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About Us

About Us

Who We Are

At Welcoming Hope, we believe that healing from mood disorders is never one-size-fits-all. Our mission is to provide innovative, reliable, and compassionate information on mental health conditions so that individuals and families can feel supported on their journey toward wellness.

Kris Page Swenson founded Welcoming Hope after her own long journey with bipolar disorder. Through lived experience, she discovered that the most effective path to recovery blends the best of both worlds: psychiatric medications and psychotherapy paired with complementary therapies such as journaling, art therapy, mindfulness, and even creative practices like bookbinding.

When Dr. Paul Riley first diagnosed Kris with bipolar I disorder, he emphasized something that reshaped her outlook: the brain has the capacity to heal. That insight became the cornerstone of her approach to recovery — and ultimately, the vision behind Welcoming Hope.

This platform is a testament to the power of resilience, holistic healing, and the integration of lived experience into mental health care. By combining science, creativity, and community, we aim to show that lasting wellness is possible.

The core values of welcoming hope:
  • Each person is born with unique strengths and is entitled to respect.
  • When individuals encounter challenges that hinder this capacity, there is a universal imperative to provide resources to help them return to that strength.
  • All people must participate in this endeavor to their total capacity.

purpose

Our purpose

At Welcoming Hope, our mission is to provide trusted resources and real-life stories that support individuals living with mood disorders such as bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety. We believe true recovery comes from a holistic approach to mental health — one that honors the whole person: mind, body, and spirit.

We are committed to:

  • Sharing diverse healing modalities through personal stories, education, and practical guidance on alternative therapies like journaling, art therapy, and mindfulness.
  • Delivering up-to-date information on psychiatric medications, psychotherapy, and counseling strategies, helping people make informed decisions about their treatment.
  • Creating a culture of hope and understanding by equipping friends, families, and caregivers with resources to provide meaningful support.
  • Recognizing the physical impact of mood disorders, and encouraging habits that promote overall wellness — including exercise, nutrition, sleep, and self-care routines.
  • Promoting holistic mental health care by encouraging practitioners and medical systems to treat the whole person, not just the diagnosis.
  • Building collaboration among providers, educators, and support systems, ensuring that individuals receive coordinated care rooted in both professional expertise and lived experience.

At the heart of our purpose is a clear belief: when lived experience is respected and integrated with clinical knowledge, mental health recovery becomes more powerful, personal, and sustainable.

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.
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 LancasterLMAFT
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.DProfessor 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 DereyenSpeaker-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, PharmDPA-C
At the moment, I find myself without words to express my gratitude. Although our time was brief and your departure a mystery, you gave me the gift of looking outside myself. Thank you for this brief, but profound journey.
~ SJ
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
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.

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Please join me

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

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Welcome to Welcoming Hope.

I created this space because I believe that healing from mood disorders is not only possible—it’s within reach. Here, you’ll find encouragement, practical coping tools, and gentle guidance, all designed to help you feel supported.

At the heart of this site is journaling and expressive writing—simple yet powerful practices that can bring clarity, peace, and strength. Come walk this journey with me,

Kris Swenson

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Contact Information

Phone

317-391-3146

Email

info@welcominghope.com

Location

Indianapolis, Indiana

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