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Burnout Psychology Support
AuDHDer (Neurodivergent) Burnout
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/artuitionstudio
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/artuitionstudio
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpwtCEts2RH2z74SzXsBd-Q
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.
Website www.burnoutpsychologysupport.com
Book Nothing Left to Give: A Psychologist's Path Back www.burnoutpsychologysupport.com/buy-my-book
Blog Lessons From a Burnt Out Psychologist www.burnoutpsychologysupport.com/blog
Social Media @burnoutpsychologysupport
Membership: Thriving Beyond Burnout Membership for Midlife Women Join WAITLIST for 2025 Launch - www.burnoutpsychologysupport.com/thrive-beyond-burnout
Be 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.
DisclaimerEngaging 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 personalised 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.
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55. It’s Not Burnout—it’s Betrayal: Unpacking the Hidden Wound
01:10:45||Season 7, Ep. 55This episode was groundbreaking for me—both personally and professionally. In my own journey through burnout, and in the stories I witness daily as a psychologist supporting midlife women, I’ve often sensed that there was something deeper—something unspoken—beneath the exhaustion, the disconnection, the collapse. Meeting Lora Cheadle and learning about betrayal as a root cause of burnout felt like discovering a missing link. Lora—an attorney turned coach, author, and speaker—generously shares her story and her powerful F.U.E.L UP framework for moving through betrayal and reclaiming your inner self. Whether it’s betrayal from a workplace, a partner, a friend, or even from within ourselves, Lora guides us toward recognition, healing, and reconnection. I’ll be forever thankful for this conversation, and I truly believe it’s a must-watch/listen for anyone navigating burnout, broken trust, or a longing to return to themselves.Guest: LORA CHEADLE, JD CHt is an author, TEDx speaker, and leadership wellness coach who specializes in burnout and betrayal recovery. She shows burned-out professionals, teams, and organizations how to reframe burnout as betrayal so they can get to the root cause of their symptoms and stay engaged, productive, and happy for the long haul. She is the creator of the FUEL UP Burnout-Recovery Method and enjoys speaking and coaching on how to move beyond soothing the symptoms of burnout and resolve its root cause. Lora is the author of It’s Not Burnout; It’s Betrayal: 5 Tools to FUEL UP & Thrive, and the award-winning book FLAUNT! Connect with LoraWebsite: https://loracheadle.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/loracheadlelifechoreographerInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/loracheadle/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LifeChoreographer/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lora-cheadle-lifechoreographer/Host, Shannon Swales: Psychologist, writer, and midlife woman who’s walked through burnout and come out the other side. Shannon combines clinical wisdom with lived experience to support others navigating chronic stress, burnout, and big life transitions. Through gentle conversations and evidence-based insights, she helps women reconnect with themselves, reclaim their energy, and grow through what once felt like breaking points.If you enjoy the Midlife Reclaimed Podcast, join our community:• Midlife Reclaimed Online Community - a place to come back home to self• Social Media: Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn • 1:1 Therapy hereSubscribe to my Mailing List and receive a free eJournal to assist in coming back to yourself.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.54. Love, Sex, and Self in Midlife: Real Talk for Burnt-Out Women
01:04:36||Season 7, Ep. 54In episode 54 of Midlife Reclaimed, we dive into one of the most quietly complex areas of midlife burnout recovery—relationships and intimacy.Whether you’re partnered or not, midlife often brings emotional and relational shifts that can leave us questioning what connection, desire, and closeness mean now. This conversation is an open, compassionate look at how burnout impacts intimacy—and how we can gently reconnect with ourselves and each other.Together with a special guest expert, we explore:- Why desire can feel like it disappears during midlife or burnout- The most common relational challenges women face in this season- What healthy intimacy actually looks like (and how to rebuild it)- Practical steps for nurturing communication and closenessThis episode is a must-listen if you’ve ever wondered, “Is it supposed to feel this hard?” or “Can we get back to what we had—or something better?”Guest: Isiah McKimmie is one of Australia’s most highly qualified Sex and Relationship Experts. She’s a Couples Therapist, Sex Therapist, Sexologist, and Coach who has spent over a decade helping women and couples build deeper intimacy and connection.With two Master’s degrees (Relational Psychotherapy and Sexual Counselling), a Postgraduate Diploma in Sexology, and a certificate from the Institute for the Advanced Studies of Human Sexuality, Isiah combines clinical depth with practical tools.Website: https://isiah-mckimmie.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isiahmckimmie.sexologist/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IsiahLinked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/isiah-mckimmie-52320153She’s worked with thousands of people, writes a widely-read weekly advice column, lectures in Couples Therapy, and is known for her warm, relatable approach to topics many find difficult to talk about.Host - 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:• Midlife Reclaimed Online Community: A space to come home to yourself - Find Out More & Join here• Social Media: Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn @shannon.a.swales• 1:1 Therapy: www.burnoutpsychologysupport.com/burnout-therapyStay in Touch: Subscribe to my Mailing List here and receive your very own eJournal to help you towards coming back to yourself.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.53. Burnout Isn’t Your Failure — It’s Your Wake-Up Call
46:24||Season 7, Ep. 53In this solo episode, I invite you to see burnout through a different lens — not as a crisis to fear, but as a call for change, growth, and deeper self-connection.Drawing from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), my own burnout journey, the inspiring work of Dr. Dina Glouberman (The Joy of Burnout), and the lived experiences of my clients, we’ll explore how burnout can be a doorway to a life more aligned with who you truly are.Inside this conversation, we’ll dive into:Why burnout often triggers fear, shame, and urgency — and how that response can keep us stuck.How acceptance (not resistance) can transform the burnout experience into a powerful catalyst for change.What it means to stop "fixing" burnout and start listening to it.Reflective questions to help you reframe your own relationship with burnout.If you’re ready to move beyond fear and discover the deeper wisdom burnout holds, this episode is for you.🌿 Burnout isn’t a sign that you’re broken — it’s a message that something deeper is calling for your attention.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, or LinkedIn1:1 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.52. Why Am I Still So Tired? The Missing Piece Might Be Nutrition
01:01:02||Season 7, Ep. 52In Episode 52, I’m joined by Nicole Gribble, owner and coach at This is Living Nutrition, and a coach at one of Australia’s most popular gyms—Fitstop.Nicole works with adults across all life stages, but many of her clients happen to be midlife women—navigating stress, hormonal changes, and the question we all ask at some point:“Why am I doing everything ‘right’ and still feel so tired?”Together, we explore how nutrition can be a key player in reclaiming your energy, how to move away from all-or-nothing thinking around food, and what a realistic, flexible approach looks like in real life.Whether you’re in the depths of burnout or just curious about how food could support your wellbeing more effectively, this episode is packed with practical tips and compassionate insights.Grab a cuppa—or throw on your headphones while you meal prep or unwind—and let’s get into it.Guest - Connect with Nicole Gribble: the owner and coach behind This is Living Nutrition and a coach at the popular Australian gym Fitstop. With a strong foundation in both nutrition and functional fitness, Nicole supports adults of all ages—both men and women—to find balance, energy, and nourishment through realistic, no-BS nutrition strategies. While she doesn’t exclusively work with midlife women, many of her clients fall into this stage of life and are navigating stress, hormonal shifts, and burnout. Nicole helps her clients break free from diet culture and perfectionism around food so they can feel empowered and supported in their everyday lives.Host - 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 - Find Out More & Join here• Social Media: Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn @shannon.a.swales• 1:1 Therapy: www.burnoutpsychologysupport.com/burnout-therapyStay in Touch: Subscribe to my Mailing List hereDisclaimer: 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.51. ACT for Burnout: Reconnect and Recharge in Midlife
01:16:53||Season 7, Ep. 51In 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.50. The Courage to Be Seen: Vulnerability as a Midlife Superpower
39:11||Season 7, Ep. 50Vulnerability 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.49. Breaking Free from Phone Overuse: A Midlife Reset for Your Well-Being
52:32||Season 7, Ep. 49Is 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.48. Decoding Midlife: Understanding Hormones & Stress
01:17:36||Season 7, Ep. 48Join 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.47. Anniversary of Change: Reflecting on Four Years Beyond Burnout
57:14||Season 7, Ep. 47Welcome 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.