John Corbett is a psychologist based in Hong Kong working with executives and senior professionals on performance, psychological wellbeing, and recovery.

By John Corbett | Psychologist | Hong Kong You run a tight ship. You're the first one in the office and the last to leave. You've built something — a team, a portfolio, a reputation — that took years of discipline to earn. Addiction? That's someone else's story. Someone with less control. Less drive. Less at stake. Except addiction has never been particularly interested in that distinction. In over a decade of working with high-performing professionals in Hong Kong, I've seen

What Your Addiction May Really Be Trying to Tell You

By John Corbett, Psychologist When someone comes to see me because they are feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or emotionally exhausted, many expect our first conversation to focus on stress. They tell me about demanding jobs, financial pressures, relationship difficulties, family responsibilities, or uncertainty about the future. These issues are important, and we discuss them. But before we explore any of those topics, there is usually one question I ask first: "How have you bee

By John Corbett In my work as a psychologist, I often speak with professionals who tell me the same thing: “I know I’m burnt out—but this feels different.” And they’re right. Burnout in high-speed global financial hubs isn’t just about working too much. It’s a different pattern entirely—one shaped by constant pressure, cognitive overload, and a lifestyle that rarely allows the mind to truly switch off. It’s Not Just Long Hours—It’s Continuous Mental Activation When you’re wor

Helping High-Performing Minds Switch Off By John Corbett When Your Mind Won’t Switch Off at Night If you’re high-functioning during the day but struggle to sleep at night, you’re not alone. Many professionals I work with in Hong Kong describe the same pattern: Physically tired, but mentally alert Lying in bed with an active mind Waking at 2–4am with thoughts running Feeling unable to “switch off” This is not a lack of discipline.It ’s often a sign that your mind is still ope

For many people, it offers career growth, international networks, and a vibrant lifestyle.

Hong Kong is one of the most driven cities in the world. Long working hours, global markets, cross-time-zone communication, and constant connectivity create an environment where switching off is rarely simple.