Robert I. Burns Board-Certified Pastoral Counselor
IBCC BCPC 0865
Renew your mind.
Bringing together the resources of scripture, prayer, and theology with proven, restorative approaches — for individuals, couples, and families.
About Bob
A Seasoned Pastoral Counselor
- M.Div.
- Master of Divinity, Gateway Seminary
- B.A.
- History, with Anthropology minor — San Francisco State University
- BCPC #0865
- Board-Certified Pastoral Counselor, International Board of Christian Care
- Affiliation
- Christian Counseling Centers, San Francisco
- Sessions
- By appointment, video
Robert (Bob) Burns brings decades of pastoral experience to his counseling practice, with a deep specialization in healing and strengthening relationships within the church and family contexts. He came to faith in 1972 during the Jesus Movement and holds a B.A. from San Francisco State University (SFSU) and a Master of Divinity (MDiv) from Gateway Seminary.
Drawing from his background as a founding leader of a multicultural church in San Francisco in the late 1970s, Bob planted Spanish-speaking and Filipino congregations in the 1980s. The Filipino church continues planting churches to this day. He offers culturally sensitive pastoral counseling that integrates proven therapeutic approaches, biblical wisdom, and spiritual insight.
As a Board-Certified Pastoral Counselor through the International Board of Christian Care, Bob has invested countless hours in personal, premarital, and marital counseling. He and his wife Peggy (married since 1999) serve together on staff at Christian Counseling Centers, San Francisco. Bob is a certified educator in the Gottman Institute’s Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work and is also trained in Prepare-Enrich and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT).
Bob brings a biblical worldview and practical, research-based tools to every counseling relationship. He is known for his compassionate presence, cultural sensitivity, and commitment to helping individuals and couples experience lasting transformation. His approach is strength-based and holistic—empowering clients to live more fully as God intended. Bob maintains complete confidentiality in the counseling relationship.
Please call for a free introductory conversation to see if his services are a good fit for you.
Find Bob elsewhere
Approaches & Training
Evidence-Based couples therapy.
Professional pastoral counseling combines proven reparative strategies with spiritual insights. The emphasis is on discovering your strengths and empowering you to live your life as God intended.
- Gottman Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work Trained Educator
- Emotionally Focused Therapy (Susan Johnson) Trained
- Prepare-Enrich Certified Facilitator
- Pastoral counseling integrated with proven reparative strategies Pastoral Practice
Then shall your light break forth like the dawn
Isaiah 58 : 8
Areas of Focus
- Church Conflict Mediation
- Recovery from Church Strife, Division and Splits
- Recovery from Spiritual Abuse
- Cultural Issues in the Church
- Spiritual Direction & Growth
- Cultural Issues in Relationships
- Couples Counseling (Gottman Method)
- Marriage Preparation & Enrichment
- Life Transitions
- Depression & Anxiety
- Grief & Loss
- Divorce Recovery
Begin Here
Begin with a conversation.
Send a brief note about what’s on your heart. Bob reads each message himself and will follow up to schedule a free 15-minute call — video, by appointment.
Thank you.
Your note is on its way. Bob will be in touch shortly.
Counseling ~ Compassion ~ Care
Call me for a free 15-minute conversation,
to see if my services are a good fit for you.