Sherry Cooper, LMFT

Sherry Cooper, LMFT is a Mental Healthcare professional dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Mental Wellness care. As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, she practices at her clinic in Palm Harbor, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). General mental healthcare professionals, encompassing psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, serve as primary partners in preventive care, diagnosing, treating, and preventing mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders through therapy, counseling, medication management, and by creating personalized long-term health plans that include coordinated screenings and comprehensive wellness management. Dr. Sherry LMFT is currently welcoming new patients of all ages to begin their proactive health journey. Call (813) 773-6924 to schedule. *Currently accepting new Cigna clients via teletherapy (go to website for easy booking)* As a licensed marriage and family therapist and post-doctoral psychology fellow, Dr. Sherry LMFT brings extensive experience working in community, office, and inpatient settings with a diverse population. She is a culturally competent clinician with expertise in trauma-informed care, understanding the impact of trauma on daily life, relationships, self-esteem, and memory. Dr. Sherry LMFT helps clients become aware of unresolved conflicts and assists them in working towards resolution. Her care philosophy embraces individual and couple sessions for adults, is open to all lifestyles, and is sex-positive and LGBTQ+ friendly. She utilizes a variety of evidence-based therapies, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Narrative Therapy, tailoring interventions to meet each client's unique needs. Dr. Sherry LMFT provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Sherry LMFT is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on proactive strategies to protect and enhance your long-term health.

By working together, you and Dr. Sherry LMFT can create a clear, actionable plan to address your unique risk factors and health goals.

A proactive approach to health involves understanding and managing potential risks. Dr. Sherry LMFT provides expert care for a range of conditions, focusing on early detection and effective management to support your long-term wellness. Common areas of focus include:

• Eating Disorders: Seeking professional help for an eating disorder is a proactive step towards preventing its progression and improving your overall health.
• Anxiety: Regular self-reflection and seeking support when you experience persistent worry can help prevent anxiety from negatively affecting your relationships and work life.
• Adjustment Disorder: Adjustment disorder is a temporary condition where you struggle to cope with a stressful life event, and addressing it early with support can prevent it from turning into a more serious mental health challenge.
• Panic Attack: Understanding your triggers and implementing preventative measures, such as stress reduction techniques, can help minimize the likelihood of experiencing panic attacks.
• Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD): Proactive management of ADD symptoms, through professional guidance, helps mitigate the risk of strained relationships and difficulties in daily functioning.
• Mood Disorders: Proactive management of mood disorders, through therapy or medication, can help you maintain stability and prevent debilitating episodes from disrupting your daily life.
• Separation Anxiety: Early identification of separation anxiety in children can prevent long-term emotional difficulties and promote healthy social development.
• Depressive Disorders: Proactive mental health care, including regular check-ups and self-monitoring, is vital in preventing depressive disorders from becoming chronic and debilitating.
• Grief: Early recognition of grief's impact on your mental well-being allows for timely intervention, preventing prolonged suffering and potential complications.
• Relationship Issues: Healthy relationships are key to mental health; proactive communication and conflict resolution skills can prevent relationship problems from negatively affecting your emotional health.
• Anxiety Attack: Managing underlying conditions that contribute to anxiety attacks, through therapy or lifestyle changes, is key to preventing future episodes and maintaining mental stability.
• Stress: By building resilience to stress through healthy habits, you can protect your mental health and prevent the development of more severe conditions.

This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes only. The best way to understand your personal health and create a prevention plan is to schedule a consultation. Accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans are developed based on individual patient evaluations.

Taking proactive steps is central to long-term health. Dr. Sherry LMFT offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Group Psychotherapy: Proactively address mental health concerns and gain valuable insights into your behavior patterns through the shared experiences and expert guidance offered in group therapy.
• Counseling Services: Counseling offers a safe space to discuss your thoughts and feelings, helping you prevent mental health issues from escalating and improve your overall quality of life.
• Psychological Evaluations Prior to Bariatric Surgery: Taking proactive steps towards a healthier you, a pre-bariatric surgery psychological evaluation screens for mental health concerns that may impact your surgical outcome.
• Psychiatric Evaluation: Protecting your mental health starts with a psychiatric evaluation, a thorough assessment that helps diagnose and manage conditions like anxiety, depression, and more.
• Relaxation Therapy: Take a proactive step towards better mental wellbeing by learning relaxation techniques to reduce symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression.
• Grief Therapy: Grief therapy provides support and guidance to help you process your loss and navigate the complex emotions of grief, promoting healing and preventing prolonged suffering.
• Pediatric Counseling: Pediatric counseling helps children develop healthy coping skills and address emotional challenges early on, preventing future mental health issues.
• Family Psychotherapy: Improve family relationships and early detect mental health concerns in family members through proactive family psychotherapy sessions.
• Stress Management: Enhance your resilience and improve your overall mental health by learning and practicing effective stress management strategies.
• Psychotherapy Services: Investing in psychotherapy services is an important step in preventing mental health issues from impacting your daily life and relationships.
• Adolescent Counseling: Empower your adolescent with counseling to navigate the complexities of adolescence, fostering resilience and mental wellness.
• Family Counseling: Strengthen your family's bonds and communication skills through family counseling, proactively addressing potential conflicts and improving overall well-being.

Service availability can change, and not all services listed may be appropriate for every patient. For a comprehensive understanding of all available services and to create your personalized screening plan, please schedule a consultation.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Mental Healthcare Services in Florida.

Dr. Sherry LMFT is dedicated to partnering with Support Networks to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how a proactive approach can make a tangible difference in a Individual's life:

• By openly discussing their concerns and developing a personalized plan, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing an eating disorder, fostering a healthier relationship with food and their body.
• By practicing mindfulness and developing coping mechanisms, a patient significantly reduced feelings of persistent worry, leading to improved focus and more fulfilling relationships.
• Recognizing early warning signs of stress from a major life change, a patient proactively sought support, reducing the risk of adjustment disorder and maintaining a positive outlook on their future.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. She will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.

Here are answers to some common questions about proactive Mental Wellness care with Dr. Sherry LMFT:

What is the difference between a psychiatrist, a psychologist, and a therapist?

Dr. Sherry, as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), provides counseling and psychotherapy. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can prescribe medication and offer therapy. Psychologists specialize in psychological testing and psychotherapy. These professionals can partner with you to support your mental wellness.

How do I know if I or a loved one should see a mental health professional?

If you or a loved one are experiencing persistent sadness, overwhelming anxiety, difficulty coping with daily life, changes in sleep or appetite, or substance misuse, seeking a mental health professional is a proactive and courageous step, similar to seeing a doctor for a physical ailment. It demonstrates a commitment to well-being and can lead to significant improvements in your overall health and happiness.

How does psychiatric medication work, and is it my only option?

Psychiatric medication can be a powerful tool in addressing chemical imbalances in the brain that contribute to symptoms. It's not the only option, but rather one part of a comprehensive treatment plan that often includes therapy. The goal is to reduce symptoms to a manageable level so you can fully benefit from the support of therapy and other strategies.

How are eating disorders treated?

Treatment for eating disorders is a team effort, often including a therapist, medical doctor, and dietitian. The focus is on restoring physical health, addressing the emotional factors contributing to the disorder, and developing healthy relationships with food and body image through therapies like CBT or DBT.

What is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)?

TMS is a non-invasive, FDA-approved treatment for depression that uses magnetic fields to gently stimulate nerve cells in the brain region involved in mood control. It's a safe and effective option for those who haven't found relief from traditional treatments.

What is psychological testing and why might it be recommended?

Psychological testing uses standardized assessments to evaluate cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning. It's a valuable tool for diagnosing conditions like ADHD or learning disabilities, helping to create the most effective treatment plan.

What are the first steps in treating substance use and addiction?

The first step in treating substance use and addiction is a comprehensive, confidential assessment to understand your specific needs. Treatment is personalized and may involve individual or group therapy, learning coping skills, and sometimes medication-assisted treatment.

How is trauma or PTSD treated?

Treatment for trauma and PTSD is specialized. Evidence-based approaches like Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) help the brain process traumatic memories safely, reducing their emotional impact and preventing them from disrupting daily life.

34921 US Highway 19 N Ste 204
Palm Harbor FL 34684
Phone: (813) 773-6924

Sherry Cooper, LMFT is regulated by the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) in Florida and is licensed by The Florida Board of Medicine.

National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1245518695

Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.

The information on this profile, provided by weprevent.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with preventive health partners. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the physician named. Mental Healthcare Services like Dr. Sherry LMFT are skilled in helping patients create proactive health plans. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. It is always recommended to maintain open communication with your mental healthcare about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.