We are the people who will support you through your transformational journey.
Hi, I’m Merie Burton
I’m dedicated to helping people live valued and meaningful lives, and I care….I genuinely care for people from all walks of life, with varying beliefs and backgrounds and I am committed to creating safe and connected spaces for each person who walks into my office.
I created Merie Burton Psychotherapy and Counselling because I believe that counselling works and that working with a therapist allows you to be nurtured and supported. It allows you to experience growth and discover tools that you implement in your everyday life.
We are a heart-centred practice, which means that I build personal connections with my clients because I truly want to help further your growth.
I have a degree in Social Science (Counselling) and a Master of Counselling majoring in couple’s counselling. It’s my mission to stay updated on my industry and I attend regular professional development workshops so that I’m informed of the latest research and most effective therapy methods. I’m a clinical member, clinically registered supervisor and a registered mental health practitioner with the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia which regulates Psychotherapists and Counsellors codes of ethics and conduct and I regularly participate in clinical supervision.
In April 2025, I faced my own personal crisis when my husband of 32 years died. This gave me firsthand experience of “the dark night of the soul” and it was through this experience that I was able to draw on the very things I had taught my clients over the years. It has been immensely hard work and yet I feel that this helps me to sit with my client’s pain in new ways. I now know personally the courage it takes to face the pain rather than run from it so when a client sits in front of me, there is a part of me that now understands this process on a whole other level.
Hi, I’m Peter Davies
I believe that we all have a story, and that every story matters and given the right environment people can overcome most things to not only grow, but flourish.
I am passionate about working with and empowering people to live their best version of themselves. My story like most peoples, has had its ups and downs. However, it is through our past, I feel we can become equipped for our future. I have always loved connecting with people in an authentic way. However, I am aware that the idea of engaging with a stranger for counselling can be a terrifying concept.
Therefore, it is important to me that you always feel safe and comfortable, feeling empowered to set the pace and limits of your disclosure. My desire is that where possible, people leaving their counselling session will have an increased sense of hope and feel more equipped in their circumstance. I work from an integrative framework drawing upon the best therapeutic interventions to suit the client’s needs. My core practice is strengths based and person centred, as I seek to understand people through their unique perspective of their physical, mental, social, and spiritual worlds.
Counselling and Psychotherapy is my passion. I have enjoyed my journey of professional development as I transitioned from being self-employed in business towards a new industry that aligns well with my values. I have a bachelor’s degree in human services with a speciality focus on counselling and am continuing my development with a Master of Counselling and specialised PD. I consider myself a generalist Individual and Relationship counsellor and enjoy working with a broad range of clients across a diverse range of personal concerns.
I am looking forward to having the opportunity to meet you.
Hi, I’m Rachel Whitton
I invite you to sit with me for counselling. My approach is warm and supportive. I will meet you where you are at, in your life. Come as you are.
Your story and your counselling needs will be held gently in my therapy space and I make sure you feel safe, connected, heard and understood. I work with you to discover hope while also sharing practical strategies to help you understand yourself and others more. For those who feel they need to grieve, have closure, or want to repair to wounds of the past, I work to help you find the peace and joy once again (or perhaps find them for the first time).
I am a relationship counsellor who works with couples, individuals, families, and children. I believe the most important relationship is the one with yourself. This inner relationship flows outward, shaping how you connect with the world, your spirituality, your partner, friendships, family, and community. Relationship therapy isn’t always between two people, often it begins with one person engaging in their own inner work.
My studies have led me to hold a Bachelor of Behavioural Science (Psychology) and a Master of Counselling. I am clinically registered with the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) and am recognised as a Clinical Specialist in Autism (ASDCS). I ensure I participate in professional development and clinical supervision consistently, as I deeply value growing and learning both as a person and a practitioner.
In addition to counselling, I will soon be offering professional supervision, with bookings available from November 2025. I look forward to supporting other counsellors and practitioners as they reflect, grow, and sustain their work in this field.
Hi, I’m Fiona Richardson
I offer you - my clients a safe and authentic space where you can simply be - be yourself. My approach is of genuine acceptance and is presented in a gentle, empathic and integrative manner which builds on rapport, safety, and trust.
I believe in embracing my clients holistically. This means I consider the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual aspects of your life. Additionally, I explore the occupational, intellectual, and environmental factors that uniquely shape your life experiences - your story. At the core of my practice, I believe that you are the expert on your life. My role is to facilitate alongside you within a collaborative therapeutic relationship within your unique counselling journey. I build this therapeutic relationship through rapport and authentic connection, ensuring a safe space. Research supports that a strong, connected therapeutic relationship can offer an incentive for change, encouraging self-growth as you seek your personal goals and embrace your potential.
My practice is informed by a client-centred perspective, trauma informed, with a strong focus on the person-centred approach. I place emphasis on exploring implicit meanings as your unique story unfolds in the present moment, drawing on Humanistic and Existential philosophies. My approach is gentle and respectful, meeting every client with acceptance and understanding. I enjoy working within a rich inclusive cultural environment. This is enhanced through having travelled, lived in and experienced the value of cultural diversity. Having made Australia my home, moving from New Zealand, the move further facilitated me to work as a culturally sensitive and competent counsellor. Adding to my counselling practice, I have over 30 years of experience within the health sector, which enables me to offer my clients a wealth of knowledge and skills that may be beneficial to them.
Area’s that I’m passionate about include, not limited to; Faith and spirituality, Grief and loss (including child loss). Identity, self-worth and self-esteem, self-care, work-life balance and mental well-being. All of which contribute to a holistic perspective of you -my clients.
I hold a Bachelor of Counselling and I’m a member of both PACFA, and CCAA counselling associations. I am committed to on-going professional development to enhance my knowledge and best practice. I see individuals and couples. I look forward to meeting you on your counselling journey.
Hi, I’m Libbee
I enjoy being able to help people take the worry out of connecting with a counsellor.
I am the Practice Manager at Merie Burton Psychotherapy & Counselling and I have had over 20 years experience in administration work. My mission is to make all our lovely clients feel welcome.
I make sure that from your first experience with us you are relaxed and comfortable. We are a friendly and approachable workplace that inspires and assists people everyday.