Patrick Burns

I am warm, curious, authentic, and often humorous. I take the challenges that bring you to counseling seriously, but I don't believe therapy always has to feel so serious. I enjoy getting to know people, understanding how they see the world, and helping them recognize strengths they may overlook. You can expect me to listen without judgment, be genuine with you, ask thoughtful questions, and sometimes challenge you when it can help you grow. Most importantly, you don't need to know how to "do therapy." Just show up as yourself, and we'll start from there.

My approach is collaborative, practical, and focused on helping you make meaningful changes in your life. We'll work together to understand what's happening, identify patterns that may be keeping you stuck, and develop strategies that fit who you are and what you want. I use questions, reflection, skill-building, problem solving, and sometimes humor to help you see things differently and try new approaches. I believe you are the expert on your own life—my job is to bring perspective, encouragement, useful tools, and an occasional challenge to help you move forward.

Our first session is really about getting to know each other. I want to understand what brought you in, what's going well, what's not, and what you'd like to be different. I'll ask questions, but you won't be interrogated or expected to tell your entire life story in 50 minutes. We'll talk about what matters to you, identify some goals, and begin figuring out how I can be useful. Most importantly, it's a chance for you to get a feel for me and decide whether I'm someone you can be comfortable talking with.