
John Burkin
Direct, collaborative therapy for adults
Start with John BurkinLicensed · Professional · Cancel Anytime


Direct, collaborative therapy for adults
Start with John BurkinLicensed · Professional · Cancel Anytime
John Burkin entered the mental health field 17 years ago, beginning his work in community settings with people living with severe psychiatric illnesses. He learned early that these clients, like all people seeking help, wanted to be heard and understood - often requiring a different approach and a great deal of patience. He also worked with individuals recovering from substance use alongside bipolar and other mood disorders, and with many who experienced anxiety and obsessive thoughts. Over time he refined what techniques met clients' needs and which did not.
He aims to create a safe space for everyone who comes into therapy, whether new or returning. At the end of an intake he often tells people, “just because you scheduled this first session does not mean I assume you have hired me,” and he encourages clients to challenge him or end the work if the fit is not right. He expects clients to connect and to feel comfortable talking about anything and everything - even sex, drugs, or the secret they need to get off their chest. While he uses a bit of humor to ease the process, he is direct, does not sugar coat, and does not encourage unstructured venting; instead he asks clients to come prepared to work on feeling better. He frames therapy as a collaboration between client and therapist.
Clients who tend to find success with him are present-focused, open to mindfulness practices, and ready to engage in healing. He works with individual adults ages 18 and older on issues including self-esteem, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorders, depression, mood swings, sexual orientation and coming out, and navigating difficult relationships, among other mental health concerns. Helping clients create goals that matter to them is a top priority, and his approach is informed by Solution-Focused and Cognitive Behavioral Therapies. He is licensed as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in New Mexico (NM LPCC, license CCMH0192341) and as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida (FL LMHC, license MH10655), and he practices in Louisiana.