Philip "Phil" Burns, ACA

Philip "Phil" Burns is an ACA counsellor with eight years of experience who focuses on helping people manage stress, anxiety, relationships and intimacy concerns. He also supports those dealing with trauma, depression and related issues such as abandonment, attachment and communication problems.

Phil keeps sessions straightforward and client-led. He helps people identify their values and strengths, then uses that understanding to try new ways of handling problems. Sessions are adapted to each person's needs rather than following a single script.

He draws on a variety of evidence-based therapeutic techniques to match what feels useful for each person. That can include looking at how past experiences shape current reactions, practising mindfulness, or using exercises to change unhelpful thinking and behaviour.

Phil has worked with a wide range of life concerns across relationships, family of origin issues, caregiver stress, grief related to serious illness, and separation. He aims to help people build practical skills so daily life becomes easier and more manageable.

Sessions are described as a place to name what matters, test out different responses, and build confidence to face ongoing challenges. Phil views counselling as a collaborative process and works at the client’s pace while helping them move toward clearer choices and greater connection.

He works in Australia and conducts sessions in English. People are invited to consider their goals and values at the start so therapy can be tailored to their situation.

How evidence-based techniques translate to online counselling

Phil commonly draws on approaches such as acceptance and commitment therapy and cognitive behavioural methods. Acceptance and commitment therapy focuses on helping people clarify what matters to them, accept difficult thoughts and feelings, and take committed action toward chosen values. Cognitive behavioural methods involve identifying unhelpful thinking patterns and practising new responses to reduce anxiety or depressive symptoms.

These approaches are explained and tried collaboratively. The therapist will work with the client to decide which techniques suit their goals and preferences. Over a few sessions they check what helps and adjust the plan so the work fits the person rather than forcing a single method.

If you are considering online therapy, confirm the session formats available before booking since specific formats are not listed here. Online sessions can make it easier to fit counselling into a busy week, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when needed. They can also support ongoing work between face-to-face appointments for those who mix formats. Discuss practical needs when you start so times and session length can be arranged to suit everyday life.