Understanding Mood Disorders

Mood disorders affect the way you think, feel, and function — often making even simple tasks feel difficult. These conditions can lead to cycles of sadness, irritability, or elevated energy that disrupt relationships, work, and personal well-being.

Therapy helps by uncovering the root causes of mood fluctuations and teaching coping strategies to manage them effectively. With ongoing support, you can learn to recognize early warning signs, regulate emotions, and build a more balanced emotional life.

You are not defined by your moods — with the right support, you can learn to manage them and live fully again.

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Common Mood Disorders We Treat

Our therapists work with individuals experiencing a range of mood-related challenges, including:

• Major Depressive Disorder (Depression)
• Bipolar I and II Disorders
• Cyclothymic Disorder
• Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)
• Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
• Mood changes due to stress or trauma
• Postpartum mood changes

Each person’s experience is unique, which is why our treatment plans are tailored to your symptoms, history, and personal goals.

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Signs You May Be Struggling with a Mood Disorder

• Intense sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness
• Sudden bursts of energy or irritability
• Difficulty concentrating or staying motivated
• Sleep or appetite changes
• Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
• Withdrawing from loved ones
• Extreme highs and lows in energy or confidence
• Thoughts of worthlessness or guilt

If these symptoms persist, therapy can help you understand what’s happening and give you tools to manage your emotions more effectively.

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Our Approach to Treating Mood Disorders

At PS It’s Counseling, we combine compassionate care with proven therapeutic techniques to help clients regain stability and improve their quality of life.

Our treatment approach includes:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Identifies and reframes negative thought patterns that influence mood.
  
  
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Builds emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and mindfulness skills.
  
  
• Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): Focuses on improving relationships and communication to support mood stability.
  
  
• Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT): Encourages awareness and calm to prevent relapse of depressive symptoms.
  
  
• Psychodynamic and Relational Therapy: Explores underlying emotional patterns contributing to mood changes.

For clients working with psychiatrists or primary care providers, we can collaborate to ensure integrated care, including medication management support when appropriate.

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What to Expect in Therapy

1. Comprehensive Assessment: Your therapist helps you explore symptoms, triggers, and lifestyle factors that impact mood.
   
   
2. Personalized Plan: Together, you’ll set achievable goals and develop coping strategies.
   
   
3. Skill Development: Learn emotional regulation techniques, self-care habits, and thought reframing exercises.
   
   
4. Progress Monitoring: Track changes and adjust the plan as needed to maintain long-term stability.
   
   
5. Ongoing Support: Therapy continues as a partnership—focused on helping you maintain progress and emotional well-being.

Therapy gives you tools to handle both the highs and the lows, helping you find your emotional center again.

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Benefits of Mood Disorder Therapy

• Better understanding of mood triggers and patterns
• Improved emotional balance and self-control
• Fewer mood swings and depressive episodes
• Healthier daily routines and coping habits
• Stronger relationships and communication skills
• Greater self-acceptance and resilience
• Renewed energy, focus, and purpose

Healing takes time, but with consistent support, stability becomes something you can build—and maintain.

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Related Services and Specialties

Our therapy for mood disorders often works alongside complementary treatments such as:

These services support both the emotional and practical sides of mood regulation.

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Our Therapists

Our compassionate therapists specialize in mood disorders and emotional regulation. They provide a warm, nonjudgmental space where you can explore your experiences and learn sustainable ways to feel balanced and in control.

Meet Our Team →