Introduces The Burn In Model as an evidence-informed conceptual model designed for both understanding and application.

Readers will:

• Understand how The Burn In Model fits in—and stands out—among other models

• Learn how the model functions as both a conceptual lens and a practical framework

• Be introduced to the fire metaphor and its universal, cross-cultural relevance

• Understand how metaphor, narrative, and shared language turn abstract experiences into something visible, discussable, and actionable

A transparent look at how the model came to life — and where it’s headed.

This section covers:

• The grassroots origins of the model within the occupational therapy community

• The collaborative, iterative development process, including:

  • Narrative and empirical literature reviews

  • Lived experience and professional expertise

  • Focus groups with international practitioners

  • Pilot testing and real-world application

• Early conceptual validation through a mapping review of burnout and job satisfaction literature

• Theoretical foundations across disciplines

• Implications for future research, education, practice, and cross-disciplinary collaboration

Not your average chapter on Burnout. A critical re-examination of how burnout is currently described — and where those characterizations fall short.

Readers will:

• Review the World Health Organization’s definition of burnout

• Explore three key limitations of the standard description and classification of burnout

• Learn how burnout can show up across many roles and contexts — including professional, personal, caregiving, and neurodivergent

• Understand burnout as it is defined in The Burn In Model

• Recognize common emotional, cognitive, physical, and relational signs of burnout

Introduces the concept of Burn In as the counterpoint to burnout — not as constant happiness, productivity or toxic positivity, but as strong alignment between Being, Doing, and Belonging.

This section explores:

• Burn In as a dynamic, transient state, not a fixed destination

• What Burn In can look like

• What Burn In can feel like

• How Burn In emerges when alignment supports authentic growth and Becoming

The heart of the model.

Readers will learn:

• The distinction between the Inner Flame and the Outer Flame

• The dynamic, transient nature of the flame size and strength across seasons of life

• The Burn In Continuum and how it helps normalize movement between burnout, in-between states, and Burn In (without moral judgment)

A deep dive into the elements that fuel, protect, threaten, and ripple outward from the flame.

Includes detailed descriptions of:

• Core Elements: Spark (Life), Coal (Burnout), Ash (Death, Legacy & Lineage)

• Fuel & Conditions: Sticks & Logs (Personal and Occupational Factors), Rocks (Boundaries), Wind & Rain (Environmental Factors)

• Ripple Effects: Smoke (Signs of Misalignment), Embers (Gifts to the World)

Readers will see how:

• Privilege, access, and systems can influence how easily alignment can be attained and sustained

• Early “smoke signals” can be recognized and addressed before burnout deepens

• Alignment naturally generates meaningful contributions beyond the self

Practical guidance for using The Burn In Model across contexts — without turning it into a prescriptive intervention.

This section provides general guidance on how The Burn In Model can be used for:

• Personal reflection and life transitions

• Professional development, supervision, and mentorship

• Clinical practice and coaching across settings and populations

• Team, organizational, and community-level conversations

• Strengths-based assessment, goal-setting, and reflection over time

It also introduces Burn In literacy — a new way to check in with ourselves and others using shared language rather than autopilot responses.

A set of visual, one-page resources designed for easy reference, teaching, and application.

Includes:

• Multiple visual overviews of The Burn In Model

• A concise summary table of the Flame and all 8 Ecosystem Elements