Counsellor profile
Philip "Phil" Burns, ACA
Australia
ACA counsellor - Relationships and Codependency
Continue with PhilipWhere Philip stands
- Credentials
- ACA
- Registration
- ACA, Australia / 16498
- Experience
- 8 years
- Languages
- English
- Location
- Australia
About
- Stress and anxiety
- Values and goals
- Practical strategies
About Philip
Philip "Phil" Burns is an ACA counsellor with eight years' experience based in Australia. He works with people facing stress, anxiety, relationship difficulties, trauma and abuse, intimacy concerns and depression, and also offers support around codependency and related family issues.
Phil uses straightforward, conversational sessions to help people notice how their past affects their present. He asks about values and everyday patterns, and helps clients name what matters to them. Sessions focus on practical steps people can try between meetings to test what actually helps.
His approach draws on a range of evidence-based techniques. He commonly uses person-centred ideas to listen deeply, cognitive behavioural tools to spot unhelpful thoughts, and acceptance and commitment practices to clarify values and commitment. Narrative and solution-focused methods are also part of his work when they suit a client.
Phil pays attention to family of origin issues, attachment patterns and abandonment fears when these come up. He also supports people dealing with caregiving stress, bereavement, separation and other life transitions. Sessions are described in plain terms so clients know what to expect and what to practise afterward.
People who come because they struggle with people-pleasing, setting boundaries, or losing themselves in relationships will find direct, skills-based conversations. He asks for a short matching questionnaire to begin and for clients to schedule an initial session once they decide to proceed.
How sessions work
Approaches used online and how they fit everyday life
Person-centred work focuses on listening and reflecting what you say. It helps people feel heard and clarify what they value, which can be useful for relationship and identity concerns. Cognitive behavioural techniques break down patterns of thought and action into small steps to test and change what doesn’t work. These are often used for anxiety, low mood and unhelpful relationship habits.Choosing the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will talk with the client about goals and preferences and try methods that fit those aims. This is a collaborative process where adjustments are made based on what helps in practice.
The therapist's profile does not list specific session formats, so confirm current online options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit counselling into work or family routines, allow quicker check-ins when issues flare, and remove travel time. Different formats can suit quieter conversations, shorter practical check-ins, or longer deep-dive sessions depending on the client's needs.
Areas of focus
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Experience
8+ years
Listed in
Australia
Languages
English
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does he help with?
He works with stress, anxiety, relationship difficulties, trauma and abuse, intimacy issues and depression, plus related matters such as codependency and family of origin problems.
What is his therapy style like?
Sessions are conversational and practical. He combines listening with exercises you can try between sessions.
How much experience does he have?
He has eight years of experience working with people in Australia on a range of relationship and mental health concerns.
What credential does he hold and where is he based?
He is a member of the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) and practises in Australia.
Which languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English only.
What session formats are available?
The original profile does not list specific session formats. Please confirm current session options before booking.
How are sessions priced?
Cost varies with location; sessions use a subscription model that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I begin working with him?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Details come from information the counsellor supplied to BetterHelp. A registration can be checked with the body that issued it.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are not safe at home, use the crisis and helpline numbers.