john burns, LCSW | MONtgomery counseling group
Holistic, Personalized Therapy with
John Burns, LCSW
Compassionate, insight-driven therapy in Charlotte for individuals seeking healing, personal transformation, and deeper self-understanding.
BS in Psychology from Illinos State, MSW from University of Iowa
Never Stop Looking
John Burns, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for over thirty years, has lived a life guided by a profound piece of advice from a high school teacher: “There are two forms of blindness: eyesight and insight. Never stop looking.” This philosophy has deeply influenced both his professional career and his 50-year passion for photography, which he sees as a unique way of capturing human stories frozen in time.
His professional journey began with a fascination for human complexity, rooted in his love for English Literature and endless curiosity about human behavior. Inspired by the Utilization Approach of psychiatrist Milton Erickson, John developed a therapeutic method that leverages each patient’s unique experiences, talents, and internal resources rather than focusing primarily on symptoms.
John’s career traversed multiple healthcare settings. He started as a Youth Counselor in adolescent residential treatment, then transitioned to addiction medicine, working in both inpatient and outpatient clinics. His career trajectory included senior management roles in large social service agencies, ultimately leading to the founding of Montgomery Counseling Group (MCG) in 2018.
Trauma-informed therapy Charlotte
Why Choose Therapy with John?
John Burns, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for over thirty years, has lived a life guided by a profound piece of advice from a high school teacher: “There are two forms of blindness: eyesight and insight. Never stop looking.” This philosophy has deeply influenced both his professional career and his 50-year passion for photography, which he sees as a unique way of capturing human stories frozen in time.
MCG is more than just a counseling practice; it’s a specialized organization committed to innovative, personalized therapeutic approaches. John envisions the group as a close-knit clinical team that treats each client as a unique individual, rejecting rigid treatment models. The organization prioritizes profound human connection and healing, focusing on trauma-informed care, holistic wellness that integrates emotional and physical experiences, and the Utilization Approach. Each therapeutic interaction is crafted with meticulous care, ensuring that individual stories and experiences are honored and addressed with compassion and expertise.
The therapists at MCG share a common ethos: they are passionate changemakers who view therapy as more than just a job. Each associate brings unique expertise. Michelle Daley and Javontae Bradley specialize in working with children and adolescents. Taylor Banner works with individuals, couples, and families. Naila McConnell offers evidence-based therapy for adults, children, adolescents, couples, and families, specializing in emotional regulation, trauma, high-conflict family systems, and substance use. Jennifer Busco integrates intuitive healing and body-positive practices, including yoga, to complement traditional psychotherapy.
Central to MCG’s philosophy is the belief that the therapeutic relationship is paramount. As John articulates, there is no “ideal client,” but rather an ideal environment created through mutual understanding and respect. The therapists prioritize listening and learning from their clients, setting aside preconceptions to create truly transformative experiences.
The group measures success through the feedback directly from clients, which actively involves them in their own healing process. This approach transforms clients from passive recipients to active participants in their therapeutic journey, emphasizing collaboration, personal agency, and meaningful engagement in the path to mental wellness.