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Dr Claire Plumbly
How to Manage Your Nervous System Before it Manages You
If your nervous system feels like it’s constantly braced for impact — this book is for you.
You might be outwardly functioning, but inwardly fraying.
Whether you're crashing into emotional shutdown, snapping at the smallest things, or fantasising about a dramatic exit from it all — you're not failing.
You’re burning out.
And it’s not because you’re weak. It’s because your dysregulated nervous system has been running the show for too long — without your consent.
This isn’t a book about bubble baths and time off.
It’s a clinically-informed, real-world guide to understanding how stress hijacks your internal systems — and what you can do to reclaim control.
Written for professionals, carers, creatives and anyone who’s “still functioning” but increasingly struggling, this book is an accessible, neuroscience-backed breakdown of how chronic stress leads to burnout — and how to interrupt the cycle before it takes a long-term toll.
Claire draws from over 20 years as a clinical psychologist to help you connect the dots between:
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Nervous system dysregulation and emotional overwhelm
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Burnout and early trauma patterns
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Functional perfectionism and internalised pressure
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Shutdown mode, detachment, and emotional flatlining
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“Productivity addiction” and nervous system fatigue
And most importantly — she gives you tools to get unstuck.
Backed by Science.
Written for Humans.
Claire breaks down complex psychological theory into clear, compassionate guidance — without dumbing it down.
Using practical neuroscience, client case studies, and a strong trauma-informed lens, Burnout helps you feel seen, supported, and empowered to act.
Whether you’re a professional, a parent, a leader, or all three — this book will help you understand your nervous system, reclaim your emotional bandwidth, and get back to yourself.
"This book is an essential read if you have been affected by burnout"
Dr Jessamy, Psychologist & author of The Imposter Cure
What You’ll Learn
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Why your stress response is stuck on overdrive — and how to reset it
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The 3 nervous system "modes" and how they shape your thoughts, emotions, and energy levels
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How to spot the early signs of burnout before you shut down completely
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Tools to regulate in the moment — when your system is screaming for help
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How past experiences shape present-day burnout (and how to break free from old patterns)
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What actually works to recover — and why traditional advice often fails
Who This Book is For?
This is for you if:
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You’re a high-achiever who’s started to unravel behind the scenes
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You’re experiencing emotional flatness, guilt, irritability, or apathy
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You’ve tried “wellness” solutions and nothing has truly stuck
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You want to understand your burnout — not just slap on a coping strategy
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You crave clinical depth, without the coldness of clinical speak
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You want clarity, not clichés
About the Author
Dr Claire Plumbly is a Clinical Psychologist, EMDR Consultant, and Director of Plum Psychology. She has spent two decades helping high-functioning professionals recover from burnout, trauma, and anxiety. Her work combines emotional nuance with scientific rigour, offering tools that actually make a difference.
Drawing on polyvagal theory, compassion focused therapy, and my professional insights as a trauma therapist with 20 years experience in mental health, I've written this book to show you:
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Why stress is different from burnout
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How burnout stifles your ability to interact, think clearly and be productive or creative.
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Why you get stuck in burnout and cannot 'think' your way out of it or engage in activities you know could help you.
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The three key psychological patterns I see leading to burnout
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How to soothe your nervous system back to full capacity using therapeutic techniques and compassion.
Our human nervous system has the power to cope with high stress but not when it's been ground down by the relentless stimuli of today's world.
Over time, these persistent demands leave us burnt out because our nervous system is stuck in survival mode. In this mode, we have reduced capacity for rational thinking and less capacity to care. It becomes hard to make decisions, rest, solve problems, be mindful and set boundaries.
