About Us

About Us

Who We Are

Kris Page Swenson founded Welcoming Hope to offer innovative and up-to-date information on mood disorders. Drawing from her long journey with bipolar disorder, Kris believes that the most successful path to wellness combines pharmaceuticals and psychotherapy with alternative modalities.

When Dr. Paul Riley diagnosed Kris with bipolar 1, he noted the brain’s capacity to heal. This advice inspired Kris to explore various modalities alongside traditional treatments, including journaling, art therapy, bookbinding, and more. This website is a testament to the power of a multifaceted approach to mental health.

The core values of welcoming hope:

purpose

Our purpose

testimonial

What our Client Say

Kris would like to thank and recognize the following people who have formed a chain that allowed and continues to allow her to welcome hope throughout her lifetime.
Thanks

Acknowledgment

Kris would like to thank and recognize the following people who have formed a chain that allowed and continues to allow her to welcome hope throughout her lifetime.

No words can truly capture how much you meant to me and all you have done. As my mentor, you were a beacon of light, bringing hope even in my darkest moments. Though you have passed on, your unwavering kindness and support continue to touch my soul in ways I can never fully express. Your legacy lives on through the profound impact you’ve had on my life.
Harriet Lancaster
LMAFT
As my professor at the University of Indianapolis, you emphasized the importance of self-examination and understanding our impact on others. You instilled in me a respect for intellectual pursuits. Through your guidance, I learned the foundational psychological and sociological principles, and you laid the foundation that subsequently helped me critically evaluate them.
Mary C. Moore, Ph.D
Professor Emerita of Sociology, University of Indianapolis
You embraced everyone, held them in your heart, and fought tirelessly for their fundamental rights. You taught me never to take no for an answer when the issue was important. Your voice frequently says, “Miracles we can do; the impossible takes a little longer.” When I feel like giving in, your voice says, “Here I stand; I can do no other.” Your death at 65 was a profound loss.
Frederick Herzog, Ph.D
Professor of Systematic Theology at Duke University and Civil Rights Activist
You developed a strong relationship with me that created a space where you could say the hard things. You encouraged me to keep growing and graciously acknowledged every step of my growth. We laughed between painful moments and celebrated milestones, making the journey a fantastic experience. I now ask myself how many projects I have going.
Jill
You taught me that one person saying yes to an idea can be a tipping point. You were that tipping point for me at a critical time in my life. You were a sounding board as I developed my ideas, highlighting roadblocks in a way that felt like a compliment. When I asked if you were sure, you confidently replied, “Of course I’m sure.” Your guidance was a blessing as I reunited with my biological family. On the way to a gathering, you reassured me that I belonged and should go, helping me understand that my feelings were okay.
Kara Rubinstein Dereyen
Speaker-Educator-Author
Paula has been a trusted mentor whose impressive credentials are a testament to her profound understanding of the human body’s functions. Our paths crossed when I was struggling with the effects of tardive dyskinesia, which deeply affected my self-perception and confidence in contributing to any endeavor. Since then, Paula has guided me with great compassion and professionalism, helping me manage tardive dyskinesia and other physical effects of bipolar disorder.
Paula J. Ceh, PharmD
PA-C
Your presence is intricately woven into the fabric of this site and its purpose. Whenever I felt the weight of doubt and considered stopping, you were the unexpected visitor who appeared just in time. You gave me another reason to keep going. I didn’t know who you were at first, but then, there you stood—with a sign and a face I recognized as Hope’s own ambassador.
Laura
Thoughts

Our Future Plans And Thoughts

Future Plans and Outreach

The impact of mood disorder symptoms on the children of affected individuals can be profound and lifelong. We are developing a program to provide actionable steps individuals can take to mitigate this impact. More information will be available as the program progresses.

Final Thoughts

Symptoms of mood disorders have increased in recent years, but there are resources available that, when combined, are effective. Too many people suffer needlessly. As individuals and as a community, we can improve the quality of mental health.

Join Us

Please join me

whether it is simply taking one foot off the couch or running a marathon, change happens when you.

Contact Us

Get In Touch With Us

Conact Form

"*" indicates required fields

Name*
Please let us know what's on your mind. Have a question for us? Ask away.