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 midlife 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 Clinical Psychologist with a passion for supporting people through burnout, life transitions, and the challenges and opportunities that midlife can bring. My encounter with debilitating burnout and mental health struggles inspired me to be more transparent in both my life and work, and to advocate for a more balanced and compassionate approach to living.
This openness began with my blog, A Different Kind of GAP Year, where I documented my recovery and reflections as I stepped away from work to heal. Over time, those writings evolved into my memoir, Nothing Left to Give: A Psychologist's Path Back From Burnout, a personal story about burnout, recovery, and finding a different way forward.
Today, this blog continues as Midlife Reclaimed, a space where I explore burnout recovery, wellbeing, self-compassion, personal growth, and what it means to navigate midlife with greater intention and authenticity. Many of these conversations also continue through the Midlife Reclaimed podcast (formerly When Burnout Becomes Reality), where I share solo reflections and interviews with guests exploring similar themes.
Alongside my writing and podcasting, I work as a burnout psychologist, midlife women’s coach, speaker, and supervisor. Through these roles, I support individuals and fellow helping professionals to navigate burnout, reconnect with themselves, and create lives and careers that feel more sustainable, meaningful, and aligned with their values.
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 personalised 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.
Anonymous Testimonial
“Hi Shan, Hope you are doing well. I just wanted to say I’ve been following your blog and really finding it very helpful to read your story. Thank you so much for sharing it. I very much relate to your experiences and I am learning a lot. It’s also helped me realise that reducing my days to focus more on my art is the right thing for me to do, so I can have a better balance and bring me away from the path to burnout. Thanks again!”
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.
A Gentle Invitation to Connect
Free Guided Journal + Burnout Support in Your Inbox
If you're moving through midlife, burnout or both, you're not alone—and you don’t have to do it all yourself.
Join my mailing list for calm, thoughtful reflections, practical tools, and updates on soft spaces of support—all offered with care by someone who’s walked this road too.
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🖋️ Journaling as a Way Back to Yourself
A free guided journal to help you slow down, listen inward, and gently reconnect with what matters—at your own pace, in your own way.
This isn’t about doing more. It’s about making space to feel, rest, and reclaim your energy—one small step, one honest moment, at a time.