Darlene Kuzloski, LAC
Clinical Therapist
About Me
With over 30 years of experience as an educator, parent trainer, and school counselor, Darlene Kuzloski brings a wealth of knowledge, compassion, and dedication to her work as a Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC). Her professional journey reflects a lifelong commitment to helping children, adolescents, adults, and families navigate life’s challenges, strengthen relationships, and build emotional well-being.
Darlene earned her Master’s degree in Counseling from Johns Hopkins University in 2000 and received her Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree and Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) credential in 2023. Her extensive professional experience, combined with continued education and specialized training, informs her compassionate, integrative approach to counseling.
Her training and professional development include grief counseling, trauma, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Synergetic Play Therapy, the Nurtured Heart Approach, relational neuroscience, interpersonal neurobiology, attachment, Polyvagal Theory, mindfulness, Mindful Educator practices, Youth Mental Health First Aid, Mindfulness Fundamentals, and Systematic Training for Effective Parenting (STEP).
Darlene takes a whole-person, brain-body approach to counseling, recognizing the powerful connection between our nervous systems, emotions, thoughts, behaviors, and relationships. Her therapeutic approach is person-centered, strengths-based, and developmentally responsive, integrating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Play Therapy, and neuroscience-informed strategies to help clients better understand themselves, develop effective coping skills, and build emotional resilience.
Drawing on decades of experience in education, school counseling, and parent training, Darlene understands that behavior often communicates an underlying need and that meaningful change begins with safety, connection, and understanding. She strives to create a supportive, nonjudgmental environment where clients feel seen, heard, and valued.
Darlene is passionate about helping individuals recognize their strengths, understand their emotional experiences, regulate their nervous systems, and develop healthier relationships with themselves and others. She believes that by understanding the brain and body’s responses to stress, individuals can develop greater self-awareness, resilience, and confidence in navigating life’s challenges.
Whether working with children, adolescents, adults, or parents, Darlene meets each person with curiosity, compassion, and respect for their unique experiences. Her goal is to help clients build on their existing strengths, develop practical tools for everyday life, and foster meaningful, lasting growth.
Darlene believes that connection is the foundation for growth, understanding creates opportunities for change, and every individual deserves the opportunity to feel safe, capable, and connected.
Education
Master’s Degree in Counseling from Johns Hopkins University
Education Specialist (Ed.S.) Degree
Licensure
Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC)