Mid Life Bites
Midlife Bites is the unapologetic, unfiltered podcast for women standing in the messy middle of life where the rules you’ve lived by stop working, the roles you’ve carried feel too heavy, and the version of you in the mirror feels like a stranger.
Hosted by Clinical Psychologist and midlife mentor Kirstin Bouse, Midlife Bites gets real about how midlife “bites” the moments it stings, why it happens, what changes in the fallout, and the surprising clarity that can come after.
Some weeks it’s just Kirstin, cutting through the noise with equal parts fierce truth-telling and deep compassion. Other weeks, you’ll hear from women who’ve lived their own “midlife bite” moments and from experts who understand exactly what’s going on beneath the surface, biologically, psychologically, and socially.
This is not another midlife makeover show. It’s a place to name the hard stuff, strip away the shame, and find your own way forward on your terms.
If you’ve been thinking, “Why the hell don’t I feel like myself anymore?” … you’re in the right place.
Mid Life Bites
More Than Hormones: Reclaiming Identity Through Menopause with Dr. Catherine Stovold
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What if the hardest part of menopause isn't the hot flushes—but losing sight of who you are?
In this episode of Midlife Bites, Kirsten Bouse sits down with psychologist Dr. Catherine Stovold to explore why midlife is far more than a medical transition. Together, they discuss the emotional, relational, and identity shifts women experience during menopause, the critical role psychology plays in supporting women, and why this stage of life deserves a more holistic approach.
Drawing from both lived experience and years of clinical practice, Catherine shares why she is passionate about helping women navigate pivotal life transitions with compassion, curiosity, and hope. The conversation also highlights the importance of moving beyond diagnoses to understand the whole person—and how rebuilding identity can become one of the most powerful parts of the menopause journey.
Whether you're experiencing menopause yourself, supporting someone who is, or you're a health professional working with midlife women, this episode offers valuable insight into one of life's biggest transitions.
What You'll Learn in This Episode
Why Psychology Belongs in the Menopause Conversation
Kirsten and Catherine discuss how menopause is often treated purely as a medical issue while the emotional, psychological, and relational impacts are overlooked. They explore why psychologists are uniquely positioned to support women through this life stage.
The Hidden Identity Crisis of Midlife
As children become independent, careers evolve, and relationships shift, many women begin asking, "Who am I now?" Catherine explains why identity work has become one of the most rewarding parts of her practice.
Looking Beyond Anxiety and Depression
Many women initially seek therapy for anxiety or depression, but those symptoms often point to much deeper life transitions. Catherine shares how she uncovers the broader story behind the diagnosis.
Supporting Women Through Major Life Transitions
From motherhood to menopause, life is full of pivotal moments that reshape our sense of self. Catherine explains why these transitions deserve understanding rather than pathologizing.
Creating a Safe Space for Healing
Discover Catherine's collaborative and compassionate therapeutic approach that helps clients feel heard, understood, and empowered from the very first session.
Acceptance Over Self-Criticism
Learn how Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), self-compassion, and mindfulness help women navigate menopause without believing they're "broken."
The Importance of Accessible Mental Health Care
Catherine also shares her passion for supporting rural and remote women who often face limited access to specialist psychological services.
Key Takeaways
- Menopause is far more than a hormonal transition—it's an emotional and identity transformation.
- Many women experience relationship changes, grief, loneliness, and uncertainty during midlife.
- Anxiety and depression may be symptoms of deeper life transitions rather than the core issue.
- Identity work is a powerful part of helping women rediscover purpose and joy.
- Compassion, curiosity, and collaboration create meaningful therapeutic relationships.
- Psychology has a vital role to play in menopause care alongside medical treatment.
- Women don't need fixing—they need understanding, support, and space to rebuild.
Notable Quotes
"Women aren't broken—they're moving through a transition.""So many women don't know what brings them joy anymore.""Psychology deserves a much bigger place in the menopause conversation.""The work I love most is helping women rebuild who they are."
Resources Mentioned
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
- Mindfulness practices
- Self-compassion approaches
- All About Her Centre
- Midlife Bites Podcast
Connect
Kirsten Bowles
- All About Her Centre
- https://allabouthercentre.com.au
Dr. Catherine Stovold
- Psychologist specialising in women's mental health, life transitions, perinatal wellbeing, and menopause support.
- Connect via LinkedIn and her professional website.
If this conversation resonated with you, be sure to follow Midlife Bites so you never miss an episode. If you found it helpful, leave a review—it helps more women discover the conversations they need during midlife.
Know someone navigating menopause or questioning who they are in this season of life? Share this episode with them—they may need to hear they're not alone.
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Visit here to access a comprehensive resource hub for Australian women navigating menopause, offering trusted professionals, support, and information all in one place.