John Kuzma, LCSW
Independent Contractor Therapist
My name is John. I have 47 years of experience as an outpatient mental health therapist for Kaiser Mental Health. I was a team supervisor for 18 years and also served as co-lead for the department’s hiring team for therapists. I appreciate the opportunity at Counseling Services of Portland to continue to pursue my passion for connecting with clients in therapy.
I value collaborative relationships with my clients and colleagues. I want to know your story first and find what changes you want to make in your life. I strive to support my clients with empathy and develop relationships where they feel acknowledged and valued.
In my off hours, I enjoy spending time with my friends, family and grandchildren. I exercise through swimming, yoga, and hiking. I am a bit of an over-the-top gardener and me and my spouse’s garden has appeared in several gardening books as well as an English gardening magazine.
TREATMENT APPROACH
I specialize in the treatment of depression and anxiety. I integrate the evidence-based therapies of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Acceptance Commitment Therapy, Trauma Informed Care and Motivational Interviewing and blend that with neuroscience research findings and psychodynamic therapy in my counseling.
Clients have appreciated my emphasis on teaching them self-compassion, as speaking to oneself in a harsh or cruel manner is common for clients struggling with depression and anxiety and can be challenging to shift. My clients have told me that I’ve helped them to regain hope through focusing on their strengths and being engaged and interactive with them. I am a proponent of the evidence-based practice of using outcome instruments to measure if therapy is effective in helping my clients to feel better and achieve their goals for coming to therapy.
I provide individual therapy to adults who may be experiencing:
Depression and Mood disorders
Anxiety and panic
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Trauma
Grief and loss
Adjustment to life changes
Relational and family issues
Self-esteem issues
I welcome all races, ethnicities, religions, genders, gender expressions, sexual orientations, socioeconomic status, and cultural backgrounds.
EDUCATION
University of Oregon: 1972, BS Psychology.
Portland State University: 1979, MSW
LCSW OR, L558
LICSW WA, LW 60694153
Board Certified Diplomate in Clinical Social Work, 9607
