Find a Mood Disorders Therapist

Understanding mood disorders

Mood disorders describe a group of conditions that primarily affect mood and emotional regulation. While everyone experiences ups and downs, mood disorders involve patterns that last longer, recur, or interfere with daily life. Common presentations include prolonged low mood, episodes of elevated mood or irritability, and fluctuations in energy, sleep and concentration. In the UK many people seek support for persistent sadness, recurrent low periods, or pronounced mood swings that affect relationships, work and overall wellbeing.

How mood disorders commonly affect people

The effects of mood disorders vary from person to person, but there are shared ways in which they can change day-to-day experience. You may notice reduced interest in activities you once enjoyed, difficulty getting out of bed, slowed thinking or restlessness. Appetite and sleep can shift, and motivation for routine tasks may fall away. Some people experience periods of high energy or racing thoughts alongside low phases, which can be confusing and distressing. These changes often ripple out to strain relationships, reduce work performance and make it harder to manage long-term goals and self-care.

Signs you might benefit from therapy for mood disorders

Therapy can be helpful whenever mood difficulties become persistent, increasingly hard to manage, or start to affect your safety or responsibilities. You might consider seeking a therapist if low mood lasts for weeks or months, if mood swings are unpredictable, or if you find it difficult to fulfil responsibilities at work or at home. Feelings of hopelessness, repeated thoughts of self-harm, withdrawal from social contact, difficulty concentrating on everyday tasks, and disrupted sleep or appetite are all signals that professional support could be useful. You do not need to wait until a crisis - therapy can also be a space to understand triggers, build coping skills and plan for relapses.

What to expect in therapy sessions focused on mood disorders

When you first meet a therapist you can expect an initial assessment that explores the history of your mood, current symptoms, life context and any treatments you are already receiving. This assessment helps you and the practitioner agree aims and a working plan. Sessions are typically collaborative - you will be invited to describe how the mood changes feel and which areas of life you want to address. Therapists commonly track mood and functional changes over time so progress can be measured and plans adjusted. Session frequency may vary from weekly to fortnightly depending on need and the approach you choose. If risk to your safety emerges at any point, a therapist will discuss appropriate steps and may liaise with other healthcare professionals such as your GP or a psychiatrist with your consent.

Common therapeutic approaches used for mood disorders

There are several evidence-based approaches that therapists use when working with mood disorders. Cognitive behavioural therapy, or CBT, focuses on identifying unhelpful thinking patterns and developing practical strategies to change behaviour - it often involves structured tasks between sessions and can be brief or longer term. Behavioural activation specifically targets low mood by helping you re-engage with activities that bring a sense of achievement or pleasure. Interpersonal therapy explores how relationships and life changes affect mood and helps you build communication and problem-solving skills. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy blends mindfulness practice with cognitive approaches and can be helpful in reducing relapse for recurrent depression. Acceptance and commitment approaches emphasise personal values and psychological flexibility, supporting you to live a meaningful life even while experiencing difficult feelings. Some practitioners use psychodynamic or integrative methods to explore long-standing patterns and early experiences that shape mood. Where appropriate, therapy may work alongside medication prescribed by your GP or a psychiatrist, with coordinated care agreed between you and your treatment team.

How online therapy works for mood disorders

Online therapy is a common option that many people choose for convenience and accessibility. You can expect sessions by video call, telephone or in some cases messaging, depending on the therapist's practice. The initial steps mirror face-to-face care - an intake discussion, assessment and agreement on aims - but you will meet remotely from a setting that suits you. Online sessions can make it easier to access therapists who specialise in mood disorders even if they are not local to you. Many people find remote work helpful when mobility, caring responsibilities or geography limit options. It is important to arrange a quiet, undisturbed room for sessions and to agree how to manage emergencies or technical problems with your therapist beforehand. Therapists who offer online work should explain their professional registration, how they record notes, and the practicalities of appointments including fees and cancellation policies.

Tips for choosing the right therapist for mood disorders

Choosing a therapist is a personal process and you are justified in taking time to find a good fit. Look for practitioners who list specific experience or training in mood disorders and who hold relevant registration or accreditation. In the UK many counsellors are registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy - BACP - while clinical psychologists may be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council - HCPC. The National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society - NCPS - accreditation is another sign of recognised professional standards. You might want to check how long a therapist has worked with depression, bipolar presentations or other mood difficulties, and whether they offer the therapeutic approach that resonates with you.

When you contact a therapist, you may ask about their typical session structure, how they set goals and how they measure progress. It is appropriate to enquire about experience of working alongside medication or with other services, how they handle situations when mood becomes more severe, and what options there are for remote or in-person sessions. Consider practical factors such as appointment times, fees and cancellation terms, and whether the therapist's identity or background feels important for rapport. An initial consultation is an opportunity to assess how comfortable you feel with the therapist's manner - therapy often depends as much on the relationship as on the technique.

Making the most of therapy

Therapy is an active process - you will usually be encouraged to try strategies between sessions, monitor mood and notice patterns. Being open about what helps and what does not will allow the therapist to tailor the work to your needs. If you are involved with a GP or taking medication, consider asking your therapist how they will coordinate care and whether progress updates will be shared with other professionals with your permission. It is also reasonable to discuss timeframes and review points so you know when to expect shifts and how to plan longer term maintenance work.

Finding support when you need it

If mood difficulties are affecting your daily life, reaching out to a trained counsellor or therapist can be an important step. You do not need to wait until symptoms are extreme to seek help - early intervention can reduce the impact of mood changes and give you practical tools to manage future episodes. Use the directory to compare qualifications, therapeutic styles and availability, and book an initial consultation to see how a therapist might support you. With the right match and a clear plan you can work toward greater stability and a better understanding of what keeps you well.