Leonard Burns, LMFT

Leonard Burns is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with three and a half decades of experience. He helps people facing anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, relationship strain, grief, addiction, and challenges around intimacy and identity. He also supports those coping with parenting stress, sleeping problems, ADHD, and caregiving burdens.

He uses straightforward, evidence-informed methods to guide sessions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is part of his toolbox alongside Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and attachment-based work. He combines these approaches with a client-centered stance to match what each person needs.

Many clients come with complex histories such as complex PTSD, long-term anxiety, or the impact of serious illness. He draws on 35 years of practice to move at a pace that fits each person. Sessions focus on practical skills, clearer thinking, and building emotional awareness.

Leonard emphasizes an honest working relationship as the basis for change. He describes therapy as a collaborative journey where uncomfortable work is expected but manageable with steady support. He encourages commitment while keeping goals realistic.

He practices in California and holds the LMFT credential, which stands for Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Sessions are offered in English and formatted to suit different needs and schedules.

How therapeutic approaches translate to online care

Leonard often uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people change unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns. CBT focuses on identifying thought patterns, testing them, and practicing different responses to reduce anxiety and depression.

He also draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, which teaches skills for noticing difficult thoughts and feelings while committing to values-driven actions. Attachment-based work looks at how early relationship patterns influence current trust and intimacy, and it helps people build healthier ways of relating.

Finding the best approach is part of the process. He works collaboratively to decide which methods fit a person's needs, goals, and preferences, and adjusts the plan as progress is made.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility. Video calls let sessions feel closer to in-person meetings. Phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth or camera use is a concern. Live chat and text-based messaging make brief check-ins and ongoing support possible between longer sessions, and they can fit into busy days or work breaks.