Bipolar Disorder Therapists in St Thomas, ON

Photo of Cindy Steffy, MSW, RSW, RP, Registered Social Worker
Cindy Steffy
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW, RP
Verified Verified
St Thomas, ON N5P
She developed and facilitated Cognitive Behavioural Therapy treatments for Depression, Bipolar, Social Anxiety, Panic Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorders and Obsessive Compulsive Disorders and developed and facilitated Dialectical Behavioural Therapy programs used to treat Borderline Personality Disorders.
Life is filled with many challenges. We all use coping mechanisms that appear to make sense for these challenges. Sometimes these coping mechanisms stop working or cause us other difficulties when they are used for longer periods of time. I provide a safe and comfortable environment in which we can work together to develop skills and strategies that lead to change that can be maintained over the long-term. I am trained to offer Jon Kabat-Zinn's Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction and Mindfulness Based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and have facilitated many treatment groups using these techniques. Mindfulness groups currently on hold.
She developed and facilitated Cognitive Behavioural Therapy treatments for Depression, Bipolar, Social Anxiety, Panic Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorders and Obsessive Compulsive Disorders and developed and facilitated Dialectical Behavioural Therapy programs used to treat Borderline Personality Disorders.
Life is filled with many challenges. We all use coping mechanisms that appear to make sense for these challenges. Sometimes these coping mechanisms stop working or cause us other difficulties when they are used for longer periods of time. I provide a safe and comfortable environment in which we can work together to develop skills and strategies that lead to change that can be maintained over the long-term. I am trained to offer Jon Kabat-Zinn's Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction and Mindfulness Based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and have facilitated many treatment groups using these techniques. Mindfulness groups currently on hold.
(226) 782-0743 View (226) 782-0743
Photo of Brianne Bennett, CYW, BApsych, BSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker
Brianne Bennett
Registered Social Worker, CYW, BApsych, BSW, RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
St Thomas, ON N5R
I have been working in the Social Work field since 2010. For the first 2 years, I assisted those who struggled primarily with their mental health. From 2012 up until early 2019, I specialized in addictions of both youth and adults. Lastly, since 2016, I have provided private counseling supporting a variety of ages and presenting concerns. Issues range from anxiety, as the most prominent, to grief, couples, bullying and more. Social Workers are trained with various techniques in order to relieve their clients of whichever burden they may be carrying. It is my passion to listen and help develop a plan to move forward in your life.
I have been working in the Social Work field since 2010. For the first 2 years, I assisted those who struggled primarily with their mental health. From 2012 up until early 2019, I specialized in addictions of both youth and adults. Lastly, since 2016, I have provided private counseling supporting a variety of ages and presenting concerns. Issues range from anxiety, as the most prominent, to grief, couples, bullying and more. Social Workers are trained with various techniques in order to relieve their clients of whichever burden they may be carrying. It is my passion to listen and help develop a plan to move forward in your life.
(519) 900-7069 View (519) 900-7069
Photo of Katherine Dimoff, MDiv, RP, Registered Psychotherapist
Katherine Dimoff
Registered Psychotherapist, MDiv, RP
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
St Thomas, ON N5R
You’ve lost your way. You’re not the parent or partner you want to be. Reactions come quickly and regrets soon follow. Solutions aren’t coming as easily as they used to, and you alternate between anxiousness and despair. Some days you feel okay and others, like today, you admit that maybe you need a different approach. It feels as if you’ve lost hope and faith in your ability to cope with the many stresses that have come your way. A challenging teen. A relationship conflict. A loss. And so, you find yourself here, contemplating this next step. You’ve come to the right place. Welcome to Insight Counselling Elgin.
You’ve lost your way. You’re not the parent or partner you want to be. Reactions come quickly and regrets soon follow. Solutions aren’t coming as easily as they used to, and you alternate between anxiousness and despair. Some days you feel okay and others, like today, you admit that maybe you need a different approach. It feels as if you’ve lost hope and faith in your ability to cope with the many stresses that have come your way. A challenging teen. A relationship conflict. A loss. And so, you find yourself here, contemplating this next step. You’ve come to the right place. Welcome to Insight Counselling Elgin.
(519) 914-1142 View (519) 914-1142
Photo of Tiana Cortina, BASc, OCGC, MACP, Registered Psychotherapist
Tiana Cortina
Registered Psychotherapist, BASc, OCGC, MACP
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
St Thomas, ON N5P
Feeling overwhelmed by emotions, thoughts, and circumstances? If you’re having more “bad” days than good and struggling to cope, you don’t have to face this alone. For children, it might feel like school or social pressures are too much, while adults may be dealing with work stress, relationship or family issues, or life changes. Whether you're a child or an adult, I offer a warm, supportive space to explore these challenges. Together, we can find effective ways to manage stress, rebuild resilience, and navigate your path to a brighter, more balanced life.
Feeling overwhelmed by emotions, thoughts, and circumstances? If you’re having more “bad” days than good and struggling to cope, you don’t have to face this alone. For children, it might feel like school or social pressures are too much, while adults may be dealing with work stress, relationship or family issues, or life changes. Whether you're a child or an adult, I offer a warm, supportive space to explore these challenges. Together, we can find effective ways to manage stress, rebuild resilience, and navigate your path to a brighter, more balanced life.
(226) 457-6898 View (226) 457-6898
Photo of Mark Shelvock, RP, CT, MACP, MA, Registered Psychotherapist
Mark Shelvock
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, CT, MACP, MA
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
St Thomas, ON N5R  (Online Only)
Establishing a relationship with the hidden or unconscious aspects of your mind (psyche) and body (soma) can help you learn how to live with your deepest emotional wounds, while also offering you the opportunity to discover vitality, freedom, and joy. I can support you in learning how to lean into your pain and grow your edges so that you can express yourself more authentically. I use safe psychological practices to connect people to their own innate wisdom; coherence between your mind, heart, and body is possible.
Establishing a relationship with the hidden or unconscious aspects of your mind (psyche) and body (soma) can help you learn how to live with your deepest emotional wounds, while also offering you the opportunity to discover vitality, freedom, and joy. I can support you in learning how to lean into your pain and grow your edges so that you can express yourself more authentically. I use safe psychological practices to connect people to their own innate wisdom; coherence between your mind, heart, and body is possible.
(226) 909-2579 View (226) 909-2579
Photo of Kate Robinson, MSW, RSW, SEP, Registered Social Worker
Kate Robinson
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW, SEP
Verified Verified
St Thomas, ON N5P
Waitlist for new clients
I am a Registered Social Worker who has been providing counselling and psychotherapy services for over 12 years. I use an integrative approach to practice, using a variety of methods to fit the unique needs of each person I work with. I am trained in CBT, EMDR, NARM and Somatic Experiencing. I have experience in working with a broad spectrum of issues, with extensive experience in working with trauma, co-occurring mental health and physical health symptoms, anxiety, depression and grief. My goal is to assist people in feeling more like they want to feel so that they can live balanced and well lives.
I am a Registered Social Worker who has been providing counselling and psychotherapy services for over 12 years. I use an integrative approach to practice, using a variety of methods to fit the unique needs of each person I work with. I am trained in CBT, EMDR, NARM and Somatic Experiencing. I have experience in working with a broad spectrum of issues, with extensive experience in working with trauma, co-occurring mental health and physical health symptoms, anxiety, depression and grief. My goal is to assist people in feeling more like they want to feel so that they can live balanced and well lives.
(226) 773-9287 View (226) 773-9287
Photo of Cynthia Herr, BA, MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker
Cynthia Herr
Registered Social Worker, BA, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
St Thomas, ON N5P
Accepting new clients! Are you living with chronic pain, or other chronic illnesses? Are depression, anxiety, trauma, or other mental health issues unwelcome guests in your life? Do you feel overwhelmed just trying to get through the day? Are you frustrated because, despite treatment and your best efforts, you continue to struggle? Perhaps you are a family member helping to support your loved one. Health issues can be overwhelming, unpredictable, and can take a toll on relationships. To complicate matters, finding appropriate health care is challenging, and accessing treatment can be difficult and frustrating. We can help.
Accepting new clients! Are you living with chronic pain, or other chronic illnesses? Are depression, anxiety, trauma, or other mental health issues unwelcome guests in your life? Do you feel overwhelmed just trying to get through the day? Are you frustrated because, despite treatment and your best efforts, you continue to struggle? Perhaps you are a family member helping to support your loved one. Health issues can be overwhelming, unpredictable, and can take a toll on relationships. To complicate matters, finding appropriate health care is challenging, and accessing treatment can be difficult and frustrating. We can help.
(226) 271-1387 View (226) 271-1387
Photo of Amanda Hindley - Amanda Hindley, RN Psychotherapist, RN, BScN, Psychiatric Nurse
Amanda Hindley, RN Psychotherapist
Psychiatric Nurse, RN, BScN
Verified Verified
St Thomas, ON N5R
Everyone has worse days, and it is okay not to know what to do or how to make a change in your life. I am here to help you find the light when you feel stuck in darkness. Like a light post, I will help guide you with compassion, non-judgment, and care to a place where your pain is transformed into peace. I have been working with people in the most difficult times of their lives for 15 years. Whether you are struggling with depression, anxiety, your relationship, your sex life/ intimacy, peers/parents, your health, your body, trauma, substance or behavioral addictions, I am here to help you create change in the direction you want.
Everyone has worse days, and it is okay not to know what to do or how to make a change in your life. I am here to help you find the light when you feel stuck in darkness. Like a light post, I will help guide you with compassion, non-judgment, and care to a place where your pain is transformed into peace. I have been working with people in the most difficult times of their lives for 15 years. Whether you are struggling with depression, anxiety, your relationship, your sex life/ intimacy, peers/parents, your health, your body, trauma, substance or behavioral addictions, I am here to help you create change in the direction you want.
(226) 770-4102 View (226) 770-4102
Photo of Irnes Zeljkovic, MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker
Irnes Zeljkovic
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
St Thomas, ON N5R
I serve a diverse set of communities, including teens, adults, seniors, couples and families. I am passionate about supporting clients who have experienced traumatic events, struggles with mental illness, addictions and chronic pain. I also support folks who are struggling with conflict, communication, emotion regulation, workload and burnout within their work or school setting.
I serve a diverse set of communities, including teens, adults, seniors, couples and families. I am passionate about supporting clients who have experienced traumatic events, struggles with mental illness, addictions and chronic pain. I also support folks who are struggling with conflict, communication, emotion regulation, workload and burnout within their work or school setting.
(548) 483-5605 View (548) 483-5605
Photo of Vicki Wiebe, MA, RP, Registered Psychotherapist
Vicki Wiebe
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
St Thomas, ON N5R
In this stage of my career, I am being called to coach and support others in the mental health field to thrive in their work through providing clinical supervision services to professionals. As an RP, I want to utilize my experience and create an authentic relationship and learning environment so that new clinicians can develop their competence and skillset. As an experienced clinical leader, and Gallup Certified Manager, I can also offer a unique strengths based assessment using Clifton Strengths. I will work with you to understand how your unique talents can achieve a balance and satisfaction in the important work that we do.
In this stage of my career, I am being called to coach and support others in the mental health field to thrive in their work through providing clinical supervision services to professionals. As an RP, I want to utilize my experience and create an authentic relationship and learning environment so that new clinicians can develop their competence and skillset. As an experienced clinical leader, and Gallup Certified Manager, I can also offer a unique strengths based assessment using Clifton Strengths. I will work with you to understand how your unique talents can achieve a balance and satisfaction in the important work that we do.
(226) 756-1464 View (226) 756-1464
Photo of Tressa M. Kaszowski - TMK Counselling & Psychotherapy Services, BSW(H), MSW, RSW, CHyp, Registered Social Worker
TMK Counselling & Psychotherapy Services
Registered Social Worker, BSW(H), MSW, RSW, CHyp
Verified Verified
St Thomas, ON N5R
Anxiety? Depression? Overwhelmed? Trauma? I empower individuals & couples to overcome personal issues & stressful life events by providing hope, support & therapeutic guidance using clinically proven interventions. I'm a Psychotherapist/Registered Social Worker with 20 yrs. experience who provides mental health counselling & psychotherapy. Unhealthy relationships, poor coping skills & negative life experiences can contribute to both emotional & physical distress. Hence, I offer various therapies tailored specifically to the client. Telephone, online counselling & Life Coaching as well as in-person is available. TMKCounselling.com
Anxiety? Depression? Overwhelmed? Trauma? I empower individuals & couples to overcome personal issues & stressful life events by providing hope, support & therapeutic guidance using clinically proven interventions. I'm a Psychotherapist/Registered Social Worker with 20 yrs. experience who provides mental health counselling & psychotherapy. Unhealthy relationships, poor coping skills & negative life experiences can contribute to both emotional & physical distress. Hence, I offer various therapies tailored specifically to the client. Telephone, online counselling & Life Coaching as well as in-person is available. TMKCounselling.com
(226) 406-5131 View (226) 406-5131
Photo of Scholastica Asahchop - S A Counselling Services, BSW, MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker
Scholastica Asahchop - S A Counselling Services
Registered Social Worker, BSW, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
St Thomas, ON N5P
Feeling overwhelmed, emotionally drained and not sure of what to do? You are not alone because most people experience psychological issues from time to time in life and need help in resolving these challenges. Seeking professional help is pertinent in attaining and maintaining optimal mental health. I utilize both long-term and brief interventions approach to meet clients’ unique needs. I perform comprehensive psychosocial assessments and develop individualized treatment plans tailored to clients' needs. I work from a strength based, trauma informed framework, evidence-based practices and committed to an anti-oppressive approach.
Feeling overwhelmed, emotionally drained and not sure of what to do? You are not alone because most people experience psychological issues from time to time in life and need help in resolving these challenges. Seeking professional help is pertinent in attaining and maintaining optimal mental health. I utilize both long-term and brief interventions approach to meet clients’ unique needs. I perform comprehensive psychosocial assessments and develop individualized treatment plans tailored to clients' needs. I work from a strength based, trauma informed framework, evidence-based practices and committed to an anti-oppressive approach.
(877) 959-3274 View (877) 959-3274
Photo of Jordan Thomas - Jordan- London Trauma Therapy, BSW, MPA, MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker
Jordan- London Trauma Therapy
Registered Social Worker, BSW, MPA, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
St Thomas, ON N5P
You’re tired of feeling like life is something you’re just getting through—each day a battle with anxiety, overwhelm, and the weight of past trauma. You want real change. You want to wake up feeling lighter, with more peace and less stress. You want relationships that lift you up, not ones that drain and wear you down. Most of all, you want to feel whole again, like the version of yourself that you know is in there but has been buried under all the pain. As a seasoned trauma therapist, I deeply understand the depth of your pain and your desire to heal.
You’re tired of feeling like life is something you’re just getting through—each day a battle with anxiety, overwhelm, and the weight of past trauma. You want real change. You want to wake up feeling lighter, with more peace and less stress. You want relationships that lift you up, not ones that drain and wear you down. Most of all, you want to feel whole again, like the version of yourself that you know is in there but has been buried under all the pain. As a seasoned trauma therapist, I deeply understand the depth of your pain and your desire to heal.
(226) 641-6635 View (226) 641-6635
Photo of Teresa Benincasa, BA BSW, MSW RSW, Registered Social Worker
Teresa Benincasa
Registered Social Worker, BA BSW, MSW RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
St Thomas, ON N5R
Hello, and welcome. I'm happy you're here. We move through the world as a sum of our experiences. Some of these experiences have made us feel unsafe, unsettled, or even unappreciated. It’s difficult to live and move when you don’t feel right in your own skin. Do you have goals, plans, or needs that aren't addressed? Let's look at them together. I'm straightforward and compassionate in my approach. I'm convinced what matters is authenticity and being real together while holding space for tender work. American Psychologist Stephen Porges has said “feeling safe is the treatment and creating safety is the work”.
Hello, and welcome. I'm happy you're here. We move through the world as a sum of our experiences. Some of these experiences have made us feel unsafe, unsettled, or even unappreciated. It’s difficult to live and move when you don’t feel right in your own skin. Do you have goals, plans, or needs that aren't addressed? Let's look at them together. I'm straightforward and compassionate in my approach. I'm convinced what matters is authenticity and being real together while holding space for tender work. American Psychologist Stephen Porges has said “feeling safe is the treatment and creating safety is the work”.
(226) 773-3729 View (226) 773-3729
Photo of Trish Jacques-Laur - Trauma | Attachment | Somatic Therapy ~ Trish, MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker
Trauma | Attachment | Somatic Therapy ~ Trish
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
St Thomas, ON N5R
Let’s figure out what is holding you back and how to move forward in celebrating who you are. We all have parts of ourselves that we wish were easier to manage or past experiences that have shaped how we function day to day. I am a trauma therapist that works with children, youth and adults. My work focuses on developing an understanding of these parts of ourselves and our past experiences so you can begin to cope and heal to be the best version of yourself. If you experience shame, anxiety, sadness, body image, low self esteem or have past experiences of trauma, abuse, attachment and relationship ruptures, I am here to support you
Let’s figure out what is holding you back and how to move forward in celebrating who you are. We all have parts of ourselves that we wish were easier to manage or past experiences that have shaped how we function day to day. I am a trauma therapist that works with children, youth and adults. My work focuses on developing an understanding of these parts of ourselves and our past experiences so you can begin to cope and heal to be the best version of yourself. If you experience shame, anxiety, sadness, body image, low self esteem or have past experiences of trauma, abuse, attachment and relationship ruptures, I am here to support you
(548) 800-1244 View (548) 800-1244
Photo of Lauren Giugno, MA , RP, CCC, Registered Psychotherapist
Lauren Giugno
Registered Psychotherapist, MA , RP, CCC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
St Thomas, ON N5P
As human beings we may feel lost/stuck due to painful or challenging life experiences. This can impact our ability to live our lives fully. I am passionate about working with individuals who have concerns around stress, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, trauma, relationships, grief, and life transitions/work-life balance. Support may look different for each person, while some may want to focus on building coping strategies, others may seek a deeper healing process. One of our first steps will be building awareness of your needs, the change you want in your life and identifying your goals to make this change possible.
As human beings we may feel lost/stuck due to painful or challenging life experiences. This can impact our ability to live our lives fully. I am passionate about working with individuals who have concerns around stress, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, trauma, relationships, grief, and life transitions/work-life balance. Support may look different for each person, while some may want to focus on building coping strategies, others may seek a deeper healing process. One of our first steps will be building awareness of your needs, the change you want in your life and identifying your goals to make this change possible.
(226) 796-6299 View (226) 796-6299
Photo of Mitchell Brant, MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker
Mitchell Brant
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
St Thomas, ON N5P
Facing loss, sorrow and grief can be so isolating. It can be hard to know where to turn, and often times a mainstream approach won't help. If you've faced trauma, loss, depression, grief, or struggle with your self-esteem or identity, I understand. I am sure that you want to feel deeper connections to yourself and others. You want to feel free and hopeful. You want to make meaning of loss and allow it to move you forward in a healthy way. You want to let go of traumatic responses that keep you stuck. Perhaps you're looking for healing methods that incorporate more than just talk therapy. I see you, and know that I can help you heal.
Facing loss, sorrow and grief can be so isolating. It can be hard to know where to turn, and often times a mainstream approach won't help. If you've faced trauma, loss, depression, grief, or struggle with your self-esteem or identity, I understand. I am sure that you want to feel deeper connections to yourself and others. You want to feel free and hopeful. You want to make meaning of loss and allow it to move you forward in a healthy way. You want to let go of traumatic responses that keep you stuck. Perhaps you're looking for healing methods that incorporate more than just talk therapy. I see you, and know that I can help you heal.
(226) 270-0506 View (226) 270-0506
Photo of John E. Montgomery, RP, RMFT-S, MFT, Registered Psychotherapist
John E. Montgomery
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, RMFT-S, MFT
Verified Verified
St Thomas, ON N5P  (Online Only)
Counselling supports clients understanding themselves and their relationships. It's an important step. An unbiased and open listener helps to create a better understanding of oneself and the dilemma one faces. Couples counselling supports an understanding concerning values, beliefs and emotions moving toward mutual support of necessary attachment needs and hopes.
Counselling supports clients understanding themselves and their relationships. It's an important step. An unbiased and open listener helps to create a better understanding of oneself and the dilemma one faces. Couples counselling supports an understanding concerning values, beliefs and emotions moving toward mutual support of necessary attachment needs and hopes.
(226) 455-8343 View (226) 455-8343
Photo of Jordan Thomas - London Centre for Trauma Therapy, BSW, MSW, RSW, RP-Q, RP, Registered Social Worker
London Centre for Trauma Therapy
Registered Social Worker, BSW, MSW, RSW, RP-Q, RP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
St Thomas, ON N5R
The LCTT is an award-winning psychotherapy clinic. We understand your pain- depression, anxiety, stress, overwhelm. We know you're tired of living the same old story, that you want to move on from the past but don't know how. When your parenting, relationships and happiness are all suffering, you need change and you need help. It is so frustrating when you wonder, "what is wrong with me?!" or- you know what's wrong, but have no idea how to change. Maybe the ways you have tried before have failed you, or only lasted a little while. Take a breath- you're in the right spot and we are going to help you transform.
The LCTT is an award-winning psychotherapy clinic. We understand your pain- depression, anxiety, stress, overwhelm. We know you're tired of living the same old story, that you want to move on from the past but don't know how. When your parenting, relationships and happiness are all suffering, you need change and you need help. It is so frustrating when you wonder, "what is wrong with me?!" or- you know what's wrong, but have no idea how to change. Maybe the ways you have tried before have failed you, or only lasted a little while. Take a breath- you're in the right spot and we are going to help you transform.
(226) 400-3856 View (226) 400-3856
Photo of Ann E Eaves, RP, BA, Registered Psychotherapist
Ann E Eaves
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, BA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
St Thomas, ON N5P
Everything that we do is a habit that developed based on our experiences in the past. From the moment we are born, we learn how to be in this world and how to be a person. When we are struggling or suffering, and some things are hard and challenging in our lives, whether it is anxiety, depression, trauma or addiction, or things we wish we could change, it’s because we've learned a way of being that is now a habit that can be hard to change. But we are whole, exactly as we are! The changes we make are in how we relate to the experiences and events in our lives and, most importantly, to ourselves.
Everything that we do is a habit that developed based on our experiences in the past. From the moment we are born, we learn how to be in this world and how to be a person. When we are struggling or suffering, and some things are hard and challenging in our lives, whether it is anxiety, depression, trauma or addiction, or things we wish we could change, it’s because we've learned a way of being that is now a habit that can be hard to change. But we are whole, exactly as we are! The changes we make are in how we relate to the experiences and events in our lives and, most importantly, to ourselves.
(226) 798-0909 View (226) 798-0909
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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.