(she/her)
Clients say this provider is
I believe therapy should be a space where you can show up as your authentic self, feel genuinely heard, and explore what is happening in your life without fear of judgment. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with doctoral-level training, I am passionate about helping individuals better understand themselves, navigate difficult experiences, strengthen relationships, and develop healthier patterns that support meaningful and lasting change. My approach is warm, collaborative, compassionate, and empowering. I do not believe therapy is about simply telling you what to do or giving you a list of solutions. Instead, I work alongside you to understand your experiences, identify patterns that may be keeping you stuck, recognize your strengths, and develop practical tools that can help you move forward with greater confidence and intention. I also understand that reaching out for therapy can feel vulnerable, especially when you are used to handling things on your own. My goal is to create an environment where you can be honest and curious, feel supported, and work at a pace that feels right for you. Whether you are navigating stress, anxiety, relationship concerns, life transitions, self-esteem challenges, emotional overwhelm, or simply feeling ready for something different, therapy can provide an opportunity to pause, reflect, and reconnect with yourself. Together, we can work toward greater clarity, stronger boundaries, healthier relationships, improved coping skills, and deeper confidence in the choices you make. I want you to leave therapy not only feeling understood, but also feeling more equipped to navigate life independently, trust yourself, and create a life that feels more aligned with who you are and what matters most to you. I view therapy as a partnership, and I value creating a space where you can feel challenged, encouraged, and genuinely supported throughout the process.
In our first session, clients can expect a warm, welcoming environment where they feel heard and supported. Clients can expect a safe, non-judgmental space from the moment the session begins, and they will feel at ease. I will greet them with a positive, affirming energy, making sure they know that this is a safe, confidential space where they can share openly. I offer them a supportive, compassionate environment, ensuring that they feel comfortable discussing their challenges. The first session focuses on getting to know my client. I’ll encourage them to share their background, concerns, and goals. This isn’t just about focusing on the problem; it’s about understanding their life story, what brought them to therapy or coaching, and where they want to go. I’ll gently guide the conversation with thought-provoking questions, allowing them to express what’s been holding them back and what they hope to achieve. I’ll work together to identify key areas they want to focus on. Whether it’s overcoming anxiety, healing from trauma, improving a relationship, or achieving personal growth, I’ll help them clarify their immediate and long-term goals. I’ll also explain my approach, including how therapy or coaching can help you move from where you are now to where you want to be. Before the session ends, I’ll explain what the process will look like moving forward. I’ll discuss techniques you might use, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, or Motivational Interviewing, and how I'll tailor them to your needs. Clients will leave the session with a sense of direction and hope, knowing they have a partner who will guide them on their journey of transformation. The first session is an important step in building a strong, trusting relationship, and clients can expect to feel encouraged, understood, and excited about the possibilities ahead.
One of my greatest strengths as a therapist is creating a warm, welcoming, nonjudgmental environment where clients feel comfortable being honest about what they are experiencing. I understand that vulnerability can be difficult, so I prioritize building a therapeutic relationship in which you feel respected, heard, understood, and supported. I bring empathy, authenticity, encouragement, clinical knowledge, and a collaborative spirit into each session. My style is conversational and supportive, while also being intentional and goal-oriented. I believe therapy should provide a space for reflection, but it should also help you develop greater insight, strengthen your coping skills, and make meaningful changes outside of the therapy room. I listen closely to what you say, as well as the patterns, themes, and emotions beneath the surface. I ask thoughtful questions, help you identify connections, and gently challenge perspectives or behaviors that may no longer be serving you. Clients can expect compassion and validation, as well as accountability when it supports their growth. Another strength I bring is flexibility. I recognize that no two clients are the same, and I do not believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to therapy. I tailor our work to your individual needs, goals, personality, experiences, strengths, and readiness for change. My background in counseling and coaching also lets me balance emotional exploration with practical action. When appropriate, we may work on communication skills, boundaries, coping strategies, decision-making, self-confidence, relationship patterns, and personal goals. Ultimately, my goal is to help you feel empowered, not dependent on therapy. I want you to leave our work with greater self-awareness, practical tools, increased confidence, and a stronger belief in your ability to navigate challenges, make intentional choices, and create meaningful change in your life.
I am best positioned to serve individuals, couples, and families navigating significant life transitions or emotional and mental health challenges. These clients are motivated to make positive changes but may feel stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of how to move forward. They seek clarity, emotional healing, and strategies to manage stress and build resilience. My ideal clients include young adults and professionals facing pivotal career choices, academic pressures, or the challenges of early adulthood. They seek direction, confidence, and clarity as they define their purpose and goals. I help them overcome self-doubt, manage anxiety, and build a mindset for success. Couples and families who are struggling with communication, intimacy, or navigating major life transitions like marriage, parenthood, or relocation are looking to strengthen their relationships. I offer guidance on building deeper connections, improving communication, and resolving conflicts to help couples and families create healthier, more fulfilling relationships. Individuals with anxiety, depression, or trauma are battling emotional pain, mental health challenges, or past trauma. They may feel isolated, stressed, or weighed down by negative thoughts. I provide them with a safe, supportive space to process their emotions, heal from trauma, and develop tools to manage anxiety and depression, leading to renewed confidence and emotional balance. People seeking personal growth are not necessarily in crisis but want to break free from limiting beliefs, develop confidence, and create healthier habits. They’re ready for personal transformation and are seeking a coach or therapist who can inspire and guide them on their path toward fulfillment. I am uniquely positioned to serve those ready to invest in their emotional well-being and personal growth.
Cash - $180 per session
Aetna - Medicare
Ambetter Health
Amerihealth Administrators
Amerihealth NJ Medicare Advantage
Blue Cross Blue Shield - Medicare
Devoted Health - Dual (Medicare & Medicaid)
Devoted Health - Medicare
EAP:Cigna
EAP:Evernorth
EAP:UnitedHealthcare/Optum
Florida Blue - Medicare
GTEB
Independence Keystone 65 HMO
Independence Personal Choice 65 PPO
Medicare
UnitedHealthcare Complete Care (C-SNP)
UnitedHealthcare Dual (Medicare & Medicaid)
UnitedHealthcare/Optum - Medicaid
UnitedHealthcare/Optum - Medicare
I have provided individual and group counseling using Solution Focused Brief Treatment
7 ratings with written reviews
September 2, 2026
Dr. Burnes is in the right profession...she's a wonderful therapist. Insightful and interested.
January 29, 2026
She has a gravitating personality. We didn't even feel like it was a session. Time had went so fast we lost track. Wish we double booked her! She has an approach that empowered us and made dig deeper to get an idea of what our expectations are within the marriage. So relatable. We felt at ease in her presence and just her Aura has a way doing that
September 3, 2025
I absolutely love Cierra already!!! I feel like I’ve found my match, when talking with her it didn’t feel monotone or generic, I literally felt like I was talking to a good friend!!! I would definitely recommend her.