- posted: Dec. 31, 2025
At the therapy practice of Debbie Dery, M.S., LMFT in Encino, CA, we work closely with individuals who feel overwhelmed by emotional patterns that persist despite their best efforts to cope. Debbie Dery, M.S., LMFT brings extensive clinical experience to this work, helping clients understand how mood disorders affect daily functioning, relationships, and overall well-being. These conditions go beyond temporary emotional reactions and often influence energy levels, motivation, sleep, focus, and the ability to feel connected to others. When these patterns begin to interfere with life, therapy provides a supportive and structured path forward.
Understanding Mood Disorders
Mood disorders involve ongoing changes in emotional state rather than brief responses to stressful situations. Clients may experience prolonged sadness, irritability, emotional numbness, or shifting moods that disrupt routines and decision-making. These patterns often develop slowly, which makes them difficult to recognize at first. Over time, they can affect confidence, strain relationships, and limit a person’s sense of stability.
Our Therapeutic Approach
At Dery’s practice, we take a non-judgmental approach that respects each client’s unique history and emotional experience. Our work integrates relational psychodynamic techniques with evidence-based behavioral strategies. Relational psychodynamic techniques focus on how early relationships and past experiences shape present emotional patterns, expectations, and interpersonal dynamics. This approach helps clients gain insight into underlying influences on mood and behavior.
Evidence-based behavioral strategies rely on well-researched methods that support practical change, such as identifying unhelpful thought patterns, improving emotional regulation, and developing healthier coping skills. Together, these approaches promote both understanding and meaningful progress.
When Therapy Becomes Important
Therapy becomes especially important when emotional distress lasts for weeks or months, or when familiar coping strategies no longer help. Difficulty concentrating, withdrawing from others, or feeling stuck in repetitive emotional cycles often signals the need for professional support. Debbie Dery, M.S., LMFT views therapy as a place to pause, reflect, and explore what drives these experiences, rather than pushing through them in isolation.
What Clients Can Expect From Therapy
We view therapy as a collaborative process built on trust and consistency. Sessions provide space to explore emotions, recognize recurring patterns, and work toward greater emotional balance. Many clients develop a clearer sense of self, improve relationships, and feel better equipped to manage life’s challenges. Addressing mood disorders through therapy often leads to long-term emotional growth and resilience.
Schedule a Consultation
If you are experiencing ongoing mood concerns and want professional support in Encino, CA, Debbie Dery, M.S., LMFT is here to help. Contact our practice at 818-754-1526 to schedule an appointment and take the next step toward emotional well-being.
- posted: Dec. 31, 2025
At the therapy practice of Debbie Dery, M.S., LMFT in Encino, CA, we work closely with individuals who feel overwhelmed by emotional patterns that persist despite their best efforts to cope. Debbie Dery, M.S., LMFT brings extensive clinical experience to this work, helping clients understand how mood disorders affect daily functioning, relationships, and overall well-being. These conditions go beyond temporary emotional reactions and often influence energy levels, motivation, sleep, focus, and the ability to feel connected to others. When these patterns begin to interfere with life, therapy provides a supportive and structured path forward.
Understanding Mood Disorders
Mood disorders involve ongoing changes in emotional state rather than brief responses to stressful situations. Clients may experience prolonged sadness, irritability, emotional numbness, or shifting moods that disrupt routines and decision-making. These patterns often develop slowly, which makes them difficult to recognize at first. Over time, they can affect confidence, strain relationships, and limit a person’s sense of stability.
Our Therapeutic Approach
At Dery’s practice, we take a non-judgmental approach that respects each client’s unique history and emotional experience. Our work integrates relational psychodynamic techniques with evidence-based behavioral strategies. Relational psychodynamic techniques focus on how early relationships and past experiences shape present emotional patterns, expectations, and interpersonal dynamics. This approach helps clients gain insight into underlying influences on mood and behavior.
Evidence-based behavioral strategies rely on well-researched methods that support practical change, such as identifying unhelpful thought patterns, improving emotional regulation, and developing healthier coping skills. Together, these approaches promote both understanding and meaningful progress.
When Therapy Becomes Important
Therapy becomes especially important when emotional distress lasts for weeks or months, or when familiar coping strategies no longer help. Difficulty concentrating, withdrawing from others, or feeling stuck in repetitive emotional cycles often signals the need for professional support. Debbie Dery, M.S., LMFT views therapy as a place to pause, reflect, and explore what drives these experiences, rather than pushing through them in isolation.
What Clients Can Expect From Therapy
We view therapy as a collaborative process built on trust and consistency. Sessions provide space to explore emotions, recognize recurring patterns, and work toward greater emotional balance. Many clients develop a clearer sense of self, improve relationships, and feel better equipped to manage life’s challenges. Addressing mood disorders through therapy often leads to long-term emotional growth and resilience.
Schedule a Consultation
If you are experiencing ongoing mood concerns and want professional support in Encino, CA, Debbie Dery, M.S., LMFT is here to help. Contact our practice at 818-754-1526 to schedule an appointment and take the next step toward emotional well-being.