In this heartfelt and insightful episode of Compassion in a T-Shirt, I’m joined once again by Clinical Psychologist, writer, and podcast host Shannon A Swales. Shannon is the founder of Burnout Psychology Support, host of the Midlife Reclaimed podcast, and author of Nothing Left to Give: A Psychologist’s Path Back from Burnout.

Shannon first appeared on the channel on 15 July 2023, where she shared her own journey through burnout and recovery. This time, she returns to share her clinical insights and compassionate perspective on helping midlife women navigate burnout, life transitions, and the quiet disconnection so many feel.

Together, we explore:

. The complex interplay between burnout, perimenopause, identity shifts, and cumulative life stress

. The deeper psychological and systemic roots of burnout

. How compassion—especially self-compassion—can be a powerful force for healing and recovery

. Ways to reconnect with the self through gentle, internal work

. The importance of balancing ambition, wellbeing, and authenticity in midlife

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:31 Understanding Midlife Burnout

01:54 The Impact of Perimenopause and Menopause

02:51 Existential Questions and Life Transitions

03:47 Cumulative Effects and Behavioral Patterns

07:19 Systemic Factors and Workplace Burnout

12:48 Reconnecting with Self through Therapy

21:03 Internal Work and External Changes

23:31 Balancing Career Aspirations and Health

29:06 Balancing Priorities and Self-Safety

30:24 The Three Circles of Compassion

30:55 Introducing Self-Compassion

33:33 Challenges in Practicing Self-Compassion

37:44 Fierce vs. Tender Self-Compassion

43:47 Befriending Burnout

50:30 Reconnecting with Self

52:57 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Learn more about Shannon’s work:

Website: https://www.burnoutpsychologysupport.com

Podcast: https://www.burnoutpsychologysupport.com/podcast

Book: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0CJXBMJD9

Blog: https://www.burnoutpsychologysupport.com/blog

Community: https://midlife-reclaimed.mn.co

Socials: @ShannonASwales

If you would like to learn more about compassion focused therapy, you can find Dr Stan Steindl's book The Gifts of Compassion here: https://www.ausapress.com/p/the-gifts-of-compassion-how-to-understand-and-overcome-suffering/ 

Say hi on social: 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drstansteindl 

Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/StanSteindl 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_stan_steindl/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stan-steindl-150a5264/ 

Website: https://www.stansteindl.com/ 

YouTube Video URL: https://youtu.be/C0bc8JSFyFA

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Video hashtags:

midlife, burnout, selfcompassion, womenshealth, psychologicalwellbeing, compassionfocusedtherapy