Today we’d like to introduce you to Lindsey Cope.
Hi Lindsey, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I knew from an early age that I wanted to be able to work with people in a way that honored my values and beliefs. I felt social work would allow me to do this, while also having flexibility in my career. I completed my undergrad and graduate studies in social work and have had various experiences working with the justice system, public school system, in private practice, and with an eating disorder treatment facility.
In addition to these roles, I’ve been a lifelong athlete. I started running when I was 12 years old and went on to do track and cross country in high school and college; I’ve also completed long-distance races like marathons and ultra-marathons. Being in the running community, I’ve seen how messages about food, body/weight, success, and failure influence us. I’ve found that my passion has been in combining my professional and personal experiences through working with women struggling with disordered eating and compulsive exercise.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No roads are smooth! I definitely struggled after graduate school; I moved cities due to personal relationships and then struggled to start my career. While trying to figure these things out, I finally hit a point where I had to admit I had an eating disorder. I knew for years–since I was a teen–that my periods of restriction, bingeing, and over-exercising were not normal, but I also felt a great deal of shame acknowledging that I struggled with these things. I had hidden this fact from previous therapists due to the shame and had felt like I needed to handle it on my own. However, in 2016 I realized I wasn’t handling it, and I knew I needed help.
I began working with a therapist and learned a lot about myself, my worth, and my abilities. Recovery asked a lot of me and has not been a linear path; however, through self-compassion, I’ve been able to recognize that being a human in recovery means I don’t have to be perfect or have it all figured out. Life is messy, and so am I.
Though I don’t believe we have to suffer to learn lessons, I do believe my lived experience with an eating disorder allows me a unique sense of connection, empathy, and understanding for my clients. I also learn a lot from the women I work with and feel honored to be a part of their journeys.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a therapist in the North Atlanta area. I specialize in working with women struggling in their relationships to food, exercise, family and self. I’m known for creating a comfortable and non-judgmental space that allows for two humans to connect. I integrate mindful self-compassion with experiential practices to help women relate to themselves a little more gently. I am proud of how I show up for my clients; I believe every woman is an expert on themselves, and I act as a guide to support them as they connect with their inner wisdom. I love the moment in session when I witness a woman realize they don’t have to keep playing by their old storylines.
In addition to individual therapy, I have recently begun branching into hosting networking events for fellow professionals, and I am working on offerings for the community that I look forward to putting out this spring.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
I would say success is being able to do work I’m passionate about, have community; and feel like I am showing up authentically. Honestly, a big part of success for me is doing what you love, and I hope to one day be able to combine my passion for therapy with my passion for dogs through a dog rescue and therapy center!
Pricing:
- Consultation call – Free
- 50 Minute Session – $175
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/lindsey-cope-atlanta-ga/733556
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindseycope.lcsw/
