Philip "Phil" Burns

Philip "Phil" Burns is an ACA counsellor who helps people with stress, anxiety, relationships, trauma and abuse, intimacy concerns and depression. He uses straightforward, person-focused work to help people notice what matters to them and what gets in the way. Phil writes in plain language and aims to make sessions practical and understandable.

Phil draws on a range of evidence-based therapeutic techniques to tailor sessions to each person. He listens for how past experiences shape current patterns and helps people identify their values and strengths. Sessions focus on skills people can use outside the room, and on testing small changes that fit each person’s life.

Over eight years in practice, Phil has worked with many different presenting concerns including abandonment, attachment issues, codependency, communication problems, grief and caregiver stress. He also supports people facing illness, blended family strain, divorce and separation, domestic violence impacts, and dissociation-related difficulties. This variety informs a flexible, practical approach.

Phil believes therapy can be enjoyable and empowering when it matches the person’s goals. He encourages people to take an active role in deciding what works and what doesn’t. The focus is on building confidence and clearer choices so people can move toward greater connection and wellbeing.

Sessions are offered in English and are based in Australia. The first steps involve a short matching questionnaire and scheduling that fits the person’s availability.

Evidence-based approaches and online counselling

Phil uses several evidence-based approaches in his work and explains them in everyday terms. Person-centred work focuses on listening and helping people name their own values and goals, which can be useful for relationship and identity concerns. Acceptance and commitment approaches teach practical skills to notice thoughts and choose actions that align with what matters most, often helping with anxiety and avoidance. Narrative ideas help people separate themselves from unhelpful stories and try new ways of relating to past events and present challenges.

Finding the right approach is part of the process and happens together. The therapist and client review what’s helpful, try different techniques, and adjust as goals change. This collaborative stance helps make therapy feel relevant and workable for each person.

The biography does not list specific online formats, so confirm the available session options before booking. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, reduce travel time, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and offer flexibility around work or caregiving commitments. Appropriately qualified therapists can adapt these methods to work well at a distance while focusing on practical skills and real-life changes.