Bipolar Disorder Therapists in Bradford, ON
Kirstin Dana Bindseil
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bradford, ON L3Z
Available either by phone or video conference, I am here to help people including those in health care cope in uncertain times. Situations such as illness, difficulties in the family, a change at work, or some other unforeseen event that leads to changes that you never imagined can be crippling. Long standing needs may also get triggered that make it difficult manage alone. You may begin to wonder "Will things ever get back on track"? Happiness is still possible in times of uncertainty. Kirana Psychotherapy has over 20 years of experience helping people understand how to grow even in difficult times.
Available either by phone or video conference, I am here to help people including those in health care cope in uncertain times. Situations such as illness, difficulties in the family, a change at work, or some other unforeseen event that leads to changes that you never imagined can be crippling. Long standing needs may also get triggered that make it difficult manage alone. You may begin to wonder "Will things ever get back on track"? Happiness is still possible in times of uncertainty. Kirana Psychotherapy has over 20 years of experience helping people understand how to grow even in difficult times.
Jon-David Rodway
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, DCTP, BKin, BEd
Verified Verified
Bradford, ON L3Z (Online Only)
I imagine that you have discovered me because you are recognizing that certain ways of thinking, feeling, and behaving are causing you to struggle and suffer in your daily life. These problems may arise from excessive anxiety, depression, relationship issues, grief, trauma, or substance abuse. It can be difficult sharing emotional pain with others. I am a trained and experienced psychotherapist, and I will offer you a safe and confidential space to talk openly about what is happening in your life. I am confident that we can build a therapeutic relationship that allows you to feel like the changes you want to make are possible.
I imagine that you have discovered me because you are recognizing that certain ways of thinking, feeling, and behaving are causing you to struggle and suffer in your daily life. These problems may arise from excessive anxiety, depression, relationship issues, grief, trauma, or substance abuse. It can be difficult sharing emotional pain with others. I am a trained and experienced psychotherapist, and I will offer you a safe and confidential space to talk openly about what is happening in your life. I am confident that we can build a therapeutic relationship that allows you to feel like the changes you want to make are possible.
Taylor Ellis
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MACP, BA
Verified Verified
Bradford, ON L3Z (Online Only)
NO-WAIT list! Relationships, Stress/Anxiety/Depression, Self-Esteem and Trauma. Sometimes, life can feel heavy. You may not see light in your life, and it is starting to impact you. Perhaps your relationships and work are starting to suffer and you don't know what else to do. Maybe you are overwhelmed, anxiety is taking over, and it's difficult to find clarity. When these things happen, we have a hard time showing up as our best selves. With help, we can work through what is leaving you stuck and help you get back on track. You have the strength to do this, it's okay to ask for help.
NO-WAIT list! Relationships, Stress/Anxiety/Depression, Self-Esteem and Trauma. Sometimes, life can feel heavy. You may not see light in your life, and it is starting to impact you. Perhaps your relationships and work are starting to suffer and you don't know what else to do. Maybe you are overwhelmed, anxiety is taking over, and it's difficult to find clarity. When these things happen, we have a hard time showing up as our best selves. With help, we can work through what is leaving you stuck and help you get back on track. You have the strength to do this, it's okay to ask for help.
Robin Forsyth (Formerly Pucci)
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP
Verified Verified
Bradford, ON L3Z
I am a Registered Psychotherapist who has worked with individuals in different capacities since 2011. Using my calm and gentle nature, I have built a practice based on professionalism, trust, openness and authenticity, where clients can feel safe and accepted without judgement. My approach to psychotherapy is tailored to the needs of my clients. I am dedicated to helping those in need of mental health care, and I always enjoy meeting new people. I have earned an honours Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Laurentian University, as well as a Master's degree in Counselling Psychology with Yorkville University.
I am a Registered Psychotherapist who has worked with individuals in different capacities since 2011. Using my calm and gentle nature, I have built a practice based on professionalism, trust, openness and authenticity, where clients can feel safe and accepted without judgement. My approach to psychotherapy is tailored to the needs of my clients. I am dedicated to helping those in need of mental health care, and I always enjoy meeting new people. I have earned an honours Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Laurentian University, as well as a Master's degree in Counselling Psychology with Yorkville University.
Everyone needs a support system to get through challenging times in their lives and to continue to build up tools that can be used daily. Walk through a session with myself in order to focus on what this change can look like for you.
Everyone needs a support system to get through challenging times in their lives and to continue to build up tools that can be used daily. Walk through a session with myself in order to focus on what this change can look like for you.
Angellico Samuels
Registered Social Worker, MSW, BSW, RSW, CYW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Bradford, ON L3Z (Online Only)
As your therapist, my goal is to create an authentic connection where you and I can make a space where healing and change can happen. I have provided therapeutic counselling for over 10 years with racial identity. I am passionate about supporting family and individual, by using a trauma-focused, and culturally sensitive approach. I am experienced in Dialectical Behaviour, and cognitive behaviour while understanding your multicultural needs. I often utilize Narrative and Strength-Based approaches to assist clients to tell their stories and use Emotionally Focus to connect with their feelings. I recognize you are unique
As your therapist, my goal is to create an authentic connection where you and I can make a space where healing and change can happen. I have provided therapeutic counselling for over 10 years with racial identity. I am passionate about supporting family and individual, by using a trauma-focused, and culturally sensitive approach. I am experienced in Dialectical Behaviour, and cognitive behaviour while understanding your multicultural needs. I often utilize Narrative and Strength-Based approaches to assist clients to tell their stories and use Emotionally Focus to connect with their feelings. I recognize you are unique
Our most fundamental need is to be seen, heard and accepted as we are. It is no surprise that the strongest determining factor in successful therapy is the therapeutic alliance. Positive change happens when we become more like ourselves rather than trying to be something others want us to be. Our team of experienced psychotherapists are here to support individuals, couples and families with their journeys towards greater wholeness and authenticity. We work with the mind, emotions and nervous system to break unhealthy thinking patterns, unburden emotional pain and trauma, build healthy self-esteem, and find deeper meaning in life.
Our most fundamental need is to be seen, heard and accepted as we are. It is no surprise that the strongest determining factor in successful therapy is the therapeutic alliance. Positive change happens when we become more like ourselves rather than trying to be something others want us to be. Our team of experienced psychotherapists are here to support individuals, couples and families with their journeys towards greater wholeness and authenticity. We work with the mind, emotions and nervous system to break unhealthy thinking patterns, unburden emotional pain and trauma, build healthy self-esteem, and find deeper meaning in life.
Karen T Kemp Psychology Professional Corporation
Psychologist, MPsych, CPsych
Verified Verified
Bradford, ON L3Z (Online Only)
I have over 15 years of clinical experience in adult and children's mental health. I provide assessments and treatment services for children, youth, adults, couples and families. I work with individuals experiencing difficulties with anxiety, depression, stress, relationship difficulties, trauma, bullying, marital difficulties, bereavement and other life challenges. In addition, I administer psychological assessments to better understand the behavioural, emotional and learning challenges your child or you as an adult may be experiencing.
I have over 15 years of clinical experience in adult and children's mental health. I provide assessments and treatment services for children, youth, adults, couples and families. I work with individuals experiencing difficulties with anxiety, depression, stress, relationship difficulties, trauma, bullying, marital difficulties, bereavement and other life challenges. In addition, I administer psychological assessments to better understand the behavioural, emotional and learning challenges your child or you as an adult may be experiencing.
Anthony Andrisani
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), RP (Q)
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bradford, ON L3Z
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 offer both a holistic and personalized approach meeting different individual needs. I understand and respect different aspects that may contribute to one’s mental health and life challenges.
I offer both a holistic and personalized approach meeting different individual needs. I understand and respect different aspects that may contribute to one’s mental health and life challenges.
Sarah Hull
Registered Social Worker, Psychotherapist, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Bradford, ON L3Z
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.
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Mary Charron Therapy
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Bradford, ON L3Z
With 20 years in the field and a columnist with Metroland News and Newmarket Today, I work with children, adults, couples and families, supporting their mental health. Difficult experiences both past and present can anchor us, keeping us trapped in a space of anxiety, depression, anger and hurt. These emotions can be exhausting and overwhelming. As a therapist, I envision my role as the support to guide you toward making a shift in healing. We do not need to stay in our past, in our traumas and in our pain. We can move forward and thrive; we deserve to do so.
With 20 years in the field and a columnist with Metroland News and Newmarket Today, I work with children, adults, couples and families, supporting their mental health. Difficult experiences both past and present can anchor us, keeping us trapped in a space of anxiety, depression, anger and hurt. These emotions can be exhausting and overwhelming. As a therapist, I envision my role as the support to guide you toward making a shift in healing. We do not need to stay in our past, in our traumas and in our pain. We can move forward and thrive; we deserve to do so.
Trauma, addiction, and mental health struggles are all too familiar for countless people in Canada. These challenges often feel like overwhelming mountains, blocking the light and making it hard to see the path ahead. Yet, there is no reason for anyone to walk this path alone. My approach to holistic care is neither formulaic nor prescriptive. Rather, it is compassionate and patient. I blend evidence-based therapies, such as CBT, ACT, DBT with somatic techniques and energy medicine to nurture and support one meaningful step at a time.
Trauma, addiction, and mental health struggles are all too familiar for countless people in Canada. These challenges often feel like overwhelming mountains, blocking the light and making it hard to see the path ahead. Yet, there is no reason for anyone to walk this path alone. My approach to holistic care is neither formulaic nor prescriptive. Rather, it is compassionate and patient. I blend evidence-based therapies, such as CBT, ACT, DBT with somatic techniques and energy medicine to nurture and support one meaningful step at a time.
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.
Kaitlin Baldwin - Therapy And Clinical Supervision
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, BA
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Bradford, ON L3Z
Let’s get this clear from the start: you aren’t ill, disordered, or flawed. You’re a human living in a world that creates constant stress and demands perfection. SO, while we will work on improving your quality of life, we’re going to focus on UNlearning just as much as learning. I like to explore, challenge, and empower you to lean into the difficult stuff using a gentle yet firm approach. My goal is to help you be able to accept those uncomfortable thoughts and feelings without being overwhelmed by them, and to connect you with a sense of confidence, clarity, and courage to live the way you want to.
Let’s get this clear from the start: you aren’t ill, disordered, or flawed. You’re a human living in a world that creates constant stress and demands perfection. SO, while we will work on improving your quality of life, we’re going to focus on UNlearning just as much as learning. I like to explore, challenge, and empower you to lean into the difficult stuff using a gentle yet firm approach. My goal is to help you be able to accept those uncomfortable thoughts and feelings without being overwhelmed by them, and to connect you with a sense of confidence, clarity, and courage to live the way you want to.
Taylor Ellis
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), RP(Q), MACP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Bradford, ON L3Z
Relationships, Stress/Anxiety/Depression, Self-Esteem, Trauma- You are feeling anxious, stressed, and overwhelmed to the point that it is starting to impact your daily life. Perhaps your relationships or work/school are starting to suffer and you are now feeling stuck, not knowing what else to do. Maybe you've tried things before with no resolve. Your emotions/mood are up & down, struggling between anxiety and depression, and might be starting to wonder if things will ever get better. Don't worry- we can help you get unstuck and back on track through counselling. I believe that you have the strength to get through this
Relationships, Stress/Anxiety/Depression, Self-Esteem, Trauma- You are feeling anxious, stressed, and overwhelmed to the point that it is starting to impact your daily life. Perhaps your relationships or work/school are starting to suffer and you are now feeling stuck, not knowing what else to do. Maybe you've tried things before with no resolve. Your emotions/mood are up & down, struggling between anxiety and depression, and might be starting to wonder if things will ever get better. Don't worry- we can help you get unstuck and back on track through counselling. I believe that you have the strength to get through this
Jennifer Hoskin
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Bradford, ON L3Z (Online Only)
We all need support in re-connecting with our inner strengths, gaining tools and strategies, and overcoming obstacles. We can work together to help you grow on this journey! My name is Jennifer Hoskin MSW RSW with Gaining Ground Counselling Services. I am a Registered Social Worker with over 10 years of counselling experience. I offer individual in-person and telephone counselling sessions to individuals experiencing a wide variety of challenges that life can bring, such as anxiety, stress, grief and loss, and life transitions.
We all need support in re-connecting with our inner strengths, gaining tools and strategies, and overcoming obstacles. We can work together to help you grow on this journey! My name is Jennifer Hoskin MSW RSW with Gaining Ground Counselling Services. I am a Registered Social Worker with over 10 years of counselling experience. I offer individual in-person and telephone counselling sessions to individuals experiencing a wide variety of challenges that life can bring, such as anxiety, stress, grief and loss, and life transitions.
Restorative Trauma Practice
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW, EMDR, SP
Verified Verified
Bradford, ON L3Z
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.
Cheyenne Andrew
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), RP(Q), MACP, MEd
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bradford, ON L3Z
ADHD, Stress/Anxiety, Self-Esteem, LGBTQIA+. You have a hard time "turning off" your racing mind and are feeling stressed. It might be hard for you to focus and you find yourself struggling to get things done. Perhaps you are struggling with procrastination, low motivation, or feeling in a "funk" because life is just too much sometimes. When you are stressed and overwhelmed, it can be hard to feel good about yourself and make the changes you'd like to see. If you are ready to work on yourself and start feeling better, you have come to the right place! You deserve to start feeling like YOU again.
ADHD, Stress/Anxiety, Self-Esteem, LGBTQIA+. You have a hard time "turning off" your racing mind and are feeling stressed. It might be hard for you to focus and you find yourself struggling to get things done. Perhaps you are struggling with procrastination, low motivation, or feeling in a "funk" because life is just too much sometimes. When you are stressed and overwhelmed, it can be hard to feel good about yourself and make the changes you'd like to see. If you are ready to work on yourself and start feeling better, you have come to the right place! You deserve to start feeling like YOU again.
Karen Szabo
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), BA, MACP, RP(Q)
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bradford, ON L3Z
NO WAIT-LIST & In-Person appts! Anxiety/Stress/Burnout, Prenatal/Postpartum, Couples/Relationships & Trauma Specialist- 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 & Trauma Specialist- 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!
Jennifer Mather
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW, PMH-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bradford, ON L3Z
Life is not bringing the joy you anticipated: You imagined life with a baby to be joyful and more fulfilling. You are disconnected, on edge, teary or angry without knowing why. Relationships are triggering your past or you feel you must not be like your parents, but how? Maybe you are having flashbacks, intrusive thoughts, nightmares or your relationship patterns stop you from feeling safe, present or able to calm your anxious body. You just can't cope anymore, or want someone to support you in a way that does not feel like extra work. You need space to process this new life and the life that came before.
Life is not bringing the joy you anticipated: You imagined life with a baby to be joyful and more fulfilling. You are disconnected, on edge, teary or angry without knowing why. Relationships are triggering your past or you feel you must not be like your parents, but how? Maybe you are having flashbacks, intrusive thoughts, nightmares or your relationship patterns stop you from feeling safe, present or able to calm your anxious body. You just can't cope anymore, or want someone to support you in a way that does not feel like extra work. You need space to process this new life and the life that came before.
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.
If you are struggling with addiction, anxiety, depression, stress, OCD (and other mental health concerns), and/or would like to work toward improving your life in some way, I can work with you and do my best to help support your individualized goals.
If you are struggling with addiction, anxiety, depression, stress, OCD (and other mental health concerns), and/or would like to work toward improving your life in some way, I can work with you and do my best to help support your individualized goals.
Tom Petridis
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), BA, MEd, MACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bradford, ON L3Z
Offering In-Person therapy in Newmarket and Barrie, and Virtual/Phone sessions in Ontario! Trained in many areas of psychotherapy, for a variety of reasons, including anxiety, depression, stress, couple’s issues, self-esteem, addictions, and more, 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.
Offering In-Person therapy in Newmarket and Barrie, and Virtual/Phone sessions in Ontario! Trained in many areas of psychotherapy, for a variety of reasons, including anxiety, depression, stress, couple’s issues, self-esteem, addictions, and more, 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.
More Therapists Nearby
Stacey Neumin
Psychological Associate, DipCS, CPsychA
Verified Verified
Richmond Hill, ON L4C (Online Only)
If you are dealing with a crisis, are feeling confused and overwhelmed, or have suffered a loss, or a relationship struggle, then please contact me. I have been counselling 20+ years with adults, and I welcome the privilege of working with you, supporting you to reclaim your inner strength. I believe I combine integrity, compassion and clinical skill to offer you effective, thought provoking therapy. And I will provide you with feedback and tools to make a difference in your current circumstances. I welcome hearing from you.
If you are dealing with a crisis, are feeling confused and overwhelmed, or have suffered a loss, or a relationship struggle, then please contact me. I have been counselling 20+ years with adults, and I welcome the privilege of working with you, supporting you to reclaim your inner strength. I believe I combine integrity, compassion and clinical skill to offer you effective, thought provoking therapy. And I will provide you with feedback and tools to make a difference in your current circumstances. I welcome hearing from you.
See more therapy options for Bradford
Nearby Bipolar Disorder Counsellors Searches for Bradford
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.