Burton "Burt" Swaim, LCSW

Burton "Burt" Swaim is a licensed psychotherapist practicing in California and Utah with over 50 years of professional experience. He is credentialed as an LCSW - Licensed Clinical Social Worker - and brings a long history of work supporting people facing stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, relationship and family concerns, grief, trauma, self-esteem challenges, and major life transitions. He also focuses on aging and geriatric issues, hospice and end-of-life counseling, intimacy and infidelity concerns, veteran and armed forces issues, and process addictions such as pornography, exercise, and gambling.

Burt emphasizes practical goal setting, motivation, and confidence building to help clients move toward the life they want. His clinical approach blends client-centered therapy with cognitive behavioral techniques and existential perspectives, and he encourages active client participation in setting priorities, identifying obstacles, and tracking progress. He works to create a nonjudgmental environment where thoughts, feelings, and behaviors can be explored openly, helping clients challenge limiting beliefs and access unrealized personal potential.

Across his career he has worked extensively with alcohol and drug recovery, advocating for reduced stigma and effective treatment. He co-produced recovery-focused documentary films, including "Living Sober Class of '76," which received praise from Marty Mann, founder and 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 San Diego, teaching topics such as intimacy, sexuality, and recovery, and aided in publishing work that supported recovery narratives. He has also consulted on public policy and recovery media projects, including advisory work related to treatment and recovery documentaries.

Burt enjoys supporting clients as they take initial steps toward change and values therapy as a collaborative process. He brings life experience and determination to his practice and is committed to empowering people to improve comfort, happiness, and success in their lives. He is currently accepting clients and offers multiple ways to engage in therapy.