"When your mind changes, new possibilities tend to arise."

Hi! I'm Gus Culbertson (he/him). I am a Clinical Social Worker licensed in both Pennsylvania and Oregon. I received my undergraduate degree in Psychology from Trinity College Dublin & my master's degree in Social Service (MSW-equivalent) from Bryn Mawr College's Graduate School for Social Work and Social Research. 

I was born and raised in West Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and moved to Portland, Oregon in 2024. I greatly enjoy being outside and connecting with the natural world. This connection supports my own wellness and is integral to my work with clients. When not working with clients, spending time in community, or out on a hike, I am typically reading some Sci-fi/Fantasy book or enjoying a light-hearted comedy show on TV. 

I have over 11 years of experience in the fields of psychology, social work, & mental health, and have over six years of experience as a clinician. I've worked in a variety of roles throughout this time, from conducting research on quality of life for breast cancer survivors in Ireland to being an inpatient social worker, from contact tracing & case management during the COVID-19 pandemic to working as a Clinical Care Manager & Therapist. All to land me where I am today with Balancing Perspectives Practice.

Working at a Student Counseling Center at a Health Science Graduate University for over five years taught me the nuances of supporting those in the medical/health field and professional young adults. 

As a social worker by training, I hold awareness of power, privilege, and oppression in the therapy space and in our world. It is my primary intention as a clinician to be aware of my own intersectional and cultural identities and how they show up in my work with clients. With training in multicultural counseling and a commitment to continuous self-reflection, I aim to understand my clients' perspectives and work in solidarity throughout their therapeutic journey. By openly discussing power dynamics, privilege, and systemic oppression, I hope to build a trusting relationship that supports clients from all walks of life.  

Over my years in various roles, I have come to believe that when you take an intentional look at the perspectives you hold about yourself and the world around you, then make this into a practice, it can allow you to lean into your most authentic and balanced self. This is how Balancing Perspectives Practice got its name. 

I believe all people deserve to be met where they are so that they can be supported in choosing where they want to go.