Marty Cooper, MFT

I have known Marty Cooper for many years.  I believe he exhibits the compassion, knowledge and empathy needed in a therapist. He is smart, funny and very easy and comfortable to be with.  He has a large range of interests and really knows how to listen.
– Barbara R. San Francisco, CA

My Personal Experience in Overcoming Anxiety and Depression

After 15 years of struggling with depression and anxiety in my early adulthood, I am gratefully depression-free.

My path in healing depression has covered a lot of terrain including politics, travel (meandering), writing, Theravadan Buddhism and other spiritual pursuits and teachers.

My original education was in English Literature at UCLA, which has unexpectedly given me a sensitivity to the power of language and metaphor in the origins and healing of depression.

My personal journey, now in my early 50s, is the basis for my understanding of the underpinnings of anxiety and depression and what is required to heal them. I have had to study the roots of my wild moods deeply, and practice broadly, to get myself out of their sticky embrace. This direct experience forms the basis of what I offer to folks who come to me for help.

I am honored to be able to support people in unearthing their gifts and goodness to feel better about themselves so that they can have better lives.

My larger mission is to use my personal experience and professional skills in helping others as a way of fulfilling my social commitment to bettering the world.

I was impressed by Marty’s keen intellect, openness of heart, spirit and dedication to the highest benefit of his clients with compassion and non-judgment. These qualities have flowered in his years of practice along with high clinical acumen. Through his practice and deep experience of mindfulness and searching intellect, Marty has become an innovator in the effective treatment of anxiety and depression.  I would highly recommend Marty for anyone who is suffering from anxiety or depression or any person who would like to heal wounds and let go of negative patterns with a psychotherapist who will get who you uniquely are and can become in a kind, compassionate and encouraging environment.
– David W. Berkeley, CA

Why You Might Want to Work With Me

My expertise in anxiety and depression brings a grounded confidence that helps you transform your life. If you have any doubts that healing is possible, my sound knowledge and conviction that depression and anxiety can be overcome will support and guide you until you experience the profound shifts that bring you out of your dark and troubling moods.

I’m a graduate of the California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS) in San Francisco, an institution dedicated to holistic approaches to psychotherapy. Currently, also at CIIS, I am working on my PhD in psychology, en route to composing a manual and self-help guide to an integrated, multi-modal approach to healing from troubling moods that wreak havoc in people’s lives.

My multifaceted approach to therapy works comprehensively with the mental, emotional, bodily, and spiritual dimensions which heals the root-cause chronic anxiety and depression.

My work is customized and goes beyond symptom management. I use the skills and techniques in my toolbox that will work best for who you uniquely are. I’ll do whatever it takes to help you live a life where you’re freer to engage with the world with a greater sense of peace, confidence, and fulfillment.

I have known Marty for several years as a friend and colleague and I must say I have found him to be a remarkable person and a highly skilled therapist. He is truly gifted; a brilliant mind that he uses in service to kindness, compassion and joy of life. He has what in Buddhism refers to as “Prajnaparamita”, a deep wisdom that is rooted in the heart. As a colleague, I consider him a “master therapist.” I have found that he has deep understanding of the psyche and how to work with people to liberate themselves from the pain and suffering of depression and anxiety.
-JC B., San Francisco, CA.

Essays

Anxiety and Depression: 42 Essays on Overcoming the Wild MoodsAnxiety and Depression: 42 Essays on Overcoming the Wild Moods (2011), is for sale as a paperback or Kindle.

This is a collection of short essays, focusing on the challenge of managing, and ultimately, uprooting depression and anxiety. You can find a few sample articles here, and can purchase the book on Amazon here.

If you are interested in exploring working together in psychotherapy, please contact me »