Find Meaning and Rhythm in Your Life
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I believe that our most human trait is to create a narrative of our lives that gives us purpose and meaning. I work with people to make sense of themselves and their lives by understanding their own life story, and seeking to move forward in a different way.
About
Irene Hurford, MD
I am a psychiatrist specializing in the mental health treatment of individuals struggling to make sense of themselves, and their place in their life and in the world. I have worked for many years with individuals with psychosis, which has taught me to respect our innately human ability to construct narratives of our experiences, and the power of those narratives to define our sense of meaning and purpose. I work with individuals who want to create lasting change in their lives and bring meaning back to their life story.
01.
Therapy is an opportunity to learn about who we are, how we have come to be, and where we can go moving forward. Therapy is about understanding our own personal narrative about our lives, and our place in the world. Therapy can help us to find and create meaning. Therapy can also give us relief from the symptoms that arise in response to feeling out of place in our own lives: depression, anxiety, obsessionality, compulsiveness, impulsiveness, and breaks from reality.
02.
Medications can help to provide relief from specific symptoms, and can also help therapy to move forward by reducing the distress of particular symptoms to allow for therapeutic work to occur. For certain people, medication is a necessary part of maintaining health and stability. For others, medications may be a temporary treatment. I offer medication management either for 20 minute or 45 minute appointments, depending on an individual's complexity or preferences.
02.
Expert
Consultation
I have over 20 years of experience treating individuals with complex mental health conditions and needs. I have specific expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of psychosis (especially early episode psychosis), bipolar disorder, and dissociative disorders. If you are looking for a second opinion regarding a mental health concern, I am happy to help, and I will work closely with your current treatment providers to assist with diagnostic clarification and treatment suggestions.