Mood Disorders

Specializing In

• Depression

• Bipolar

• Anxiety/Panic

• Teach meditation, breathing, or other self-calming mechanisms

Many people struggle with depression anxiety/panic or a combination of both.  Depression and anxiety are a multi-faceted phenomenon.  They can variously be caused by genetics/family history, loss, trauma, a sense of being trapped or disappointed by life, inner conflict, negative belief systems, specific stressors or ongoing stress.  Often, more than one of these factors is at work.  Some forms of mood disorder (e.g. bipolar) are especially likely to have a strong genetic or biological influence, while others (e.g. major depression, panic) can vary widely from a great deal of biological influence to a great deal of situational influence. 

 Nancy approaches her work with you and any depression or anxiety that you may be experiencing in a way that respects you and the multi-faceted nature of mood disorders.  She may suggest something that helps with the physical aspects of depression and anxiety, such as exercise, meditation, visualization, or breathing.  She may suggest trauma resolution work.  She may help you to identify inner conflict, name losses, set goals for life change, or identify negative beliefs about the self that are contributing to your mood problem.  She may suggest that you consider a referral for medication if it seems warranted by the severity of the mood problem and by its presentation. 

 The time frame for working with mood disorders varies from a few sessions to identify life goals or learn a self-calming technique, to an average of 8-12 sessions for moderately complicated depression/anxiety, to long term therapy for severe mood problems and complicated life stressors.