Today we’d like to introduce you to Autumn Cooper.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My passion for social work began when I was a teenager. Growing up with undiagnosed neurodiversity and a difficult home life made school challenging, and I likely wouldn’t have graduated without the support of my guidance counselor. Their compassion and understanding showed me the power of having someone who truly listens, someone who sees you when others don’t. From that moment, I knew I wanted to be that person for others who feel misunderstood or unseen.
I began my social work journey in schools, helping students navigate challenges that felt all too familiar. From there, I worked in a crisis center, an inpatient eating disorder unit, and a psychiatric hospital, each experience deepening my understanding of the diverse ways people struggle and heal. Over time, I realized I could make a greater impact by creating a space designed specifically for those who often struggle to find one, especially in the South. Folx with religious trauma, those in nontraditional relationships, members of the LGBTQ+ and neurodiverse communities, and other marginalized identities.
In January 2021, I opened the doors to Regrowth Counseling as a solo practice. What started as one therapist has grown into a thriving community with two locations and ten therapists, a reflection of how great the need is for safe, affirming spaces.
As a queer and neurodiverse therapist, I’m proud that every member of our team is either queer/neurodiverse themselves or deeply affirming of those identities. We believe there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to therapy and our clients deserve care that honors their intersectionalities and unique experiences. At Regrowth Counseling, our mission is to provide therapy services to adults, adolescents, and couples/people in all types of relationships that center around the needs of marginalized communities and provide a safe and inclusive environment for all folx.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced as a practice owner has been learning how to balance taking care of my clients and my staff, especially in the current social and political climate. Holding space for my clients and team comes naturally, but the real test has been caring for my own emotional well-being while carrying the weight of everyone else’s pain.
The current administration has made it even more crucial, and more emotionally taxing, to protect the mental health of marginalized communities. Many of our clients are directly impacted by policies that threaten their rights or their sense of safety. At the same time, my team, many of whom share those same identities, are carrying their own emotional weight while continuing to show up for others every day.
It’s incredibly hard to carry the pain of our clients, our staff, and our own personal experiences as we watch our rights being stripped away. The collective grief and fear can be overwhelming at times, and yet, that shared experience is also what fuels our commitment to creating safe spaces.
Finding balance in that has meant learning to lead with both boundaries and compassion. I’ve had to prioritize self-care and collective care within our practice by creating space for staff processing, mutual support, and open conversations about the challenges we face. It hasn’t always been easy, but it’s reinforced why Regrowth Counseling exists in the first place: to offer safety, connection, and healing in a world that often feels unsafe for the very communities we serve.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Regrowth Counseling ?
Regrowth Counseling is a therapy practice that provides outpatient therapy for adults, adolescents, families, and couples/people in all types of relationships. We specialize in supporting folx from marginalized communities, including those navigating LGBTQ+ identities, BIPOC identities, neurodiverse experiences, religious trauma, and nontraditional relationships.
What sets us apart is our personalized approach: we match clients with therapists whose expertise, lived experience, and affirming perspective align with their needs. Every member of our team is either queer/neurodiverse or deeply affirming of those identities, and we believe that therapy should honor the whole person, not just the symptoms.
We offer a full range of individual, couples, and family therapy services, and our team includes specialists trained to support complex trauma and intersectional experiences. Beyond traditional therapy, we focus on creating an environment where clients feel genuinely safe, understood, and empowered to grow at their own pace.
Brand-wise, we are most proud of the culture we’ve built, one of inclusivity, authenticity, and care. From our staff to our spaces to our approach, we strive to communicate that every client and staff member is valued and supported. At Regrowth Counseling, therapy isn’t just treatment; it’s a collaborative, affirming space where clients can heal, thrive, and reclaim their sense of self.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
What I like best about Raleigh:
I love Raleigh’s access to outdoor spaces and hiking trails, which makes it easy to recharge and enjoy nature. The city also has a lively calendar of community events, and its location makes travel convenient, whether it’s a quick weekend getaway or exploring other parts of the East Coast. There’s a great mix of adventure, connection, and opportunity here.
What I like least about Raleigh:
At the same time, Raleigh still has challenges around inclusivity and access to affirming spaces for marginalized communities. For LGBTQ+ folx, neurodiverse individuals, and those in nontraditional relationships, it can sometimes be hard to find the support and resources they need, which is part of why creating safe, inclusive spaces like Regrowth Counseling is so important.
Pricing:
- Self pay fee of $150/$125
- Some sliding scale spots available based on income
- We accept BCBS, Aetna, Cigna, United and Medcost insurance
Contact Info:
- Website: https://regrowthcounselingpllc.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/regrowthcounseling/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/regrowth.counseling
