Leonard Burns , LMFT

Leonard Burns is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) practicing in California since 1990, bringing 35 years of clinical experience to his work. He combines a foundation in family systems and psychodynamic theory with trauma-focused methods such as EMDR to tailor treatment to each person's needs. He explains his credentials plainly - LMFT stands for Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, reflecting specialized training in working with individuals, couples, and families.

Over decades of practice, he has supported people coping with complex PTSD, anxiety, depression, relationship and family conflicts, cancer survivorship, and challenges related to identity and nontraditional lifestyles. His approach emphasizes the therapeutic relationship as the essential groundwork for change, believing that honest, respectful connection between therapist and client creates the conditions where healing becomes possible.

He works with a broad range of concerns including addictions, grief, intimacy and parenting struggles, sleep problems, anger, low self-esteem, ADHD, and compassion fatigue, and he addresses additional issues such as abandonment, attachment difficulties, chronic illness, and codependency. Leonard frames therapy as a committed journey that can be difficult and at times frightening, and he stands alongside clients who are ready to engage in that work.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Sessions

Leonard Burns draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Attachment-Based Therapy, along with client-centered principles, to guide online work. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people clarify their values, accept difficult thoughts and feelings, and take meaningful action toward a valued life - it is often helpful for anxiety, depression, and stress-related concerns. Attachment-Based Therapy explores patterns formed in early relationships to improve current bonds and emotional regulation, which can be especially useful for relationship difficulties, attachment wounds, and intimacy issues. Client-Centered Therapy places the client's experience at the center of the process, offering empathic listening and support to foster self-understanding and growth.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Leonard will collaborate with each person to determine which methods best fit their needs, goals, and preferences. He works with people to adapt techniques and pacing so therapy feels useful and manageable.

Online sessions are offered by licensed professionals in formats that include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, providing flexibility to fit varied schedules and comfort levels. These options make it easier to attend sessions from different locations, maintain continuity of care, and choose the communication style that works best for each individual.