Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to JAMECA WOODY COOPER. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

JAMECA, appreciate you joining us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

“What could a therapist possibly know about taking risks?” I understand this skepticism, but it’s important to remember that therapists are human, too. We experience heartbreak, self-doubt, and the paralyzing fear of failure, just like anyone else. In fact, sometimes, it’s our own struggles that make us the most effective healers, as they allow us to empathize and connect with our clients on a deeper level.

For 15 years, I lived within the confines of a marriage that slowly eroded my sense of self. It wasn’t a Hollywood-style implosion, mind you. It was more like a gradual chipping away of my spirit, leaving me empty, unseen, and utterly alone. When the marriage finally ended, I was devastated. I felt like a failure, a statistic, a cautionary tale for all the hopeless romantics. The financial burden of raising two sons alone only added to the weight of my despair.

For years, I focused on rebuilding my life. I poured myself into my work, my children, and the occasional pity party. Love? That was a luxury I couldn’t afford. It was too risky, too painful, too… uncertain. But then, at 42, the most unexpected thing happened. I met him. He wasn’t my “type.” He wasn’t what I had planned. But he was kind and funny, and he saw me. He saw me for the first time in years.
I took the risk, and oh, how it paid off. My second love was everything my first marriage wasn’t. It was supportive, nurturing, and filled with the kind of laughter that reaches deep into your soul. This kind of love makes you want to be a better person for your partner and yourself.

This relationship was different – built on mutual respect, genuine connection, and a deep understanding. While painful, I realized that my past relationship had taught me valuable lessons about what I needed and deserved in a partner. This experience taught me a profound truth: sometimes, the most significant risks lead to the most rewarding outcomes. Had I not taken the chance to open my heart again, I would have missed out on the deep, fulfilling love I now share with my partner/husband.

My journey has taught me that taking risks is not just a necessity for personal growth and fulfillment, but a transformative experience. It’s about embracing vulnerability, challenging our limiting beliefs, and opening ourselves up to the possibility of joy, even when we’ve experienced pain. Taking that risk – the risk of opening my heart again – was the best decision I’ve ever made. It taught me that even after experiencing pain and disappointment, it’s possible to find love, healing, and happiness. It taught me the importance of vulnerability, forgiveness, and second chances. It’s a journey that can lead to a life filled with joy and meaning.
Risk-taking isn’t just about grand gestures or life-altering decisions. It’s about pushing past our comfort zones, challenging our fears, and being open to new possibilities. This means allowing ourselves to be vulnerable in relationships, even when we’ve been hurt before. It means recognizing that past experiences, while shaping us, don’t define our future.

As a therapist, I’ve seen firsthand how fear of failure can hold people back from living their fullest lives. But it’s important to remember that setbacks are not the end of the story; they are simply stepping stones on the path to growth and resilience. Each setback is an opportunity to learn, to grow stronger, and to move closer to the life you truly want.

If you’re grappling with the fear of taking risks, whether personally or professionally, I urge you to take that leap of faith. You might be astounded at the extraordinary opportunities that await you on the other side. Remember, as the saying goes, “The only thing worse than being hurt is never having loved at all.” Remember, you are deserving of love, happiness, and fulfillment. Don’t let fear of failure deter you from taking the risks that could lead you to a life brimming with joy and meaning.

Jameca Woody Cooper, PhD, ABPP
Board Certified in Counseling Psychology Criminal Psychology Consultant,
Emergence Psychological Services

JAMECA, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I started Emergence Psychological Services after a divorce when I was searching to find out the “real” me instead of the me I needed to be within the context of a marriage. The word “emerge” means to come into view or become exposed. Accordingly, the mission of Emergence Psychological Services is to help every client evolve, giving rise to a more aware, healed, and balanced version of themselves.

Emergence is distinct from other therapy practices due to our unique approach. We provide convenient online sessions and specialize in addressing specific concerns such as anxiety, depression, relationship issues, career challenges, and LGBTQ+ issues. We aim to create a safe and supportive environment for individuals to explore self-discovery, personal growth, and holistic wellness. We wholeheartedly welcome clients from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and identities to cater to a broad spectrum of clients.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

When you consistently provide high-quality and effective services to your clients, you create an atmosphere of trust and satisfaction. By helping people feel better, modifying their behavior, and enhancing their overall well-being, you build a solid reputation for your business and encourage your clients to share their positive experiences with others. As a result, your clients will be more likely to refer their friends and loved ones to your business, effectively growing your clientele through word-of-mouth recommendations.

If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?

If I could go back, I would certainly choose to pursue a career as a psychologist. There is nothing more rewarding in my life than being able to support and guide individuals through their process of self-discovery and healing.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.emergencepsychservices.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_jameca/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EmergenceDrJameca/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamecawoodycooper
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DoctorJameca
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@thatdocjamecaI am My Sisters’ Keeper: The Brown Girls Guide to Radical Healing https://a.co/d/7XpGytB

Image Credits

Photo by Troy Swanson