- Stress and anxiety
- Attachment patterns
- Values-based work
About Philip
Philip "Phil" Burns is an ACA counsellor practising in Australia with eight years' experience. He works with adults on stress, anxiety, relationship concerns, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues and depression. Phil's practice also addresses family of origin issues and a broad range of related life stresses.
Phil focuses on helping people notice how patterns from their upbringing still shape current choices and relationships. He listens for repeating roles, expectations and conflict patterns that turn up in work, partnerships and parenting. Sessions aim to make those patterns clearer so clients can decide what to change and what to keep.
He uses a mix of evidence-based techniques to match each person's needs. Sessions often include practical exercises, values clarification and ways to test new behaviours between meetings. Phil emphasises small, manageable steps clients can try in everyday life to ease anxiety and improve communication.
Phil pays attention to how previous relationships influence present ones, including attachment and family-of-origin dynamics. He works with separation, blended family issues, codependency and the stress carers face. He also supports people dealing with major life events such as serious illness, divorce or loss.
Sessions are collaborative and paced to each person. Clients are encouraged to identify personal values and skills that suit them. To start, people are asked to complete a short matching questionnaire and then book a first session.
Therapeutic approaches and online session notes
Phil works from evidence-based techniques that focus on present behaviour and personal values. One common approach he uses is acceptance and commitment work, which helps people clarify what matters to them and practise actions that reflect those values despite uncomfortable thoughts or feelings. This can be useful for anxiety, commitment issues and family-of-origin patterns.He also uses cognitive behavioural strategies to identify unhelpful thinking and test new ways of responding. These techniques help with stress, depression and relationship patterns by turning ideas into concrete experiments and small changes between sessions. Narrative-style work is another strand he brings in to help people separate themselves from repeating family stories and reassess their roles.
Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the process. He collaborates with clients to choose techniques that suit their goals and day-to-day life, and adjusts the plan as progress is made. This is a practical conversation about what helps most for the issues presented.
Session formats are not specified in the biography, so please confirm current options before booking. Online appointments can make it easier to fit counselling around work, caregiving and health appointments, or to have shorter check-ins when time is limited. Appropriately qualified counsellors can also offer different rhythms of contact to suit people’s schedules and needs.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Experience
8+ years
Listed in
Australia
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
Which concerns does he work with?
He works with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, intimacy concerns and depression, plus related family of origin problems.
What is his approach in sessions?
He draws on evidence-based therapeutic techniques and adapts methods to each person. Sessions combine practical exercises, values clarification and behavioural experiments.
How much experience does he have?
He has eight years' experience working with adults on a range of relationship and emotional concerns.
What credentials and location are listed?
He is a member of the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) and practices in Australia.
Which languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with him?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How are fees handled?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I get started?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the emergency numbers. Looking for someone else? Find them by surname.