- 35 years experience
- Codependency focus
- California based
About Leonard
Leonard Burns is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with 35 years of clinical experience. He helps people cope with stress, anxiety, grief, depression, codependency, and relationship and intimacy struggles. He also supports those dealing with trauma, addiction, caregiving strain, sleep trouble, ADHD, and challenges related to identity and loss.
He values an honest, straightforward relationship in therapy. Leonard sees a strong therapeutic bond as the base for change. Sessions focus on clear goals, steady progress, and practical steps clients can use between meetings.
His background blends family systems, psychodynamic ideas, and trauma work. He uses methods like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Attachment-Based Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Existential Therapy to match different needs. He also draws on many years’ experience helping people recover from complex PTSD and trauma-related symptoms.
Leonard emphasizes real-world strategies alongside emotional exploration. That can mean skills for managing anxiety, steps to address codependent patterns, or exercises to improve communication and boundaries. He describes change as difficult but possible, and offers steady support through the process.
Based in California, Leonard works with adults across a wide range of life challenges. He aims to help people find more peace with identity, rebuild after loss, and make choices that reflect their values and needs.
How therapeutic approaches shape online work
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people clarify what matters to them and take action toward those values despite difficult thoughts and feelings. It is useful for anxiety, depression, and navigating life changes. Attachment-Based Therapy looks at how early relationships shape current patterns and helps people build healthier ways of relating and feeling safe in close connections. Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening, empathy, and meeting the person where they are so they can find their own solutions and grow at their pace.Choosing the right approach is part of the work together. Leonard uses conversation and short assessments to figure out which methods fit a person’s needs and goals. He treats the plan as a collaboration and adjusts it as progress or challenges appear.
The biography does not list specific online session formats, so confirm current options before booking. In general, remote therapy can make it easier to fit sessions around work and caregiving, reduce travel time, and allow for shorter check-ins when needed. It can also let people continue steady therapy while managing medical appointments, relocation, or busy schedules. Licensed professionals can adapt exercises and homework to online sessions so progress remains practical and goal-focused.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
35+ years
Credentials
California
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does Leonard address?
He supports people with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and intimacy issues, trauma and abuse, grief, addictions, codependency, and related challenges like caregiver stress and chronic illness.
How would you describe his therapeutic style?
He emphasizes a direct, honest relationship and practical steps. Sessions combine emotional exploration with real-world skills and goal-focused work.
What experience does he bring to therapy?
He has 35 years of experience and extensive work with complex PTSD, trauma recovery, anxiety, depression, and identity-related concerns.
What credentials and region are listed?
He is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, LMFT, licensed in California.
Which languages are offered and are international clients accepted?
Sessions are offered in English. International clients are not currently accepted.
What session formats are available?
The original biography does not list specific session formats; please confirm current session options before booking.
How is cost handled for sessions?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What should I do to get started?
Select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.
Profile details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. Credential and registration rules differ between the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia.