Susie Cooper, LCPC

*Offering a waitlist currently*

HEALING WORK

Therapy with me: My approach is eclectic, incorporating evidenced based CBT, Mindfulness, Bibliotherapy, and Psychoeducation while promoting self-acceptance/self-compassion. I sometimes provide homework, teach polyvagal exercises, and suggest “know thyself” inventories. These tools and approaches can enhance the possibility of change and healing, create greater satisfaction in daily living, and promote the discovery of intrinsically rewarding outlets. Clients report that therapy with me is warm and authentic. 

My impacting identities/roles that inform my work: I am a suburban white woman who grew up with holes in my clothes. I have known privileges and scarcities, both of which inform my therapeutic approach and humbles me to be allied with all sensate beings. My cultural competencies were homed by living in other countries, witnessing much in my 21+ year career in the Marine Corps, and in motherhood by raising two African American children (now adults). I’ve had roles and responsibilities in diverse mental health settings which includes crisis stabilization, Urgent Care, Outpatient Mental Health, and Mobile Crisis. 

I feel informed and knowledgeable about: Those experiencing pervasive psychic pain, have patterns of attachment/relationship discord, and/or are having difficulties adjusting to life’s complexities. I specialize in treating those with complex intergenerational, and religious trauma exposures & PTSD with multi-layered childhood deprivation, including physical, sexual, and emotional abuses, and adult single episode traumas.  I am endeared to working with stigmatized populations, parent/child conflict, depression/anxiety, relationship/marital discord, ADHD, existential crisis, essence wounding, and have a deep-seated belief in honoring one’s agency and need to freely shine!

I work best with clients who: Are curious, introspective, patient with the therapy process and willing to be challenged on occasion.  I often work with clients who have experienced disappointing experiences with past therapy.  

I am not a good clinical fit for clients who: Have religious views that they desire to incorporate into the clinical sessions or who want brief, solution focused therapy. Cynicism/stagnation does not mesh well with my hopeful, intensely passionate advocacy of change and development. 

What makes me unique: I have lived a tremendously diverse life of experiences. This further informs my practice.  Thus, your unique self will feel my respect and empathy for your plight, whatever the complications.  I am a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) and devoted to the belief in possibility!

LEARNING AND GROWING

I am perpetually staying abreast of neuroscience & somatic healing techniques as they relate to complex trauma. I am currently enthralled with the Internal Family Systems Model and will attend two trainings this coming year, one with Dr. Richard C. Schwartz, the IFS founder.  Each day that I learn, I humble myself to another 10 items that I do not know.  Go Paideia!

FUN FACTS/RESILIENCE BUILDING

I feel connected to dirt, rocks, trees, and sky. I take the nitrogen levels in my compost seriously and sun bake eggshells to repurpose. I took a one year working hiatus via acting on the stage. Nature is my shiznit! I have stood on the summit of Mount Fuji Japan, walked the snow packed earth in Siberia, ate Elk in Norway and lived in Israel for four and a half years. 

What resources me to build resilience…The goodness in the world informs me daily, but I must be forever vigilant to slow down, be present, pause in breath to sometimes see it. Connection to others, lending and receiving support from amazing humans and feeling the wonder in this world bolsters me to tap into my capabilities. Coffee resources me.  

EDUCATION

East Carolina University (BA)/Norfolk State University (MA)/Naval Post Graduate School (MS)

CERTIFICATIONS/TRAINING

• Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP)
• Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP)
• Post Graduate Certificate in Counseling Studies
• Advanced Mindfulness Trained
• Intensive Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Certified
• IFS Training (In Progress)
• Military specific training: Exceptional Family Member Program (EMFP), Sexual Assault Victim Intervention (SAVI), Suicide Prevention, trained

What I’m Current Reading…

• The Attachment Effect by Peter Lovenheim
• Anchored (How to Befriend Your Nervous System Using Polyvagal Theory) Deb Dana
• Somatic Internal Family Systems Therapy by Susan McConnell, and Complex PTSD
• From Surviving to Thriving by Pete Walker