John Luoma
Associate Clinical Social Worker

We are a social species. Hard wired for connection. We are bundles of potential energy, unfolding throughout our lives as we weave our unique expression into the human mosaic. While we are capable of far more than we know, emotional wounds, traumatic experiences, old habits of surviving in the world, and a myriad of stressors often come rushing in to block this unfolding. When we find ourselves stuck, lost, or simply worn out, we must remember the wisdom of the ages: we are not meant to do this alone. Our greatest strength is often found in the caring others in our lives. There is no shame in needing help, there is only disaster in denying the fact of it. The mythical rugged individualist of American lore may seem brave, but when he sleeps, there is no one to warn him of the approaching danger. When he grieves, he has not the capacity to cry on some warm shoulder. He may find comfort in his hobbies, food and drink (ahem), but at the end of the day, he lays his head down, full of thoughts without voice, alone and often no closer to the man he wants to be than he was when he awoke.

Education & Experience:

• Associate Clinical Social Worker, License Number # 95557

• B.S. in Applied Nutrition at Col Poly University of Sal Luis Obispo

• MSW at San Francisco State University

• Trained in solution-focused therapy, emotion-focused therapy, and focusing techniques.

• Worked for a few years building a mental health wellness center, a substance use recovery home, and working as a residential mental health counselor.

Specializes In:

• Depression

• Anxiety/Panic attacks

• Thought disorders

• Trauma-related distress and disorders

• Personality disorders

• Intimate partner violence

• Substance use issues

• Relationship/Family difficulties

Under the supervision of Nathanael Read, LMFT #87933