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Alisha Cooper, LPC is a counselor in Charlotte, NC specializing in counseling. Alisha Cooper, LPC is affiliated with BetterHelp.
“HELLO. Thank you for stopping by. My name is "AC" (Alisha) and I am a licensed professional counselor. Thank you for stopping by :-) I am trained clinically as a therapist. However, the reason I do this type of work is for a much deeper and meaningful reason. I will have to take you to the past for a moment. I have religious roots but they were not good ones in terms of helping me understand the things that I was struggling emotionally. If those challenged endured for a long time, there was really no help. It was summed up as not having "enough" faith. Tired of hearing this sentiment, I pursued counseling for Christians who felt like they were faithless because they had struggles. I wanted to stop this from perpetuating one person at a time. What you can expect from a counselor who is a Christian? You can expect that you will not be shamed into thinking that you do not have enough faith. In fact, we may not even talk about faith in sessions unless you ask for that. I say to people that I am a Christian so that you know my core values. Do I have people that do not share the same values? I sure do... not to talk about my values but what you are seeking relief in with kindness and care. Before we do: Here are a few things to expect: 1. Nervousness-What will happen? How will I feel? What should I say or not say? There are questions that can cause some nervousness. Just remember, everything that you have experienced is part of the human experience. Say what you want if you want, when you want. 2. Feeling like what's the Point-"I don't feel a change". Some times a light will flicker in therapy BUT not always in every session will that occur. But whether it occurs in real time or not, what we talk about is always working on you consciously or subconsciously. You will know when you notice that a new way of looking at something happens and think to yourself, "That is a new though or different reaction that I had." This delayed reaction to a therapy session is actually more common! 3. Frustration-As you do your "work", you'll notice that people who you are in relationship have not. Learning how to take your new found skills and freedom into the world takes a new perspective. Who are you now regardless of all circumstances is the question that you will be able to answer. This means that despite what others do or don't do, you will be OK. 4. It is time to Fly- You will find at some point in your personal work that you are not as distressed and you are better able to manage thoughts that once brought you distress. You are spreading your wings and will not have an imminent need for counseling. No matter when this occurs for you, I want you to fly. It may be time for you to end your subscription and do just that. If a few weeks have passed and you have not used the service, you are likely taking flight on something new that you discovered. Please Fly High. No need to feel as though you have to maintain your subscription "just in case". You can always come back later if you'd like. 5. Flexibility and Persistent pesky gnats. That is what I am calling thoughts and feelings that just need time to stop appearing and biting. Do not feel odd if you still fight to fan off pesky thoughts. Likely there is a "holding on" to a thought, belief, image, or something else that you have not fully released. This is where the need for flexibility comes in. You will have to be flexible and not hold on rigidly to the way you have interpreted things (even though you are sure that you are "right") . Even if you are right, you still may be left feeling less than free. Counseling is a good tool to see what is left in your thoughts that need to be re-worked. 6. Never Compare Yourself to Others. Do the best that you can do. That is Enough. Appointments: You are free to choose any time that you see on the calendar. If you need to verify that your time zone is reflected accurately, know that I am in the Eastern Time Zone in the US (EST time). Your time zone as listed on your account will be seen. If you travel outside that time zone, a”
Connect with this therapist via:
Online messaging - send messages throughout the day as you have time; relax and give yourself opportunity to fully ponder each step of the conversation
Video Visits - connect over video conferencing software for a virtual session -- almost as if you're there in person
Phone Visits - good old-fashioned technology for those who don't want to worry about appearance or who have might have internet bandwidth limitations; a little bit like connecting with an old friend, but with a counselor instead
Instant Message (IM) Visits - real-time chat -- like a phone call, but over text
Connecting with a therapist can be difficult. BetterHelp can help with that. They have an online network of licensed and accredited psychologists, marriage and family therapists, clinical social workers, and counselors. You can connect with their therapists via online video, phone, real-time chat, or asynchronous messaging. Easily switch therapists until you find one that fits you. Sign up through DocSpot for a discount on your first month's subscription.
Depression
Everyone knows what it feels like to get the blues once in a while. But depression is a serious illness that is more severe than a bad day and lasts much longer. Symptoms of depression stop a person from being able to function and enjoy daily activities for weeks or months at a time. It can happen to anyone, and it isn't something that people can control by force of will or "snap out of it."
Some common symptoms of depression include:
We don't yet know what causes depression, but it's thought that it is a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and social influences. Because of this, the most effective treatments for depression combine medication with psychotherapy. Therapy, especially cognitive-behavioral therapy, can be extremely helpful in resolving the negative thoughts and feelings that come with depression. It gives patients new tools that they can use themselves to cope when their depression is making them feel down.
Some of the common medications used to treat depression include antidepressants such as SSRI's (Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft) or atypical antidepressants (Cymbalta, Wellbutrin). It's important to remember that these medications have different effects on everybody, and no one medication works right for everyone. Patients may have to try a couple before finding the one that works just right for them. If the first medication they try doesn't work, they should talk to their doctor about trying something else. In extreme cases where medication is not enough, electro-convulsive therapy and hospitalization may be the answer to keeping a severely depressed person safe.
Depression is a difficult illness to deal with, but it is more common than believed and there are many people who can help. With the right treatment, individuals with depression can get back to fully enjoying life again.
Self-Esteem Issues
Self-esteem is the value one assigns to oneself based on a complex combination of factors such as confidence, identity, sense of belonging, and self-image, among others. Self-esteem plays a critical role in determining one's happiness and overall well-being. Those with a very positive self-perception are considered to have "high" self-esteem, whereas those with negative self-perception have "low" self-esteem. Self-esteem does not dictate one's true intelligence, skills, looks, or accomplishments, although it can undermine one's motivation and opportunities. Successful people can have low self-esteem, and in some cases, that low self-esteem might motivate people to work harder at establishing themselves. Self-esteem is also not a binary scale, but a broad spectrum that people may move up or down throughout the course of their lives.
Humans begin to gain self-esteem in childhood from being cared for by adults and reaching natural milestones such as learning how to tie one's shoes. Self-esteem evolves through adolescence and adulthood, and can change drastically based on one's positive and negative experiences. It's important to develop healthy self-esteem to navigate through challenges, make decisions, and gain motivation to pursue interests.
Self-esteem issues can influence one's emotions, behavior, relationships, and world view. Self-esteem issues frequently arise from low self-esteem. Low self-esteem can be caused by factors such as trauma, caregiver neglect, abuse, bullying, and academic, social, or professional difficulties. Stressful life events such as parental divorce, caregiver conflict, and financial problems may also contribute to low self-esteem. In recent years, researchers have highlighted the influence of social media in negatively impacting adolescents' mental health. Common signs of low self-esteem include:
Excessive self-esteem can also be problematic in that it can hinder one's ability to form relationships with others. People with extremely high self-esteem may appear to be conceited or entitled. Some researchers suggest very high self-esteem can lead people to engage in more risk-taking behaviors. Causes of excessive self-esteem are less well-known, but may include upbringing, personality, and cognitive biases.
Fortunately, self-esteem issues can be readily addressed at any time. Positive self-affirmations recognizing one's own accomplishments can raise low self-esteem. Accepting one's own weaknesses and imperfections can benefit those with both low and high self-esteem. People with self-esteem issues often find therapy is an effective means to improve their self-esteem and mental health. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help people with self-esteem issues identify and change destructive patterns of thought. Support groups, family counseling, and antidepressant medication may also help with self-esteem issues.
Maintaining a positive outlook and belief in oneself can go a long way towards forming healthy self-esteem. Developing a strong sense of self can be important for well-being and contributes to overall happiness and success in life.
She has a state license in North Carolina.
Licensed In: North Carolina
Alisha Cooper, LPC is associated with these hospitals and organizations:
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Ms. Alisha Cooper is a counseling specialist in Charlotte, NC. She has a special interest in depression, coaching, and relationship issues. She is professionally affiliated with BetterHelp. According to BetterHelp, new patients are welcome to contact Ms. Cooper's office in.
