BROOKE POMERANTZ, LCSW | CALIFORNIA THERAPY & THERAPY IN OAKLAND
Mood Swings & Mood Disorders TherapyFind balance and learn how to understand your mood struggles or emotion dysregulation challenges with the help of Brooke Pomerantz, LCSW.
What Do Mood Swings and Mood Disorders Feel Like?
To be human is to experience a full range of emotions however sometimes those mood shifts can become too intense, disruptive, or hard to manage.
You might feel like your mood changes abruptly or unpredictably, or that you’re not fully in control of your emotions. You might go through stretches of low energy or sadness, followed by irritability, insomnia, restlessness, or engagement in risky behaviors. You may be feeling a lack of control around these mood changes and wonder if something deeper is going on.
Common Reasons People Seek Therapy for Mood Issues
Emotional Instability or Intensity
Mood shifts that feel extreme or difficult to manage
Feelings of euphoria, agitation, or impulsivity that feel out of character
Episodes of low mood, fatigue, or hopelessness
Confusion About What’s Happening
Concern from a partner, family member, or friend about recent behavior
Not knowing if what you’re experiencing is “normal” or if something more is going on
Questions about bipolar spectrum symptoms or other diagnoses
Impact on Daily Life or Relationships
Disruptions in work, school, or personal responsibilities
Conflict or disconnection in relationships
Avoidance, shame, or self-blame around your moods
How Therapy Can Help with Mood Swings and Mood Disorders
Therapy creates a space to better understand your emotional landscape, what triggers your moods, how stressors show up in your body as symptoms, how your mood symptoms impact your relationships, and what helps you feel more grounded.
Here’s how therapy can support you:
Understand your patterns
We’ll look at how mood shifts are impacting your life and where they might be coming from – whether that’s stress, relationships, trauma, and/or genetic vulnerability.
Build emotional regulation and self-awareness
Therapy can help you track your moods, develop mindfulness, and build tools to tolerate distress and soothe your nervous system.
Identify supportive routines and lifestyle shifts
Together, we might explore your sleep, nutrition, substance use, and how these factors influence your mood.
Address the bigger picture
We’ll explore deeper beliefs or narratives that may be influencing your emotions like feeling undeserving of ease or fearing that rest makes you “lazy.”
My Approach to Therapy for Mood Disorders
I work relationally and collaboratively. That means we’ll go at your pace and focus on what feels most pressing or confusing. I don’t take a top-down, directive approach.
Instead, I see therapy as a collaborative space where we can learn together about what’s going on and address what might help you effect change.
1) Track and explore your mood patterns over time
2) Identify common triggers—like sleep, light, relationships, or stress
3) Practice mindfulness, self-soothing, and emotion regulation skills
4) Explore the possibility of involving supports or considering medication, if needed
5) Talk through any fears, shame, or misconceptions you might hold about your diagnosis or experiences
What to Expect in Our First Sessions
In our first four sessions together, my focus is on getting to know you – really understanding your story, your relationships, and what brings you to therapy.
Explore Your History
We’ll explore your history, childhood attachments, current relationships, values, and how you cope with stress.
Together, we’ll look for patterns – especially those that may no longer serve you – and begin shaping a path forward.
Set Goals
By our fifth session, we’ll start identifying therapy goals together.
I’ll share my insights based on what I’ve learned so far, and we’ll collaborate to shape a direction that feels aligned with your needs, values, and intentions.
Review & Iterate
This early work lays the foundation for meaningful, focused therapy moving forward.
I believe it’s important for us to check in regularly and adjust the treatment as needed, so it continues to support you in the best way possible.
About Me
I’m Brooke Pomerantz, a licensed therapist based in Oakland and serving clients across California, New York, and Indiana. My approach is warm, collaborative, active, and grounded in many years of clinical work experience, ongoing professional development and consultation and my desire to be accessible and deeply humane in doing this work. I’m here to support you through life’s challenges with thoughtful, personalized therapy.
Brooke Pomerantz
Brooke Pomerantz is a compassionate and experienced licensed clinical social worker dedicated to providing supportive therapy services in Oakland and through teletherapy across California. With a focus on creating a safe and nurturing environment, Brooke helps clients navigate life’s challenges, fostering growth and healing through personalized therapeutic approaches.