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Meet Dr. Caren Cooper of Cooper Counseling and Wellness LLC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Caren Cooper.

Hi Dr. Caren, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My journey into the field of mental health began with a deep awareness of the stigma that often surrounds mental health conversations within the Black community. I wanted to give a voice to the voiceless, those who felt isolated, misunderstood, or afraid to seek help, and to play a role in normalizing these important discussions.

As I progressed in my career, I came across alarming data highlighting the high morbidity and mortality rates among Black women and infants in Harris County. That discovery sparked a new passion and led me to explore how my mental health background could help create systemic and emotional change in this area. This commitment inspired me to become a certified maternal mental health therapist. My focus now includes supporting women through perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, postpartum depression, birth trauma, infertility, and pregnancy or infant loss.

My professional path became even more personal after experiencing my own traumatic birth journey. That experience truly thrust me into the maternal mental health space and deepened my purpose to advocate for, support, and empower women as they navigate some of the most vulnerable seasons of their lives.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Oh how I wish I could say that this journey has been a breeze! It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Starting private practice as a first-time entrepreneur came with a lot of learning curves – everything from figuring out the business side of things, like marketing and billing, to simply trusting myself as a business owner. There were moments of uncertainty, trial and error, and a lot of self-doubt in the beginning.

On top of that, I was also navigating my own personal healing. Experiencing some of the same types of traumas that my clients face, particularly around maternal mental health and birth experiences, was both challenging and humbling. I had to learn the importance of seeking my own support and giving myself permission to heal while still showing up for others.

Those experiences, though difficult, shaped me in powerful ways. They’ve made me a more grounded therapist, a more intentional businesswoman, and someone who truly understands what it means to balance purpose, pain, and perseverance. Every challenge has taught me something about resilience, both my own and the incredible resilience I see in the clients I serve.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Cooper Counseling and Wellness LLC?
Cooper Counseling and Wellness is a mental health practice created with one goal in mind — to provide compassionate, culturally competent, and evidence-based care for women and families navigating life’s most tender and transformative moments. I specialize in maternal and perinatal mental health, supporting women through postpartum depression and anxiety, birth trauma, pregnancy or infant loss, infertility, and the often-overlooked emotional transitions that come with motherhood.

Beyond maternal mental health, I also assist individuals who are navigating concerns such as depression, anxiety, grief, trauma recovery, and major life transitions. What truly sets the practice apart is that I don’t just focus on symptoms, but also help clients look at the story behind them. I create a safe and affirming space where clients can process their emotions, rebuild their sense of self, and find healing at their own pace.

Additionally, I am intentional about representation and accessibility. As a Black-owned and woman-led practice, I aim to reduce the stigma around therapy in communities of color by normalizing conversations about mental health and providing a space where clients feel seen, heard, and understood. With that purpose in mind, I am excited about transitioning the practice into a group practice in the coming year. I am looking forward to growing into a collaborative team of clinicians and emerging therapists who share a passion for empowering women and families. We will offer support groups, community education, and digital wellness tools designed to reach even more people outside the therapy room.

In addition to my clinical work, I’ve had the privilege of serving as a panelist and speaker on topics related to maternal mental health and Black women’s wellness. I’m also an active member of the Greater Houston Maternal Mental Health Roundtable, where I collaborate with other professionals and community leaders to address disparities and improve outcomes for women and children in our area.

What I’m most proud of, brand-wise, is how Cooper Counseling and Wellness reflects authenticity and purpose. At its core, Cooper Counseling and Wellness is about healing, connection, and empowerment. I want individuals to know that therapy doesn’t have to feel intimidating — it’s a space to breathe, to be real, and to rediscover yourself. Whether you’re a new mom trying to adjust, someone processing grief or trauma, or simply someone ready to take charge of your mental health, Cooper Counseling and Wellness is here to walk alongside you every step of the way.

So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters most to me is helping women feel seen, heard, and empowered, especially during seasons when life feels heavy or uncertain. So many women carry the weight of being strong for everyone else while quietly struggling themselves. I want to create spaces where they don’t have to do that, where vulnerability is met with compassion, not judgment.

I believe that healing starts with being understood, and that’s what drives everything I do, both personally and professionally. Whether I’m sitting with a client in session, speaking on a panel, or collaborating with community partners, my goal is always to remind women that their stories matter, their feelings are valid, and they deserve support.

That mission is personal for me. Having navigated my own experiences with trauma and motherhood, I know how powerful it is to have someone hold space for you without expecting you to “have it all together.” That’s why I do this work, to help others find strength in their softness, clarity in their chaos, and peace in their healing journey.

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