From Burnout to Breakthrough: A Psychologist's Journey to Healing | Shannon Swales - Podcast - S6 E1

Send us a text message and LOVE, share and follow From Burnout to Breakthrough: A Psychologist's Journey to Healing | Shannon SwalesClinical psychologist Shannon Swales shares her powerful personal journey through burnout and recovery in this enlightening conversation. After hitting her breaking point in 2021, Shannon took a "gap year" that turned into two years of deep healing and transformation.In this interview, Shannon discusses: • Her experience as a highly sensitive person navigating a demanding profession • Reframing depression as "deep rest" and burnout as a teacher, not a failure • The dismantling of old patterns and remembering of authentic self • Her memoir "Nothing Left to Give" documenting her burnout recovery • The power of lived experience in therapy and healing work • Women's circles and community as essential healing spaces • Movement and dance as therapeutic modalities • The transition through perimenopause as a significant awakening • Her "Midlife Reclaimed Community" supporting women through burnoutThis conversation offers hope and practical wisdom for anyone navigating burnout, particularly midlife women seeking to reclaim their authentic selves and live with greater purpose and vitality.Connect with Shannon: Website: www.shannonaswales.com Instagram: @shannon_swales Midlife Reclaimed Community: https://midlife-reclaimed.mn.co/Chapters00:00 - Introduction to Shannon Swales: Psychologist & Burnout Guide 00:45 - Early Life: Childhood Anxiety & Sensitivity 01:30 - First Experience with Burnout in University 02:10 - The Breaking Point: February 25, 2021 02:41 - The Dismantling & Remembering Process 03:03 - Finding Rest in a Go-Go-Go Culture 03:45 - The Power of Lived Experience in Healing 04:20 - Challenging the Psychology Industry's Views 05:00 - Creating Safe Spaces for Expression 05:30 - "Nothing Left to Give": The Book Journey 06:15 - Midlife Reclaimed Community: Online Healing Circle 06:48 - Healers as Examples of Healing Possibility12:35 - The role of compassion and community.15:37 - Writing as therapeutic tool for healing.#burnoutrecovery #mentalhealth #midlifewomen #perimenopause #selfcare #psychologist www.heartplacehospital.org.nzHeart Place Hospital is more than a hospital—it’s a place where mind, body, and soul are nurtured. Founded by Jacqui O’Connor, HPH offers innovative wholehealth initiatives, support programs, and community events designed to help carers, families, and frontline workers thrive. Every visit is infused with care, compassion, and a deep commitment to helping people reconnect with themselves, their loved ones, and their life purpose. Through education, bodywork, and community engagement, Heart Place Hospital is creating a ripple effect of wellness and hope across New Zealand.