John Kuzma, LCSW
John accepts:
Kaiser
Moda
PacificSource
Independent Contractor Therapist
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 you 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 my and my spouse's garden has appeared in several gardening books as well as an English gardening magazine.
My specialty is 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.
Education and Experience
I have 47 years of experience as an outpatient clinical social worker for Kaiser Mental Health. In addition, I was a team supervisor for 18 years. I had the good fortune to work with and learn from many excellent therapists, psychologists and psychiatrists. I retired from Kaiser in 2022 and joined Counseling Services of Portland to continue to pursue my passion for connecting with clients in therapy.
University of Oregon: 1972, BS Psychology.
Portland State University: 1979, MSW
LCSW OR, L558
LICSW WA, LW 60694153
Client Focus
Individual Adults (18+)
Modalities and Styles
Attachment Theory, CBT, DBT, Neuroscience research, Some aspects of Self Psychology
Specialties
Anxiety & depression
Grief & loss
Relationship issues
Self-esteem/confidence issues
