In my work as a therapist, I have not come across anything as consistently therapeutic, individualized, and meaningful to people as music. I have worked with musicians, with individuals for whom listening to and sharing music is an essential part of everyday life, and with kids who want nothing to do with therapy unless music is involved. That’s not to say that music plays a role in everyone’s life.

But for those who, like me, find solace and community in music, I want to offer you something a little more than just songs. I hope to help you begin recognizing and naming your feelings more closely. This is my ultimate goal with Moodmix.

If you have ever met me, or worked with me, you know that I do not entirely subscribe to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. While it’s helpful and validating for people to name and understand their diagnoses at times, it is not the only map I adhere to in guiding my clients. I named this Moodmix to pair it up with the traditional state/symptom often found in those struggling with Bipolar and other Mood Disorders: the Mixed Mood State. My belief is that if you are dealing with a disorder or dysfunction, you make it as functional to your needs and desires as a human being as you possibly can. My intention here is to invite you to share a therapeutic approach through one of my favorite art mediums: music.

I encourage you to give your feelings the attention they deserve, and devote a little time to observing, exploring and challenging them to their very core. And then just sitting with them for a little time. These entries are short, as short as a good meditation, or the average commute to work or school, and I truly hope you find them useful in your explorations.