Bipolar Disorder Therapists in Barrie, ON

Photo of Marie-Maude Pelletier Sottile, BAPsych,  MA , MACP, RP, Registered Psychotherapist
Marie-Maude Pelletier Sottile
Registered Psychotherapist, BAPsych, MA , MACP, RP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Barrie, ON L4M
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.
(647) 905-9212 View (647) 905-9212
Photo of Jessica Capra, BA, MC, Registered Psychotherapist
Jessica Capra
Registered Psychotherapist, BA, MC
Verified Verified
Barrie, ON L4N
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.
(249) 496-2140 View (249) 496-2140
Photo of Yamilet (Jammy) V Falcon - Evolution Counselling Services by Yamilet V Falcon, MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker
Evolution Counselling Services by Yamilet V Falcon
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Barrie, ON L4N
I am the Founder of Evolution Counselling Services. I have extensive work experience in the mental health field as a Clinical Lead, Program Manager and Mental Health Counsellor for almost 10 years. My knowledge and expertise extends to and with individuals suffering from diverse mental health diagnosis (Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, OCD, Eating Disorders, and experiences of Loss, Grief and Trauma) among others. At Evolution Counselling, I seek to empower individuals to achieve internal and external wellness.
I am the Founder of Evolution Counselling Services. I have extensive work experience in the mental health field as a Clinical Lead, Program Manager and Mental Health Counsellor for almost 10 years. My knowledge and expertise extends to and with individuals suffering from diverse mental health diagnosis (Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, OCD, Eating Disorders, and experiences of Loss, Grief and Trauma) among others. At Evolution Counselling, I seek to empower individuals to achieve internal and external wellness.
(249) 487-0479 View (249) 487-0479
Photo of Bettina J. Kealy, BA, MA, RP, Registered Psychotherapist
Bettina J. Kealy
Registered Psychotherapist, BA, MA, RP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Barrie, ON L4M
Bettina specializes in treating clients with trauma, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder/other anxiety disorders as well as Depression and Bipolar Disorder.
Bettina Kealy, B.A., M.A., R.P. is a Registered Psychotherapist with over 20 years of experience in the field, providing psychotherapy services to clients and also training/supervising other psychotherapists and mental health providers. Bettina obtained her B.A. in Psychology from Laurentian University in 2003 and then completed her Masters in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University in 2012. She is registered, and in good standing with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. Bettina offers individual psychotherapy services as well as couples/marriage counselling and family psychotherapy.
Bettina specializes in treating clients with trauma, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder/other anxiety disorders as well as Depression and Bipolar Disorder.
Bettina Kealy, B.A., M.A., R.P. is a Registered Psychotherapist with over 20 years of experience in the field, providing psychotherapy services to clients and also training/supervising other psychotherapists and mental health providers. Bettina obtained her B.A. in Psychology from Laurentian University in 2003 and then completed her Masters in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University in 2012. She is registered, and in good standing with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. Bettina offers individual psychotherapy services as well as couples/marriage counselling and family psychotherapy.
(249) 523-4778 View (249) 523-4778
Photo of Rachelle Watson - Ontario Psychotherapy: Trauma and Grief Therapist, MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker
Ontario Psychotherapy: Trauma and Grief Therapist
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Barrie, ON L4M  (Online Only)
My areas of practice include emotion dysregulation (BPD and bipolar disorder), depression and anxiety, and grief and loss.
Are you perpetually in fight or flight or shut down mode? Do your emotions feel out of control? Easily triggered? I'm Rachelle and I’m the face behind OPS, an online therapy practice. I specialize in nervous system stabilization. I work with those who have experienced trauma to process its emotional and the physical effects. My practice incorporates a focus on the mind-body connection, which most clients say was the missing piece in previous therapy. The body goes through just as much as the mind; effective therapy involves paying close attention to the body and developing nervous system resiliency.
My areas of practice include emotion dysregulation (BPD and bipolar disorder), depression and anxiety, and grief and loss.
Are you perpetually in fight or flight or shut down mode? Do your emotions feel out of control? Easily triggered? I'm Rachelle and I’m the face behind OPS, an online therapy practice. I specialize in nervous system stabilization. I work with those who have experienced trauma to process its emotional and the physical effects. My practice incorporates a focus on the mind-body connection, which most clients say was the missing piece in previous therapy. The body goes through just as much as the mind; effective therapy involves paying close attention to the body and developing nervous system resiliency.
(289) 806-5137 View (289) 806-5137
Photo of Jessica Squilloni, MA, RP, Registered Psychotherapist
Jessica Squilloni
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Barrie, ON L4N
I am a Registered Psychotherapist through the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario with a Masters degree in Counselling Psychology. I provide evidence-based therapy and skills training in dialectical behaviour therapy. I specialize in issues related to emotion regulation and impulsivity which include borderline personality disorder and other personality disorders, PTSD, suicide as well as mood, anxiety and eating disorders. I have international training with DBT experts from locations including Italy and New York. I have formal training in Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD and CBT for anxiety.
I am a Registered Psychotherapist through the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario with a Masters degree in Counselling Psychology. I provide evidence-based therapy and skills training in dialectical behaviour therapy. I specialize in issues related to emotion regulation and impulsivity which include borderline personality disorder and other personality disorders, PTSD, suicide as well as mood, anxiety and eating disorders. I have international training with DBT experts from locations including Italy and New York. I have formal training in Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD and CBT for anxiety.
(249) 495-5310 View (249) 495-5310
Photo of Laura Kyrkos, RSSW, Registered Social Worker
Laura Kyrkos
Registered Social Worker, RSSW
Verified Verified
Barrie, ON L4N
Feeling low? Feeling unlike your usual self? Wondering what your purpose is? Are you stressed and fearful of your next chapter in life? Perhaps your children are having school issues and you're turning for help. Maybe you find yourself to be a people pleaser and need support identifying boundaries. Help is here and you are welcomed to join. You have chosen not to give up. You have chosen to conduct research and find the best therapist suited for you. I believe you're already on the track to choosing to making choices that are in the betterment of yourself.
Feeling low? Feeling unlike your usual self? Wondering what your purpose is? Are you stressed and fearful of your next chapter in life? Perhaps your children are having school issues and you're turning for help. Maybe you find yourself to be a people pleaser and need support identifying boundaries. Help is here and you are welcomed to join. You have chosen not to give up. You have chosen to conduct research and find the best therapist suited for you. I believe you're already on the track to choosing to making choices that are in the betterment of yourself.
(249) 490-5519 View (249) 490-5519
Photo of Raluca Tom Anthony Brooklyn Amy Alaina Crystal Katelyn - My Inner Peace Counselling & Psychotherapy, RSWs, RPs, EMDR, Registered Psychotherapist
My Inner Peace Counselling & Psychotherapy
Registered Psychotherapist, RSWs, RPs, EMDR
Verified Verified
Barrie, ON L4N
We are a team of dedicated & qualified therapists offering comprehensive mental health services to individuals, couples & kids at a range of fees. Our team of Registered Psychotherapists & Registered Social Workers, is experienced in working with diverse populations, ranging from children, youth & teens to adults, couples & individuals. We believe in building a strong therapeutic alliance with our clients, working together towards lasting change. Our therapists provide compassionate support, helping you gain insights and develop the necessary skills to enhance your well-being.
We are a team of dedicated & qualified therapists offering comprehensive mental health services to individuals, couples & kids at a range of fees. Our team of Registered Psychotherapists & Registered Social Workers, is experienced in working with diverse populations, ranging from children, youth & teens to adults, couples & individuals. We believe in building a strong therapeutic alliance with our clients, working together towards lasting change. Our therapists provide compassionate support, helping you gain insights and develop the necessary skills to enhance your well-being.
(289) 763-9898 View (289) 763-9898
Photo of Andra Escobar, BA, MACP, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Andra Escobar
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), BA, MACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Barrie, ON L4N
Waitlist for new clients
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.
(249) 201-9620 View (249) 201-9620
Photo of Jeff Long, MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker
Jeff Long
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Barrie, ON L4N
I live in Barrie and practice locally and online throughout Ontario. I help people like you work through relationship issues, depression, anxiety, or other issues life throws at you. I practice from a client-centred, strengths-based perspective to support you. This allows me to tap into your positive attributes and strengths, as these are natural capabilities and skills that each person has. When strengths are utilized, it makes it so much easier to move forward.
I live in Barrie and practice locally and online throughout Ontario. I help people like you work through relationship issues, depression, anxiety, or other issues life throws at you. I practice from a client-centred, strengths-based perspective to support you. This allows me to tap into your positive attributes and strengths, as these are natural capabilities and skills that each person has. When strengths are utilized, it makes it so much easier to move forward.
(249) 487-0897 View (249) 487-0897
Photo of Cristina Del Principe - Restorative Trauma Practice, MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker
Restorative Trauma Practice
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Barrie, ON L4N
As a social worker/psychotherapist, 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, somatic reactions, and behavioural patterns by creatively combining trauma-informed therapies that foster personal growth and transformation. Recovering from traumatic and adverse life experiences is not a linear process. I support individuals throughout all the stages, challenges, and transitional periods one encounters during healing.
As a social worker/psychotherapist, 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, somatic reactions, and behavioural patterns by creatively combining trauma-informed therapies that foster personal growth and transformation. Recovering from traumatic and adverse life experiences is not a linear process. I support individuals throughout all the stages, challenges, and transitional periods one encounters during healing.
(437) 983-3154 View (437) 983-3154
Photo of Meaghan Keeping, MA, RP, Registered Psychotherapist
Meaghan Keeping
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP
Verified Verified
Barrie, ON L4M
I practice holistic counselling through a client-centered lens, considering all aspects of individuality. I strive to work closely with my clients to foster growth through self-acceptance. As a Registered Psychotherapist, my therapeutic approach utilizes a combination of Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy. I have experience working with diverse populations in an individual and group capacity. I aspire to aid in empowering my clients to work towards self-actualization in a safe, compassionate and judgement-free environment.
I practice holistic counselling through a client-centered lens, considering all aspects of individuality. I strive to work closely with my clients to foster growth through self-acceptance. As a Registered Psychotherapist, my therapeutic approach utilizes a combination of Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy. I have experience working with diverse populations in an individual and group capacity. I aspire to aid in empowering my clients to work towards self-actualization in a safe, compassionate and judgement-free environment.
(289) 210-7390 View (289) 210-7390
Photo of Sarah Hull, MSW, RSW
Sarah Hull
Registered Social Worker, Psychotherapist, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Barrie, ON L4N
Waitlist for new clients
I offer a safe, non-judgemental, client centered therapeutic space for individuals and couples. I believe that a journey towards healing requires empathy, encouragement and supportive facilitation as we often haven't had the opportunity to learn ways to cope with traumatic experiences and life related stressors. This can result in dysregulation and feelings of anxiety, depression and overwhelm in our day to day lives and relationships. Let's work together to explore and address your concerns in an open minded, anti-oppressive, trauma-informed, sex/body positive, LGBTQ+ inclusive space.
I offer a safe, non-judgemental, client centered therapeutic space for individuals and couples. I believe that a journey towards healing requires empathy, encouragement and supportive facilitation as we often haven't had the opportunity to learn ways to cope with traumatic experiences and life related stressors. This can result in dysregulation and feelings of anxiety, depression and overwhelm in our day to day lives and relationships. Let's work together to explore and address your concerns in an open minded, anti-oppressive, trauma-informed, sex/body positive, LGBTQ+ inclusive space.
(249) 505-0585 View (249) 505-0585
Photo of Catherine Dale Sheehan - Therapy Matters , BA Psyc, MACP, RP, Registered Psychotherapist
Therapy Matters
Registered Psychotherapist, BA Psyc, MACP, RP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Barrie, ON L4M
Hello my name is Catherine Sheehan and I am a Licensed Psychotherapist. I have over 25 years of experience in the mental health field providing counselling and support to individuals experiencing trauma, mental health, addiction, and emotional concerns in a variety of settings. My approach is collaborative, compassionate and integrative using a diverse range of therapeutic interventions to suit the unique needs of each individual, client or couple.
Hello my name is Catherine Sheehan and I am a Licensed Psychotherapist. I have over 25 years of experience in the mental health field providing counselling and support to individuals experiencing trauma, mental health, addiction, and emotional concerns in a variety of settings. My approach is collaborative, compassionate and integrative using a diverse range of therapeutic interventions to suit the unique needs of each individual, client or couple.
(249) 490-8561 View (249) 490-8561
Photo of Meghan Gilbert, RSW, Registered Social Worker
Meghan Gilbert
Registered Social Worker, RSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Barrie, ON L4N
If you are looking for support for trauma, various anxiety types, depression or other concerns such as OCD, Phobia or Panic, I am here to help. Through personalized online virtual therapy, you will receive high-quality care in the comfort of your own home. Together we will work to equip you with the tools and skills necessary to heal and thrive.
If you are looking for support for trauma, various anxiety types, depression or other concerns such as OCD, Phobia or Panic, I am here to help. Through personalized online virtual therapy, you will receive high-quality care in the comfort of your own home. Together we will work to equip you with the tools and skills necessary to heal and thrive.
(249) 703-5209 View (249) 703-5209
Photo of Sue Cook - Family TLC, MEd, Counsel, BAFN, CYC, RSW, Registered Social Worker
Family TLC
Registered Social Worker, MEd, Counsel, BAFN, CYC, RSW
Verified Verified
Barrie, ON L4N
Are life struggles causing you unhappiness? It can get better. We are a group of highly trained psychotherapists, social workers and mediators. Many with over 25 years of experience in the field. Hundreds of individuals, couples, families, children and adolescents have benefited from our services. At Family TLC we truly believe in you and that you are bigger than the concern. With our diversely experienced team we are confident that a potential client will find someone best suited to their concerns that will help them make positive changes in their life.
Are life struggles causing you unhappiness? It can get better. We are a group of highly trained psychotherapists, social workers and mediators. Many with over 25 years of experience in the field. Hundreds of individuals, couples, families, children and adolescents have benefited from our services. At Family TLC we truly believe in you and that you are bigger than the concern. With our diversely experienced team we are confident that a potential client will find someone best suited to their concerns that will help them make positive changes in their life.
(844) 332-2854 View (844) 332-2854
Photo of Amanda Rose Bolger - SoulScape Services, BAHon, MA, RP, Registered Psychotherapist
SoulScape Services
Registered Psychotherapist, BAHon, MA, RP
Verified Verified
Barrie, ON L4N
Therapy shouldn't feel like a chore. While it might sometimes be hard to hear what is discussed in therapy, overall you should leave feeling like you've gained something useful or even transformative. Over time, you should feel you are getting stronger, more resilient and have shed layers of fear and anxiety. Of course this process can be overwhelming at times and you might not always progress on the timeframe that you thought you would, but when therapy goes well, you should feel more settled and more clear about your life. You should gain understanding about yourself and others and have a renewed sense of purpose and passion
Therapy shouldn't feel like a chore. While it might sometimes be hard to hear what is discussed in therapy, overall you should leave feeling like you've gained something useful or even transformative. Over time, you should feel you are getting stronger, more resilient and have shed layers of fear and anxiety. Of course this process can be overwhelming at times and you might not always progress on the timeframe that you thought you would, but when therapy goes well, you should feel more settled and more clear about your life. You should gain understanding about yourself and others and have a renewed sense of purpose and passion
(249) 202-2232 View (249) 202-2232
Photo of Courtney Firetto, MSW, Registered Social Worker
Courtney Firetto
Registered Social Worker, MSW
Verified Verified
Barrie, ON L4M
Offering in-person, virtual, and animal-assisted therapy sessions. Thank you for stopping by! I am driven professional who is passionate about improving mental health. I have worked in a number of settings, including community mental health agencies, hospitals, and independent consulting. I have served a range of client populations. These experiences have taught me so much, namely that serving others gives my life meaning! As a clinician, I come with my lived experiences of mental health challenges. I know how important it is to have a therapist you can connect with and trust. I hope to be this for you!
Offering in-person, virtual, and animal-assisted therapy sessions. Thank you for stopping by! I am driven professional who is passionate about improving mental health. I have worked in a number of settings, including community mental health agencies, hospitals, and independent consulting. I have served a range of client populations. These experiences have taught me so much, namely that serving others gives my life meaning! As a clinician, I come with my lived experiences of mental health challenges. I know how important it is to have a therapist you can connect with and trust. I hope to be this for you!
(249) 202-2256 View (249) 202-2256
Photo of Laryssa Levesque - Inner Growth Counselling & Psychotherapy, RP, Registered Psychotherapist
Inner Growth Counselling & Psychotherapy
Registered Psychotherapist, RP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Barrie, ON L4N
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.
(249) 496-6844 View (249) 496-6844
Photo of Taylor Webb, BA, RP(Q), Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Taylor Webb
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), BA, RP(Q)
Verified Verified
Barrie, ON L4N
NO WAIT list & in-person appts- Stress/Anxiety/Burnout, Self-Esteem, Depression/Mood, Relationships- I understand how overwhelming life can be, and want to be here to support you and walk alongside you on your path to wellness. I strive to create a warm, safe, and non judgemental space where you can feel heard and empowered. I believe we all hold the necessary resources to thrive and flourish, and can tap into our inner resources and strengths when provided an empathetic and supportive environment.
NO WAIT list & in-person appts- Stress/Anxiety/Burnout, Self-Esteem, Depression/Mood, Relationships- I understand how overwhelming life can be, and want to be here to support you and walk alongside you on your path to wellness. I strive to create a warm, safe, and non judgemental space where you can feel heard and empowered. I believe we all hold the necessary resources to thrive and flourish, and can tap into our inner resources and strengths when provided an empathetic and supportive environment.
(249) 506-9503 View (249) 506-9503
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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.