ONLINE INDIVIDUAL THERAPY SESSIONS
Compassionate Support for Women Navigating Burnout, Stress, and Overwhelm
Midlife burnout is more than just exhaustion—it’s the slow erosion of clarity, joy, and self-trust. If you’re feeling stuck in survival mode, stretched too thin, or unsure how to come back to yourself, therapy can help.
I’m Shannon Swales, a registered clinical psychologist with 2 decades of experience in the mental health field—and someone who’s walked this path myself. Through personalised, evidence-based online sessions, I help midlife women like you untangle the weight of chronic stress and reconnect with who they are beneath the burnout.
Together, we’ll gently explore what’s been depleting you and begin making meaningful shifts toward calm, clarity, and a life that feels more like yours again.
Individual Therapy for Burnout Recovery
Personalised Support for Women Ready to Heal and Reclaim Their Energy
This is a space just for you—a place to pause, reflect, and begin again.
Individual therapy with Clinical Psychologist Shannon Swales offers midlife women a personalised, compassionate approach to navigating burnout. Whether you’re emotionally drained, feeling disconnected, or struggling to keep up with the demands of life, therapy can help you make sense of what’s happening—and what needs to shift.
Together, we’ll work to understand the root causes of your exhaustion, support your nervous system, and help you reconnect with your needs, boundaries, and inner wisdom. This isn’t just about coping—it’s about gently rebuilding a life that feels sustainable, meaningful, and more like you.
Why Individual Therapy Might Be Right for You
Burnout recovery isn’t one-size-fits-all. Here’s how personalised therapy can support your return to clarity, calm, and connection:
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Receive one-on-one guidance from Psychologist Shannon Swales, with a deep understanding of burnout, overwhelm, and stress—especially as they show up in midlife.
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We’ll take a holistic, compassionate approach—supporting not just your symptoms, but the deeper emotional, psychological, and life-layered roots of your burnout.
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This is your space to unpack what’s really going on beneath the surface. Together, we’ll make sense of your experience and uncover the shifts that truly matter.
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Therapy can help you move from feeling stuck or depleted to feeling more empowered—clearer about your needs, boundaries, and next steps.
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You give so much to others. These sessions are a dedicated space to focus on your healing, your needs, and your well-being—without guilt or pressure.
What’s Involved:
Who is it for? Individual therapy is designed for adults feeling overwhelmed, chronically stressed and burned out - whether you're in the thick of it, coming out the other side, or hoping to prevent it from returning. If you're seeking a space to reflect, regroup, and rebuild, you’re in the right place.
Meet Your Therapist: I'm Shannon Swales, a registered Clinical Psychologist with 2 decades of professional experience in mental health and personal experience navigating burnout and other mental health issues. I bring both professional insight and deep empathy to the work we’ll do together. Our sessions are a collaborative process, tailored to your pace and needs.
What I Offer: My role is to provide a safe, non-judgemental space where you can be fully seen and supported. I’ll walk alongside you as we explore what’s been weighing you down, reconnect with your values and strengths, and work toward sustainable emotional well-being.
Session Details: Each session runs for 60 minutes and is conducted online via secure Zoom, making therapy accessible from the comfort of your home—anywhere in Australia. All you need is a quiet space, a stable internet connection, and the willingness to show up for yourself.
Cost: $270
When contemplating this cost, it's crucial to recognise that it encompasses every aspect of your care. This includes your 60-minute session, any resources provided or sent to you after the session to assist with therapy, sustained business operations, fulfilling any reporting obligations, continuous professional development to guarantee the highest level of evidence-based service, a seasoned psychologist with 20 years in mental health, meticulous session preparation, ongoing supervision for best practices, and thoughtful post-session reflection and note-taking. Consider it as an investment that extends beyond the clock, reflecting my commitment to enhancing the quality and depth of your therapeutic experience. and outcomes.
Referral and Rebates: Medicare and private health rebate options are possible. Speak with your private health insurer to find out rebates for telehealth psychology sessions. Speak with Shannon or your GP regarding medicare rebates.
Shannon’s Story:
My Philosophy
At the core of my work is a deep belief in authenticity, compassion, wisdom, and the power of human connection. I take a person-first approach—centring your lived experience and creating a safe, respectful space where you feel seen and supported.
Therapy with me isn’t rigid or one-size-fits-all. Instead, I draw from a range of evidence-based modalities—Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT), and Mindfulness for Stress Reduction—and adapt our work to what feels most useful for you in the moment.
Professional & Lived Experience
With over 15 years as a registered psychologist and my own lived experience of burnout, I bring both professional expertise and personal insight to this work. I’m committed to ongoing learning and continually evolving my practice to better understand and support the complex, layered nature of burnout—especially as it shows up for women in midlife.
Knowledge & Experience: Benefit from a seasoned professional with lived experience who is dedicated to continual development and understanding of burnout and midlife transitions for women.
What You Can Expect
Personalised, Evidence-Based Support
You’ll receive tailored guidance that honours your unique experience with burnout or chronic stress. Our work together will help you understand what’s driving your exhaustion and how to respond in ways that restore balance, clarity, and emotional resilience.
Expert Care, Rooted in Experience
With 20 years in the mental health field—and my own lived experience of burnout—I bring both clinical insight and grounded empathy to every session. You’ll be supported by someone who truly understands the terrain and is deeply committed to walking alongside you.
A Safe, Supportive Environment
This is your space to breathe, reflect, and speak freely—without judgement. I work hard to create a calm, compassionate setting where you feel emotionally safe to explore whatever’s present, whether it’s vulnerability, confusion, grief, or hope.
A Collaborative, Respectful Process
Therapy is not something I do to you—it’s something we do together. You’ll be invited into an open, collaborative process where your voice, preferences, and pace matter. You’ll be supported in making informed choices, with consistent care along the way.
Space to Reconnect with Yourself
Beyond symptom relief, our work is about helping you reconnect with what matters most—your needs, your boundaries, your values. This isn’t just about surviving burnout; it’s about gently reclaiming the life you want to live.
Individual Therapy: Your first step to well-being
What Is Individual Therapy for Burnout?
Individual therapy offers a private, one-on-one space with a qualified psychologist—tailored specifically to help you navigate burnout, chronic stress, and emotional overwhelm.
Sessions typically run for up to 60 minutes and are adapted to meet you exactly where you are. Whether you're feeling stuck, exhausted, or unsure of what you need next, therapy provides the structure and support to help you untangle what's going on and begin moving toward recovery.
Some clients work solely through individual therapy, while others find it helpful to complement with community support, workshops or self-guided practices. The approach is flexible—always guided by your needs, preferences, and goals.
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One of the most powerful aspects of individual therapy is its deeply personalised nature. No two experiences of burnout are the same—which is why therapy is tailored to reflect your unique story, needs, and goals.
Working one-on-one with a psychologist allows you to explore emotional, mental, and behavioural challenges in a safe, supportive space. Using evidence-based approaches like ACT, CFT, and mindfulness, therapy can help you:
Understand the root causes of burnout or chronic stress
Develop healthier coping strategies and boundaries
Reconnect with your values, identity, and needs
Improve emotional regulation and reduce overwhelm
Build a more balanced, sustainable relationship with your work, body, others and life
Whether you're feeling lost, depleted, or simply in need of a space to breathe and reflect—individual therapy offers a structured yet compassionate path forward.
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Effective burnout recovery requires more than just “pushing through.” Research shows that a multifaceted, evidence-based approach is essential—one that includes cognitive and behavioural strategies, stress management tools, lifestyle changes, and emotional support.
A meta-analysis by Maricutoiu et al. (2016) found that individual interventions—particularly those based in cognitive-behavioural therapy—can significantly reduce symptoms of burnout and enhance emotional well-being.
However, recovery doesn’t occur in isolation. Burnout is often a result of both personal strain and systemic pressures. Demerouti et al. (2021) highlight the importance of addressing both internal and external factors—such as workplace dynamics, role expectations, and support structures—to create meaningful and lasting change.
By acknowledging the complex interaction between personal well-being and organisational stressors, individual therapy becomes part of a broader, more holistic approach to burnout recovery. It supports individuals not only to heal, but to build the insight, strategies, and boundaries needed for sustainable resilience—both at work and in life.
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Online therapy is not a second-best option—it’s a proven, accessible, and effective way to receive meaningful psychological support.
Research consistently shows that telehealth is just as effective as in-person therapy for a wide range of mental health concerns. A meta-analysis by Snowswell et al. (2021) confirmed that online therapy offers comparable outcomes to face-to-face sessions across diverse psychological presentations.
Further, a systematic review by Carolan et al. (2017) found that online services significantly improved employee psychological well-being and workplace functioning—highlighting their value in addressing stress, anxiety, and burnout-related challenges.
Whether you're managing depression, anxiety, chronic stress, or burnout, telehealth offers a flexible, secure, and evidence-based way to access therapy—no matter where you are in Australia.
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Therapy isn’t just about talking—it’s about learning, growing, and actively engaging with your life in new ways. It’s a collaborative process, not a quick fix.
As your therapist, my role is to walk alongside you—not to give all the answers, but to help you uncover the skills, insight, and clarity needed to move forward. Together, we’ll explore what’s holding you back and break the process down into manageable, meaningful steps.
That said, therapy isn’t passive. Real change requires effort, openness, and a willingness to show up for yourself—even when it feels hard. But with that commitment, personal growth becomes not only possible, but transformative.
It’s also important to know that while therapy can’t change everything—like external systems or other people—it can empower you to shift what’s within your control. It helps you build the awareness, tools, and resilience needed to navigate life with more confidence, clarity, and calm.
The benefits of this work extend beyond you. As you reconnect with yourself, the ripple effects can positively impact your relationships, work, and overall quality of life.
How to Begin Your Individual Therapy Journey
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To get started, simply reach out via email at admin@shannonaswales.com or call/text +61 422 695 576to arrange a free 15-minute consultation—a relaxed, obligation-free chat to explore whether this support is the right fit for you.
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Before committing to therapy, you’re invited to a complimentary 15-minute consultation—a gentle first step to see if we’re a good fit.
During this call, you can:
• Share a little about what’s been going on for you
• Ask any questions you may have about the process
• Get a feel for my approach and how I workIt’s a chance to connect, with no pressure or obligation—just a supportive space to explore whether this feels right for you.
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Once you decide to move forward, the next steps are simple:
• Book your first session at a time that suits you
• Receive a confirmation email with all the necessary details, including your Zoom link for online sessions.
• Payment can be made prior to or on the day of your session, with several convenient options availableCost: $250 ($270 from 1 July 2025)
When contemplating this cost, it's crucial to recognise that it encompasses every aspect of your care. This includes your 60-minute session, any resources provided or sent to you after the session to assist with therapy, sustained business operations, fulfilling any reporting obligations, continuous professional development to guarantee the highest level of evidence-based service, a seasoned psychologist with 20 years in mental health, meticulous session preparation, ongoing supervision for best practices, and thoughtful post-session reflection and note-taking. Consider it as an investment that extends beyond the clock, reflecting my commitment to enhancing the quality and depth of your therapeutic experience. and outcomes.
Referral and Rebates: Medicare and private health rebate options are possible. Speak with your private health insurer to find out rebates for telehealth psychology sessions. Speak with Shannon or your GP regarding medicare rebates.All information will be clearly outlined so you can feel prepared and supported every step of the way.
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Each 60-minute session is a focused, supportive space designed around your needs and pace. Whether weekly, fortnightly, or as needed, sessions include:
• Foundation Building – Establishing safety, trust, and shared understanding
• Collaborative Exploration – Gently uncovering the patterns, pressures, and pain points shaping your experience
• Targeted Interventions – Drawing from evidence-based approaches to support meaningful change
• Active Learning – Developing practical tools and insights you can carry into daily life
• Space for Reflection – Creating room for deeper self-awareness, clarity, and integrationSessions are designed to meet you where you are—and help you move toward where you want to be, at a pace that feels right.
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Therapy is a dynamic process, and your needs may shift as you move through recovery.
• Flexible Support – Session frequency and focus are adapted over time to reflect your stage of healing, energy, budget, and emerging goals
• Between-Session Growth – You'll be invited to engage with gentle practices, reflections, or resources between sessions—designed to deepen insight and support lasting changeThis ongoing rhythm of support and integration helps ensure that your progress is both meaningful and sustainable.
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As therapy progresses, we’ll regularly pause to reflect on how you're feeling, what’s shifting, and whether any adjustments are needed.
• Ongoing Review – Together, we’ll evaluate your progress, celebrate meaningful shifts, and ensure therapy continues to meet your evolving needs
• Equipped for the Road Ahead – You’ll leave with practical tools, self-awareness, and supportive strategies to help you navigate life with greater clarity and confidence
• A Thoughtful Ending – Therapy concludes when you feel ready to move forward on your own—grounded, resourced, and supported by the work we’ve done togetherThis process honours your unique journey, trusting that sustainable growth is possible when it’s done at your pace, in your own time.
Your Questions Answered: Burnout Therapy Support
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Individual therapy is well suited for adults navigating burnout, chronic stress, compassion fatigue, or related emotional exhaustion.
If you’re feeling depleted, stuck in survival mode, or simply not like yourself—and you’re ready to explore what’s going on beneath the surface—this space is for you.
Whether you’re currently experiencing burnout or looking to prevent it from recurring, therapy offers personalised support to help you reconnect, rebuild, and move forward with greater clarity and strength.
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Shannon Swales is a registered Clinical Psychologist in Australia with over 20 years of experience in the mental health field. She holds extensive training in evidence-based therapeutic approaches ACT and CFT and is committed to ongoing professional development to ensure the highest standard of care.
Shannon is registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Her registration number is PSY0000980023, which you can verify at www.ahpra.gov.au.
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Individual therapy offers one-on-one support that’s entirely focused on you—your experiences, your needs, and your goals. It provides a private space to explore challenges in depth, with personalised strategies tailored to your specific situation.
Group therapy or support groups, on the other hand, bring together individuals with shared experiences. While still guided by a skilled facilitator, the power of group work lies in connection—hearing others’ stories, gaining perspective, and realising you’re not alone.
Both approaches are valuable. Individual therapy offers deep personal focus, while group spaces foster shared wisdom and community support. Many people benefit from engaging in both at different stages of their recovery.
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Burnout recovery is most effective when approached from multiple angles. Research shows that a combination of cognitive-behavioural strategies, stress reduction techniques, lifestyle adjustments, and emotional processing can significantly improve outcomes.
A meta-analysis by Maricutoiu et al. (2016) highlights the positive impact of these interventions, particularly those rooted in cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), on reducing burnout symptoms and supporting long-term recovery.
In therapy, these approaches are adapted to your unique situation—helping you manage stress more effectively, rebuild your energy, and reconnect with what truly matters to you.
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Absolutely. Many people find it beneficial to combine individual therapy with other supports—such as group sessions, workshops, or self-paced resources—to deepen their growth and recovery.
While individual therapy offers personalised, one-on-one support, complementing it with community-based experiences can enhance connection, insight, and momentum. Together, these approaches create a more comprehensive and flexible path toward well-being.
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The frequency of sessions is tailored to your individual needs and stage of recovery.
In the beginning, sessions are often scheduled more regularly (e.g. weekly or fortnightly) to build momentum, establish trust, and develop a shared understanding of your challenges.
As progress is made and you begin to feel more resourced, sessions may be spaced out to allow for integration and reflection between appointments.
This flexible approach ensures therapy aligns with your pace, energy, budgets, and goals—offering the right amount of support at the right time.
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Yes—research consistently shows that online therapy can be just as effective as face-to-face sessions, particularly for concerns like burnout, stress, anxiety, and depression.
Telehealth offers the same level of professional support, therapeutic depth, and confidentiality as in-person therapy, with the added convenience of accessing it from the comfort of your own space.
Many clients find online therapy not only effective, but also more flexible and accessible—especially when juggling the demands of daily life, work, and recovery.
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The session fee reflects more than just the time spent in the virtual room. It covers the full scope of care and professional support that goes into delivering high-quality therapy, including:
• Your 60-minute session
• Session preparation and follow-up (including personalised resources or notes, when appropriate)
• Therapy planning and administration
• Any reporting requirements (if applicable)
• Ongoing professional development and clinical supervision to ensure evidence-based, ethical care
• Business overheads that support secure and accessible service deliveryThis investment helps ensure you receive thoughtful, well-supported, and professional care—every step of the way.
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Booking a session is simple and flexible. You can:
• Book online via the secure booking portal
• Call or text Shannon directly on +61 422 695 576
• Email: admin@shannonaswales.comIf you're a new client, you're welcome to schedule a free 15-minute initial consultation—a relaxed, obligation-free chat to explore whether this support feels like the right fit for you.
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Each session is a supportive and focused space where we work together to understand what’s contributing to your burnout and what might help you recover.
You can expect:
• Collaborative exploration of your experiences, stressors, and values
• Evidence-based strategies tailored to your unique needs
• Active learning and reflection to build insight and support real-life change.Therapy isn’t about quick fixes—it’s about creating space to slow down, feel heard, and begin making shifts that support your well-being. Over time, this process can lead to meaningful growth, improved emotional balance, and a renewed connection with yourself.
Busting Myths with Seeking Psychological Help
In this blog post, we delve into the essential task of dispelling common misconceptions surrounding professional mental health support. Navigating the landscape of seeking psychological assistance can be challenging, especially when faced with pervasive myths. This blog is dedicated to uncovering the truths, breaking down barriers, and fostering a more informed, supportive, and compassionate approach to mental well-being. Join us on this journey as we debunk myths and shed light on the reality of seeking the mental health support you deserve. Explore the facts and empower yourself on the path to improved well-being.
Unveiling Awareness and Hope Beyond Burnout: A Resource for Renewal
Dive into the depths of burnout awareness and discover the path to hope in our informative resource, "Awareness and Hope Beyond Burnout." This When Burnout Becomes Reality podcast episode is a valuable companion to anyone experiencing burnout, providing extended insights, practical tips, and actionable steps to navigate the journey from burnout to renewal. Equip yourself with the tools needed to reclaim balance, find hope, and foster resilience. Download now and embark on a transformative experience toward holistic well-being.
There is no normal life that is free of pain. It’s the very wrestling with our problems that can be the impetus for our growth.
– Fred Rogers
A Gentle Invitation to Connect
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If you're moving through midlife, burnout or both, you're not alone—and you don’t have to do it all yourself.
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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.