In this deeply engaging episode of the Integrated Wisdom Podcast, we explore the intersection of spirituality, psychology, and women's midlife experiences with psychologist and menopause advocate Belinda Bayliss. After navigating medical menopause at just 26 following cancer treatment, Belinda brings a unique perspective on how spiritual exploration can support both personal healing and professional practice.

About Our Guest

Belinda Baileys is a psychologist, educator, and menopause advocate with over 20 years of experience in mental health. She specializes in training healthcare professionals on the psychological impacts of menopause and perimenopause, helping them provide more informed, compassionate care to midlife women. Belinda combines her clinical expertise with personal experience to challenge outdated narratives around women's midlife transitions.

Key Topics Discussed

Spiritual Journey and Early Influences

• Growing up in an Anglo-Christian household and questioning organized religion
• The impact of losing a best friend at 20 and facing cancer at 26
• Discovering Buddhism as a more aligned spiritual path
• Moving from doctrine-based beliefs to personal spiritual exploration

Integrating Spirituality in Clinical Practice

• The importance of seeing clients as whole human beings
• Creating space for spiritual and cultural conversations in therapy
• Distinguishing between spiritual experiences and pathology
• Overcoming professional fears around discussing spirituality

The Connection Between Spirituality and Midlife

• How hormonal changes during perimenopause affect women's spiritual awakening
• The role of declining estrogen in rediscovering personal authenticity
• Why midlife women often return to spiritual practices they abandoned
• The freedom that comes with caring less about others' opinions

Professional Insights

• The over-medicalization of human experiences in modern psychology
• The importance of holistic assessment rather than symptom-focused treatment
• Creating therapeutic spaces that honor all aspects of human experience
• The value of grounded, spiritually-aware practitioners

Recommended Reading

• Works by Master Sheng Yen on Humanistic Buddhism
• "Zen and the Modern Girl" (book that lived beside Belinda's bed)

Connect with Belinda

Clinical Practice: Reset Psychology (telehealth available) 

Educational Platform: Flourish Beyond

• Instagram: @flourish.beyond_
• Facebook: Flourish Beyond

FREE Guide: 20 Client Conversation Starters Guide:

https://www.integratedwisdom.com.au/20conversationstarters

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Intro and Outro music: Inspiring Morning by Playsound

Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be treated as psychological treatment or to replace the need for psychological treatment.