Burton "Burt" Swaim

Burton “Burt” Swaim is a licensed clinical social worker practicing in California and Utah with five decades of professional experience. He holds CA LCSW 2658 and UT LCSW 11201705-3501, indicating licensure to provide clinical social work services in both states.

Over his 50-year career he has worked extensively with stress and anxiety, depression, addictions related to alcohol and drugs, intimacy and relationship concerns, self-esteem and motivation, coping with life changes, grief, trauma and abuse, anger, and family issues. He focuses on helping people reset goals, increase confidence, and reclaim personal potential that may have been overlooked or unrealized.

Mr. Swaim creates an open, nonjudgmental space where thoughts, feelings and behaviors can be explored collaboratively. He emphasizes active client participation in identifying therapy goals, setting achievable steps, and measuring progress over time. His approach is grounded in encouraging courage and willingness to pursue a more fulfilling, happier and meaningful life.

In addition to clinical practice, he has co-produced documentary films supporting full recovery from alcohol and chemical dependency, including Living Sober Class of '76, which received acclaim from Marty Mann, Founder/Director of the National Council on Alcoholism. He has served as guest faculty at the Summer School on Alcohol Studies at the University of California at San Diego, addressing topics such as intimacy, sexuality and recovery, and assisted with the publication of I’m Back and I’m Sober by Chaney Allen Washington. He also consulted on public programs, including work that supported funding initiatives for alcoholism programs in Montana, and advised Joan Kroc on producing treatment and recovery documentary films for her Operation Cork Program. Joan Kroc later donated $1,700,000,000 to the Salvation Army, funds that have supported many recovery efforts.

Most recently, Mr. Swaim and his wife Shirley wrote and published Rebirth of the Broken Branches, a true love story available via Amazon that emphasizes positive aspects of recovery; the project is being considered by an Academy Award winning writer for adaptation. He continues to enjoy supporting people as they take first steps toward positive change, bringing a depth of life experience and a committed spirit to the work.