Reigniting Joy, Overcoming Burnout, and Healing for Midlife Women with Julie Merriman, LCP-S

Join host Matt Rayner as he welcomes Dr. Julie Merriman—a counselor with over three decades of experience, registered play therapist, and bestselling author—to discuss burnout, compassion fatigue, nervous system healing, and how midlife women can reclaim joy, passion, and vitality.

In this candid and actionable conversation, Julie explains the science and lived reality of burnout and compassion fatigue, how it impacts high-achieving women (especially over 50), and why exhaustion is NOT a character flaw. They share personal stories and expert insights about nervous system overwhelm, why self-care isn’t just a “cherry on top,” and tangible micro-rebellions for women who put everyone else first.

Julie and Matt dive deep into:

• The difference between burnout and compassion fatigue—and how to spot both
• Why traditional self-care is not enough for deep healing
• How our nervous system, trauma response, and childhood encoding shape adult overwhelm
• The importance of embodiment and rituals to reset energy between high-stress interactions
• Reclaiming desire, libido, and soulful pleasure in midlife (including “the bliss molecule”)
• How “just talking about it” in therapy isn’t enough—why somatic practices, EMDR, movement, and curiosity fuel actual change
• Boundaries, saying “no”, and rewriting the rules you live by
• Why novelty and connection are essential for intimacy after 50—plus simple weekend assignments for listeners

Dr. Merriman, a breast cancer survivor and chronic over-giver herself, shares transformative lessons from her own journey back to “soul joy.” She previews her new book "Are We Going to Have Sex or What?"—a guide to reigniting desire in midlife and healing relationships by tending to your nervous system.

Perfect for:

• Women in midlife navigating stress, loss of passion, or relationship ruts
• Healers, therapists, caregivers, and high achievers at risk for burnout
• Anyone wanting evidence-based tools for self-compassion, embodiment, and fiercely authentic living

About the Guest:

Dr. Julie Merriman is a Licensed Professional Counselor, registered play therapist, PhD, and author of "In Pursuit of Soul Joy" and "Are We Going to Have Sex or What?". She hosts the "Compassion Fatigue Cure" and "Sex After 50" podcasts. Discover more at juliemerrimanphd.com

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Timestamps:

0:00 – Welcome & Julie’s background

3:44 – Burnout & compassion fatigue in counseling

9:27 – How nervous system overwhelm shows up

17:46 – Embodiment, rituals, & resetting between clients

26:12 – Redefining success and rewriting your story

41:02 – Julie’s personal journey through burnout

58:30 – Signs and symptoms of burnout & compassion fatigue

1:06:35 – Micro-rebellions & baby steps for healing

1:18:50 – The science of desire, “the bliss molecule,” and intimacy after 50

1:34:28 – Where to find Dr. Julie Merriman’s books and podcasts