About Wayne
My Motivation To Grow And Heal Made Me Seek Out People Who Strive For The Same
Life can be full of challenges—all of us need a helping hand from time to time. Many years ago, I had a successful career in New York City working as a corporate controller but I wanted to do something more meaningful and purposeful with my time. I felt as if I was at a crossroads in my life and career.
Thankfully, I worked with a therapist who motivated me to look deeply within myself and encouraged me to seek a more fulfilling career path. It gradually became clear to me to pursue a career in the helping profession. At the time, my life felt empty and I would have done almost anything to avoid dealing with my emotional turmoil and discontentment. So with the unconditional support of friends and family, I enrolled in graduate school to become a licensed mental health counselor.
Wayne Kossman, LMHC
My studies helped shape the trajectory of my career. I found that I enjoyed working with remarkable and resilient people who are often under-served and under-represented in our culture. I have always had a special connection with those who are disenfranchised by society yet remain committed to their own healing. This was true of me then and it is true of me today.
My Passion Is For Working With The LGBTQ+ Community, Allies, And Other Underrepresented Groups
As a counselor in the Fort Lauderdale, Florida area, I work closely with the LGBTQ+ community, people living with HIV/AIDS, those suffering from alcohol and substance abuse, and other vulnerable groups. I am passionate about working with motivated and open-minded individuals who demonstrate the resilience and inner strength to overcome life’s hurdles. In my practice today, I help people from many different communities treat depression, anxiety, addiction issues, and other mental health concerns.
Prior to working in private practice, I served as a substance abuse counseling intern at the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center in Manhattan, New York City. Since 2018, I have worked as a behavioral health therapist at a local nonprofit HIV/AIDS community service agency.
Over the years, these experiences have helped me develop my professional identity. They have influenced my work in supporting people who suffer from drug addiction, alcoholism, and a wide breadth of mental health concerns.
My Approach To The Therapy Process
My Passion Is For Working With The LGBTQ+ Community, Allies, And Other Underrepresented Groups
My counseling philosophy is simple and straightforward. I view therapy as a collaboration where the basic tenets of mutual trust, unconditional support and positive regard are at the forefront. Most importantly, I believe that you are the expert on your own life and that you hold the answers to your struggles within you. My role is simply acting as a co-pilot on your journey of self-exploration. I want to help you build on your innate gifts and talents to create the life you want for yourself. Along the way, I will be your biggest cheerleader and emotional support.
What makes my practice unique is that I am an affirming therapist who provides both online and in-person counseling. Through the techniques and skills learned in the therapy process, you have the opportunity to achieve growth in many areas of your life and facilitate healing in your mind, body, and spirit.
A Little Bit About Who I Am
My pronouns are he/him. People tell me I am genuine, honest, and caring. I am a “what you see is what you get” type of person—I aim to be transparent and create a space where people can be vulnerable and open. I take my work seriously and continue to seek knowledge through interpersonal growth and professional development.
Banjo
Outside of my private practice, my family and my dog Banjo (a Havashu) are my heart. My family is very important to me and every moment with them is a gift. In my spare time, I enjoy working out, traveling, playing the piano, trying out new restaurants, and watching a good movie from time to time.
Wayne Kossman is a licensed mental health counselor in Wilton Manors in the greater Fort Lauderdale area of Florida. His greatest passion is working with underrepresented communities such as LGBTQ+ people, people living with HIV/AIDS, those suffering from alcohol and substance abuse, and other vulnerable groups. Wayne has a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Long Island University, New York. He is a Board Certified National Certified Counselor (NCC), a Certified Counselor Trauma Professional (CCTP), and Certified Life Coach (CLC). Additionally, he is knowledgeable about the 12-step program of recovery and its application to everyday life. He is a trained Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy practitioner and is currently earning his EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) certification. Wayne is committed to helping clients achieve their hopes and dreams.