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Creativity is something many of us leave behind as life becomes fuller, busier, & more demanding. But what if reconnecting with creativity in midlife could be one of the most nourishing things we do for ourselves? In this ep, I’m joined by Chrissy from Artuition for a warm & honest conversation about art therapy, creativity, & the midlife experience. We begin with a very real midlife moment — the kind of tiredness many women recognise as their bodies start asking for more attention & care. From there, our conversation unfolds into the role creativity can play in reconnecting us with ourselves. Chrissy shares her journey into art therapy & explains how creative expression can support our bodies, offer a different way to process thoughts & emotions, & help women reconnect with parts of themselves that may have been quietly set aside for many years. This conversation explores how creativity can become a gentle pathway back to yourself — not through pressure or perfectionism, but through curiosity, expression, & permission to simply create. If you’ve ever found yourself thinking “I’m not creative” or feeling disconnected from the joy you once felt in creative activities, this episode offers a compassionate invitation to explore that part of yourself again.
In this ep., we explore:
- Why creativity often fades from our lives as responsibilities grow
- The connection between midlife, fatigue, & listening to the body
- What art therapy actually is & how it works
- How creative expression can support the body & mind
- Reconnecting with creativity after burnout or long periods of caring for others
- Why giving yourself permission to create can be quietly revolutionary in midlife
Guest Chrissy: I am a proud AuDHD’er (Autistic-ADHD), passionate about soulful self-discovery, nourishing personal wellbeing, and expressing, learning and processing through therapeutic arts experiences. Alongside a Masters in Therapeutic Arts Practice with Specialisation in Arts-based Research, and ANZACATA Professional registration, I weave together 30 years as a Professional Artist and Educator, with special expertise working with neurodivergent children, late-diagnosed autistic/ADHD women in peri/menopause, families, LGBTQIA+, and allied health professionals. As a late-diagnosed neurodivergent woman, it’s my passion to support neurodivergent folk to creatively discover their unique strengths, interests and goals for thriving, while expanding the research base of our community’s unique, lived experiences and needs.
In my free time, I love chilling at home with my son, puppy Banjo & 3 cats, sipping tea, going on nature walks, making art, building LEGO, tending to my house plants & enjoying gluten-free friendly cafes. Oh, & frolicking barefoot in the rain!
Connect with Chrissy: www.artuition.com
Discover her Online Peri-Women-Pause space: https://artuition.com.au/peri-women-pause
Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/artuitionstudio
Host: Shannon Swales: Clinical Psychologist, award-winning author, & midlife woman who’s walked through burnout & come out the other side. Shannon combines clinical wisdom with lived experience to support others navigating chronic stress, burnout, & big life transitions. Through gentle conversations & evidence-based insights, she helps women reconnect with themselves, reclaim their energy, & grow through what once felt like breaking points.
Other ways to connect with Shannon
• Social Media: @shannon.a.swales
• Midlife Reclaimed Coaching for Women
• Join Shannon's Mailing List - free eJournal
Disclaimer: This podcast does not create a therapist-client relationship with Shannon. The views expressed are general & not a substitute for personalised therapy. If in distress, seek professional help. Remember—you don’t have to face your struggles alone.
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