PB Portrait of Philip "Phil" Burns

Philip "Phil" Burns, ACA

Calm, practical therapy for stress and anxiety

8 years in practice · based in Australia · sessions in English · online sessions

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About Philip

Philip "Phil" Burns is an ACA counsellor with eight years' experience who uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques to help people manage stress, anxiety and relationship concerns. He works with adults facing trauma, intimacy issues and depression, and focuses on practical ways to regain calm and clarity. Phil aims to give people time and space to discover their own strengths.

He helps clients identify personal values and recognise what matters most. Sessions focus on skills people can use between meetings to handle difficult moments and make steady changes.

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Background and approach

He adapts his approach to each person's needs, drawing from a mix of therapies rather than a single method. That flexibility lets him respond to concerns such as abandonment, attachment issues and communication problems in ways that suit the individual. Phil pays attention to life history and the events that led someone to seek help.

Understanding these patterns makes it easier to choose practical steps for the present and future. He aims for conversations that feel helpful and manageable, not overwhelming. People can expect calm guidance and clear, short-term tools alongside deeper work when it's needed.

Phil's approach looks to build confidence, improve coping and help people reconnect with what brings them meaning.

How evidence-based approaches work online

Phil draws on a small set of well-established techniques and explains them in plain terms. For example, cognitive behavioural approaches look at the links between thoughts, feelings and actions and teach practical skills to break unhelpful cycles; this can be useful for anxiety and low mood. Acceptance and commitment approaches focus on identifying personal values and taking small actions that align with those values, which often helps when people feel stuck or unsure about what matters most.

He treats choosing an approach as a collaborative process. The therapist and client discuss goals, try methods that fit the person's needs, and adjust as they learn what works best. That way the plan grows from the client's experience rather than being fixed from the start.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat and text-based messaging. Video sessions are good for face-to-face conversation and non-verbal cues. Phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is limited or a quick check-in is needed. Live chat and messaging suit shorter updates, ongoing support between sessions, or people who prefer written communication. These options make it easier to fit counselling into a busy life and to continue work across locations and schedules.
Book with Philip Now Review online therapy options and next steps.

Questions people ask

What concerns does this counsellor work with?
Phil supports people dealing with stress, anxiety, relationship difficulties, trauma and abuse, intimacy issues and depression. He also helps with related problems such as abandonment, codependency and communication problems.
What is the therapeutic style like?
He uses a practical, person-focused style that blends several evidence-based techniques. Sessions aim to build useful skills while also looking at personal values and life history.
How much experience does he have?
Phil has eight years of experience working as a counsellor. That time has involved helping people with a wide range of emotional and relational concerns.
What credentials and location are listed?
He is a member of the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) and is based in Australia.
Are sessions available in other languages or to international clients?
Sessions are offered in English. International clients are not currently accepted.
Which session formats are offered?
Sessions can take place via video calls, phone sessions, live chat or text-based messaging to suit different needs and schedules.
How does payment and cost work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
What steps are involved to begin counselling?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.

What this therapist works with

Most often

Experience
8 years
Licensed
Languages
English

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