Leonard Burns

Leonard Burns is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with 35 years of clinical experience in California. He focuses on concerns such as anger, anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship stress, grief, addiction, parenting strain, and self-esteem. Leonard aims to build honest, straightforward connections so people feel heard and can begin to change difficult patterns.

He draws on a blend of approaches, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Attachment-Based work, Client-Centered methods, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Existential ideas. He also has experience using Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing techniques. Leonard combines practical tools with conversation so clients can test new ways of coping and thinking in everyday life.

Many people come to him after years of feeling stuck by complex PTSD, chronic anxiety, or long-term relationship problems. He describes therapy as a shared effort where the relationship itself becomes the platform for change. Sessions focus on clear goals, with steps picked to match each person’s needs and tolerance for change.

Leonard has worked with people through illness and caregiving stress, identity concerns, blended family dynamics, and addiction recovery. He emphasizes realistic pacing and support for difficult emotions like shame, anger, and grief. His background in multiple methods helps him adjust his approach as therapy progresses.

He offers therapy in English and practices in California. Prospective clients choose the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule based on the therapist’s availability. The subscription model can be canceled at any time.

How his approaches translate to online work

Leonard uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help people notice unhelpful thoughts and choose actions that match their values. ACT can be useful for anxiety, anger, and life transitions because it focuses on what matters while teaching flexible responses. Attachment-Based Therapy looks at how early relationship patterns affect current reactions and helps people repair ways of connecting that cause repeated conflict or isolation.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. He will talk with each person about goals, try techniques that fit their situation, and adjust the plan based on what helps. The therapeutic relationship is central, and methods are chosen to support that connection while addressing practical problems.

Confirm the current session options before booking so you know how he offers online care. Online work can make it easier to fit appointments into a busy week and reduce travel time. It also allows quick check-ins and the use of exercises between meetings, so progress can continue outside sessions without promising a specific format.