Bipolar Disorder Therapists in Agassiz, BC

Photo of Eryn Wicker, MA, RCC, Counsellor
Eryn Wicker
Counsellor, MA, RCC
Verified Verified
Agassiz, BC V0M
As a counsellor I hope to model grace, courage, and genuineness to my clients while I come along side them, and act as a resource for positive change in their lives. I have a warm, engaging, and professional demeanour that helps clients feel at ease, supported, and able to embrace the delicate balance between risk, hope, and trust. Most importantly, I want my clients to know that it is an absolute privilege that they invite me into their lives to share on their journey with them. This may include helping my clients with concerns relating to their personal growth, wellness, relationships, mental health, and/or psychological distress.
As a counsellor I hope to model grace, courage, and genuineness to my clients while I come along side them, and act as a resource for positive change in their lives. I have a warm, engaging, and professional demeanour that helps clients feel at ease, supported, and able to embrace the delicate balance between risk, hope, and trust. Most importantly, I want my clients to know that it is an absolute privilege that they invite me into their lives to share on their journey with them. This may include helping my clients with concerns relating to their personal growth, wellness, relationships, mental health, and/or psychological distress.
(604) 757-4659 View (604) 757-4659

Online Therapists

Photo of Olivia Ng, MEd, RCC, Counsellor
Olivia Ng
Counsellor, MEd, RCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Vancouver, BC V6J
Olivia has the aspiration of working with a diverse clientele presenting a broad range of counselling concerns. She has experience counselling adults who have severe, persistent mental illness including: schizophrenia, other psychotic disorders, mood disorders (e.g. bipolar and major depressive disorders), co-occurring disorders such as personality disorders disorders substance abuse, mental challenges etc. She also has experience counselling groups of adults who have addiction and addictive behaviours. Olivia has experience counselling groups of family members and caregivers of people with mental and substance use difficulties.
Olivia has the aspiration of working with a diverse clientele presenting a broad range of counselling concerns. She has experience counselling adults who have severe, persistent mental illness including: schizophrenia, other psychotic disorders, mood disorders (e.g. bipolar and major depressive disorders), co-occurring disorders such as personality disorders disorders substance abuse, mental challenges etc. She also has experience counselling groups of adults who have addiction and addictive behaviours. Olivia has experience counselling groups of family members and caregivers of people with mental and substance use difficulties.
(778) 766-4838 View (778) 766-4838
Photo of Jennifer Boundy, MA, MSW, RSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jennifer Boundy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Vancouver, BC V5L
Waitlist for new clients
jennifer draws on over 15yrs of experience providing counselling &practical supports to individuals &families navigating challenges such as life transitions, stress, anxiety &depression, trauma (including intergenerational trauma), systemic oppression, mental health diagnoses (psychosis, bipolar disorder, etc) &end of life. jennifer has worked in mental health, substance use &social services with diverse communities, including LGBTQQ2S+ folx, women, older adults, end of life, Indigenous folks, new immigrants &refugees. She is warm, positive, empathetic & collaborative **Pls note: NOT currently able to take couples**
jennifer draws on over 15yrs of experience providing counselling &practical supports to individuals &families navigating challenges such as life transitions, stress, anxiety &depression, trauma (including intergenerational trauma), systemic oppression, mental health diagnoses (psychosis, bipolar disorder, etc) &end of life. jennifer has worked in mental health, substance use &social services with diverse communities, including LGBTQQ2S+ folx, women, older adults, end of life, Indigenous folks, new immigrants &refugees. She is warm, positive, empathetic & collaborative **Pls note: NOT currently able to take couples**
(902) 907-3997 View (902) 907-3997
Photo of Sam Rumak, PhD, Psychologist
Sam Rumak
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Vancouver, BC V6B  (Online Only)
Are you struggling with depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues? I am here to help you. I primarily offer therapy via videoconference or telephone to adults living in British Columbia. I have experience and enjoy working with individuals from diverse backgrounds and those with complex presentations. I am skilled at helping individuals manage depression, bipolar, generalized anxiety, social anxiety, panic disorder, obsessive, compulsive disorder, skin picking or hair pulling, psychosis, work stress and anxiety related to life changes.
Are you struggling with depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues? I am here to help you. I primarily offer therapy via videoconference or telephone to adults living in British Columbia. I have experience and enjoy working with individuals from diverse backgrounds and those with complex presentations. I am skilled at helping individuals manage depression, bipolar, generalized anxiety, social anxiety, panic disorder, obsessive, compulsive disorder, skin picking or hair pulling, psychosis, work stress and anxiety related to life changes.
(236) 349-1076 View (236) 349-1076
Photo of Nataliya Chorna, MACP, RCC, Counsellor
Nataliya Chorna
Counsellor, MACP, RCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Surrey, BC V3Z
My Treatment Focus: Depression, Anxiety, Worries, Stress Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Abuse, Bullying, Sleep disorders, Anger management, Alcohol use and abuse, Obsessive and Compulsive Disorders, Bipolar/Mood disorders, Personality spectrum disorders, Self-harm, Suicidal ideations, Low self-esteem and Finding Meaning in Life.
You deserve to be happy and functional and leave past in the past. I will teach you how to be your own therapist by providing you with tools and skills you will use for a lifetime. Whatever you are struggling with, can be fixed and you will be able to live a productive and happy life. Anxiety, depression, stress, post-traumatic stress, grief, anger, insomnia, low self-esteem, and marital problems, can be reduced to a minimum, if not totally eliminated. I will meet you wherever you are right now in your life, and guide you gently from there to a more stable, balanced, and happier you.
My Treatment Focus: Depression, Anxiety, Worries, Stress Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Abuse, Bullying, Sleep disorders, Anger management, Alcohol use and abuse, Obsessive and Compulsive Disorders, Bipolar/Mood disorders, Personality spectrum disorders, Self-harm, Suicidal ideations, Low self-esteem and Finding Meaning in Life.
You deserve to be happy and functional and leave past in the past. I will teach you how to be your own therapist by providing you with tools and skills you will use for a lifetime. Whatever you are struggling with, can be fixed and you will be able to live a productive and happy life. Anxiety, depression, stress, post-traumatic stress, grief, anger, insomnia, low self-esteem, and marital problems, can be reduced to a minimum, if not totally eliminated. I will meet you wherever you are right now in your life, and guide you gently from there to a more stable, balanced, and happier you.
(778) 654-6271 View (778) 654-6271
Photo of Shawna Langridge, MA, RCC, Counsellor
Shawna Langridge
Counsellor, MA, RCC
Verified Verified
Abbotsford, BC V2S
I have over 10 years experience empowering clients with a variety of struggles--ranging from a nagging feeling that there could be “more” to mental disorders like PTSD, bipolar, psychosis or personality disorder—to not only find ongoing relief for their problematic symptoms, but also to use their unique strengths to build lives where they can truly thrive.
Living with mental health struggles can be brutal! It can slowly drain you of your zest for life, your sense of pride and ability to overcome. It can keep you tethered to a past you’d like to leave behind. It can make you feel isolated and alone, misunderstood even by those who love you the most. Worst of all, it can it can convince you that life can’t ever be better for you. I want to tell you that it can, and given some time, effort and the right help, it will.
I have over 10 years experience empowering clients with a variety of struggles--ranging from a nagging feeling that there could be “more” to mental disorders like PTSD, bipolar, psychosis or personality disorder—to not only find ongoing relief for their problematic symptoms, but also to use their unique strengths to build lives where they can truly thrive.
Living with mental health struggles can be brutal! It can slowly drain you of your zest for life, your sense of pride and ability to overcome. It can keep you tethered to a past you’d like to leave behind. It can make you feel isolated and alone, misunderstood even by those who love you the most. Worst of all, it can it can convince you that life can’t ever be better for you. I want to tell you that it can, and given some time, effort and the right help, it will.
(438) 795-1412 View (438) 795-1412
Photo of Cindy Strydom, MA, RCC, Counsellor
Cindy Strydom
Counsellor, MA, RCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Vancouver, BC V5Z
I believe we all have an incredible ability to heal, overcome life’s difficulties and foster personal growth. Through the therapy process I can provide the knowledge and tools needed, thereby achieving the desired and sustainable change. I have experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds and with a wide variety of different difficulties and conditions that my clients present with. I have a special interest in working with anxiety, depressive disorders, bipolar mood disorder, trauma, relationship difficulties, couples, chronic pain and medical conditions, grief and individuals navigating the adjustment to emigration.
I believe we all have an incredible ability to heal, overcome life’s difficulties and foster personal growth. Through the therapy process I can provide the knowledge and tools needed, thereby achieving the desired and sustainable change. I have experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds and with a wide variety of different difficulties and conditions that my clients present with. I have a special interest in working with anxiety, depressive disorders, bipolar mood disorder, trauma, relationship difficulties, couples, chronic pain and medical conditions, grief and individuals navigating the adjustment to emigration.
(236) 360-5617 View (236) 360-5617
Photo of Cindy Kwok, RP, Registered Psychotherapist
Cindy Kwok
Registered Psychotherapist, RP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Richmond, BC V6X
If you are taking or considering a psychiatric medication, you will find me knowledgeable about how therapy and medication can support healing from PTSD, bipolar disorder, grief, and other challenges.
Do you struggle with self-esteem or managing your emotions? Are you having difficulty coping or having difficulty in your family or personal relationships? Do you need help recovering from substance abuse? Have you experienced trauma in the past? In therapy, we will draw from practical tools that you can start applying in everyday life to build and sustain recovery. We will work towards tangible results — improved self confidence, better romantic and peer relationships, and sustained sobriety. Therapy is a safe space to start permanent healing. I am looking forward to hearing your story and to providing effective support.
If you are taking or considering a psychiatric medication, you will find me knowledgeable about how therapy and medication can support healing from PTSD, bipolar disorder, grief, and other challenges.
Do you struggle with self-esteem or managing your emotions? Are you having difficulty coping or having difficulty in your family or personal relationships? Do you need help recovering from substance abuse? Have you experienced trauma in the past? In therapy, we will draw from practical tools that you can start applying in everyday life to build and sustain recovery. We will work towards tangible results — improved self confidence, better romantic and peer relationships, and sustained sobriety. Therapy is a safe space to start permanent healing. I am looking forward to hearing your story and to providing effective support.
(289) 278-6902 View (289) 278-6902
Photo of Katy Harper, PhD , Psychologist
Katy Harper
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Langley, BC V1M  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
My orientation to treatment is client centred. I believe the relationship between client and therapist is key for seeing change in psychotherapy and work to foster a collaborative alliance with my clients. I strive to help each client build skills, alter outdated and maladaptive thought and behaviour patterns, reduce suffering, practice acceptance and grow mindfully. I work with adults facing a range of psychological and life challenges including anxiety, depression, OCD, Bipolar disorder, psychosis, grief/loss, career changes, life transitions, and relationship issues.
My orientation to treatment is client centred. I believe the relationship between client and therapist is key for seeing change in psychotherapy and work to foster a collaborative alliance with my clients. I strive to help each client build skills, alter outdated and maladaptive thought and behaviour patterns, reduce suffering, practice acceptance and grow mindfully. I work with adults facing a range of psychological and life challenges including anxiety, depression, OCD, Bipolar disorder, psychosis, grief/loss, career changes, life transitions, and relationship issues.
(548) 490-6894 View (548) 490-6894
Photo of Barb Gottfried, MSc, RPC, MPCC, Counsellor
Barb Gottfried
Counsellor, MSc, RPC, MPCC
Verified Verified
Parksville, BC V9P
I have specialized training in a number of counselling modalities designed to treat anxiety & depression, bipolar, relationship issues, family conflict, trauma and PTSD, abuse (all forms), parenting/co-parenting issues, personal & work stress/injury, addictions (all types), grief and loss, life transitions, self esteem, anger mgmt and chronic pain/illness.
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with over 30 years of experience providing counselling services to individuals (all ages), couples, families and first responders. I offer respectful, collaborative, holistic, compassionate and goal focused counselling in a safe and supportive environment. I offer a broad spectrum of services ranging from brief solution focused support to intensive psychotherapeutic support, including CBT & EMDR. I believe in the value of working collaboratively with my clients, and I have a deep respect and appreciation for diversity.
I have specialized training in a number of counselling modalities designed to treat anxiety & depression, bipolar, relationship issues, family conflict, trauma and PTSD, abuse (all forms), parenting/co-parenting issues, personal & work stress/injury, addictions (all types), grief and loss, life transitions, self esteem, anger mgmt and chronic pain/illness.
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with over 30 years of experience providing counselling services to individuals (all ages), couples, families and first responders. I offer respectful, collaborative, holistic, compassionate and goal focused counselling in a safe and supportive environment. I offer a broad spectrum of services ranging from brief solution focused support to intensive psychotherapeutic support, including CBT & EMDR. I believe in the value of working collaboratively with my clients, and I have a deep respect and appreciation for diversity.
(778) 655-8538 View (778) 655-8538
Photo of Amar (Alex) Sangha, MSc, MSW, RCSW, RCC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Amar (Alex) Sangha
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSc, MSW, RCSW, RCC
Verified Verified
Delta, BC V4C
I use a holistic approach to counseling that incorporates the many components of a person's life such as the emotional, physical, social, cultural, spiritual, and occupational. I work with young adults, adults, seniors, and elders. I use Bio-Psycho-Social-Spiritual Model, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Stages of Change, Supportive Counselling, and Systems Theory. Areas of Practice include Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar, Addictions, Life Transitions, Job Loss, Work Related Issues, Return to Work, Communication, Relationship Differences, Stress Management, Personal Growth, Sexuality and Coming Out, & Goal Setting.
I use a holistic approach to counseling that incorporates the many components of a person's life such as the emotional, physical, social, cultural, spiritual, and occupational. I work with young adults, adults, seniors, and elders. I use Bio-Psycho-Social-Spiritual Model, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Stages of Change, Supportive Counselling, and Systems Theory. Areas of Practice include Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar, Addictions, Life Transitions, Job Loss, Work Related Issues, Return to Work, Communication, Relationship Differences, Stress Management, Personal Growth, Sexuality and Coming Out, & Goal Setting.
(604) 229-2889 View (604) 229-2889
Photo of Dr. Alice Tobin, PhD, RPsych, Psychologist
Dr. Alice Tobin
Psychologist, PhD, RPsych
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Vancouver, BC V5Z
At Wisemind Centre, I see adults, children and parents for therapy for symptom challenges: anxiety disorders, depression, addiction, medical problems/health stress, pain, parent support, perinatal and infant mental health; personality growth: wellbeing, resilience, meaningful relationships, emotional development, self-esteem; psychiatric symptoms: adjunct psychological support for people working with other doctors for depression, bipolar disorder and psychosis; and child abuse recovery: complex trauma, attachment problems, sexualised behaviours. I will also see children and adults for psychodiagnostic assessment.
At Wisemind Centre, I see adults, children and parents for therapy for symptom challenges: anxiety disorders, depression, addiction, medical problems/health stress, pain, parent support, perinatal and infant mental health; personality growth: wellbeing, resilience, meaningful relationships, emotional development, self-esteem; psychiatric symptoms: adjunct psychological support for people working with other doctors for depression, bipolar disorder and psychosis; and child abuse recovery: complex trauma, attachment problems, sexualised behaviours. I will also see children and adults for psychodiagnostic assessment.
(365) 376-5143 View (365) 376-5143
Photo of Taj Dhanoa - MindMatters Therapy, RCC, MA, BSc Hon, Licensed Professional Counsellor
MindMatters Therapy
Licensed Professional Counsellor, RCC, MA, BSc Hon
Verified Verified
Vancouver, BC V5Z
Some of my specialty areas include: bipolar disorder, problems with emotional regulation, anxiety, depression, chronic pain, stress, and relationship issues.
We all live complex lives and are having to face an ever-changing environment. This can be immensely stressful. We all experience challenges in our lives but we do not always have the clarity or skills to effectively navigate our way through them. We then either get stuck or continue to go through life living on auto-pilot. To create a meaningful life, we need to reconnect with ourselves, the things we value and fine tune our skills to attain our goals. Working through challenges in our past or those in the present in a supportive, therapeutic environment can help us build a fuller and more meaningful life.
Some of my specialty areas include: bipolar disorder, problems with emotional regulation, anxiety, depression, chronic pain, stress, and relationship issues.
We all live complex lives and are having to face an ever-changing environment. This can be immensely stressful. We all experience challenges in our lives but we do not always have the clarity or skills to effectively navigate our way through them. We then either get stuck or continue to go through life living on auto-pilot. To create a meaningful life, we need to reconnect with ourselves, the things we value and fine tune our skills to attain our goals. Working through challenges in our past or those in the present in a supportive, therapeutic environment can help us build a fuller and more meaningful life.
(778) 764-1759 View (778) 764-1759
Photo of Neil M Mercer - Neil Mercer Counselling Services, MA, RCC, Counsellor
Neil Mercer Counselling Services
Counsellor, MA, RCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Abbotsford, BC V2S
I work primarily with adults, adolescents and families; specifically in the areas of mental health, addictions and relationship issues. I also see a lot of couples dealing with various conflicts and attachment injuries. I have experience working with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, psychosis and personality disorders. I also have experience working with addictions (both chemical and process addictions). I have specialization in EMDR for trauma, EFT and Gottman couples therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, and Emotionally Focussed Family Therapy among others.
I work primarily with adults, adolescents and families; specifically in the areas of mental health, addictions and relationship issues. I also see a lot of couples dealing with various conflicts and attachment injuries. I have experience working with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, psychosis and personality disorders. I also have experience working with addictions (both chemical and process addictions). I have specialization in EMDR for trauma, EFT and Gottman couples therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, and Emotionally Focussed Family Therapy among others.
(778) 402-5366 View (778) 402-5366
Photo of Kamy Bhatti, MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker
Kamy Bhatti
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Burnaby, BC V5G  (Online Only)
Welcome to Coastal Therapy, where your journey to healing and growth begins. I'm here to support you in finding resilience and happiness through compassionate therapy. My experience includes working in diverse therapeutic settings with individuals living with various mental health diagnosis such as depression, anxiety, bipolar and personally disorders and many more. Additionally, I have worked at the Women’s Mental Health Clinic alongside psychiatrists focusing on perinatal & postpartum depression providing one-on-one therapy as well as facilitating group-based therapy.
Welcome to Coastal Therapy, where your journey to healing and growth begins. I'm here to support you in finding resilience and happiness through compassionate therapy. My experience includes working in diverse therapeutic settings with individuals living with various mental health diagnosis such as depression, anxiety, bipolar and personally disorders and many more. Additionally, I have worked at the Women’s Mental Health Clinic alongside psychiatrists focusing on perinatal & postpartum depression providing one-on-one therapy as well as facilitating group-based therapy.
(289) 802-2194 View (289) 802-2194
Photo of Claire Yangxiezi Cao, MC, Counsellor
Claire Yangxiezi Cao
Counsellor, MC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Vancouver, BC V6Z
Waitlist for new clients
I hold a profound belief in the inherent wisdom, resilience, and self-actualization potential within every individual. With a compassionate, client-centered and trauma-informed approach, my goal is to cultivate a safe, authentic, and non-judgmental environment where clients can embark on their personal journey of healing, growth, and self-discovery. My areas of expertise encompass trauma, grief and loss, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, anger management, self-harm, self-esteem, attachment, gender identity, parenting, life transitions, and relationship challenges.
I hold a profound belief in the inherent wisdom, resilience, and self-actualization potential within every individual. With a compassionate, client-centered and trauma-informed approach, my goal is to cultivate a safe, authentic, and non-judgmental environment where clients can embark on their personal journey of healing, growth, and self-discovery. My areas of expertise encompass trauma, grief and loss, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, anger management, self-harm, self-esteem, attachment, gender identity, parenting, life transitions, and relationship challenges.
(236) 239-0339 View (236) 239-0339
Photo of Bryan Milonja, MA, RCC, Counsellor
Bryan Milonja
Counsellor, MA, RCC
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Victoria, BC V8Z  (Online Only)
In my practice I work with adults (individuals, couples, families). My specialty areas include complex trauma & PTSD (with a focus on the impact of emotional/physical/sexual abuse in childhood & beyond), intimate relationships issues, depression, bipolar disorder, social anxiety, borderline personality, men's issues, parent-adult child conflict. I also help people navigate a wide range of challenges related to identity, relationship to self/others, parenting, stress. My recent training centres on integrating emotion-focused therapy (EFT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), & Trauma-Informed Stabilization Treatment (TIST).
In my practice I work with adults (individuals, couples, families). My specialty areas include complex trauma & PTSD (with a focus on the impact of emotional/physical/sexual abuse in childhood & beyond), intimate relationships issues, depression, bipolar disorder, social anxiety, borderline personality, men's issues, parent-adult child conflict. I also help people navigate a wide range of challenges related to identity, relationship to self/others, parenting, stress. My recent training centres on integrating emotion-focused therapy (EFT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), & Trauma-Informed Stabilization Treatment (TIST).
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Photo of Avery Viet Chaplan-Hoang, MA, CCC, Counsellor
Avery Viet Chaplan-Hoang
Counsellor, MA, CCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Vancouver, BC V6J
As an individual who has been diagnosed with a bipolar disorder, I have lived the journey from illness to recovery.
I have experience working with children, teens and young adults who are dealing with social and emotional issues, while striving to strengthen their internal locus of control. Outside of counselling, I work with individuals in the Vancouver Downtown Eastside who are living with addiction and housing insecurity. Through this work, I have developed an appreciation that mental health challenges can be exacerbated by both internal and external factors, such as past trauma and poverty.
As an individual who has been diagnosed with a bipolar disorder, I have lived the journey from illness to recovery.
I have experience working with children, teens and young adults who are dealing with social and emotional issues, while striving to strengthen their internal locus of control. Outside of counselling, I work with individuals in the Vancouver Downtown Eastside who are living with addiction and housing insecurity. Through this work, I have developed an appreciation that mental health challenges can be exacerbated by both internal and external factors, such as past trauma and poverty.
(506) 516-1654 View (506) 516-1654
Photo of David Geurtsen, BEd, MA, RCC, Counsellor
David Geurtsen
Counsellor, BEd, MA, RCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chilliwack, BC V2R
If you struggle with Anxiety (GAD, SAD, Panic disorder), ADHD, Bipolar, Depression, Parenting, Job/boss issues, Perfectionism, Trauma (incl. PTSD, C-PTSD), Men's issues, Borderline, or Addiction, I can help. I love to work with everyone! But I'm especially experienced with parents, families, men, and teens & 'tweens. Further, as a former teacher, I understand first-hand the struggles of both youth and teachers-both incredibly difficult roles in today's world!
If you struggle with Anxiety (GAD, SAD, Panic disorder), ADHD, Bipolar, Depression, Parenting, Job/boss issues, Perfectionism, Trauma (incl. PTSD, C-PTSD), Men's issues, Borderline, or Addiction, I can help. I love to work with everyone! But I'm especially experienced with parents, families, men, and teens & 'tweens. Further, as a former teacher, I understand first-hand the struggles of both youth and teachers-both incredibly difficult roles in today's world!
(902) 710-3034 View (902) 710-3034
Photo of Josette Marie Steel, MA, DVATI, CertA&D, CCC
Josette Marie Steel
MA, DVATI, CertA&D, CCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Surrey, BC V4A  (Online Only)
I'm really glad you're here. Over the past 30 years I've supported a wide variety of people on their healing journey. Together, we have worked through issues around trauma (current, historic & generational) PTSD, addiction & recovery (including alcohol, drugs, food, sex, gaming, porn, shopping, relationships & gambling), sexuality & sexual orientation, anxiety, depression, borderline personality disorder, and bipolar disorder. I have also supported people who live differently-abled lives, including those living on the autism spectrum and with Downs Syndrome. Please check out my website &/or call/text/email, to get to know me better.
I'm really glad you're here. Over the past 30 years I've supported a wide variety of people on their healing journey. Together, we have worked through issues around trauma (current, historic & generational) PTSD, addiction & recovery (including alcohol, drugs, food, sex, gaming, porn, shopping, relationships & gambling), sexuality & sexual orientation, anxiety, depression, borderline personality disorder, and bipolar disorder. I have also supported people who live differently-abled lives, including those living on the autism spectrum and with Downs Syndrome. Please check out my website &/or call/text/email, to get to know me better.
(778) 960-1899 View (778) 960-1899

See more therapy options for Agassiz

Bipolar Disorder Counsellors

What is the most successful approach to treating bipolar disorder?

Living with bipolar disorder can be challenging, and a number of therapies have been found effective in providing support to patients as they gain the skills to understand and manage the disorder. Family-focused therapy is often helpful for children and teens (the majority of cases develop before age 19); it aims to minimize mood cycling by improving family communication and reducing conflict. It also helps young people navigate the developmental challenges the disorder can create. Cognitive and behavioral therapy (CBT) and variants such as Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)help patients manage the thoughts and feelings that influence bipolar mood swings as well as develop specific behavioral strategies to counteract them.

What happens in therapy for bipolar disorder?

Because the patterns of mood switching and its triggers differ for each person and can change over time, mood tracking or monitoring becomes a basic way patients learn about the nature of their condition. One of the most common features of therapy is finding a workable method of mood monitoring, in which patients track their daily activities and rate their moods, then use the findings to adjust routines accordingly. Patients learn ways of handling the many stresses that arise in life so that they do not trigger mood swings.

What kinds of problems does therapy help with?

Like many other mental health disorders, BPD is heavily influenced by stress; therapy provides skills for coping with stressors of all kinds. Therapy is extremely important for helping individuals identify the situations that may trigger mood switching, so that mood swings can be prevented. Therapy may especially target recognition of the early stages of mood change so that they can be managed. In addition, therapy helps patients deal with the significant amount of turbulence the disorder can create in relationships and in work life.

What is the goal of therapy for bipolar disorder?

Therapy helps patients set up their lives to maintain stability so that their mood isn’t constantly threatened by daily events. Perhaps the first task of therapy is to educate people about the nature of the disorder. At the same time, a primary goal of therapy is to enhance adherence to drug treatment. Extended periods of mood stability can prompt patients to discontinue medication, triggering relapse, while the early phases of manic episodes can feel so energizing that patients stop medication, ushering in full-blown mania and the altered self-perception that can lead to destructive behaviors. Another major goal of therapy is to understand one’s mood patterns so as to minimize both the frequency and intensity of mood cycling.