Let's Talk: Meaningful conversations with Merie Burton

In this episode, Merie sits down with fellow Counsellor and Published Author, Crystal Hardstaff, to delve into the topic of “Tricky People”. In this episode they discuss teaching children about personal safety, challenge the outdated notion of "stranger danger" and advocate for empowering children and teens with the tools to navigate tricky situations confidently. The conversation covers essential topics such as body autonomy, emphasising the importance of teaching children to respect their own boundaries and understand the concept of consent. Merie and Crystal also discuss the role of safe strangers and how children can identify trustworthy individuals in times of need. Furthermore, they highlight the significance of listening to one's instincts, incorporating the perspectives of the brain, heart, and stomach in decision-making. They explore the concept of secrets versus surprises, urging adults to create a culture of open communication where children feel safe to discuss and challenge uncomfortable or tricky situations. Tune in for practical advice and actionable insights on fostering a culture of safety and empowerment with the young ones in your life. Resources Mentioned: The Gentle Counsellor - Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thegentlecounsellor?igsh=MXQyaW1wanFzOGJ3bg== The Gentle Counsellor - Website https://thegentlecounsellor.com/hello/ Tricky People - Book https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0BF37XSHG My Body, My Choice Series https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0C39DYTQ2?binding=paperback&ref=dbs_dp_rwt_sb_pc_tpbk Connect with Us: https://linktr.ee/lets.talk_merieburton Follow us on: Let’s Talk the Podcast - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/merieburtonpsychotherapy?mibextid=LQQJ4d Let’s Talk the Podcast - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lets.talk.thepodcast?igsh=M3ZldGVnaWptbGR5&utm_source=qr Let’s Talk the Podcast - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lets.talk.thepodcast?_t=8mlj1iOgp3H&_r=1 Host: Merie Burton Audio Production & Sound Design: Joshua Burton Social Media: Riley Ranilehto Theme Song: Gavin Luke Online Digital Content: Breanah Burton DISCLAIMER: Thank you for tuning in to Merie's podcast. We appreciate your support and interest in exploring mental health and well-being through this platform. However, it's important to acknowledge that this podcast is not a substitute for professional mental health treatment or therapy.

In this enlightening episode, we're thrilled to welcome Leisa Tuite, a renowned naturopath and author of the book, Eat your way healthy. Join us asLeisa sits down with our host, Merie, to delve into the intricate world of women's health and hormones, offering her expertise and natural approach to achieving optimal wellness. Leisa shares her extensive knowledge on how hormones impact everything from mood and energy levels to weight and skin health. She provides valuable insights into common hormonal imbalances women face, such as PMS, menopause, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). With her holistic perspective, Leisa explains how lifestyle, nutrition, and natural remedies can play a pivotal role in managing and improving these conditions. Throughout the episode, you'll discover practical tips on how to support your hormonal health, including dietary recommendations, stress management techniques, and the benefits of herbal supplements. Leisa and Merie also address the importance of mental health and hormones and listening to your body's unique signals. Whether you're dealing with hormonal challenges or simply looking to maintain a balanced and healthy lifestyle, this conversation is packed with actionable advice and inspiration. Tune in to learn how you can harness the power of natural medicine to achieve harmony and vitality in your everyday life. Resources Mentioned: https://www.naturopathtoyou.com.au/ https://www.naturopathtoyou.com/products/eat-your-way-healthy-recipe-book https://www.facebook.com/NaturopathToYou https://www.instagram.com/naturopath.to.you/?hl=en Connect with Us: Follow us on https://www.facebook.com/merieburtonpsychotherapy https://www.instagram.com/lets.talk.thepodcast/?hl=en Host: Merie Burton Audio Production & Sound Design: Joshua Burton Social Media: Riley Ranilehto Theme Song: Gavin Luke Online Digital Content: Breanah Burton DISCLAIMER: Thank you for tuning in to Merie's podcast. We appreciate your support and interest in exploring mental health and well-being through this platform. However, it's important to acknowledge that this podcast is not a substitute for professional mental health treatment or therapy.

In this episode of Let's Talk, Merie dives deep into the fascinating science of happiness. What truly makes us happy? Why do we often chase after things that don't lead to lasting joy? And most importantly, how can we cultivate genuine happiness in our lives? We start by exploring the key elements that contribute to human happiness. Research shows that while external factors like wealth, status, or material possessions can bring temporary pleasure, they don't necessarily lead to sustained happiness. Instead, factors like strong relationships, a sense of purpose, and personal growth play crucial roles in our overall well-being. Next, we unravel common misconceptions about happiness and the pursuit of fulfilment. Often, society encourages us to chase after success or external validations, assuming they will bring us happiness. However, we learn that this pursuit can be misleading, leading us away from the core elements that truly contribute to a joyful life. To offer actionable insights, Merie discusses practical steps and habits that promote happiness based on scientific findings. These include: Cultivating Meaningful Relationships: Investing time and effort in nurturing genuine connections with family, friends, and community members. Practicing Gratitude: Keeping a gratitude journal or regularly reflecting on things we are thankful for can significantly boost happiness levels. Engaging in Acts of Kindness: Acts of kindness, whether big or small, towards others have been shown to increase personal happiness. Focusing on Personal Growth: Setting goals that align with our values and continuously learning and developing new skills. Mindfulness and Meditation: Incorporating mindfulness practices into daily routines can reduce stress and increase overall contentment. Throughout the episode, Merie draws upon insights and scientific studies to emphasise the importance of these practices. By integrating these strategies into our lives, we can shift our focus towards what truly matters, paving the way for a more fulfilling and joyful existence. Join us as we uncover the science behind happiness and discover practical steps to cultivate a happier life. Tune in to Let's Talk: Meaningful conversations with Merie Burton for this enlightening exploration into the pursuit of true joy! Host: Merie Burton Audio Production & Sound Design: Joshua Burton Social Media: Riley Ranilehto Theme Song: Gavin Luke Online Digital Content: Breanah Burton DISCLAIMER: Thank you for tuning in to Merie's podcast. We appreciate your support and interest in exploring mental health and well-being through this platform. However, it's important to acknowledge that this podcast is not a substitute for professional mental health treatment or therapy.

Title: Exploring Sexual Health: A Conversation with Counsellor Rachel Whitton Description: In this enlightening episode, we delve deep into the intricate landscape of sexual health with our esteemed guest, counsellor Rachel Whitton. Rachel brings a wealth of expertise and insight as we navigate the World Health Organisation's six sexual health principles. Join us as Rachel shares her profound understanding of sexual health, addressing the holistic nature of this vital aspect of human well-being. We explore the WHO's principles, which encompass rights, relationships, pleasure, freedom from discrimination, privacy, and confidentiality. Through engaging dialogue and Rachel's compassionate guidance, we unravel the complexities surrounding sexual health, challenging misconceptions and fostering a deeper understanding of its significance in our lives. Tune in as we embark on a journey of education, empathy, and empowerment, seeking to cultivate a culture of respect and inclusivity in our approach to sexual health. This episode offers invaluable insights and perspectives to enrich your understanding and your relationship. To learn more or for resources: www.merieburton.com.au To learn more about Rachel https://www.terebinthtreecounselling.com/ Host: Merie Burton Audio Production & Sound Design: Joshua Burton Social Media: Riley Ranilehto Theme Song: Gavin Luke Online Digital Content: Breanah Burton DISCLAIMER: Thank you for tuning in to Merie's podcast. We appreciate your support and interest in exploring mental health and well-being through this platform. However, it's important to acknowledge that this podcast is not a substitute for professional mental health treatment or therapy.

On this episode, Merie has a meaningful conversation with her son, Joshua. Josh moved to the USA after feeling that he wasn't living in a way that felt congruent with who and how he wanted to be and he bravely decided to make some changes that helped him feel like he was living more in alignment with his values. This is a beautiful example of not having to have it all together before you make a move to make positive changes. Josh shares some of his early experiences and how some of these experiences shaped his perspectives. The conversation highlights how we all go through ebbs and flows in life and Josh vulnerably shares his perspectives on his journey of change, growth and living on purpose. Host: Merie Burton Audio Production & Sound Design: Joshua Burton Social Media: Riley Ranilehto Theme Song: Gavin Luke Online Digital Content: Breanah Burton DISCLAIMER: Thank you for tuning in to Merie's podcast. We appreciate your support and interest in exploring mental health and well-being through this platform. However, it's important to acknowledge that this podcast is not a substitute for professional mental health treatment or therapy.

In this episode, we delve into the intricate world of stress and anxiety, unraveling their impact on our mental and physical well-being. Merie breaks down the definitions of stress and anxiety, shedding light on their similarities, differences, and how they manifest in our daily lives. Merie talks about the crucial role of sleep, mindfulness, self-care, time management, and healthy nutrition in managing stress and anxiety levels. Drawing from scientific research and personal experiences, Merie discusses how inadequate sleep can exacerbate stress and anxiety, and shares practical tips for improving sleep quality. Listeners are guided through mindfulness techniques that help cultivate present-moment awareness and reduce overwhelming thoughts. Merie also underscores the importance of self-care practices tailored to individual needs, emphasising that self-care goes beyond pampering to encompass mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Time management strategies take centre stage as Merie explores effective ways to prioritise tasks, delegate responsibilities, and create a balanced schedule. Coupled with healthy nutrition tips, listeners gain insights into how diet influences mood, energy levels, and overall stress resilience. The episode culminates in actionable steps for crafting a personalised stress-reduction plan. Merie shares practical tips on setting realistic goals, identifying stress triggers, and implementing coping strategies such as deep breathing exercises, journaling, and seeking support from trusted individuals or professionals. Whether you're navigating work pressures, academic challenges, or everyday stressors, this episode equips you with essential tools and insights to lead a more balanced and fulfilling life. Tune in to discover transformative strategies and embark on a journey towards greater resilience and well-being. Host: Merie Burton Audio Production & Sound Design: Joshua Burton Social Media: Riley Ranilehto Theme Song: Gavin Luke Online Digital Content: Breanah Burton DISCLAIMER: Thank you for tuning in to Merie's podcast. We appreciate your support and interest in exploring mental health and well-being through this platform. However, it's important to acknowledge that this podcast is not a substitute for professional mental health treatment or therapy.

In this episode, Merie and her sister Bec discuss what it means to go through an identity crisis. They discuss what an identity is, why we go through identity crises and how to navigate them so that you can emerge feeling more in alignment with your values and in a way that fits with your ideal life. Host: Merie Burton Audio Production & Sound Design: Joshua Burton Social Media: Riley Ranilehto Theme Song: Gavin Luke Online Digital Content: Breanah Burton DISCLAIMER: Thank you for tuning in to Merie's podcast. We appreciate your support and interest in exploring mental health and well-being through this platform. However, it's important to acknowledge that this podcast is not a substitute for professional mental health treatment or therapy.

Merie shares a personal story about her own inner child work and how she was able to apply some exercises she uses in therapy with her clients. Merie gives examples of helpful strategies and then talks about how inner child work can lead to insight into our reactions to others. The app Merie spoke about in the episode is called Smiling Mind https://www.smilingmind.com.au/smiling-mind-app Host: Merie Burton Audio Production & Sound Design: Joshua Burton Social Media: Riley Ranilehto Theme Song: Gavin Luke Online Digital Content: Breanah Burton DISCLAIMER: Thank you for tuning in to Merie's podcast. We appreciate your support and interest in exploring mental health and well-being through this platform. However, it's important to acknowledge that this podcast is not a substitute for professional mental health treatment or therapy.

Merie discusses the topic of Motherhood with her youngest child Riley. In this episode, Merie and Riley talk about: * What prepared Riley for Motherhood * What surprised Riley about Motherhood * What advice she would give other new/expectant Mums * Dealing with unsolicited parenting advice * The vulnerability of the early postpartum period * How Riley coped with the changes in her body during and after pregnancy * Navigating marriage, relationship and connection after having a baby Merie also touches on Attachment Theory, The research behind the “Good Enough Mother”, Trusting your Gut, and “Mother Guilt” Host: Merie Burton Audio Production & Sound Design: Joshua Burton Social Media: Riley Ranilehto Theme Song: Gavin Luke Online Digital Content: Breanah Burton DISCLAIMER: Thank you for tuning in to Merie's podcast. We appreciate your support and interest in exploring mental health and well-being through this platform. However, it's important to acknowledge that this podcast is not a substitute for professional mental health treatment or therapy.

The Pursuer Distancer cycle is when one person in a relationship wants closeness and connection while the other person in the relationship wants space and time out. This is perfectly normal and causes no issues when each person wants the same thing at the same time, but on the pursuer/distancer cycle, conflict arises when each person wants the opposite thing to their partner. In this episode Merie explains how to navigate this cycle and also gives a brief explanation about Attachment theory which helps explain what often drives us to pursue or distance in relationship. Host: Merie Burton Audio Production & Sound Design: Joshua Burton Social Media: Riley Ranilehto Theme Song: Gavin Luke Online Digital Content: Breanah Burton DISCLAIMER: Thank you for tuning in to Merie's podcast. We appreciate your support and interest in exploring mental health and well-being through this platform. However, it's important to acknowledge that this podcast is not a substitute for professional mental health treatment or therapy.

Join Merie as she has a meaningful conversation with counsellor, Peter Wright. Pete brings not only his professional perspectives and strategies but also his practical ideas from his own parenting journey as a parent of 5 children. Peter works with parents and young people in his private practice and he discusses many ways to help parents navigate the rollercoaster ride of parenting. This episode highlights the importance of maintaining relationship through the various stages of child development. For more information on Peter's practice you can go to https://thisparentinggig.com.au/ Host: Merie Burton Audio Production & Sound Design: Joshua Burton Social Media: Riley Ranilehto Theme Song: Gavin Luke Online Digital Content: Breanah Burton DISCLAIMER: Thank you for tuning in to Merie's podcast. We appreciate your support and interest in exploring mental health and well-being through this platform. However, it's important to acknowledge that this podcast is not a substitute for professional mental health treatment or therapy. For more information or resources on today’s topic, visit merieburton.com.au For more information on Peter's practice you can go to https://thisparentinggig.com.au/ https://www.silvereye.com.au/publisher=St+Lukes+Innovative+Resources https://drdansiegel.com/

Desire Discrepancy is the term used for when one partner wants to connect sexually and the other partner doesn't. Join Merie and guest Rachel Whitton as they discuss ways to communicate with a partner when desire discrepancy appears in a relationship. Host: Merie Burton Audio Production & Sound Design: Joshua Burton Social Media: Riley Ranilehto Theme Song: Gavin Luke Online Digital Content: Breanah Burton

Join Merie as she looks at the impact that perfectionism has on our sense of self and how it causes us to live in ways that create painful patterns for us. One of the patterns that often develops is procrastination - Merie discusses practical ways to change the unhealthy patterns that develop in perfectionism and procrastination such as self validation. People pleasing can lead us to behave in ways that burn us out and leave us feeling resentful of others. In this episode, you'll learn tips and strategies that will help you respond in different ways and feel more empowered in your interactions with others. Host: Merie Burton Audio Production & Sound Design: Joshua Burton Social Media: Riley Ranilehto Theme Song: Gavin Luke Online Digital Content: Breanah Burton

Join Merie and former WA police officer Oliver de Nicolai as they discuss strategies for effective communication. You'll learn some ways to manage conflict through constructive communication. Things you'll hear about in this episode: What is triangulation and how do we manage it when it happens? How to practise active listening How to use your facial expressions, tone of voice and words to communicate that you are present in a conversation, even when you are triggered. You'll hear some conflict strategies from two different therapies; Bowen therapy and Acceptance commitment therapy. Who is Ollie? Ollie de Nicolai is the Practice Manager of Blue Healers Counselling, located in Graceville Queensland. He is a former WA Police officer and has worked for multinational corporations as well as boutique consulting firms. Ollie works with clients that are in Police and Emergency Services, young people and adults who may be experiencing anger, relationship and stress related issues. Find out more about him here: https://www.bluehealerscounselling.com.au/about For more information go to www.merieburton.com.au

Join Merie and her sister Bec Thompson as they have a candid and meaningful conversation about shame. Bec was diagnosed as an adult with ADHD and is now an ADHD coach. Bec shares some of her personal and professional experiences of shame and Merie and Bec give practical examples of how to interact with shame in everyday scenarios. In this episode Merie and Bec discuss: How shame is different to guilt The impact of our family of origin on shame How comparison can play a part in perpetuating shame How open and honest conversations can stop shame from growing The importance of our core values Host: Merie Burton Audio Production & Sound Design: Joshua Burton Social Media: Riley Ranilehto Theme Song: Gavin Luke Online Digital Content: Breanah Burton DISCLAIMER: Thank you for tuning in to Merie's podcast. We appreciate your support and interest in exploring mental health and well-being through this platform. However, it's important to acknowledge that this podcast is not a substitute for professional mental health treatment or therapy. For more information or resources on today’s topic, visit merieburton.com.au For more information on Bec Thompson, visit: www.adhdassistqld.com

Join Merie as she explores the concept of self-care, not as an act of selfishness, but as a vital foundation for nurturing our capacity to give back to others. We'll uncover the secrets to achieving a harmonious equilibrium between taking care of ourselves and being there for those we love. By the end of this episode, you'll walk away with a fresh perspective on self-care that will empower you to give more authentically and sustainably, without depleting your own resources. Host: Merie Burton Audio Production & Sound Design: Joshua Burton Social Media: Riley Ranilehto Theme Song: Gavin Luke Online Digital Content: Breanah Burton DISCLAIMER: Thank you for tuning in to Merie's podcast. We appreciate your support and interest in exploring mental health and well-being through this platform. However, it's important to acknowledge that this podcast is not a substitute for professional mental health treatment or therapy. For more information or resources on today’s topic, visit merieburton.com.au

In this episode Merie has a conversation with clinical counsellor, Rachel Whitton about sex. They explore pleasure and desire, the orgasm response and erotic intelligence and they talk about what "normal" looks like for our bodies and our sexual relationships. Host: Merie Burton, Audio Production & Sound Design: Joshua Burton, Social Media: Riley Ranilehto, Theme Song: Gavin Luke, Online Digital Content: Breanah Burton DISCLAIMER: Thank you for tuning in to Merie's podcast. We appreciate your support and interest in exploring mental health and well-being through this platform. However, it's important to acknowledge that this podcast is not a substitute for professional mental health treatment or therapy. We also encourage you to speak to your medical professional if you have any concerns with your physical health. *This episode explores themes around sexuality, so if this subject is triggering to you, please feel free to pass by and find another episode that is more suited to you. For more information and resources on today's episode visit www.merieburton.com.au Episode resources https://www.merieburton.com.au/store-1 https://www.emilynagoski.com/ https://crucible4points.com/

This episode explores ways to stay true to yourself whilst staying close with another.....even when you disagree!! How I hear you ask? Through the process of differentiation. Join therapist Merie as she explains what differentiation actually is, then hear about examples of how to be true to you and connected with others in conflict and finally find ways you can become more differentiated. Host: Merie Burton Audio Production & Sound Design: Joshua Burton Social Media: Riley Ranilehto Theme Song: Gavin Luke Online Digital Content: Breanah Burton DISCLAIMER: Thank you for tuning in to Merie's podcast. We appreciate your support and interest in exploring mental health and well-being through this platform. However, it's important to acknowledge that this podcast is not a substitute for professional mental health treatment or therapy. For more information or resources on today’s topic, visit merieburton.com.au

"Let's Talk" dives deep into the human experience and explores the profound connections we share in life, love, and relationships. Join therapist Merie in exploring the depths of life's most profound questions that inspire, empower, and challenge listeners.