NOTE 05/01/21:  Unfortunately, Dr. Cooper is not taking new patients for psychotherapy at this time 

​

I generally work from an interpersonal perspective, and pull from two general theories: dynamic and existential/humanistic.

​

What does that even mean? 

​

Existential: "What is the point..." ...of everything? Life? Death? What do I think about myself? What do I think about others? Do I need others? Do they need me? Can I survive 100% alone if need be? Who would miss me when I'm gone? Who really makes my decisions? Me? My spouse or partner? My parents? The law? Am I really accountable? If so, to whom? Myself? God? This may sound depressing at first, but it certainly isn't. Existential therapy is all about creating meaning in one's life... one's existence.

​

Dynamic: Are there deeply rooted patterns to the way I respond to life's issues? Where did they come from? Are they positive or negative? Are there patterns in the way my relationships develop? What is my own role in those patterns? Does my childhood have anything to do with the me that exists today? How aware am I of my thoughts? How aware am I that I do certain things, automatically? Are others aware?  A psychodynamic approach can work very well with evidence-based CBT approaches.

​

Interpersonal: Interpersonal therapy is the way in which I choose to explore existential and dynamic issues... to extract the knowledge from those two types of discussions. Interpersonal therapy examines, as you might expect, the interpersonal relationships in your life. But a BIG key in doing so is to examine the interpersonal climate within the doctor/patient relationship... in the here-and-now. Most people have never, in their entire life, been able to have a 100% transparent conversation with another human being. Therapy offers that chance. 

​

 

 

A FEW MYTHS TO CLEAR UP FOR MY FUTURE PATIENTS:

 

"Therapy is just paying for a friend."

Not hardly. The therapy relationship is unlike any other - most certainly unlike a friendship (at least most people's definition of a friendship).  However, therapists can become friends, of a different sort, with their patients.  I reject the idea that caring for, befriending, or even loving a patient is a boundary violation. With that said, boundaries are highly important and should be a topic that doesn't feel odd or uncomfortable to discuss. I do not believe that therapists should avoid hugging a patient (with some exceptions, of course). I do not believe that therapists should avoid weeping with a patient (I've done so many, many times). 

​

"The therapist will tell me what to talk about in session."

No, I won't.​

​

"Therapists should be able to give great advice."

Therapists should almost never give any direct advice. Emphasis on "almost." I catch myself being tempted toward advice-giving all the time. And sometimes it may be appropriate. But it usually is not. Just because I'm a supposed expert on psychological "stuff" doesn't mean I'm an expert on you.  You are the expert of you.  Think of it like this: I'm an awesome map reader, but you are the expert on the terrain we shall be exploring. Use me as a tool, not as a savior.

​

"You should always leave therapy feeling better!"

Well. Maybe. But, not exactly. I would say you should leave therapy feeling progress. ​Therapy should feel progressive, much like working out feels progressive. It may hurt at times. It may be harder on some days. Therapy may be scary and confusing. But that indicates growth. Dr. C. Logue, a cherished mentor of mine, once said to me that psychotherapy is more like physical therapy and less like massage therapy. If your sessions always feel like massage therapy, I would question whether you are truly growing, or are just venting (not that venting doesn't have its place, it does). But, coming into the gym and screaming at the equipment won't help you develop psychological muscles. 

​

"Therapists aren't allowed to tell you anything about themselves."
I do not believe that therapists should avoid self-disclosure. I do not believe that therapists should be stoic, emotionless, or vacant (as in a more traditional psychoanalytic approach). However, I do believe that the focus of the hour is the patient's journey, not mine. To some extent, that journey will overlap with the life experiences of the therapist. But if you find yourself wondering when your therapist is going to shut the hell up so you can get a word in... then there's a problem.

​

"Therapy is a professional service, and therapists are usually stuffy."

Some of the most successful silicon valley conglomerates have proven over and over again that people can get more work done when they are relaxed and comfortable.  Therefore, if you want to bring a mug and a K-cup, that's fine by me (no you can't have my K-cup pods; sorry-not-sorry). I'm pretty chill.  I've had therapy sessions in band practice rooms, psychiatric units, outside on park benches, in cars, on the phone... but I admit I prefer a cozy office. To prove that I am un-stuffy, I implemented a rule that has been in practice since my very first experience providing therapy 6 years ago at U-Cumberlands: on rainy days I prefer to wear socks... something about rainy days makes me not want to wear shoes.

​

​

 

​

I will listen, but I will not listen only.

I will ask questions, but I will not "lead" the session. 

I will offer feedback, but I will not generally give advice. 

​

Therapy is kind of like two explorers embarking on a journey, hoping to cover as much unchartered territory as we can before either (a) death comes for one of us, (b) we have reached my ceiling for help I can offer, or (c) your insurance runs out (kidding). 

​

I generally prefer weekly sessions.

I generally prefer at least a year's commitment.

I absolutely prefer that we work, not chit-chat.

​

The first session or two is a time for us to determine if I'm the right therapist for you.

And if not, that's totally OK. We will make sure you find someone that feels right for you.