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What actually happens in a first session
Most people arrive at the first appointment carrying two things: whatever brought them, and the worry that they will not know how to say it. Here is the whole hour, in plain terms, so one of those can be put down before you walk in.
“Why Am I Like This?” (And Other Mood Mysteries)
Most people arrive at the first appointment carrying two things: whatever brought them, and the worry that they will not know how to say it. Here is the whole hour, in plain terms, so one of those can be put down before you walk in.
Ever had one of those days where every little thing is extremely bothersome and irritating to you, then the next you’re having a good laugh with friends and family? Welcome to the complex world of human emotion.
We all feel such a range of emotions on a daily basis — they ebb, flow, crash, and sometimes spin like a carnival ride that has forgotten to stop. It can be overwhelming to say the least, but for some people, those shifts feel a little extra. A little heavier. A little more extreme. A little harder to predict. That’s where mood disorders come in — depression, bipolar disorder, and all the shades in between.
Coping with these emotions are not easy, there is no simple answer like “Drink more water!” It takes time, knowing yourself, and tracking patterns to start tackling your mood.
The Truth Is: Feelings Are Complicated, Not Moral Failures
Mood disorders labels don’t mean you’re broken, dramatic, or “too much.” They mean your brain and body are working through complex chemistry and lived experience — and sometimes they just need a bit of understanding and support to recalibrate.
Maybe your energy disappears for weeks at a time.
Maybe your motivation to shower feels like climbing Everest.
Maybe you feel like you’re on top of the world one day and under it the next.
None of these things make you less human — they make you human.
Therapy Isn’t About Fixing You — It’s About Meeting You Where You’re At
When I work with clients who struggle with mood disorders, we don’t just talk about “symptoms.” We talk about life and experiences. About what it feels like to wake up in your head every day. About the guilt, the pressure to be “normal,” and the fear of being misunderstood. This is because there is no simple way of knowing what thoughts may be affected by your mood disorder and what are not, there is no clear map of how to point out symptoms in your own life specifically.
Ultimately, if these are emotions you are dealing with on a daily basis, I am here to help you navigate them.
We might explore mindfulness, movement, medication options, or even just how to take a guilt-free nap. We build awareness, flexibility, and tools to make your emotional world a little less overwhelming. We look at your life as a whole, not just your mood disorder.
Therapy can help you:
- Understand what triggers your mood shifts
- Build healthier coping tools and routines
- Reduce shame and judgment around your emotions
- Navigate daily tasks when motivation is low
- Explore treatment options like medication, mindfulness, and movement
It’s not about “fixing” you. It’s about meeting you where you’re at and helping you feel more in control of your inner world.
The Light at the End
Mood disorders can make hope feel far away, especially when first experienced. But that light is still there. Sometimes it just needs a little rewiring, a bit of compassion, and someone to remind you that you don’t have to do it alone.
You don’t need to be perpetually cheerful or “fully healed” to live a good life. You just need space — to feel, to understand, and to breathe. That’s what therapy offers.
If you’re ready to explore support for your mood, reach out to book a free consultation.
Karen Van Esch
Karen is a Registered Social Worker who offers warm, collaborative counselling for teens and adults navigating anxiety, relationships, identity, trauma, and life transitions. Drawing on ACT, Narrative, and Somatic Therapy, she creates a space for self-exploration, growth, and a little humour along the way.
