Michele Cooper

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 22 years of experience. I really enjoy helping people navigate the challenges of changing and maintaining roles in life---exploring young adulthood, how to maintain your own identity as a parent, how to create a life worth living in whatever stage you are in. I feel like I am very open, non judgmental, eager to learn, empathetic and understanding. And funny!

I am a gender affirming therapist. I am an ally in the LGB and TNC Communities, always keeping my eyes and ears open to find ways to improve my allyship. The current political climate is traumatic and oppressive to members of these Communities. I want to create space in session to discuss how that may be affecting you or retraumatizing you. I am also a member of the World Professional Association for Transgender Health. I am comfortable providing documentation for medical transition.

I am very comfortable with working with those who use self harm as a coping mechanism--there is no shame or expectation you must stop when you engage in therapy. I'm fine with talking about suicide, whether it's your own personal experience of trying to find a life worth living, your experience of supporting someone who lives with suicide in their life, or grief around experiences of suicide. I do not believe inpatient hospitalization is an effective treatment for those experiencing suicide and do everything I can as a therapist to keep people out of the hospital when in suicidal crisis.

I do believe therapy is political. I am social justice focused, continuing to do my own anti-racism work. I believe in Health at Every Size. I believe that our environment and what we experience in life has a profound affect on us and must be discussed in therapy.

I want my client's to be comfortable in working with me. Therapy is not often a comfortable experience--you are challenging yourself and your beliefs in new and different ways. I believe I am able to create a space where you feel supported and cared for while doing the work.

I am always learning--that is important. But just learning is not enough. I realized awhile ago that learning from the "experts"--the people with the degrees and the research is valuable but it is not enough. I learn from my clients, from people's experiences, from my own experience as a consumer of mental health services. And then I try things out. And sometimes I fumble. And I am ok to recognize my own missteps and my humanity.

I am willing to be really uncomfortable. I am willing to share in the pain you bring into therapy and also share in the joy. I am not here to fix anything, but to witness and reflect on the experiences you share with me.

I do not waiver from maintaining the autonomy and self determination of my clients and I am really proud of that. I know the mental health system doesn't work well and I know that I am a part of that. But I am trying to figure out how to stop perpetuating harmful systems.

Lastly, I ask for help when I need it. I am not afraid to admit that I may not be the best therapist to help a person. I am ok with helping people find better matches. I do truly love what I do, but also recognize that I am not the best therapist for everyone.

The first session can be so anxiety provoking! During our first session, we will get to know each other. I'll ask you some questions about what is brining you in, some questions about your history, but most importantly I want to know about who you are, who the important people in your life are, and what makes you, well...you.

You can ask me questions about myself, my work, my interests. I understand it's important for you to get to know me, you are trusting me with a lot. I am not a "blank slate" therapist. It doesn't feel authentic to me and I feel like you deserve more.