Dr Liz Burns Psychotherapist

I am a Family and Systemic Psychotherapist. This means that I have trained specially to help people tackle situations which make them unhappy, or stuck, in relationships with family members or other important people in their lives.

Originally a social worker, I qualified as a Family Therapist more than 20 years ago and have been working ever since with all kinds and ages of families. I am registered with UKCP (visit the register), through the Association for Family Therapy, who set the standards to which I work (AFT standards link).

I can meet with smaller family groups at my office in Pendeen, but am also open to meeting closer to where families live, if there is a suitable venue. It may even be possible to offer a home visit by arrangement.

I live in West Cornwall with Mike and Charlie the dog. Our four grown up children live at some distance but visit often with their families to sample the delights of this beautiful place.

Here are some questions you might be wanting to ask:

What is a systemic psychotherapist?

Unlike some other kinds of psychotherapy, a systemic approach focuses on relationships and how problems arise in the interactions between people in their day to day living and developing together. Family and systemic psychotherapists can work with families, couples, individuals and others like workplace groups and organisations. They will do this by focusing on problems in context, and relationships in particular.

What exactly is your experience and training?

Family and systemic psychotherapists are usually trained to Masters level and registered with the United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy . I undertook my training at the Institute of Family Therapy, qualifying in 1991, and I have been in practice both privately and in the NHS ever since. My main work has been with families but a systemic approach is also applicable to other groups, such as work teams and organisations.
I am registered with UKCP and this is reviewed on an annual basis. I have to update my knowledge and skills regularly and sign up to a code of ethical practice. I also receive regular supervision on the work I do.