Leonard Burns

Leonard Burns is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with 35 years of practice in California. He helps people manage anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, relationship and intimacy concerns, grief, addiction, parenting strain, sleep problems, and stress. He also supports those facing identity issues and compassion fatigue. His tone is direct and steady for people who feel overwhelmed or unsure where to begin.

Leonard focuses on building a straightforward, honest relationship. He sees that trust between therapist and client makes change possible. Sessions often look like clear conversations about what’s getting in the way. He pairs practical tools with reflective work so clients can try new behaviors between visits.

His approach draws on mindfulness practices, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), attachment-based ideas, client-centered listening, and cognitive behavioral techniques. He also has a background using Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and family systems thinking when it fits a client’s needs. These methods are used to address things like complex PTSD, chronic stress, and communication problems.

Leonard has worked with people across many life situations over several decades. He describes change as often difficult but possible, and he emphasizes steady support through the process. People who want a calm, experienced clinician and a practical plan often seek out his help.

To start, prospective clients complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule sessions based on availability. Sessions follow the therapist’s stated processes and preferences.

How his approaches translate to online work

Mindfulness Therapy uses simple attention practices to help people notice thoughts and feelings without getting swept away by them. It can be useful for anxiety, stress, sleep problems, and managing strong emotions. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on clarifying personal values and taking small committed actions toward them while allowing uncomfortable thoughts to exist. This approach often helps with depression, avoidance, and life transitions. Attachment-Based Therapy looks at how early relationship patterns shape current reactions and communication. It can help with intimacy, abandonment concerns, and improving how someone connects with others.

Choosing the right approach is usually a team effort. The therapist will discuss goals, preferences, and what feels doable. Clients and the therapist decide together which methods to emphasize and adjust as needed over time.

The original biography does not list specific online session formats, so confirm current options before booking. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into busy schedules, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when that fits a person's day. It can also make it simpler to continue steady work during life changes, while the therapist guides practical exercises and homework people can try between meetings.