SHANNON A SWALES BLOG
MIDLIFE RECLAIMED
Welcome to Midlife Reclaimed, where I—Shannon Swales—share my journey of discovering a new path after a life-changing burnout. This BLOG is all about challenging the culture that insists we hustle non-stop and embracing the idea that sometimes our greatest growth happens when we allow ourselves to be vulnerable. If you’re ready to question long-held beliefs, uncover your authentic self, and shape a life that truly reflects who you are now, you’re in the right place.
I’m a psychologist with a passion for guiding individuals from burnout to genuine well-being. My own encounter with debilitating midlife burnout and mental health struggles inspired me to be transparent in my work and to advocate for a more balanced approach to life. This openness began with my blog, A Different Kind of GAP Year, which evolved into my book, Nothing Left to Give: A Psychologist’s Path Back From Burnout—a personal narrative that underscores the power of honesty and shared experiences.
Today, I continue these conversations as the podcast host of Midlife Reclaimed (formerly known as When Burnout Becomes Reality), where I delve into recovery, growth, and resilience—particularly focusing on how these themes show up in midlife. You can also find me facilitating speaking events and appearing as a guest on various podcasts and blogs, all with the aim of helping others navigate midlife’s challenges.
In my Burnout Psychology Support practice, I provide personaliSed online and in-person therapy for Australian residents, reflecting my commitment to helping others rebuild their lives from burnout and thrive in the midlife chapter and beyond.
So, settle in and join me on this adventure toward a reclaimed midlife—one that’s open-hearted, purpose-driven, and genuinely free. Let’s challenge the status quo and strive for something better, together.
Disclaimer: Engaging with this content does not intend to create, nor does it create, a therapist-client relationship between you and me, Shannon Swales, Burnout Psychology Support Psychologist. The views, opinions, and tips expressed in this blog are general in nature and are not a replacement for personalized therapy. As I have done for myself, I encourage anyone suffering to seek professional help. If you are in a life-threatening emergency, please contact your local emergency services immediately.
Breaking Up With Perfectionism: Seven steps to freedom
A marriage not made in heaven: burnout and perfectionism. When our perfectionistic beliefs and behaviours have hijacked us for an extended period, we are bound to burn out. I should know. My perfectionism contributed to my burnout in February 2021 after many years of working in the mental health field, and the therapy that followed involved breaking up with my inner perfectionist.
The Losses That Come With Burnout: How to deal with burnout losses to support recovery
The more I delve into working with others experiencing burnout, the more I hear the experience of loss. Loss of health, loss of job/career, loss of identity, loss of self-worth, and loss of abilities to focus, attend, and make decisions. They share that with this loss comes waves of sadness and, at times, a sense of helplessness when they look into their future.
I can relate.
A Burnout Risk Checklist: Know your risk so you can prevent burnout
We are curious creatures, so it is only natural we want to know why someone burns out. We often want to know this to mitigate the risk of burning out.
Going Back to Work After Burnout: A personal perspective & checklist for success.
One of the common struggles for people recovering from burnout is knowing when to return to work. There are many reasons why it is a struggle, such as fear of burnout relapse, worry that they won’t be able to do their job, explaining their work absence to a new employer, and fear that colleagues will judge them. Some of these fears were present for me, and the struggle was compounded by not knowing if I wanted to return to my career.
Start Journaling to Support Recovery From Burnout: 4 easy steps to build your practice
It pains me to say that I, a psychologist who recommends journaling to others to support their health, did not use it myself until I was severely burned out. Back then, I was great at taking care of others but not so great at taking care of myself. Having learned my lesson, I am here to share the benefits of this therapeutic tool and help you devise a journal practice to support your health and well-being.
Break the Isolation - Benefits of Group Therapy
Find out about the added benefits of group therapy for burnout and how forming connections with others experiencing burnout can help.
Busting Myths with Seeking Psychological Help
What it is actually like to get help from a psychologist.