Meet Cole Petty
Join me in welcoming Cole Petty, LCMHC-A, Coorself’s newest team member!
Sometimes, life brings people full circle in the most unexpected and fulfilling ways. I first became quick friends with Cole Petty in middle school—back when flip phones were the norm. Over the years of awkward teenagehood, we ventured into different directions: I took the therapy route early on in college, while Cole dove headfirst into the world of film carving out a unique role in creative spaces.
Fast forward life to last year, when Cole stumbled upon the @coorself Instagram page. We reconnected as therapists, started consulting together, and quickly realized something powerful— our friendship could evolve into a great team. Our conversations were rich, aligned, and filled with the kind of creative energy that could help our clients thrive. Now, we're beyond excited to put our heads together to grow Coorself, offer meaningful community experiences, and support our clients in intentional and collaborative ways.
As Cole begins to see clients this August, I wanted to share a bit more about the heart and mind behind his work. Below is a quick Q&A to introduce you to the thoughtful, grounded, and deeply creative person that is Cole Petty.
On Therapy
Why did you choose to become a therapist? Was there a particular moment or experience that led you down this path?
I didn’t set out to become a therapist in the traditional sense. About ten years ago, I started working in film, specifically doing stunts and stunt driving, a world full of movement, adrenaline, and storytelling. I’ve always been drawn to people’s stories, and over time, I realized what I valued most was the human connection behind them. After some pivotal personal experiences and a lot of reflection, I found myself returning to what had always mattered to me: presence, authenticity, and connection.
You’ve worked with both adolescents and adults—what have you learned from working with people at such different stages of life?
Working with kids, whether at summer camps or coaching little league baseball, has taught me the importance of being genuine and authentic in my approach. I feel that children respond most when they feel seen, heard, and accepted as they are. In many ways, they reflect the core tenets of person-centered therapy: I believe they thrive when given unconditional positive regard and the space to be themselves without judgment. These experiences helped shape my belief that growth happens best in safe, affirming relationships.
With adults, I’ve found that those same conditions - empathy, authenticity, and a sense of openness - are just as essential, even if they’re harder to accept at first. Many adults have learned to hide or filter parts of themselves to survive. Therapy becomes a space to gently unlearn that. Through a Rogerian lens, I see my role as offering congruence and warmth so that clients can reconnect with their own inner wisdom and begin to trust that they are enough. Not because they’ve fixed everything, but because they’re human.
As you begin seeing clients in August, what are you most looking forward to in this new chapter of your practice?
I’m most looking forward to building real, honest relationships with clients. Relationships grounded in trust, collaboration, and authenticity. There’s something incredibly meaningful about creating a space where people feel safe enough to be fully themselves, maybe for the first time. I’m also excited to bring in my creative background and my lived experiences, not to give advice or direct the process, but to meet clients where they are to help me to walk alongside them. This chapter feels less like a job and more like a calling to hold space for people in a way that’s intentional, respectful, and genuine.
What are a few values that guide your approach to therapy and working with clients?
Authenticity, collaboration, trust, and warmth. I don’t believe in pretending to have all the answers - I show up as just another human being first, and a therapist second. I value creating a space that’s safe, affirming, and rooted in mutual respect.
What do you hope your clients walk away with after a session with you?
I hope my clients leave feeling more connected to themselves. Operating with a little more clarity, self-compassion, and agency than they walked in with. I believe working toward being a better version of yourself is admirable and takes real courage, and often is a marathon and not a sprint.
On Self-Care
What helps you feel grounded and present, both in and outside of your work?
Spending time in nature is definitely grounding for me. Going for walks and spending time in the sun helps me stay light and present. I also find that playing sports like pickup basketball and volleyball really keeps me in the moment. The focus and teamwork required help quiet my mind and anchor me in what’s happening right now. In session, I use intentional breathing and close listening to stay connected to my client’s words and emotions, ensuring I’m truly present with them.
How do you take care of your own mental health as a therapist?
I maintain boundaries around work hours to protect my downtime, and I make space for regular peer consultation or supervision to process challenging cases. I also prioritize physical activity, like playing basketball or working out. I love that they’re both exercise and social connections, which really supports my mental health. Outside of work, I try to get enough sleep and stay connected with family and friends so I don’t carry everything alone.
Can you share a small daily ritual or habit that brings you peace or clarity?
I love starting each day by making a full breakfast and enjoying it with my girlfriend, Taylor. The mornings feel so tranquil, and I’ve always found it exciting to wake up to a new day full of possibilities. Cooking is very therapeutic for me, and sitting down to share breakfast with Taylor each morning helps ground me. It’s a daily chance to connect and find clarity about what really matters - appreciating the small, everyday moments with the people you love.
On the Personal Side
What’s something about you that might surprise people?
I used to do stunts and stunt driving for film! It was an exciting chapter in my life that taught me a lot about focus, teamwork, and managing risk in creative ways.
If you weren’t a therapist, what do you think you’d be doing instead?
I think I’d be coaching or teaching in some capacity, either wilderness or sport related. I really enjoy helping people grow and develop skills. Being part of someone’s learning journey is really meaningful to me. I have had so many great mentors in my life and I am trying to contribute back into our community through my work as well as my hobbies.
Is there a book, movie, or song that’s had a lasting impact on you—and why?
Disney’s Robin Hood was my favorite childhood movie. I’ve always loved what Robin Hood was trying to do and the values he stood for - standing up for those who couldn’t stand up for themselves, challenging injustice, and showing bravery and loyalty. Those themes really stuck with me and shaped how I think about fairness and doing the right thing. As well as how cool he was when he split the arrow down the middle for another bullseye!
Stay Connected
Cole begins seeing clients in August, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome him to the coorself family. We’re already dreaming up group offerings, creative workshops, and new ways to support our community—and Cole is a big part of that vision.
Follow along @coorself and stay tuned for more updates. And if you’re curious about working with Cole, don’t hesitate to reach out—we know you’ll feel right at home.