- Stress and anxiety
- Trauma and grief
- Relationship work
About Leonard
Leonard Burns is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in California with 35 years of experience. He works with young adults and others managing stress, anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, trauma and grief. He also helps people facing addiction, issues around intimacy and identity, sleep problems, parenting strain, anger, low self-esteem, and adjustment after major life changes.
He values an open, honest working relationship as the base for change. Sessions focus on clear goals and practical steps rather than jargon. Leonard blends approaches to match what a person needs, drawing on methods that address thoughts, behavior, attachment patterns, and life meaning.
Clients often come for help after traumatic events, long-term anxiety, or difficult breakups. He has long experience with people processing complex PTSD and with those coping with serious illness such as cancer. He also supports people dealing with caregiver stress and chronic health challenges.
In sessions Leonard uses tools from cognitive behavioral ideas, acceptance and commitment thinking, attachment-focused work, and client-centered practice. He also brings elements of existential reflection to help people clarify values and direction. Conversations are direct and concrete, with attention to feelings and to everyday choices.
He works in English and practices in California as a CA LMFT. To begin, prospective clients complete a short questionnaire and schedule a first meeting where goals and practical steps are discussed.
How therapeutic approaches are used in online work
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice difficult thoughts and feelings without getting stuck in them, then focus on actions that match their values. It can be useful for anxiety, depression, and the stress of early adulthood. Attachment-Based Therapy looks at how early relationship patterns affect current trust and closeness. It can help with relationship problems, intimacy issues, and attachment struggles.Finding the right approach is part of the process. The therapist works collaboratively to identify which methods fit a person's goals and preferences. That means discussing what feels most helpful and adjusting the focus as sessions go on.
The practical benefits of online work are about fitting therapy into everyday life. Confirm which session formats are offered before booking, since the biography does not list specific formats. Online options can make it easier to fit appointments around school, work, or caregiving, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time. Licensed professionals can adapt ACT and attachment work to video or phone meetings, focusing on exercises, values clarification, and relationship patterns in ways that can be effective across distance.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
35+ years
Listed in
California
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does he help with?
He works with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and grief, relationship and intimacy problems, addictions, sleep issues, parenting strain, self-esteem and life-change coping.
How would he describe his therapeutic style?
He focuses on honest, straightforward conversation and practical steps. He combines cognitive, acceptance, attachment and client-centered approaches to suit the person's needs.
How much clinical experience does he have?
He has practiced as a therapist since 1990, bringing 35 years of experience working with a wide range of concerns.
What are his credentials and where does he work?
He is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist - CA LMFT - and practices in California.
Does he work in other languages or accept international clients?
Sessions are offered in English. He is not accepting international clients at this time.
What session formats are offered?
Please confirm current session options before booking, as session formats are not specified in the biography.
How much do sessions cost?
Cost varies with location; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I get started with him?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session to begin.
Online talk therapy through BetterHelp is for adults aged 18 and over and is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the emergency numbers. Find someone else by name.