- Practical skill building
- Values-based work
- Relationship focus
About Philip
Philip "Phil" Burns offers a straightforward, person-focused counselling style that helps people facing stress, anxiety, relationship strains, trauma and depression. He is an ACA member - the Australian Counselling Association - and brings eight years' experience to sessions. Phil emphasises practical changes people can use day to day and keeps conversations clear and down to earth.
Phil encourages clients to name their values and strengths. He helps people test what works for them and then build skills that fit their life. The work often includes looking at past experiences to understand current patterns, and then trying small, manageable changes.
Sessions are tailored to each person rather than following one fixed method. Phil draws on several evidence-based techniques so the approach matches the issue and the person. He aims to create a steady, respectful space where progress is measured in real-world steps.
Over eight years he has worked with a broad range of concerns including intimacy-related issues, abandonment and attachment difficulties, family of origin problems, divorce and separation, domestic violence impacts, caregiver stress and health-related challenges such as cancer. He also supports people dealing with dissociation, communication breakdowns and coping with disaster.
Phil practices in Australia and meets people who want practical tools and clearer perspective. He describes counselling as a collaborative process and helps people build confidence to manage life beyond the therapy room.
Approaches that guide online work
Phil uses person-centred ideas that focus on the individual's values and strengths, helping people clarify what matters and make choices that match their goals. This approach is useful for improving self-understanding and building motivation to change.He also draws on acceptance and commitment ideas which teach practical skills for living with difficult thoughts and feelings while committing to valued actions. That can help with anxiety, depression and relationship stress. Cognitive behavioural techniques are used to identify unhelpful thinking and test small behaviour changes that reduce distress and improve daily functioning.
Choosing the right approach is part of the process. Phil works collaboratively to match methods to each person's needs, goals and preferences rather than imposing a single method. Together they’ll try options and adjust what isn’t helping.
If you are considering online work, please confirm the current session options before booking as the biography does not list specific formats. Online sessions can make it easier to fit counselling into a busy life, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and remove travel time so appointments can work around work or family commitments. An initial matching questionnaire and scheduling step will help set up a plan that suits your circumstances.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Experience
8+ years
Credentials
Australia
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does Phil commonly help with?
He works with stress, anxiety, relationship and intimacy issues, trauma and abuse, and depression. He also addresses related areas like abandonment, attachment, caregiver stress and family of origin problems.
What is the therapeutic style like?
Sessions are person-centred and practical, focusing on what helps the individual in daily life. Phil uses a mix of approaches so the work is tailored rather than one-size-fits-all.
What experience does he bring?
Phil has eight years of experience supporting people with a wide range of concerns. His background includes work with relationship difficulties, trauma impacts and health-related stress.
What credential does he hold and where is he based?
He holds membership with the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) and practices in Australia.
Which languages are available for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside Australia work with him?
He does not accept international clients at this time.
How are sessions charged?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I begin if I want to work with him?
Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule according to the therapist's availability.