Bipolar Disorder Therapists in Alliston, ON
I went into private practice because of my commitment to change. Whether its battling the injustice we live in or the inner battles we experience that are shaped by our own unique stories, we all might pass a time in our lives where we long to see change happen. With my role as a therapist, I am committed to helping you reach the desired change your are seeking. I will work in partnership with you to help you discover your potential for change and help you achieve your goals and move toward living a fulfilling, purposeful and meaningful life.
I went into private practice because of my commitment to change. Whether its battling the injustice we live in or the inner battles we experience that are shaped by our own unique stories, we all might pass a time in our lives where we long to see change happen. With my role as a therapist, I am committed to helping you reach the desired change your are seeking. I will work in partnership with you to help you discover your potential for change and help you achieve your goals and move toward living a fulfilling, purposeful and meaningful life.
I can relate to the many issues and needs of others. Some experiences are so traumatic that we may actually feel a sense of hopelessness. Some of us need help in working through trauma, self-esteem, or confidence. We can create a healthier and more adaptive life where we overall feel better and when we start to heal and feel good we are going to enjoy the many things that we have in our lives a little bit more.
I can relate to the many issues and needs of others. Some experiences are so traumatic that we may actually feel a sense of hopelessness. Some of us need help in working through trauma, self-esteem, or confidence. We can create a healthier and more adaptive life where we overall feel better and when we start to heal and feel good we are going to enjoy the many things that we have in our lives a little bit more.
You're here because you've taken the first, and one of the hardest steps in reaching out for support - and that, takes a lot of courage. Maybe you just want a safe space and a confidential ear. Or maybe you are going through a challenging break-up and are working to regain control of your life and build your self-esteem. Maybe you're going through a difficult life transition and you are looking for strategies to help you cope. Whatever you may be going through, you've come to the right place.
You're here because you've taken the first, and one of the hardest steps in reaching out for support - and that, takes a lot of courage. Maybe you just want a safe space and a confidential ear. Or maybe you are going through a challenging break-up and are working to regain control of your life and build your self-esteem. Maybe you're going through a difficult life transition and you are looking for strategies to help you cope. Whatever you may be going through, you've come to the right place.
“With a heart like that, you deserve the world.” (R.M. Drake) - Don’t we all deserve to be the very best version of ourselves, the Best You that there can be. Together, we can examine common negative thinking patterns; in addition, we can work on developing better coping strategies aimed at enhancing personal positive reasoning skills and attitude.
“With a heart like that, you deserve the world.” (R.M. Drake) - Don’t we all deserve to be the very best version of ourselves, the Best You that there can be. Together, we can examine common negative thinking patterns; in addition, we can work on developing better coping strategies aimed at enhancing personal positive reasoning skills and attitude.
Are you ready to make some changes in your life? Whether you have been stuck in patterns that no longer work for you, or are in a place where you are unsure of how to change them, therapy is a wonderful tool to untangle from the life we don't want and move towards the life we do. Whether we are struggling with relationship problems, destructive patterns, life crisis, thought and mood disturbances, lethargy, or lack of fullfillment in life, therapy always offers a platform for change and inner healing. The journey inward can powerfully affect change in our life.
Are you ready to make some changes in your life? Whether you have been stuck in patterns that no longer work for you, or are in a place where you are unsure of how to change them, therapy is a wonderful tool to untangle from the life we don't want and move towards the life we do. Whether we are struggling with relationship problems, destructive patterns, life crisis, thought and mood disturbances, lethargy, or lack of fullfillment in life, therapy always offers a platform for change and inner healing. The journey inward can powerfully affect change in our life.
Central Ontario Psychology is a diverse group practice. We offer psychotherapy, clinical assessment, and psychoeducational assessment. Services are provided by psychologists, or under their close supervision. Our clients include adults children adolescents and seniors. We treat anxiety, depression, behavioural and conduct disorders. We offer specialized treatment for trauma, whether from childhood, the workplace, the military, or in First Responders.
Central Ontario Psychology is a diverse group practice. We offer psychotherapy, clinical assessment, and psychoeducational assessment. Services are provided by psychologists, or under their close supervision. Our clients include adults children adolescents and seniors. We treat anxiety, depression, behavioural and conduct disorders. We offer specialized treatment for trauma, whether from childhood, the workplace, the military, or in First Responders.
Welcome! I come with over 17 years experience working with children, youth and their families with various needs and struggles. This experience has been with individuals who are struggling with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, avoidance, emotional difficulties, and current life challenges. I also have expertise working with children who may be experiencing behavioural disturbances, anger management, various diagnoses, including ADHD and communication within the family. I truly appreciate the time that each client gives to share their story and the openness that they present.
Welcome! I come with over 17 years experience working with children, youth and their families with various needs and struggles. This experience has been with individuals who are struggling with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, avoidance, emotional difficulties, and current life challenges. I also have expertise working with children who may be experiencing behavioural disturbances, anger management, various diagnoses, including ADHD and communication within the family. I truly appreciate the time that each client gives to share their story and the openness that they present.
Dr. Tsubasa (Subie) Sawashima Psychologist
Psychologist, PhD, CPsych
Verified Verified
Alliston, ON L9R (Online Only)
Hello and welcome! I am Dr. Subie. I work with adults across Ontario. I provide treatment for various difficulties including: trauma and PTSD, depression, grief, anger, anxiety, OCD, worry, work stress, interpersonal problems, insomnia, and psychosis (e.g., schizophrenia).
Hello and welcome! I am Dr. Subie. I work with adults across Ontario. I provide treatment for various difficulties including: trauma and PTSD, depression, grief, anger, anxiety, OCD, worry, work stress, interpersonal problems, insomnia, and psychosis (e.g., schizophrenia).
NO WAIT list, Weekend & In-Person Appts- Anxiety/Depression/Stress, Self-Esteem, Relationships, Mood/Emotions- You feel isolated and trapped by your own thoughts and feelings. Right now, reaching out to close friends or loved ones for the support you need may feel impossible. You realize that you can’t get to where you want to be in life alone and have courageously decided to look for a therapist that can help you get to where you want to be. I am honoured that your journey has brought you HERE! Starting therapy can be daunting, but rest assured, you are leading every step of the way.
NO WAIT list, Weekend & In-Person Appts- Anxiety/Depression/Stress, Self-Esteem, Relationships, Mood/Emotions- You feel isolated and trapped by your own thoughts and feelings. Right now, reaching out to close friends or loved ones for the support you need may feel impossible. You realize that you can’t get to where you want to be in life alone and have courageously decided to look for a therapist that can help you get to where you want to be. I am honoured that your journey has brought you HERE! Starting therapy can be daunting, but rest assured, you are leading every step of the way.
ADHD, BPD, Emotions, Relationships/Couples, Anxiety/Stress- You're having a hard time concentrating and getting things done. You struggle to find motivation to complete your daily tasks and then feel down about yourself. You struggle with shifting moods and don't know how to cope. When anxiety and overwhelm take over, it can be hard to function because your concentration and motivation start to slip. And, if you struggle with low mood and negative self-talk, it can be hard to get out of that "funk" and shift to a more productive mindset.
ADHD, BPD, Emotions, Relationships/Couples, Anxiety/Stress- You're having a hard time concentrating and getting things done. You struggle to find motivation to complete your daily tasks and then feel down about yourself. You struggle with shifting moods and don't know how to cope. When anxiety and overwhelm take over, it can be hard to function because your concentration and motivation start to slip. And, if you struggle with low mood and negative self-talk, it can be hard to get out of that "funk" and shift to a more productive mindset.
ADHD, Men's Issues, Couples, Stress/Anxiety/Depression- You feel stuck, hopeless, and unsure about where to turn but just know that you want to start feeling better. Perhaps you are struggling with anxiety, overwhelm, ADHD or motivation issues and this is complicating seeking help. Or as a man, you've been feeling bad for quite a while but society tells you to "toughen up" and get through it on your own. Your self-worth has taken a hit and feel lost. Whatever it is you're struggling with, I'd be honoured to help you navigate this tough time and work towards creating a more fulfilling, empowered life.
ADHD, Men's Issues, Couples, Stress/Anxiety/Depression- You feel stuck, hopeless, and unsure about where to turn but just know that you want to start feeling better. Perhaps you are struggling with anxiety, overwhelm, ADHD or motivation issues and this is complicating seeking help. Or as a man, you've been feeling bad for quite a while but society tells you to "toughen up" and get through it on your own. Your self-worth has taken a hit and feel lost. Whatever it is you're struggling with, I'd be honoured to help you navigate this tough time and work towards creating a more fulfilling, empowered life.
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Inner Growth Counselling & Psychotherapy
Restorative Trauma Practice
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW, EMDR, SP
Verified Verified
Alliston, ON L9R
As a social worker/psychotherapist, I am known for my integrity, compassion, and warmth. I have 14 years of extensive clinical practice supporting individuals who have endured past and present traumatic and hurtful life experiences. I guide individuals out of painful emotions, thoughts, and somatic reactions by creatively combining therapies and techniques like EMDR, sensorimotor psychotherapy, brainspotting, deep brain reorienting, and other interventions that heal distressing cognitive, emotional, and behavioural patterns.
As a social worker/psychotherapist, I am known for my integrity, compassion, and warmth. I have 14 years of extensive clinical practice supporting individuals who have endured past and present traumatic and hurtful life experiences. I guide individuals out of painful emotions, thoughts, and somatic reactions by creatively combining therapies and techniques like EMDR, sensorimotor psychotherapy, brainspotting, deep brain reorienting, and other interventions that heal distressing cognitive, emotional, and behavioural patterns.
Amy Harrison
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW, PMH-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Alliston, ON L9R
I am a masters level Mental Health therapist who has worked with individuals and groups for more than 15 years. I am passionate about helping people achieve their greatest potential through overcoming their inner self-critic and move through difficult life circumstances with strength and resiliency. I believe strongly in our ability to heal and for support in order to grow and thrive. My therapeutic approach is evidence-based, strengths-focused and client-centered. I have specialized training in perinatal mental health, women's health, emotion-focused and cognitive therapy, mindful training for emotional resilience and EMDR.
I am a masters level Mental Health therapist who has worked with individuals and groups for more than 15 years. I am passionate about helping people achieve their greatest potential through overcoming their inner self-critic and move through difficult life circumstances with strength and resiliency. I believe strongly in our ability to heal and for support in order to grow and thrive. My therapeutic approach is evidence-based, strengths-focused and client-centered. I have specialized training in perinatal mental health, women's health, emotion-focused and cognitive therapy, mindful training for emotional resilience and EMDR.
Andra Escobar
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), BA, MACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Alliston, ON L9R
Are you seeking to embark on a journey of healing from narcissistic abuse and the scars it leaves behind? Do life's challenges often leave you feeling isolated and misunderstood? Are you yearning to address issues of infidelity and intimacy within your relationship? Rest assured, drawing from personal experience, I understand that the path to self-love, healing, and self-discovery is a continuous one. Because of this, I aspire to help individuals overcome their challenges regarding self-worth, internal strength, and resilience and heal and grow.
Are you seeking to embark on a journey of healing from narcissistic abuse and the scars it leaves behind? Do life's challenges often leave you feeling isolated and misunderstood? Are you yearning to address issues of infidelity and intimacy within your relationship? Rest assured, drawing from personal experience, I understand that the path to self-love, healing, and self-discovery is a continuous one. Because of this, I aspire to help individuals overcome their challenges regarding self-worth, internal strength, and resilience and heal and grow.
Inner Growth Counselling & Psychotherapy
Registered Psychotherapist, RP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Alliston, ON L9R
NO-WAIT lists, LOW-COST options, IN-PERSON appts- Perhaps you're feeling down or anxious, or maybe you're unsure about the future of a relationship, or just feel that you aren't living the life you want to lead. Let's face it- life can be hard and sometimes we feel like things will never change or that we are stuck. At Inner Growth Counselling & Psychotherapy, we will help you overcome whatever mental health or personal challenges you are faced with. Our team specializes in treating ADHD, anxiety, stress, depression, self-esteem and self-identity, relationship issues, life transitions, BPD, managing difficult emotions, and trauma.
NO-WAIT lists, LOW-COST options, IN-PERSON appts- Perhaps you're feeling down or anxious, or maybe you're unsure about the future of a relationship, or just feel that you aren't living the life you want to lead. Let's face it- life can be hard and sometimes we feel like things will never change or that we are stuck. At Inner Growth Counselling & Psychotherapy, we will help you overcome whatever mental health or personal challenges you are faced with. Our team specializes in treating ADHD, anxiety, stress, depression, self-esteem and self-identity, relationship issues, life transitions, BPD, managing difficult emotions, and trauma.
More Therapists Nearby
As clinical social worker with a master’s degree along with more than 10 years of experience, I have worked with children, youth and their families, as well as adults both in English and French. I also have experience working with military members with regards to challenges they face coming back from deployments. As a military wife, I am familiar with military life style and soldier’s challenges.
As clinical social worker with a master’s degree along with more than 10 years of experience, I have worked with children, youth and their families, as well as adults both in English and French. I also have experience working with military members with regards to challenges they face coming back from deployments. As a military wife, I am familiar with military life style and soldier’s challenges.
Online Therapists
Nicole McKee
Registered Social Worker, BScOT, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M6R
Waitlist for new clients
I specialize in individual psychotherapy with adults; grief, mood (depression + bipolar), anxiety (generalized, social, situational) and concurrent disorders (mood + addiction).
I offer warmth, genuineness, empathy and humour as you wind your way through the complexities of living a life of meaning, despite inevitable challenges. I will hold a safe space, provide support, and help you reach your therapy goals, whether that be practical coping strategies, identifying and working with emotions past or present, or getting in touch with your inner wisdom (because we ALL have inner wisdom). I come to sessions with my own humanity open wide, because connection is a fundamental need and foundational to the work of therapy, which can be gut-wrenching and profound at the same time. I'll walk that path with you.
I specialize in individual psychotherapy with adults; grief, mood (depression + bipolar), anxiety (generalized, social, situational) and concurrent disorders (mood + addiction).
I offer warmth, genuineness, empathy and humour as you wind your way through the complexities of living a life of meaning, despite inevitable challenges. I will hold a safe space, provide support, and help you reach your therapy goals, whether that be practical coping strategies, identifying and working with emotions past or present, or getting in touch with your inner wisdom (because we ALL have inner wisdom). I come to sessions with my own humanity open wide, because connection is a fundamental need and foundational to the work of therapy, which can be gut-wrenching and profound at the same time. I'll walk that path with you.
Marie-Maude Pelletier Sottile
Registered Psychotherapist, BAPsych, MA , MACP, RP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bolton, ON L7E
My clinical experience allows me to treat individuals who experience low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship struggles, emotional disturbances, stress, mood disorders, behavioural issues, ADHD, bipolar, borderline disorder, & adjusting to a life change.
Therapy is an opportunity to increase our resilience and to learn how to cope with undesirable life events. Anger, fear, sadness or guilt arise when life experiences are overlooked, neglected, and ununderstood. Anxiety & Depression is a response to the failure to care for the feelings & emotions of the self. Likewise, feelings of stress and inner discomfort need understanding to be changed. The psychotherapy techniques I use to ease client issues and discomfort include CBT, Talking Therapy, DBT skills, Client-Centred, Compassion, Emotional and Solution Focus Therapy, Psychoeducation, frameworks of attachment, and family systems.
My clinical experience allows me to treat individuals who experience low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship struggles, emotional disturbances, stress, mood disorders, behavioural issues, ADHD, bipolar, borderline disorder, & adjusting to a life change.
Therapy is an opportunity to increase our resilience and to learn how to cope with undesirable life events. Anger, fear, sadness or guilt arise when life experiences are overlooked, neglected, and ununderstood. Anxiety & Depression is a response to the failure to care for the feelings & emotions of the self. Likewise, feelings of stress and inner discomfort need understanding to be changed. The psychotherapy techniques I use to ease client issues and discomfort include CBT, Talking Therapy, DBT skills, Client-Centred, Compassion, Emotional and Solution Focus Therapy, Psychoeducation, frameworks of attachment, and family systems.
Alessandra Marques
Registered Social Worker, BSW, RSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M4C (Online Only)
I offer psychotherapy for a range of issues including Adjustment Disorder, Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar Disorder and other mental health symptoms.
Hello! I’m so glad you are here. Starting therapy is a big deal, and finding the right therapist is key. My name is Alessandra and I’m passionate about helping people who are navigating difficult life transitions. If you are felling stuck and overwhelmed about life, I would like to help. Thank you for reaching out and taking the first courageous step in your journey toward greater health.
I offer psychotherapy for a range of issues including Adjustment Disorder, Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar Disorder and other mental health symptoms.
Hello! I’m so glad you are here. Starting therapy is a big deal, and finding the right therapist is key. My name is Alessandra and I’m passionate about helping people who are navigating difficult life transitions. If you are felling stuck and overwhelmed about life, I would like to help. Thank you for reaching out and taking the first courageous step in your journey toward greater health.
But, I have a special interest in working with Complex-PTSD, most commonly working with adult survivors of childhood abuse and neglect, treating Bipolar Disorder, and providing gender affirming care to the LGBTQ+ community.
Hello! I'm Anna Lukomsky (she/her), a registered social worker and trauma therapist with over 15 years of experience helping individuals navigate their mental health challenges. Throughout treatment my biggest emphasis is safety; helping people learn to feel safe in their lives, in their bodies and in sessions with me. I do this by creating a supportive environment through warmth, humour, compassion, and gentle patience; letting clients set a pace that works best for them; from the very start showing clients they have everything they need to heal already within them, waiting to be acknowledged and seen.
But, I have a special interest in working with Complex-PTSD, most commonly working with adult survivors of childhood abuse and neglect, treating Bipolar Disorder, and providing gender affirming care to the LGBTQ+ community.
Hello! I'm Anna Lukomsky (she/her), a registered social worker and trauma therapist with over 15 years of experience helping individuals navigate their mental health challenges. Throughout treatment my biggest emphasis is safety; helping people learn to feel safe in their lives, in their bodies and in sessions with me. I do this by creating a supportive environment through warmth, humour, compassion, and gentle patience; letting clients set a pace that works best for them; from the very start showing clients they have everything they need to heal already within them, waiting to be acknowledged and seen.
Gray Matter Health -Brampton Psychotherapists
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brampton, ON L6Z
Sometimes we just can't do it on our own. Whether you have individual, couple, or family challenges, as a professional or first responder, life is so much more fulfilling when we can reach out for support to get through the rough patch. Our team has several years of experience working through trauma, anxiety, depression, stress, grief, conflict, OCD, BPD, bipolar disorder, anger, ADHD, dementia, burnout, or perinatal challenges in addition to so much more. If you're ready for a life change, we can help! Many of our clients have reached out to us for support and as a result have restored happiness & improved their quality of life.
Sometimes we just can't do it on our own. Whether you have individual, couple, or family challenges, as a professional or first responder, life is so much more fulfilling when we can reach out for support to get through the rough patch. Our team has several years of experience working through trauma, anxiety, depression, stress, grief, conflict, OCD, BPD, bipolar disorder, anger, ADHD, dementia, burnout, or perinatal challenges in addition to so much more. If you're ready for a life change, we can help! Many of our clients have reached out to us for support and as a result have restored happiness & improved their quality of life.
Talia Marcheggiani
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), ND
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M6S (Online Only)
I have worked with a variety of mental health and physical conditions, such as ADHD, anxiety, depression, OCD, PMDD, Bipolar, among other conditions.
I believe in trauma-informed, shame-free, compassionate, person-centred care that empowers you and honours your body, mind, and emotions. In addition to being a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), I am a licensed Naturopathic Doctor (since 2014) focusing on mental health, hormones, mood, and digestion.
I have worked with a variety of mental health and physical conditions, such as ADHD, anxiety, depression, OCD, PMDD, Bipolar, among other conditions.
I believe in trauma-informed, shame-free, compassionate, person-centred care that empowers you and honours your body, mind, and emotions. In addition to being a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), I am a licensed Naturopathic Doctor (since 2014) focusing on mental health, hormones, mood, and digestion.
Direct billing is available for most insurance providers. Specializing in mood, personality and neurodevelopmental disorders including depression, anxiety, specific phobia's OCD, ADHD, leaning disabilities, autism, grief, anger, parental mental illness, BPD, bipolar disorder. Modes of therapy practiced include: CBT, DBT and psychodynamic psychotherapy. Lived experience with parental mental illness.
Direct billing is available for most insurance providers. Specializing in mood, personality and neurodevelopmental disorders including depression, anxiety, specific phobia's OCD, ADHD, leaning disabilities, autism, grief, anger, parental mental illness, BPD, bipolar disorder. Modes of therapy practiced include: CBT, DBT and psychodynamic psychotherapy. Lived experience with parental mental illness.
Noor Alassadi
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), PhD, CRPO, OAMHP, CBT, OACYC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M2N
Here is the best place to find your inner strength. Yes, I help you to heal from your pain, your grief, or sadness. But also, I am here to help you move forward and repair yourself so you are stronger than you used to be! I have experience in working with different mental health concerns including abuse, bullying, ADHD, ADD, ASD, OCD, anxiety, conduct disorder, bipolar, schizophrenia, academic/intellectual limitations, emotional disorders, suicidal ideation, panic attacks, depression, emotional eating, cultural shock, immigration challenges, diversity, and trauma/PTSD.
Here is the best place to find your inner strength. Yes, I help you to heal from your pain, your grief, or sadness. But also, I am here to help you move forward and repair yourself so you are stronger than you used to be! I have experience in working with different mental health concerns including abuse, bullying, ADHD, ADD, ASD, OCD, anxiety, conduct disorder, bipolar, schizophrenia, academic/intellectual limitations, emotional disorders, suicidal ideation, panic attacks, depression, emotional eating, cultural shock, immigration challenges, diversity, and trauma/PTSD.
Edward S Davey
Registered Social Worker, RSW, MSW, BSc
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Orangeville, ON L9W (Online Only)
My areas of speciality include; depression, anxiety, ADHD, and managing certain personality disorders including (but not limited to) borderline personality disorder, bipolar disorder, and social anxiety. Other areas of focus include professional and/or workplace struggles/development including (but not limited to); procrastination, motivation, imposter syndrome, and perfectionism. My goal is to work with my clients towards recognizing and understanding exactly what is hindering their personal growth and acting as a barrier against success.
My areas of speciality include; depression, anxiety, ADHD, and managing certain personality disorders including (but not limited to) borderline personality disorder, bipolar disorder, and social anxiety. Other areas of focus include professional and/or workplace struggles/development including (but not limited to); procrastination, motivation, imposter syndrome, and perfectionism. My goal is to work with my clients towards recognizing and understanding exactly what is hindering their personal growth and acting as a barrier against success.
See more therapy options for Alliston
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.