Often people have come to me confused over multiple opinions or diagnoses from different therapists or doctors. This has happened so many times that I know it is not unusual, yet for anyone seeking help it is frustrating, frightening and discouraging.
One of the troubling issues in appropriately treating mood issues is that on the surface, there are several things that can contribute to a rapidly changing mood. Unless a good history is taken, with a careful assessment of contributing factors key information can be missed and result in less effective therapeutic work. Borderline personality disorder, bipolar disorder, anxiety, depression, substance use or abuse, trauma, adoption, and attachment issues can all contribute to rapid or confusing mood changes. While each of these challenges may have mood in common, when professionals only work with mood our ability to address healing at the source of the pain is limited.
If you have struggled to understand your or a loved one’s mood, whether to best treat it with psychotherapy, medication, or both, and how to educate yourself on the relevant pieces of information, I can help. I can work with you to put together the pieces of accurate diagnosis, understand the treatment options, and empower you with the knowledge to make your own decisions in navigating the healing process.
In addition to working with you to address the diagnostic, therapeutic, and educational aspects of mood, I can help you evaluate the lifestyle factors that will most effectively support a stable mood.
Gaining the courage and readiness to address mood issues can be challenging, but if you are reading this, you are already beginning to explore the painful issues. You have already started! If you would like to learn more about my approach to working with mood challenges, I’d love to talk more about how we can work together to develop more consistency for you.
