CENTERED PSYCHIATRY™
    Kathy J Russeth, MD, SC

Gifted children and adults often experience emotions and energy at a level that can look unusual from the outside. Too often, these traits are mistaken for signs of bipolar disorder. Myths—like the idea that mood shifts within hours equal ‘rapid cycling’—fuel misdiagnosis, leading to stigma, unnecessary medication, and missed opportunities for support. Recognizing the difference between gifted intensity and true pathology isn’t just nuance—it’s essential for protecting well-b

Gifted adults often wonder if their unusual sleep patterns—busy minds at night, vivid dreams, or thriving on more or less sleep than average—are signs of a problem. The truth is, different doesn’t always mean disordered. This post explores common sleep myths, normal variations, and when it’s worth seeking professional help.

Gifted children often sleep differently—some need much less sleep, others much more, and many struggle to quiet their busy minds at night. These patterns don’t always mean something is wrong. This blog explores common myths about kids’ sleep, what’s normal for gifted children, and when it may be time to seek professional guidance.

What if therapy isn’t about getting it right, but about staying present, curious, and open to what happens next? In this post, I share how a sandbox metaphor helps me work with twice-exceptional patients and others who long to feel seen, met, and real in the therapy space.