.
Will I have access to my phone or email?
Access is determined individually and may be restricted to protect recovery and focus.
Is this common for executives?
Yes. Navigating work identity and responsibility is often a key part of treatment for high-performing individuals.
