Burnout Psychology Support

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Debbie Sorensen, a clinical psychologist, who specialises in helping midlife adults with burnout. Dr. Sorensen is the author of ACT for Burnout (2023), a guide for breaking the burnout cycle, and co-host of Psychologists Off the Clock. She shares insights on how burnout shows up uniquely in midlife and the common patterns she observes. We explore the role of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in managing and recovering from burnout. Dr. Sorensen offers practical ACT strategies that can be applied to daily life to support long-term well-being. We also reflect on our own personal journeys through burnout, discussing lessons that continue to shape our work and lives today.Connect with Debbie:W: www.drdebbiesorensen.com LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbie-sorensen/ Substack: https://substack.com/@drdebbiesorensen  IS: https://www.instagram.com/drdebbiesorensen/Pod: Psychologists Off the Clock, Book: Amazon ACT Daily Journal: Amazon Subscribe: sign up for my email list here.Shannon Swales—a psychologist dedicated to empowering individuals with essential mental health skills to prevent, navigate & grow from midlife burnout. Having overcome burnout in her early midlife, Shannon guides others from chronic stress to wellness with balance & empathy. Join her as she shares transformative experiences & insights on growth through adversity.If you enjoy the Midlife Reclaimed Podcast, join our community:• Online Membership: Dive into Midlife Reclaimed—an empowering space for burnt-out midlife women - https://midlife-reclaimed.mn.co/• Social Media: Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn• 1:1 Therapy: www.burnoutpsychologysupport.com/burnout-therapySubscribe: sign up for my email list here.Disclaimer: This podcast does not create a therapist-client relationship with Shannon Swales. 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.

Vulnerability isn’t a weakness—it’s a superpower that fuels growth, resilience, and deeper connections. Yet, for many midlife women, embracing vulnerability can feel daunting, especially when navigating career shifts, evolving relationships, and changing identities. In this episode, we explore what vulnerability truly means, why it’s essential for navigating midlife with courage, and how it can become a catalyst for self-discovery and closer, more meaningful relationships. We’ll also unpack the societal pressures that discourage emotional openness and share practical strategies to embrace vulnerability in a way that feels empowering and safe. If you’re ready to show up more authentically in your life and relationships, this conversation is for you. Tune in and discover the courage to be seen.Meet Shannon Swales—a psychologist dedicated to empowering individuals with essential mental health skills to prevent, navigate & grow from midlife burnout. Having overcome burnout in her early midlife, Shannon guides others from chronic stress to wellness with balance & empathy. Join her as she shares transformative experiences & insights on growth through adversity.Connect & GrowIf you enjoy the Midlife Reclaimed Podcast, join our community:Subscribe to receive a FREE Journaling Your Way to Thriving Beyond Burnout ebook and more goodiesOnline Membership: Dive into Midlife Reclaimed—an empowering space for burnt-out midlife women - https://midlife-reclaimed.mn.co/Social Media: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or Threads1:1 Therapy: Ready to tackle midlife burnout? Visit www.burnoutpsychologysupport.com.My Midlife Burnout Story: Nothing Left to Give: A Psychologist’s Path Back From BurnoutShare Your Midlife Wisdom: Have professional &/or lived-experience insights on overcoming burnout or navigating midlife shifts? Email: shannon.a.swales@gmail.comDisclaimer: This podcast does not create a therapist-client relationship with Shannon Swales. 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.

Is your phone taking more than it’s giving? In this episode of Midlife Reclaimed, I take a personal and reflective journey into my mobile phone habits—how overuse has impacted my sleep, focus, and well-being, and what I’m doing to reclaim control. Drawing on research from Nick Petrie and his team, I explore the connection between phone overuse and burnout, and why a conscious "phone strategy" can be a game-changer for mental energy and stress reduction. Plus, I’ll guide you through reflective questions to help you assess your own habits and set healthier boundaries. If you're ready to break free from the constant scroll and reclaim your time and focus, this episode is for you! 🎧✨Meet Shannon Swales—a psychologist dedicated to empowering individuals with essential mental health skills to prevent, navigate & grow from midlife burnout. Having overcome burnout in her early midlife, Shannon guides others from chronic stress to wellness with balance & empathy. Join her as she shares transformative experiences & insights on growth through adversity.Connect & GrowIf you enjoy the Midlife Reclaimed Podcast, join our community:Subscribe to receive a FREE Journaling Your Way to Thriving Beyond Burnout ebook and more goodiesOnline Membership: Dive into Midlife Reclaimed—an empowering space for burnt-out midlife women - https://midlife-reclaimed.mn.co/Social Media: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or Threads1:1 Therapy: Ready to tackle midlife burnout? Visit www.burnoutpsychologysupport.com.My Midlife Burnout Story: Nothing Left to Give: A Psychologist’s Path Back From BurnoutShare Your Midlife Wisdom: Have professional &/or lived-experience insights on overcoming burnout or navigating midlife shifts? Email: shannon.a.swales@gmail.comDisclaimer: This podcast does not create a therapist-client relationship with Shannon Swales. 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.

Join us on EP 48 as we chat with Naturopath Wendy Burke—a passionate advocate for holistic hormone health. Wendy decodes the interplay of hormonal changes, stress, & midlife challenges that send your emotions into overdrive. Discover why your anger spikes, mood swings are unpredictable, & what your body is really signalling. We explore practical strategies—from herbal supplements & nutrition to movement & sleep—that empower you during midlife. Walk away with a clearer view of your hormonal landscape & actionable steps to embrace your journey without needing to murder anyone (just kidding!).Meet Wendy Burke, founder of The Healthy Hormone Naturopath & a champion for women’s hormonal well-being. After overcoming post-natal depression & a transformative lifestyle overhaul, she left corporate life for natural medicine. Specialising in menstrual health, preconception, PCOS, endometriosis, menopause, & more, Wendy combines expertise in nutrition, naturopathy, & personal training to empower midlife women. When not consulting or researching, you’ll find her in the gym rocking her signature brightly coloured tights.Ba.HSc.(Nat), Adv.Dip.Nut., Adv.Dip.West.Herb.Medicine, Cert 3 & 4 FitnessMember Australian Natural Therapies Association and Naturopath & Herbalist Association of Australiawendy@thehealthyhormonenat.com.auwww.thehealthyhormonenat.com.auFacebook & InstagramMeet Shannon Swales—a psychologist dedicated to empowering individuals with essential mental health skills to prevent, navigate & grow from midlife burnout. Having overcome burnout in her early midlife, Shannon guides others from chronic stress to wellness with balance & empathy. Join her as she shares transformative experiences & insights on growth through adversity.Connect & GrowIf you enjoy the Midlife Reclaimed Podcast, join our community:• Online Membership: Dive into Midlife Reclaimed—an empowering space for burnt-out midlife women - https://midlife-reclaimed.mn.co/• Social Media: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or Threads• 1:1 Therapy: Ready to tackle midlife burnout? Visit www.burnoutpsychologysupport.com.Share Your Midlife Wisdom: Have professional &/or lived-experience insights on overcoming burnout or navigating midlife shifts? Email: shannon.a.swales@gmail.comDisclaimer: This podcast does not create a therapist-client relationship with Shannon Swales. 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.

Welcome to Season 7—and my first solo episode back—as I mark a very special milestone:  four-year anniversary of the day I left my demanding career behind to reclaim my life. I dive deep into that transformative moment—exploring the mix of emotions that propelled me from fear to liberation—and reflect on the lessons learned along the way. In our conversation, I discuss how the act of leaving everything familiar sparked a journey of self-discovery, leading me to redefine success, embrace vulnerability, and build a life grounded in balance and authenticity.Throughout this episode, I invite you to consider similar reflections on your own path. We touch on themes such as the pivotal moment of change, navigating the emotional landscape of burnout, and the empowering growth that comes from transforming adversity into strength. Whether you're at a crossroads or seeking inspiration to forge your own path, this intimate episode offers a window into the process of reclaiming midlife with courage and purpose.If you found this episode helpful, please share in the comments how you found it. Your feedback is invaluable—it helps this conversation to get out to others who may need it. Meet Shannon Swales—a psychologist dedicated to empowering individuals with essential mental health skills to prevent, navigate & grow from midlife burnout. Having overcome burnout in her early midlife, Shannon guides others from chronic stress to wellness with balance & empathy. Join her as she shares transformative experiences & insights on growth through adversity.Connect & GrowIf you enjoy the Midlife Reclaimed Podcast, join our community:• Online Membership: Dive into Midlife Reclaimed—an empowering space for burnt-out midlife women - https://midlife-reclaimed.mn.co/• Social Media: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or Threads• 1:1 Therapy: Ready to tackle midlife burnout? Visit www.burnoutpsychologysupport.com.Share Your Midlife Wisdom: Have professional &/or lived-experience insights on overcoming burnout or navigating midlife shifts? Email: shannon.a.swales@gmail.comDisclaimer: This podcast does not create a therapist-client relationship with Shannon Swales. 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.

Midlife Reclaimed (formerly When Burnout Becomes Reality)Welcome to Midlife Reclaimed, the podcast where we challenge outdated norms and explore what it means to thrive in midlife. I’m your host, Shannon A Swales—a psychologist, writer, and midlife woman who found a new path after a life-changing midlife burnout. While this show grew from my original focus on burnout recovery (When Burnout Becomes Reality), it has evolved to dive even deeper into how we can rewrite the rules of midlife with openness, courage, and purpose.Twice a month, we’ll share stories of true resilience, transformation, and growth, uncovering practical insights to help you create a life that feels genuine and free. Whether you’re questioning hustle culture, craving deeper connections, or simply seeking inspiration for what’s next, this is your space to explore, reflect, and reimagine what’s possible—especially if you’ve ever felt burned out or ready for a fresh start.Join us as we reclaim midlife—one bold, open-hearted step at a time.Want to Share Your Midlife Wisdom?If you’d like to share your midlife wisdom—be it overcoming midlife burnout, navigating midlife shifts, or both—or if you’re an expert in these areas with insights to offer, I’d love to hear from you. Email: shannon.a.swales@gmail.comConnect & GrowIf you enjoy the Midlife Reclaimed Podcast, join our community:Subscribe to receive a FREE Journaling Your Way to Thriving Beyond Burnout ebook and more goodiesOnline Membership: Dive into Midlife Reclaimed—an empowering space for burnt-out midlife women - https://midlife-reclaimed.mn.co/Social Media: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or Threads1:1 Therapy: Ready to tackle midlife burnout? Visit www.burnoutpsychologysupport.com.Disclaimer: Engaging with this podcast does not intend to create, nor does it create, a therapist-client relationship between you and Shannon A Swales. All views, opinions, and tips expressed by me or my guests are general in nature and not a replacement for personalized therapy. As I have done for myself, I encourage anyone experiencing distress to seek professional support. In Australia, if you are in a life-threatening emergency, please dial 000. For immediate counselling, contact Lifeline (13 11 14) or 13YARN (13 92 76) for First Nation Australians. Stay safe, and remember—you don’t have to face your struggles alone.

In this unplanned bonus episode of When Burnout Becomes Reality, I hit record to verbally journal my thoughts and feelings around an upcoming assessment for ADHD and Autism. This is raw, unedited, and entirely in the moment—a reflection of what’s been sitting on my heart and mind.I explore questions like:What if I’m not neurodivergent?Why am I even seeking an assessment?I also share a bit of my journey—what led me to consider this path and the thoughts swirling as I prepare for the assessment.This episode is deeply personal, but I chose to share it because I know I’m not the only one navigating these feelings. If you’re questioning your neurodivergence or reflecting on your own experiences, I hope this resonates and helps you feel less alone.If this episode speaks to you, please follow the podcast, hit like, leave a comment if you can, and share it with a friend or family member who may benefit from tuning in. Your support helps us continue these conversations.Host Bio: Shannon is a psychologist driven by a deep passion for empowering individuals with the essential mental health knowledge & skills needed to flourish. She guides them through a transformative journey from chronically stressed & burnt-out states to a state of overall wellness. Her commitment to this cause is rooted in personal experience, having traversed the challenging terrain of burnout herself. Shannon's odyssey has imbued her with a renewed perspective, enabling her to approach her career & the care of others with a more balanced & empathetic mindset. Join Shannon on this inspirational journey as she shares her transformative experiences & valuable insights, fostering a message of growth through adversity, collective & self-care, & the triumph of well-being.Resource Links & Contact Details:W: www.burnoutpsychologysupport.comBook: Nothing Left to Give: A Psychologist's Path Back www.burnoutpsychologysupport.com/burnout-bookBlog: Lessons From a Burnt Out Psychologist www.burnoutpsychologysupport.com/blogSocial Media: @shannonaswalesMembership: Midlife Reclaimed Membership for Women Join WAITLIST for 2025 Launch - www.burnoutpsychologysupport.com/midlife-reclaimed-membershipBe a guest: If you’d like to share your midlife burnout experience or are an expert in the field of midlife/burnout, please email shannonswales@burnoutpsychologysupport.com.Disclaimer: Engaging with our content does not intend to create, nor does it create a therapist-client relationship between you & Shannon Swales. The views, opinions, tips, etc., expressed in this podcast by my guests or Shannon are general and are not a replacement for personalised therapy. We encourage those suffering to seek professional help. If you are in a life-threatening emergency, get in touch with your emergency services, in Australia, 000. For immediate counselling support (Aus only), Lifeline 13 11 14 (24/7); 13YARN 13 92 76 (24/7) for First Nation Australians.

As 2024 comes to a close, join Shan for this reflective solo episode of When Burnout Becomes Reality. In this final episode of the year, Shan guides listeners through a soothing breathing practice to ground the mind, calm the body, and honour the soul—a reminder of the power of small moments to care for ourselves during the busiest of seasons.In this heartfelt episode, Shan reflects on:The Year That Was: Insights into the challenges and joys of the holiday season and strategies for protecting energy while maintaining balance.Growth Through Connection: How the podcast has mirrored Shan’s personal journey through burnout recovery, and the lessons learned along the way.Embracing Change: A sneak peek into the podcast's evolution, as it returns in March 2025 under the new name Midlife Reclaimed, focusing on supporting midlife women through burnout and transformation.The Power of Rest: Why taking breaks is vital for burnout prevention and recovery, and how Shan plans to recharge during her two-month hiatus.Shan also poses thoughtful questions for reflection, encouraging listeners to pause and consider their own journeys—looking back on lessons learned and setting intentions for the year ahead.This episode is a reminder that while change and rest can feel uncomfortable, they are often the very things that propel us forward. Tune in for a moment of calm, connection, and inspiration as we wrap up the year together.Listen now and prepare to step into 2025 with renewed energy and purpose.Host Bio: Shannon is a psychologist driven by a deep passion for empowering individuals with the essential mental health knowledge & skills needed to flourish. She guides them through a transformative journey from chronically stressed & burnt-out states to a state of overall wellness. Her commitment to this cause is rooted in personal experience, having traversed the challenging terrain of burnout herself. Shannon's odyssey has imbued her with a renewed perspective, enabling her to approach her career & the care of others with a more balanced & empathetic mindset. Join Shannon on this inspirational journey as she shares her transformative experiences & valuable insights, fostering a message of growth through adversity, collective & self-care, & the triumph of well-being.W: www.burnoutpsychologysupport.comBook: Nothing Left to Give: A Psychologist's Path Back www.burnoutpsychologysupport.com/buy-my-bookBlog: Lessons From a Burnt Out Psychologist www.burnoutpsychologysupport.com/blogSocial Media: @burnoutpsychologysupportMembership: Thriving Beyond Burnout Membership for Midlife Women Join WAITLIST for 2025 Launch - www.burnoutpsychologysupport.com/thrive-beyond-burnoutBe a guest: If you’d like to share your midlife burnout experience or are an expert in the field of midlife/burnout, please email shannonswales@burnoutpsychologysupport.com.Disclaimer: Engaging with our content does not intend to create, nor does it create a therapist-client relationship between you & Shannon Swales. The views, opinions, tips, etc., expressed in this podcast by my guests or Shannon are general and are not a replacement for personalised therapy. We encourage those suffering to seek professional help. If you are in a life-threatening emergency, get in touch with your emergency services, in Australia, 000. For immediate counselling support (Aus only), Lifeline 13 11 14 (24/7); 13YARN 13 92 76 (24/7) for First Nation Australians.

In this episode, we explore the lived experience of neurodivergent burnout with Chrissy Foreman, a Neuro-affirming Artist and Arts Therapist based in South East Queensland, Australia. Chrissy, who is both Autistic and ADHD (AuDHDer), shares her personal journey with burnout, offering valuable insights into how it shows up, its cyclical nature, and the unique challenges of being late-diagnosed.We also discuss what helps Chrissy prevent and respond to burnout, the lessons she has learned along the way, and the tools she uses to support her wellbeing. Chrissy’s work empowers the Autistic and ADHD community to connect, feel understood, and express their authentic selves through creative and artistic wellbeing practices. As a mother, nature lover, and LEGO enthusiast, her relatable and vibrant perspective makes this conversation both heartfelt and inspiring.This episode is packed with wisdom, hope, and validation, making it a must-listen for anyone who identifies as neurodivergent—or suspects they might be. Join us as we dive into the challenges and triumphs of navigating burnout as an AuDHDer and reflect on the shared experiences that connect us all.Connect with Guest:Website https://artuition.com.au/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/artuitionstudioFacebook https://www.facebook.com/artuitionstudioYouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpwtCEts2RH2z74SzXsBd-QHost Bio: Shannon is a psychologist driven by a deep passion for empowering individuals with the essential mental health knowledge & skills needed to flourish. She guides them through a transformative journey from chronically stressed & burnt-out states to a state of overall wellness. Her commitment to this cause is rooted in personal experience, having traversed the challenging terrain of burnout herself. Shannon's odyssey has imbued her with a renewed perspective, enabling her to approach her career & the care of others with a more balanced & empathetic mindset. Join Shannon on this inspirational journey as she shares her transformative experiences & valuable insights, fostering a message of growth through adversity, collective & self-care, & the triumph of well-being.Website www.burnoutpsychologysupport.comBook Nothing Left to Give: A Psychologist's Path Back www.burnoutpsychologysupport.com/buy-my-bookBlog Lessons From a Burnt Out Psychologist www.burnoutpsychologysupport.com/blogSocial Media @burnoutpsychologysupportMembership: Thriving Beyond Burnout Membership for Midlife Women Join WAITLIST for 2025 Launch - www.burnoutpsychologysupport.com/thrive-beyond-burnoutBe a guest: If you’d like to share your burnout experience or are an expert in the field of burnout, please email shannonswales@burnoutpsychologysupport.com.Disclaimer: Engaging with our content does not intend to create, nor does it create a therapist-client relationship between you & Shannon Swales. The views, opinions, tips, etc., expressed in this podcast by my guests or Shannon are general and are not a replacement for personalised therapy. We encourage those suffering to seek professional help. If you are in a life-threatening emergency, get in touch with your emergency services, in Australia, 000. For immediate counselling support (Aus only), Lifeline 13 11 14 (24/7); 13YARN 13 92 76 (24/7) for First Nation Australians.