KRYS COOPER, LCSW, RPT-S

Hello, my name is Krys Cooper.  I am a licensed clinical social worker with over 20 years of experience working with children and adults.  I have primarily worked within the Philadelphia and Montgomery County school systems as an on-site therapist; as well as in my own private practice for 10 years. I work with people who have a variety of concerns, including: trauma (abuse, neglect, domestic violence, homelessness), attachment/ international adoption, grief and loss, divorce, school problems, behavioral issues (ADHD - oppositional/defiant behavior), anxiety and depression, life phase transitions, and family conflicts. I value an eclectic and prescriptive therapeutic model, and am skilled at shifting gears when the need arises.  

 

My specialty is working with children as young as 2 and up to 12 who have experienced trauma, loss, or disrupted attachments.  I have been trained as a registered play therapist/supervisor, which means that I understand the language children routinely use to communicate: play.  Through play therapy, children can explore new roles, act out challenging situations, and re-work beliefs about themselves and others.  In parent-child play therapy, we can work together to build secure and safe connections, learn new ways of listening to each other, and foster JOY in our interactions.  In order to be successful in both talk and play therapy, you, the client, and I, the therapist, must be able to share a relationship built on trust, mutual respect, and a belief that YOU  have within yourself all that is necessary to grow and affect positive change in your life.  I am here to help steer you in the direction of your true, authentic, fabulous self.  

 

Working with children and families is a deep privilege, and I feel inspired and lucky to be welcomed into the light and shadowy places of the human experience.  In addition to play therapy, I am trained in EMDR, Jungian sandtray (for children and adults), and Theraplay.  Every one of these modalities is meant to foster relationships built on safety, warmth, security, and trust.  Clients have referred to therapy with me as “transformational,”  “life-affirming,” and work that “saved my family.”

 

What does it take to be a “great” therapist?  Patience, trust, time, and care.  That is: trust that the child or adult client will lead where we must go, and that, following with gentleness, kindness, encouragement, and without judgment, will lead to transformational and rewarding outcomes for all.

 

In my time away from the office, I enjoy spending time with my family (1 spouse, 2 cats, and 3 nearly grown children); singing, crocheting, paper-cutting, walking, petting my cats, and relaxing by the ocean.