Navigating the Emotional Rollercoaster of Menopause with Sarah Turner

I sit down with psychotherapist and emotion regulation specialist Sarah Turner to discuss the profound and often overlooked psychological shifts that occur during midlife. I share my own experiences with the emotional load of aging parents, career pressure, and changing family dynamics, while Sarah offers a hopeful perspective: that menopause is not a crisis to be feared, but a powerful catalyst for self-discovery.  We explore why women often feel a dip in confidence or a rise in unjustified guilt, and I learn about the practical, empowering tools of Dialectical Behaviour Therapy that can help us move from feeling overwhelmed to feeling grounded and self-full. Sarah Reveals Why midlife women frequently experience a combination of overwhelm, identity shifts, loss of confidence, difficulty with self-prioritisation, struggles with assertion, and a desire for deeper connection. Why rather than viewing this stage as a falling apart, it can be embraced as a transitional invitation to review one's life and finally prioritise personal ambitions and dreams. How Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is particularly effective for menopause because it balances self-acceptance with the motivation to change, helping women regulate intense emotions. Why when emotions run high, acting opposite to the behavioural urge such as engaging in intense physical exercise to burn off cortisol can be more effective than trying to jump straight into calm meditation. BEST MOMENTS "Midlife is not a crisis. It is a catalyst. A chance to rediscover who you are and build a life that finally includes you." "I love the word 'self-full' better. It’s not selfish to look after ourselves... you can’t give from an empty cup." "We expect ourselves to be superwomen and we're not. We’re just human beings." "The emotional rollercoaster of midlife is not a sign that you’re falling apart, but a sign that you are evolving." EPISODE LINKS [email protected] www.flourishcourses.co.uk HOST BIO Michelle is a highly respected Physiotherapist and Menopause Wellbeing Practitioner with over two decades of experience in the health and wellness industry. After experiencing seven years of debilitating symptoms herself before realising it was perimenopause, Michelle has since dedicated her career to helping other women navigate this transformative stage of life. Her personal journey fuels her passion for educating and empowering women, as well as training businesses and health professionals through her specialised menopause and wellbeing workshops.  A best-selling author and sought-after speaker, Michelle combines deep clinical expertise with relatable, real-world experience. Through her podcast, "Menopause - The Real Deal," she offers evidence-based guidance, authentic conversations, and practical strategies. Listeners trust Michelle for her empathetic understanding and her commitment to helping women thrive, making her a leading voice in the menopause space. Facebook https://www.facebook.com/michelle.kimp.9/ Tiktok https://www.tiktok.com/@michelle_rowlinson Linkedin www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-rowlinson-38330b21a Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@MenopauseTheRealDeal My Book: You, me conquering perimenopause & menopause https://amzn.eu/d/hCcbjag Website www.panaceapause.co.uk