Hello, my name is Merie Burton and my desire is to help you find healing and growth

I started this practice with a belief that good therapy can change the course of a person’s life. It has continued to grow because we provide a genuine and caring service that seems to connect with people from all different walks of life experiencing all kinds of circumstances. I am very particular about the team that works with me because authentic connection and genuine empathy are so important in the course of a good therapeutic relationship .

I have a degree in Social Science (Counselling) and a Master of Counselling majoring in couple’s counselling. I attend regular professional development workshops so that I’m up to date with the latest research and most effective therapy methods. I’m a clinical member of the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia which regulates Psychotherapists and Counsellors codes of ethics and conduct and I regularly participate in clinical supervision. I’m a sessional lecturer in both undergraduate and post graduate studies in counselling which keeps me passionate about this field of study and research.

To walk with people through life’s circumstances is something I do naturally but I am always open to learn from each of my client’s unique experiences. I view therapy as a sacred kind of relationship where unlike those in our family and friendships, I sit objectively and curiously with you to both listen and come up with strategies and different perspectives.

Although I value my formal training greatly, I often find that it is life’s experience which helps me in my role as a psychotherapist. Being a wife, mum to four, and a foster carer has also been a huge source of insight into family issues.

We are a team of caring therapists that will inspire you to take action + thrive.

The thought of “opening up” to a total stranger can be daunting to some people, however, we try to consider your particular needs so we can provide a service in which you feel “listened to”, understood and valued. Every person is unique and therefore each circumstance lends itself to an individual way of looking at it.

Some issues require problem-solving skills and a different perspective and therefore the counselling process might only be for a short number of sessions. On the other hand, some issues are more complex and require ongoing support. This is not something to be too concerned about on the first visit, counselling is a collaborative work and you are free to decide when you feel ready to complete your counselling sessions.

We intentionally try to provide an accepting and supportive service in which client and therapist work collaboratively to achieve the desired goals. The therapeutic relationship is a key factor in the counselling process and therefore we take an integrated approach towards therapeutic interventions such as person-centred, A.C.T. and Narrative therapy. We also utilise Cognitive Behaviour therapy which is an empirically-supported treatment for anxiety and depression.

We work with a variety of issues including anxiety, depression, relationship issues, eating disorders, child and adolescent issues, couple’s counselling, sexuality, and also offer pre-marriage counselling.

Meet our team