Mood and Anxiety Disorders
Evidence-Based Treatment Meets Compassionate Care
Anxiety
Anxiety disorders are among the most common difficulties individuals face. People struggling with Panic Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Social Anxiety Disorder may experience physiological symptoms such as a rapid heartbeat or muscle tension, distressing thoughts like a fear of dying or fear of negative evaluation, and a tendency to avoid people or places due to anxiety.
Dr. Kaplan practices Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in her work with anxiety. CBT for anxiety may involve challenging unrealistic thoughts, building tolerance for anxiety-provoking situations, and developing tools for present-moment awareness. Throughout treatment, Dr. Kaplan collaborates with clients at a pace that feels comfortable and manageable. The focus is on concrete tools, strategies, and real-world exposures practiced both during sessions and independently between sessions. Therapy for anxiety is not just talking; it involves actively completing exercises that help clients face their fears and anxieties.
Dr. Kaplan also incorporates mindfulness-based techniques into her work with anxiety. Anxiety often leads individuals to become entangled or “hooked” by their thoughts. One of the most effective ways to manage anxiety is to create some distance between oneself and these thoughts. Drawing from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Dr. Kaplan helps clients focus on strategies to stay present, tolerate a wide range of emotions, and separate their thoughts from emotional reactions.
Mood
Clinical depression often involves persistent low mood or a loss of interest in activities, accompanied by changes in sleep, appetite, energy levels, concentration, decision-making, and thoughts of death or suicide. Bipolar disorders may include periods of mood elevation or irritability along with changes in thoughts, speech, activity levels, sleep patterns, and episodes of depression.
Fortunately, we can work to reduce mood symptoms and prevent their recurrence. Dr. Kaplan uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to treat mood disorders, focusing on behavioral interventions to increase, decrease, or regulate activity levels. Clients learn strategies to manage unrealistic or ruminative thoughts and learn ways to cope with emotions like sadness, anger, or fear. Dr. Kaplan also employs mindfulness-based treatments, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, which help clients gain distance from their thoughts and strengthen present-moment awareness. While depression and bipolar episodes (mania, hypomania, and/or depression) can be recurrent, a critical part of treatment involves relapse prevention. Dr. Kaplan emphasizes spotting early warning signs of new mood episodes, developing strategies to counteract the onset of symptoms, and creating individualized treatment plans to prevent recurrence.
Dr. Kaplan has nearly two decades of experience researching and treating mood disorders. Her previous work includes serving as a lead therapist on a study funded by the National Institutes of Health specifically designed to reduce symptoms of bipolar disorder. This experience provided her with a deep understanding of the challenges faced by those living with mood disorders. It highlights the potential for growth, resilience, and wellness through targeted therapeutic interventions.
