When Burnout Becomes Reality Shannon Swales, Clinical Psychologist

Attention mental health providers! In this episode, inspired by questions from American high school students Jayden, Gabriela, and Dana, we dive deep into the crucial topic of burnout in the mental health field. Join me as I address key questions such as the causes of burnout, its long-term effects, and practical strategies to combat it.
In the first part, we explore the root causes of burnout and discuss ways to minimise its impact on mental health professionals. Then, in part two, starting around the 40-minute mark, I share my personal journey of returning to work after a two-year hiatus due to burnout, compassion fatigue, and vicarious trauma. I reveal the habits that helped me stay healthy during this transition, the challenges I faced, and my plans moving forward.
Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or just starting out, this episode offers valuable insights and actionable advice to support your well-being in the demanding field of mental health care. Don't forget to follow us for episode releases and share your thoughts with us in the comments. Your feedback helps us reach those who need it most. Tune in now!
Warning: In this episode, suicide is raised. We strongly encourage those impacted to reach out to local support services. If this is an emergency, please get in touch with your emergency services - Australia, 000. For immediate counselling support (Aus only) Lifeline 13 11 14 (24 hrs/7 days); 13YARN 13 92 76 (24 hrs/7 days).
Bio: Shannon Swales is driven by a deep passion to empower individuals with the essential mental health knowledge and skills needed to flourish. She guides them through a transformative journey from chronically stressed and burnt-out states to a state of overall wellness. Her commitment to this cause is rooted in personal experience, having traversed the challenging terrain of burnout, compassion fatigue, and vicarious trauma herself. Shannon's personal odyssey has imbued her with a renewed perspective, enabling her to approach her career and the care of others with a more balanced and empathetic mindset. Join Shannon Swales on this inspirational journey as she shares her transformative experiences and valuable insights, fostering a message of resilience, self-care, and the triumph of well-being.
Connect with Shannon Swales via www.burnoutpsychologysupport.com/contact, by reading her burnout memoir - Nothing Left to Give: A Psychologist's Path Back, exploring her blog - 'Lessons From a Burnt Out Psychologist' - https://www.psychologytoday.com/au/blog/lessons-from-a-burnt-out-psychologist, or social media pages @burnoutpsychologysupport
Share Your Story/Expertise: If you’d like to share your burnout experience or are an expert in the field of burnout and would like to share your wisdom on the pod, please email me at shannonswales@burnoutpsychologysupport.com.
Disclaimer: The views, opinions, tips, etc., expressed in this podcast by my guests or me are not a replacement for personalised therapy. As I have done for myself, I encourage those suffering to seek professional help.

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About the Podcast
Welcome to When Burnout Becomes Reality, a podcast that uniquely blends personal experience with the science of burnout. I'm Shannon Swales, your host and a caregiver professional who has not only lived through burnout but also possesses scientific knowledge and skills to treat conditions like burnout, compassion fatigue, and vicarious trauma.
**You can discover more of my story through reading my memoir Nothing Left to Give: A psychologist's path back from burnout www.burnoutpsychologysupport.com/buy-my-book
Development of the Podcast
I started this POD out of my own burnout, compassion fatigue, and vicarious trauma experience. I noticed how great connecting with others who got what you were going through felt. It helped me feel less alone in it. It helped me to feel understood and unbeknownst to them; it helped me learn from the wisdom they had gained to help me recover and grow. This is why I continue to showcase lived experience guests on the POD. As I healed from burnout, I moved back into my work as a psychologist, and that is when I added the scientific knowledge aspect into the POD, having expert guests like myself share their wisdom to help others. I also share my burnout, recovery, growth story from the beginning until now and everything in between.
So there you have it. I am incredibly proud of this POD and enjoy every minute of producing it. It is a twice monthly (since May 2024) podcast with an episode released on the first and third Thursday of every month. It comes in visual (YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqCrY3G2neqQLELtnzc566w) and audio formats (available wherever you listen to podcasts - go to www.burnoutpsychologysupport.com/podcast for links). Each month, we will endeavour to showcase a lived experience guest who courageously comes on the POD to share their raw account of burnout, compassion fatigue and/or vicarious trauma to recovery and beyond or an expert guest, including me, who shares their knowledge and skills in this area of caregiver burnout. All episodes are hoped to assist others in preventing, responding and growing from burnout.
Stay in Touch
The only way this podcast will reach the four corners of this earth, to reach people in need, is through the power of the people - you. So, you can pay it forward by liking, sharing, following, reviewing or leaving a comment. I will be forever grateful for your generosity in doing so.
Subscribe to receive your exclusive 'Build Your Well-being at Work' Workbook www.burnoutpsychologysupport.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/burnoutpsychologysupport
Facebook: www.facebook.com/burnoutpsychologysupport
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonswales
Website: www.burnoutpsychologysupport.com
Psychology Services: Burnout Psychology Support Australia Wide Online Therapy and Brisbane In-Person www.burnoutpsychologysupport.com/contact
Share Your Story or Expertise:
If you’d like to share your burnout-to-recovery experience or are an expert working in the field of burnout, compassion fatigue, and/or vicarious trauma and would like to share your wisdom, please email me at shannonswales@burnoutpsychologysupport.com or call 61+ 422 695 576
Disclaimer: The views, opinions, tips, etc., expressed in this podcast by my guests or me are not a replacement for personalised therapy. As I have done for myself, I encourage those suffering to seek professional help.
Please read the Terms of Use segment at www.burnoutpsychologysupport.com

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Ep Description: In this intriguing episode, Clinical Psychologist Anna Wiederroth shares her wealth of knowledge accumulated through years of compassionate work with individuals and couples, delving into the concept she terms 'relationship burnout'. With eloquence and depth, Anna unpacks the intricacies of relationship burnout, exploring its origins, patterns, and the hurdles it presents. She empathetically addresses the common barriers, fears, and roadblocks individuals encounter on their journey out of burnout and towards fulfilment. Moreover, Anna provides actionable insights and practical techniques to navigate through these challenges and rejuvenate relationships. Please like, share, follow, review or leave a comment. Would love to hear from you!
Warning: In this episode, the critical issue of domestic abuse is raised. We strongly encourage those impacted to reach out to local support services. For those in Australia, please visit https://www.whiteribbon.org.au/helplines/ for a comprehensive list of resources, or contact 1800RESPECT at 1800 737 732. This national helpline operates 24/7, providing confidential support and counselling for individuals who have experienced or are at risk of family and domestic violence, as well as sexual assault.
Guest: Anna is a Clinical Psychologist informed by Trauma and Psychodynamic approaches. She runs a successful private practice called 'Anna W Psychology' from Albion, QLD, seeing couples and individuals who want to experience more fulfilling relationships. To reach more women who want to shift from self-doubt to greater self-confidence, Anna created an online course 'Clarify your Reality' (https://www.annawpsychology.com/clarify-your-reality-course). Anna understands gaining awareness of survival state activation as a primary first step in moving towards greater personal well-being. Working towards this forms part of all her resources, including articles she shares via her Blog. You can connect with Anna via her website as well as socials - Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube (Anna W psychology).
Host: Shannon Swales is driven by a deep passion to empower individuals with the essential mental health knowledge and skills needed to flourish. She guides them through a transformative journey from chronically stressed and burnt-out states to a state of overall wellness. Her commitment to this cause is rooted in personal experience, having traversed the challenging terrain of burnout, compassion fatigue, and vicarious trauma herself. Shannon's personal odyssey has imbued her with a renewed perspective, enabling her to approach her career and the care of others with a more balanced and empathetic mindset. Join Shannon Swales on this inspirational journey as she shares her transformative experiences and valuable insights, fostering a message of resilience, self-care, and the triumph of well-being.
Connect with Shannon Swales via www.burnoutpsychologysupport.com/contact, by reading her burnout memoir - Nothing Left to Give: A Psychologist's Path Back, exploring her blog - 'Lessons From a Burnt Out Psychologist' - https://www.psychologytoday.com/au/blog/lessons-from-a-burnt-out-psychologist, or social media pages @burnoutpsychologysupport
Share Your Story/Expertise: If you’d like to share your burnout experience or are an expert in the field of burnout and would like to share your wisdom on the pod, please email me at shannonswales@burnoutpsychologysupport.com.
Disclaimer: The views, opinions, tips, etc., expressed in this podcast by my guests or me are not a replacement for personalised therapy. As I have done for myself, I encourage those suffering to seek professional help.
#burnout #relationshipbalance #relationships #chronicstress

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In this episode, I had the privilege of engaging in a thought-provoking conversation with Shannon Bowman, the driving force behind Create Balance Psychotherapy and Counselling (see more about Shannon below). Our in-depth discussion centred around a crucial subject - worker well-being within the organisational context. We explored common pitfalls that workplaces often stumble upon, inadvertently contributing to poor well-being outcomes for workers. Drawing from Shannon's extensive experience, we examined real-life examples of organisations' successes and triumphs, shedding light on effective strategies for preventing burnout and other adverse outcomes. Furthermore, our conversation unravelled the intricate challenges and rewarding benefits associated with implementing psychosocial safety measures within organisations. We navigated through the complexities that both employers and employees encounter when striving to create a work environment that fosters mental health and overall well-being.
Guest: I'm a passionate mental health professional and a pioneer in therapeutic approaches and business innovation. As director of Create Balance Psychotherapy and Counselling, I lead a team of skilled professionals focused on improving the well-being of our community in Geelong. We are particularly proud of our work with Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), which has profoundly impacted our clients' recovery journeys. My dedication to improving others' lives earned me an Achievement Award from the Geelong City Council - an honour that recognises my efforts as a therapist and entrepreneur. I continually introduce new, effective treatment methods and business practices to our psychotherapy and counselling services. Beyond therapy, I actively share my expertise on mental health issues through various channels such as podcasts and discussions. I also speak at workplaces to share insights on enhancing employee well-being and resilience. As a testament to my resilience, I have used my personal experiences with disabilities since birth as a driving force to surpass conventional limitations. Through my work at Create Balance Psychotherapy and Counselling, I focus on accessibility and inclusivity, reflecting my commitment to enriching society and offering compassion to those battling psychological challenges. Connect with Shannon via: https://createbalance.com.au/
Host: Shannon Swales is driven by a deep passion to empower individuals with the essential mental health knowledge and skills needed to flourish in life, guiding them through a transformative journey from chronically stressed and burnt-out states to a state of overall wellness. Her commitment to this cause is rooted in personal experience, having traversed the challenging terrain of burnout herself. Shannon's personal odyssey has imbued her with a renewed perspective, enabling her to approach her career and the care of others with a more balanced and empathetic mindset.
w: www.burnoutpsychologysupport.com
Memoir: www.burnoutpsychologysupport.com/nothinglefttogive
Blog: https://www.psychologytoday.com/au/blog/lessons-from-a-burnt-out-psychologist
Social Media: @burnoutpsychologysupport and https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonswales
Please like, share, follow, review or leave a comment. If you’d like to share your burnout experience or are an expert in the field of burnout and would like to share your wisdom on the pod, please email me at shannonswales@burnoutpsychologysupport.com. Disclaimer: The views, opinions, tips, etc., expressed in this podcast by myself or my guests are not a replacement for personalised therapy. As I have done for myself, I encourage those suffering to seek professional help.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Episode 29 of When Burnout Becomes Reality Podcast, I sit down with Marissa McKool from McKool Coaching. A public health worker from the US who experienced her own burnout prior to the pandemic and, upon recovery, made it her life's ambition to help women in the public health sector prevent, recover from, and grow from burnout.
I interviewed Marissa on a critical topic that is special to her: REST. Marissa clarifies for the listener what exactly REST is, and it isn't what you think. She shares with us the common challenges people face trying to incorporate REST into their schedules and practical takeaway steps to overcoming them. Marissa also highlights the many benefits of making space for REST in your life and how they can help you commence REST in your schedule and continue with it long after recovery from burnout.
Guest: Marissa McKool, MPH, is a former public health leader turned Burnout Coach for women in public health. She helps public health professionals reduce stress, get more time, and create a fulfilling career without burning out. She is also the host of the Redefining Rest Podcast.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissa-mckool-a9701892/
Website: https://www.mckoolcoaching.com/
Host: Shannon Swales is passionate about supporting others with the mental health knowledge & skills to thrive in this life, to move from chronically stressed, burnt-out states to one of wellness. A state she knows all too well after burning out Feb 21, costing her the ability to work & forcing her to move from caring for others to caring for herself. This move has helped her reach the place of wellness today, with the ability to move back to her psychology career and care for others in a more balanced way.
Business Website: www.burnoutpsychologysupport.com
Book: Nothing Left to Give: A Psychologist's Path Back From Burnout www.burnoutpsychologysupport.com/nothinglefttogive
Psychology Services: www.burnoutpsychologysupport.com/psychologyservices
Blog: Lessons From a Burnt Out Psychologist https://www.psychologytoday.com/au/blog/lessons-from-a-burnt-out-psychologist
IG: www.instagram.com/burnoutpsychologysupport
FB: www.facebook.com/burnoutpsychologysupport
LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonswales
Stay in Touch: Please like, share, follow, review or leave a comment. I will be forever grateful for your generosity.
Share Your Story/Expertise: If you’d like to share your burnout experience or are an expert in the field of burnout & would like to share your wisdom, please email me at shannonswales@burnoutpsychologysupport.com.
Disclaimer: The views, opinions, tips, etc., expressed in this podcast by myself or my guests are not a replacement for personalised therapy. As I have done for myself, I encourage those suffering to seek professional help.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 28 brings you the wisdom of certified mindset and well-being coach Ange. Ange introduces us to five key steps to go from busy to balanced in this busy culture we find ourselves living in. A culture that is contributing to our unhappiness and conditions such as burnout. Our discussion on this topic flows from our very own personal journeys of imbalance to balance, those of the clients we work with and these key steps that Ange provides in this episode to help us walk from busy to balanced. Tune in to discover how you can (in Ange's words) live a FULL (not BUSY) life that is balanced and joyful.
Guest: Ange Fragiacomo, Mindset and Wellbeing Coach, Founder of Conscious Living Hub and Co-Author of Goodbye Busy, Hello Happy: The Magic of Breaking up with Busy and Finding More Time for Joy.
Conscious Living Hub Website: https://consciouslivinghub.com.au/
Find Out More About Her: https://consciouslivinghub.com.au/about-me/
Book: https://consciouslivinghub.com.au/product/goodbye-busy-hello-happy/
Contact: https://consciouslivinghub.com.au/contact/
Host: Shannon Swales is passionate about supporting others with the mental health knowledge & skills to thrive in this life, to move from chronically stressed, burnt-out states to one of wellness. A state she knows all too well after burning out Feb 21, costing her the ability to work & forcing her to move from caring for others to caring for herself. A move that has helped her to the place of wellness today, with the ability to move back to her psychology career, caring for others in a more balanced way.
Business Website: www.burnoutpsychologysupport.com
Book: Nothing Left to Give: A Psychologist's Path Back From Burnout
Psychology Services: www.burnoutpsychologysupport.com/psychologyservices
Blog: Lessons From a Burnt Out Psychologist https://www.psychologytoday.com/au/blog/lessons-from-a-burnt-out-psychologist
IG: www.instagram.com/burnoutpsychologysupport
FB: www.facebook.com/burnoutpsychologysupport
LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonswales
Stay in Touch: Please like, share, follow, review or leave a comment. I will be forever grateful for your generosity.
Share Your Story/Expertise: If you’d like to share your burnout experience or you are an expert in the field of burnout & would like to share your wisdom, please email me at shannonswales@burnoutpsychologysupport.com.
Disclaimer: The views, opinions, tips, etc., expressed in this podcast by myself or my guests are not a replacement for personalised therapy. As I have done for myself, I encourage those suffering to seek professional help.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.