Burton "Burt" Swaim, LCSW

Burton "Burt" Swaim is a licensed psychotherapist with five decades of professional experience, practicing in California and Utah. He holds the LCSW credential - Licensed Clinical Social Worker - which reflects extensive training in clinical social work and therapeutic practice. Over his career he has worked with individuals facing stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, relationship and intimacy concerns, grief and trauma, and life transitions, helping clients renew their efforts to reach meaningful personal goals.

He brings particular experience in alcohol and drug related recovery, supporting motivation, goal setting, and the rebuilding of self esteem and confidence. His work often addresses relationship dynamics, coping with loss, and the challenge of recognizing and testing personal potential that may be unrealized. Therapy is framed as a collaborative process in which clients set the issues to work on, define achievable goals, and participate actively in their progress.

Swaim draws on life experience as a resource in therapy and strives to create an open, nonjudgmental environment where thoughts, feelings and behaviors can be explored. He has co-produced documentary films related to recovery, including "Living Sober Class of '76," and has served as guest faculty in academic programs on alcohol studies. He has contributed to publishing and policy work connected to recovery services and, together with his wife, published a true love story titled "Rebirth of the Broken Branches." Throughout his practice he emphasizes support, empowerment, and practical steps toward greater comfort, happiness and success.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

He uses client-centered therapy to place the client's own experience and goals at the heart of the work. This approach emphasizes empathetic listening and collaboration, helping people build self-awareness, confidence, and motivation to make meaningful changes in relationships, self esteem, and life transitions.

He also applies cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to identify and shift unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns. CBT is practical and skills-focused, and it can be especially effective for stress, anxiety, depression, and coping strategies related to addictions or life changes.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. He works collaboratively with each client to determine which methods best fit their needs, goals, and preferences, adjusting the plan as progress unfolds.

Online therapy offers flexible ways to connect, including video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. These options make it easier to schedule regular sessions around work, caregiving, or mobility limitations, and they support continuous work on goals even when in-person visits are not practical. Licensed professionals can use these formats to deliver focused, accessible care that aligns with each client’s circumstances.