Meet Marian Cooper | Therapist in Private Practice

We had the good fortune of connecting with Marian Cooper and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Marian, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Before becoming a business owner, I would say that I often played it safe and really tried to stick to sure things. Once I made the decision to leave my agency job and venture out on my own, (a decision that took me many months and resulted in feelings of panic almost daily) my perspective on taking risks changed for the positive. Starting my therapy business was a huge risk and one that I am very thankful and proud of myself for (although I had a great support system behind me). In the course of building up my practice, I have had to make many decisions that often do not come with guarantees. Some have been great and others not so much but even when I take a risk and it does not go as planned I view my decision as a learning experience and not something to beat myself up over.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Own the Moment Coaching and Therapy is a private counseling therapy business. My therapy practice focuses on helping busy professionals learn to live life on their own terms without guilt. I also work with individuals who struggle with anxiety, people pleasing, self-doubt, and feelings of low self-esteem. I am licensed to see clients who live in New York and Texas.

I am a licensed clinical social worker who provides therapy to clients in Texas as well as New York City. Prior to going into private practice, I worked in community mental health for over eight years in New York City. In March 2021, I relocated to Houston to be closer to family and also go into business for myself full time. I feel very lucky that I can continue to see clients virtually and also offer in office appointments for clients in the greater Houston area.

Being a first time business owner, at times has been stressful but I can honestly say all the challenges I have encountered have made me a more informed business owner and also a better problem solver. Having the support of mentors and therapist friends, has been instrumental in helping me to overcome challenges. A big lesson I have learned in being a business owner is I must invest in myself and my business no matter how scary.

I believe there is no magic button when it comes to making a change and I am excited to assist my clients in overcoming unhelpful patterns.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love crawfish and have made a little game out of finding really good places to eat them around the city. Hands down Bayou Seafood on Veterans Memorial is a hidden jewel.

Of course taking a drive to downtown, visiting the waterfalls in the Galleria area, and grabbing donuts at Voodoo Doughnuts are favorites.

I know Houston has a lot to offer and I have barely scratched the surface so my list of favorite spots in the city is still under construction.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I am part of a therapist consultation group that meets weekly. The goal of the group is to just be a place of information and support as being a therapist in private practice can be isolating. My consultation group has been instrumental in challenging me, giving me advice, and lifting me up. I have also had mentors and coaches over the span of my business that have also encouraged me to ask, reach, and go for more.

Website: www.mariancooper.com

Instagram: marian_cooperlcsw

Image Credits
Jenny Levine Photography