Hello! My name is Lisa M. Cooper and I am a Licensed Clinical Social worker and a Child Mental Health Specialist. I have been in practice for over 20 years and have a vast array of experience treating individuals and families who have struggled with issues such as chronic mental illness, (such as PTSD, depression, bipolar disorder and anxiety,) as well as relationship and family issues/challenges, life transitions, domestic violence, suicidal ideation, grief, loss and trauma.

Over the course of my career I have provided therapy to children, teens, adults and families in a variety of settings. I have  also been  employed as a Crisis Intervention Specialist and am very adept at helping individuals resolve and manage both psychiatric, as well as family crises. I have worked as a Program Manager of the Adult Services Program in Tukwila for the past 10 years and have recently returned full-time to my passion, which is providing therapy to individuals and families.

My treatment focus is based on Family Systems Therapy. I view issues in terms of a person’s larger context. I look at how things are interrelated with each other, as well as patterns in behaviors and relationships. I use a variety of different therapeutic techniques and approaches, some of which include Motivational Interviewing, CBT, DBT and mindfulness skills, Solution Focused Therapy and Play Therapy. I am also certified in Trauma Focused-CBT. I recognize that the relationship between the client and therapist is the single most important aspect of effective therapy. I adapt the therapy to the individual personality and needs of my clients. My approach is warm and collaborative, peppered with a healthy sense of humor!

I look forward to meeting you and seeing how I can assist you in your growth.

Since I was young, I’ve had a desire to be a helper in the world.  I’ve been fortunate to have spent 10 years working in Wilderness Therapy, trained with some of the best in the field of Art Therapy, and worked the past 7 years counseling youth, families and adults – helping them realize newfound self-understanding, discover internal strengths, and build coping skills that improve their quality of life. My life experiences, compassionate listening skills, and participation in meaningful therapy sessions with my clients, continue to bring me fulfillment.

Built on a strong foundation of psychodynamic theory, I use CBT, brief therapy, and mindfulness-based exercises in my work. I also weave in self-reflection, journaling, expressive arts, and other non-traditional therapy models to help clients heal from past experiences and discover more of their original, essential self. I tailor the therapy to the individual personality and needs of my clients.

I’ve worked in school and office settings, facilitated women’s support groups, led “Kids Club” for women and children survivors of Domestic Violence, and have taught parenting classes based on the Conscious Parenting Model. I hold certification in Trauma Focused CBT and Family Affiliated CBT. I’m an active member with the Art With Heart organization, having contributed to their workbooks and having been the Key-note Speaker at their annual fundraiser on the topic of trauma and children.

My specialties include trauma, anxiety, depression, and anger management, as well as divorce, family conflict, and domestic violence. Other areas include parenting, behavioral issues, emotional disturbance, and grief, as well as peer relationships, self-esteem, and women’s issues.

“If you feel that you are going without, go within.”  Rasheed Ogunlaru

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor at Sound and have worked in community and human services since 2001, following the completion of my bachelor’s degree from Loyola Chicago. In 2005, I completed my master’s degree in counseling psychology from Lewis & Clark Graduate School of Education and Counseling. I have since worked at Sound providing case management, crisis and assessment services, as well as psychotherapy. I have enjoyed the privilege of working closely with people that demonstrate wisdom and strength when sometimes feeling their worst.

I am also a trained EMDR Therapist and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. I facilitate seminars for parents working through divorce or separation. I often utilize skills from CBT, DBT, and somatic therapy, recognizing the relationship between the client and the therapist is the strongest factor in effective therapy.

I attended Seattle Pacific University where I received a MS in Marriage and Family, as well as a certification in Medical Family Therapy. I completed my internships at Sound (2013-2015) and Swedish Medical Center (2014-2015).  I have worked at Sound since 2015, first in the Child and Family Services department until 2017, and more recently with Sound Solutions. I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a Child Mental Health Specialist. I work with individuals (children, adolescent, and adult), families, and couples. My main areas of clinical interest are relationship and family difficulties, parenting, life transitions/stressors, co-occurring medical and behavioral health, depression, anxiety, grief/loss, and trauma.

My background is in Family Systems Therapy, meaning I view a person’s struggles and relationships within their larger context. I may ask questions that look at all aspects of your life, including family history, friends, community, work, school, and spirituality. These questions can be difficult at times, but I strive to provide a warm, safe, and supportive environment in which I hope to help you explore the issues and challenges you may face. I strongly believe in the power of the therapeutic relationship to help uncover the strengths and resources we all possess in order to bring about the changes we desire in our lives.

I use a variety of treatment techniques depending on the needs of the individual client. Among the approaches I employ are: Solution Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.  I have also received training in Gottman Level 1 Couples Therapy, Nurtured Heart Parenting, Parent Child Interaction Therapy, Play Therapy, and Lifespan Integration.  I also view therapy as a collaborative, sharing experience and seek to help my clients feel comfortable, hopeful, and truly understood. I would be happy to talk with you about how I might be of help.