Bipolar Disorder Therapists in Barrie, ON
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
DBS Professional Services
Registered Psychotherapist, LLB, BAPsy, MACP, RP, RSW
Verified Verified
Barrie, ON L4M (Online Only)
She is experienced with multiple mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, stress, relationship, separation/divorce, parenting, bipolar disorder, ADD/ADHD, anger, life transitions, intimacy, as well as adapting and coping.
Danielle successfully completed a Bachelor's Degree in Law & Justice, LLB, and Psychology in 2011, a Master's Degree in Counselling Psychology in 2014, and defending for the Doctor of Counselling and Psychotherapy in 2025. She strongly supports personal and professional development, higher learning, professional skills building, and maintaining professional competency. Danielle offers quality counselling & psychotherapy services in private practice with a compassionate, attentive, professional and person-centred approach. She practices cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).
She is experienced with multiple mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, stress, relationship, separation/divorce, parenting, bipolar disorder, ADD/ADHD, anger, life transitions, intimacy, as well as adapting and coping.
Danielle successfully completed a Bachelor's Degree in Law & Justice, LLB, and Psychology in 2011, a Master's Degree in Counselling Psychology in 2014, and defending for the Doctor of Counselling and Psychotherapy in 2025. She strongly supports personal and professional development, higher learning, professional skills building, and maintaining professional competency. Danielle offers quality counselling & psychotherapy services in private practice with a compassionate, attentive, professional and person-centred approach. She practices cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).
Are you struggling to find balance in your daily life challenges? Do you feel emotional dysregulation, irregular feelings towards important persons in your life, feelings of insignificance in people’s lives, sadness, impulse control. I understand this isolation of feeling dysregulated and trapped without the ability to express intense thoughts and feelings.
Are you struggling to find balance in your daily life challenges? Do you feel emotional dysregulation, irregular feelings towards important persons in your life, feelings of insignificance in people’s lives, sadness, impulse control. I understand this isolation of feeling dysregulated and trapped without the ability to express intense thoughts and feelings.
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.
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.
ADHD/ASD, Stress/Anxiety, OCD, Perinatal Issues! Perhaps you're struggling to get things done and are getting overwhelmed and procrastinate as a result. Your ADHD, anxiety, stress or depression just seem to get in the way of how you want to be living your life. It's hard to get through the days and you're starting to get down on yourself. You want to learn to overcome your mental health challenges and start feeling like yourself again. That's where therapy can help! I will help you find your strengths to overcome your hurdles while also helping you make meaningful changes and gain new perspectives in life.
ADHD/ASD, Stress/Anxiety, OCD, Perinatal Issues! Perhaps you're struggling to get things done and are getting overwhelmed and procrastinate as a result. Your ADHD, anxiety, stress or depression just seem to get in the way of how you want to be living your life. It's hard to get through the days and you're starting to get down on yourself. You want to learn to overcome your mental health challenges and start feeling like yourself again. That's where therapy can help! I will help you find your strengths to overcome your hurdles while also helping you make meaningful changes and gain new perspectives in life.
Tom Petridis
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), BA, MEd, MACP
Verified Verified
Barrie, ON L4N
Accepting New Clients (In-Person in Barrie & Newmarket, Virtually anywhere in Ontario). Trained in many areas of psychotherapy, for a variety of reasons, including anxiety, depression, stress, couple’s issues, trauma, self-esteem, and addictions, my goal is to treat you as the whole person, where we, as a team, decide what goals are best for you in each moment. We are complex beings, where biology, psychology, and support systems, all play an important and integral role in our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. Furthermore, when you are ready, there may be some past events we can unpack and help you begin to heal from.
Accepting New Clients (In-Person in Barrie & Newmarket, Virtually anywhere in Ontario). Trained in many areas of psychotherapy, for a variety of reasons, including anxiety, depression, stress, couple’s issues, trauma, self-esteem, and addictions, my goal is to treat you as the whole person, where we, as a team, decide what goals are best for you in each moment. We are complex beings, where biology, psychology, and support systems, all play an important and integral role in our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. Furthermore, when you are ready, there may be some past events we can unpack and help you begin to heal from.
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Psychology Matters consists of a group of therapists working together to provide psychological services to Barrie and the surrounding regions. Our diversely skilled group consists of members of the College of Psychologists and the College of Registered Psychotherapists. At our location we also have an assessment clinic where we conduct a various assessments for people of all ages. We also provide neuropsychological services.
Psychology Matters consists of a group of therapists working together to provide psychological services to Barrie and the surrounding regions. Our diversely skilled group consists of members of the College of Psychologists and the College of Registered Psychotherapists. At our location we also have an assessment clinic where we conduct a various assessments for people of all ages. We also provide neuropsychological services.
Life comes with many challenges that can affect how we are functioning in the many roles we hold in our life. Our thoughts, behaviours, and emotional responses can really weigh us down. They hold us back, and leave us feeling stressed and overwhelmed. I'm here to empower you with the tools and coping strategies necessary to overcome challenges such as depression, self-harm, anxiety, mood disorders, trauma/PTSD, and complex situations. This will leave you with a sense of balance and peacefulness.
Life comes with many challenges that can affect how we are functioning in the many roles we hold in our life. Our thoughts, behaviours, and emotional responses can really weigh us down. They hold us back, and leave us feeling stressed and overwhelmed. I'm here to empower you with the tools and coping strategies necessary to overcome challenges such as depression, self-harm, anxiety, mood disorders, trauma/PTSD, and complex situations. This will leave you with a sense of balance and peacefulness.
Andra Escobar
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), BA, MACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Barrie, ON L4N
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.
MB Counselling and Consulting - Mariana Benitez
Registered Psychotherapist, MEd, RP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Barrie, ON L4M
Healing and growing can be a hard journey to travel alone, and asking for help when we feel stuck can be even harder. I am here to help! Whether you are experiencing difficulties in your intimate relationships, have parenting concerns, experiencing stress, anxiety or depression; a lot can be done to help those concerns be addressed and improved. Our ability to better cope and build strength and resilience is often connected to our motivation and willingness to work on making changes. It is when you feel you want to do something different but you don't know what to do, that the help from a professional can make a big difference!
Healing and growing can be a hard journey to travel alone, and asking for help when we feel stuck can be even harder. I am here to help! Whether you are experiencing difficulties in your intimate relationships, have parenting concerns, experiencing stress, anxiety or depression; a lot can be done to help those concerns be addressed and improved. Our ability to better cope and build strength and resilience is often connected to our motivation and willingness to work on making changes. It is when you feel you want to do something different but you don't know what to do, that the help from a professional can make a big difference!
My approach comes from a place of empathy, understanding, and compassion. I believe that building and maintaining a positive therapeutic environment that centres around trust and respect is important to making you feel comfortable in sessions. I understand that this process is difficult, and I am here to offer support during your healing journey.
My approach comes from a place of empathy, understanding, and compassion. I believe that building and maintaining a positive therapeutic environment that centres around trust and respect is important to making you feel comfortable in sessions. I understand that this process is difficult, and I am here to offer support during your healing journey.
I am an experienced Registered Psychotherapist who specializes in youths and adults who may be experiencing various mental health challenges including anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, disordered eating, substance use disorder, and emotional dysregulation.
I am an experienced Registered Psychotherapist who specializes in youths and adults who may be experiencing various mental health challenges including anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, disordered eating, substance use disorder, and emotional dysregulation.
Balanced Life Therapy
Registered Social Worker, SSW, RSSW, MSW, RP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Barrie, ON L4N
Whether you are facing a long-standing concern, major life transition, or are involved in complicated family or relationship dynamics, we are here to help so you don't have to walk alone. At Balanced Life Therapy, we offer a wide range of therapeutic services that are tailored to your individual needs. Our services include: Individuals, Teens, Couples, Families, and Group Therapy, and are offered to our clients located in Barrie and across Ontario. Whether in-person or virtually, we take a client-centered approach to our clinical process.
Whether you are facing a long-standing concern, major life transition, or are involved in complicated family or relationship dynamics, we are here to help so you don't have to walk alone. At Balanced Life Therapy, we offer a wide range of therapeutic services that are tailored to your individual needs. Our services include: Individuals, Teens, Couples, Families, and Group Therapy, and are offered to our clients located in Barrie and across Ontario. Whether in-person or virtually, we take a client-centered approach to our clinical process.
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.
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.
Carol L McDowell
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Barrie, ON L4N
When I was young, I wanted to be a writer. I went into journalism and that’s where I figured out why I was so obsessed with stories. True stories heal us. I have spent the last 30 years, both personally and professionally, in the field of addiction. I became increasingly sad as I witnessed the suffering that goes along with substance abuse and behavioural addictions. I learned as a volunteer and mentor that helping people uncover their true story also creates healing. So, I went to Yorkville University and obtained a master’s degree in counselling psychology.
When I was young, I wanted to be a writer. I went into journalism and that’s where I figured out why I was so obsessed with stories. True stories heal us. I have spent the last 30 years, both personally and professionally, in the field of addiction. I became increasingly sad as I witnessed the suffering that goes along with substance abuse and behavioural addictions. I learned as a volunteer and mentor that helping people uncover their true story also creates healing. So, I went to Yorkville University and obtained a master’s degree in counselling psychology.
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.
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.
Karen Szabo
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), BA, MACP, RP(Q)
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Barrie, ON L4N
NO WAIT-LIST & In-Person appts! Anxiety/Stress/Burnout, Prenatal/Postpartum, Couples/Relationships, Depression & Trauma- You feel overwhelmed by every little thing and are experiencing a lot of stress/anxiety as a result. You feel down about yourself for letting things "slip" but just can't find the motivation to make changes. Perhaps life just feels like "too much" right now and it's starting to take a toll on your self-esteem and ability to cope with your stress. When you have a lot on your plate and just cant seem to catch a break, it can be hard to find the good in life and think clearly. This is where therapy can help!
NO WAIT-LIST & In-Person appts! Anxiety/Stress/Burnout, Prenatal/Postpartum, Couples/Relationships, Depression & Trauma- You feel overwhelmed by every little thing and are experiencing a lot of stress/anxiety as a result. You feel down about yourself for letting things "slip" but just can't find the motivation to make changes. Perhaps life just feels like "too much" right now and it's starting to take a toll on your self-esteem and ability to cope with your stress. When you have a lot on your plate and just cant seem to catch a break, it can be hard to find the good in life and think clearly. This is where therapy can help!
Brianne Flaherty Counselling Services
Counsellor, RPC-C, CCAC, CCTP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Barrie, ON L4N (Online Only)
Brianne Flaherty Counselling Services is a private practice facilitating virtual sessions. Specializing in addiction recovery and mental wellness I create a safe space for you to explore your emotions, develop coping strategies and build resilience as you navigate through life's challenges. Through a holistic approach that addresses both physical and psychological aspects of addiction and mental health, we address underlying issues and create a solid foundation for long-term recovery and mental well-being. I offer unwavering compassion, support and guidance as you embark on your healing and self-discovery journey.
Brianne Flaherty Counselling Services is a private practice facilitating virtual sessions. Specializing in addiction recovery and mental wellness I create a safe space for you to explore your emotions, develop coping strategies and build resilience as you navigate through life's challenges. Through a holistic approach that addresses both physical and psychological aspects of addiction and mental health, we address underlying issues and create a solid foundation for long-term recovery and mental well-being. I offer unwavering compassion, support and guidance as you embark on your healing and self-discovery journey.
See more therapy options for Barrie
Nearby Bipolar Disorder Counsellors Searches for Barrie
See More Bipolar Disorder CounsellorsBipolar 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.