Meet Riley Cochran

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Riley Cochran. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Riley below.

Hi Riley , really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

I got into this field because of my own rough teenage years. While I was confident and successful in sports, understanding depression and anxiety was a whole different ballgame. Even though we’re starting to talk more about mental health as a society, there’s still a lot of work to do, especially when it comes to understanding these issues from a young age. For men, the challenge can be even greater. We’re often taught to see certain struggles as ‘normal’ and ignore what might actually be mental health challenges.

In my family, mental health wasn’t something we talked about—especially among the men. So when I started dealing with my own struggles as a teenager, it was confusing. I turned to risky behaviors, substance use, and distractions because I didn’t have the language or understanding to deal with what was happening inside. Luckily, my family recognized that something was off and tried to help, even though therapy back then didn’t really connect with me on a deeper level. I ended up needing to leave my home environment and participate in a handful of different therapeutic programs that totaled living away from my friends and family for almost 15 months. While a lot of it didn’t work for me, those experiences forced me to reflect and begin to deeply connect with myself. It was through the support of a particular trusted adult relationship, my basketball coach and group leader, that I began to understand myself and focus on my internal world rather than just reacting to my external one.

That journey sparked my passion for helping others, which led me into the mental health field. But as I started working at non-profits and larger agencies, I saw the system’s flaws. Too often, people were reduced to numbers and checkboxes rather than seen as individuals with unique needs. These experiences made me realize that the traditional mental health system can sometimes create more barriers than it removes. That’s why I decided to start my own practice—to break down those barriers and create a mental health experience that truly meets people where they are. It’s all about building real relationships and focusing on what actually helps, not just what fits into a pre-set mold.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

My journey in mental health has taught me that the relationships we build with our clients—and with each other—are at the heart of the healing process. I firmly believe that the bond between a clinician and a client is one of the most crucial components of the therapeutic journey. While traditional therapy settings can facilitate these connections for some, our practice takes a different approach. We’re dedicated to forming truly meaningful and connected relationships by meeting clients in environments they choose, ones that align with their personalities and needs.

What excites me about our approach is how we prioritize the client’s comfort and receptivity from the very first conversation. We discuss not just the logistics of therapy but also explore where the client will feel most open to forming this new connection. Healing can happen anywhere—in the middle of a hike, on a sports field, in a quiet room, or even in the everyday spaces like a school lobby or a family living room. My personal and professional experiences have shown me that youth can connect deeply with themselves and others in various settings, whether it’s the structure of a residential program or the natural setting of the outdoors.

The mental health field often confines the therapeutic experience to a specific setting, which can limit its accessibility and effectiveness. I believe it’s crucial to create an experience that’s as unique as each individual we work with. By tailoring our approach to each client’s interests, strengths, history, and what feels safe for them, we foster a space for authentic connection. This might mean exploring unconventional settings or activities to build a foundation of trust and safety.

Ultimately, our work is about helping clients reconnect with their most authentic selves. Life’s challenges can sometimes obscure our true nature, and a healing relationship can provide the support needed to navigate these distortions. By forming a trusted, meaningful connection, we assist our clients in rediscovering who they are at their core—beyond their past experiences. It’s a privilege to guide clients on this journey, helping them to heal, grow, and embrace their genuine selves.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, the three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are self-awareness, adaptability, and empathy.

**Self-awareness** was key for me. I had to first understand my own mental health challenges before I could effectively help others. This process involved deep reflection and honesty with myself about what I was experiencing. For anyone starting their journey, I would suggest prioritizing self-reflection. Take time to understand your own feelings, reactions, and behaviors without judgment. This awareness not only fosters personal growth but also makes you a more effective support for others.

**Adaptability** has also been crucial, both in my personal journey and in my professional work. Healing and growth don’t happen in a straight line; they require flexibility. In my practice, this means being open to meeting clients in the environments that suit them best, rather than sticking to a one-size-fits-all approach. For those early in their journey, be willing to step out of your comfort zone and explore different paths. Whether you’re finding your own healing or helping others, being adaptable allows you to discover what truly works, even if it looks different than you initially expected.

**Empathy** is at the core of my work. Understanding and valuing the experiences of others have been essential in building meaningful relationships with clients. True empathy goes beyond listening; it’s about being present and validating someone’s feelings and experiences. To develop this, practice active listening and try to put yourself in others’ shoes without jumping to solutions or judgments. Remember that sometimes, just being there is the most powerful form of support you can offer.

For those starting out, my advice is to embrace these qualities not just as skills but as ongoing practices. Self-awareness, adaptability, and empathy are like muscles—you strengthen them over time through experience and reflection. Be patient with yourself, stay open to learning, and remember that every step, whether forward or backward, is a valuable part of your journey.

Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?

I’ve always been a huge believer in the power of community and the importance of utilizing our support systems, especially when we’re feeling stuck or uncertain. One of the biggest challenges can be acknowledging that you don’t have all the answers and being willing to reach out for help. For me, it’s been incredibly humbling—and extremely helpful—to put myself out there and seek support from a variety of people, whether they’re professional peers, family, or friends.

I’ve learned that building a support system isn’t just about asking for help; it’s about intentionally creating mutual relationships where you’re also giving back. It’s about being open and willing to connect with others, forming bonds that are built on trust, honesty, and a shared desire to support each other’s growth. Having a network of people to turn to when I’m feeling stuck has been invaluable. It allows me to get different perspectives and fresh ideas, helping me to not only overcome immediate challenges but also to continue growing and expanding my skills.

One of the most impactful lessons I’ve learned is that it’s okay not to know everything. It sounds simple, maybe even a bit cliché, but being humble enough to admit when you need guidance can truly open doors. By seeking feedback and being open to learning from others, I’ve been able to navigate the uncertainties of both personal and professional life more effectively. None of us have it all figured out—we’re all learning as we go. Having a support system in place has been crucial for me in navigating those unknowns, whether I’m encountering something for the first time or revisiting a challenge that I’ve faced before.

My advice to anyone on their own journey is to actively build a support network that you can lean on. Don’t be afraid to reach out, ask questions, or seek a new perspective. It’s through these connections that you can not only strengthen your skillset and qualities but also find the guidance and reassurance needed to navigate the more stressful and challenging moments of life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.resolutecounselingcenter.com
• Instagram: rc_therapy
• Facebook: Riley Cochran
• Linkedin: Riley Cochran