Burton "Burt" Swaim, LCSW

Burton "Burt" Swaim is a licensed clinical social worker with fifty years of experience. He helps people who are dealing with anxiety, depression, addiction, grief, anger, and life transitions. Burt emphasizes practical steps and clear goals so clients feel more confident and steady in daily life.

He uses a collaborative style. Sessions focus on identifying strengths and realistic changes a person can make. Burt encourages active participation in setting goals and timing progress so work in therapy fits a client’s life and priorities.

Burt draws on client-centered principles to build an open, nonjudgmental space for talking about feelings and behavior. He also uses cognitive behavioral techniques to spot unhelpful thinking patterns and test new ways of coping. His approach includes existential perspectives that look at meaning, purpose, and personal values when facing major life questions.

Over his career he has worked extensively with people affected by alcohol and drug problems and has contributed to recovery-focused films and writing. He has served as guest faculty on alcohol studies topics and assisted community efforts to expand treatment resources. Those experiences inform his practical, recovery-oriented work.

Burt is licensed as an LCSW in California and Utah and practices from Utah. Sessions are conducted in English. People interested in starting are invited to use the Start Therapy process to match and schedule according to availability.

How therapeutic approaches guide online work

Client-centered therapy focuses on listening and building a trusting relationship. The therapist follows the person’s concerns, reflects what is said, and helps people name their goals and strengths. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, helps people notice unhelpful thoughts and try new behaviors to reduce anxiety and depression. It is useful for stress, mood problems, and addictive patterns. Existential therapy looks at meaning, choices, and values when facing loss or big life changes and can help people clarify what matters most.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Burt collaborates with each person to choose methods that match their needs, goals, and preferences. That means trying an approach, checking how it feels, and adjusting the plan together over time.

The profile does not list specific online formats, so confirm current session options before booking. In general, online sessions can make fitting therapy into a busy life easier - they can reduce travel time, allow for quicker check-ins during a lunch break, and make it simpler to schedule around caregiving or work. Ask about available formats when you complete the matching questionnaire so sessions match your daily routine and technical needs.