Bipolar Disorder Therapists in Stratford, ON
I provide welcoming, collaborative therapy that helps overwhelmed people find a path towards peace and wellbeing. I can help you to untangle complicated thoughts, and to create strategies to discover or recover your thriving self. My work is grounded in the theories of narrative therapy, DBT, CBT, Photo Therapy, positive psychology, and Gottman-informed couples' therapy. I have a particular affinity for people struggling with poor mental health, folks navigating mid-life challenges, women's issues throughout the lifespan, and family members supporting loved ones with mental health concerns.
I provide welcoming, collaborative therapy that helps overwhelmed people find a path towards peace and wellbeing. I can help you to untangle complicated thoughts, and to create strategies to discover or recover your thriving self. My work is grounded in the theories of narrative therapy, DBT, CBT, Photo Therapy, positive psychology, and Gottman-informed couples' therapy. I have a particular affinity for people struggling with poor mental health, folks navigating mid-life challenges, women's issues throughout the lifespan, and family members supporting loved ones with mental health concerns.
Do you feel stuck, do you feel overwhelmed are you looking for a new direction away from where you currently are? I've been there, stuck and lost and I use my background, as well as my education to assist people every day to find a new direction for their life. I have been forced to recreate myself and I can help you to create a new pathway that meets your goals. During my time as a therapist I have devised a unique supplement to counselling which is called Echo Cognitive Supplemental Therapy or ECST. These audio recordings are personalized and reaffirms the goals we discuss during your counselling sessions.
Do you feel stuck, do you feel overwhelmed are you looking for a new direction away from where you currently are? I've been there, stuck and lost and I use my background, as well as my education to assist people every day to find a new direction for their life. I have been forced to recreate myself and I can help you to create a new pathway that meets your goals. During my time as a therapist I have devised a unique supplement to counselling which is called Echo Cognitive Supplemental Therapy or ECST. These audio recordings are personalized and reaffirms the goals we discuss during your counselling sessions.
Hello! My name is Jen (they/she). I am a Registered Psychotherapist and have been in private practice since 2016. I help people learn about themselves, gain perspective, and build skills that work for them. I strive to make clients feel safe and supported. My office is a place where clients can process information, try coping strategies, and express themselves either in person or virtually. My practice is informed in trauma, consensual non-monogamy, disability justice, and religious trauma. As well as queer, gender, and neurodivergent affirming.
Hello! My name is Jen (they/she). I am a Registered Psychotherapist and have been in private practice since 2016. I help people learn about themselves, gain perspective, and build skills that work for them. I strive to make clients feel safe and supported. My office is a place where clients can process information, try coping strategies, and express themselves either in person or virtually. My practice is informed in trauma, consensual non-monogamy, disability justice, and religious trauma. As well as queer, gender, and neurodivergent affirming.
Empathic, compassionate, non-judgemental counselling tailored to meet your individual needs. Whether you are looking for solutions to help you navigate day to day challenges, or you want to dig deeper to uncover deep-seated issues that are holding you back, I will work with you where you are at. Together, we will create a safe space to explore how you can find peace, healing, and personal growth in times of difficulty and uncertainty. I am a firm believer in the power of the human spirit and it's ability to overcome challenges and struggles as we journey towards living our lives authentically, with courage and strength.
Empathic, compassionate, non-judgemental counselling tailored to meet your individual needs. Whether you are looking for solutions to help you navigate day to day challenges, or you want to dig deeper to uncover deep-seated issues that are holding you back, I will work with you where you are at. Together, we will create a safe space to explore how you can find peace, healing, and personal growth in times of difficulty and uncertainty. I am a firm believer in the power of the human spirit and it's ability to overcome challenges and struggles as we journey towards living our lives authentically, with courage and strength.
Are you overwhelmed? Maybe it's anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, relationship problems, or trauma. My goal is to help you get out of survival mode and start having a life worth living. While pain is not something we can avoid (although we try really, really hard to!), suffering is something we can do without. I focus on exploring your goals and values to identify the type of change needed for you to live a meaningful life. Whether or not you know the path forward yet, I'm here to help you get to where you're meant to be.
Are you overwhelmed? Maybe it's anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, relationship problems, or trauma. My goal is to help you get out of survival mode and start having a life worth living. While pain is not something we can avoid (although we try really, really hard to!), suffering is something we can do without. I focus on exploring your goals and values to identify the type of change needed for you to live a meaningful life. Whether or not you know the path forward yet, I'm here to help you get to where you're meant to be.
I extend a warm invitation to you, to a nurturing space where healing unfolds naturally. If you're seeking support for your child, your family, or yourself in times of difficulty, know that you've found a haven where safety, understanding, and gentle guidance live. Let's embark on this journey together, creating a home for emotional well-being to move you through this challenge.
I extend a warm invitation to you, to a nurturing space where healing unfolds naturally. If you're seeking support for your child, your family, or yourself in times of difficulty, know that you've found a haven where safety, understanding, and gentle guidance live. Let's embark on this journey together, creating a home for emotional well-being to move you through this challenge.
Life is difficult. Complex circumstances hit us all, often resulting in a diminished ability for us to live life to its fullest. Unresolved emotional pain and trauma can give rise to depression, anger, anxiety, low self-esteem, and abuse of self and others. By Peaceful Waters therapists combine our professional training and our Christian faith to bring healing and restoration to spiritual, emotional, cognitive, behavioral, and relational hurts. We offer a safe, non-judgmental and empathetic environment, nourishing hope and healing, in which the whole person is valued, affirmed and empowered, not just to survive but to thrive.
Life is difficult. Complex circumstances hit us all, often resulting in a diminished ability for us to live life to its fullest. Unresolved emotional pain and trauma can give rise to depression, anger, anxiety, low self-esteem, and abuse of self and others. By Peaceful Waters therapists combine our professional training and our Christian faith to bring healing and restoration to spiritual, emotional, cognitive, behavioral, and relational hurts. We offer a safe, non-judgmental and empathetic environment, nourishing hope and healing, in which the whole person is valued, affirmed and empowered, not just to survive but to thrive.
Adrienne Nicholson
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), RP, MA, Mth
Verified Verified
Stratford, ON N5A (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
The journey to motherhood is rarely straightforward. Whether you are dealing with fertility complications, pre-natal anxiety or postpartum depression, I promise to provide you a gentle, safe and judgement-free healing space. I bring over 10 years of mental health experience, working with a variety of people from all walks of life. I have been a certified trauma therapist since 2012 when I provided support to first responders and their families. I have worked with newcomer populations, motor vehicle accident survivors, and those struggling with cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer’s or Dementia.
The journey to motherhood is rarely straightforward. Whether you are dealing with fertility complications, pre-natal anxiety or postpartum depression, I promise to provide you a gentle, safe and judgement-free healing space. I bring over 10 years of mental health experience, working with a variety of people from all walks of life. I have been a certified trauma therapist since 2012 when I provided support to first responders and their families. I have worked with newcomer populations, motor vehicle accident survivors, and those struggling with cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer’s or Dementia.
More Therapists Nearby
I believe that the relationship between a counsellor and a client is deeply personal and collaborative so finding the ‘right-fit’ is pivotal to successful therapy; a strong therapeutic relationship is essential in creating an environment that fosters change and personal growth. I practice with a variety of clinical skills to support extensive variety of client issues; however, I am passionate in supporting my clients in areas of stress, grief, anxiety and depression. I use techniques from various therapeutic modalities, including cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), dialectical behaviour therapy, and solution-focused therapy.
I believe that the relationship between a counsellor and a client is deeply personal and collaborative so finding the ‘right-fit’ is pivotal to successful therapy; a strong therapeutic relationship is essential in creating an environment that fosters change and personal growth. I practice with a variety of clinical skills to support extensive variety of client issues; however, I am passionate in supporting my clients in areas of stress, grief, anxiety and depression. I use techniques from various therapeutic modalities, including cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), dialectical behaviour therapy, and solution-focused therapy.
Online Therapists
As a clinical social worker and psychotherapist, I am dedicated to providing compassionate and personalized care to individuals facing a wide range of mental health challenges. My top specialties include depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. However, my practice extends to addressing various issues such as ADHD, antisocial personality disorder, autism, borderline personality disorder (BPD), chronic illness, chronic pain, developmental disorders, domestic violence, drug abuse, dual diagnosis, eating disorders, family conflict, grief, infidelity, narcissistic personality disorder (NPD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
As a clinical social worker and psychotherapist, I am dedicated to providing compassionate and personalized care to individuals facing a wide range of mental health challenges. My top specialties include depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. However, my practice extends to addressing various issues such as ADHD, antisocial personality disorder, autism, borderline personality disorder (BPD), chronic illness, chronic pain, developmental disorders, domestic violence, drug abuse, dual diagnosis, eating disorders, family conflict, grief, infidelity, narcissistic personality disorder (NPD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Dundas Counselling & Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Registered Social Worker, PhD, MSW, RSW, RP
Verified Verified
Dundas, ON L9H
Are you struggling with your mood, anxiety or other personal or life problems? We provide treatment for depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, PTSD, grief, relationship conflicts and other interpersonal problems.
Dundas Counselling & CBT provides counselling and psychotherapy services that are tailored to your unique needs and have been shown to be effective in clinical research. By taking a collaborative approach, we can help you identify the sources of your stress or your problems, and move towards strengthening coping skills and finding successful solutions.
Are you struggling with your mood, anxiety or other personal or life problems? We provide treatment for depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, PTSD, grief, relationship conflicts and other interpersonal problems.
Dundas Counselling & CBT provides counselling and psychotherapy services that are tailored to your unique needs and have been shown to be effective in clinical research. By taking a collaborative approach, we can help you identify the sources of your stress or your problems, and move towards strengthening coping skills and finding successful solutions.
Ashley Murphy Kilgar
Registered Social Worker, Psychotherapist, BA hons, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Guelph, ON N1H
I have expertise working with mental health (anxiety, depression, psychosis, bipolar, & personality disorders).
I am a caring and skilled therapist. I work with individuals, couples and families who are having difficulty coping with life stressors, addiction and mental health concerns. I support people to work through relationship, work, family and other life challenges. Using a non-judgmental approach I support you to move forward and make difficult but positive changes in your life. Each person I support is unique and will receive individualized treatment based on needs. I value in depth assessments to ensure that your situation and needs are understood. We will work together in a way that ensures your comfort and satisfaction with therapy.
I have expertise working with mental health (anxiety, depression, psychosis, bipolar, & personality disorders).
I am a caring and skilled therapist. I work with individuals, couples and families who are having difficulty coping with life stressors, addiction and mental health concerns. I support people to work through relationship, work, family and other life challenges. Using a non-judgmental approach I support you to move forward and make difficult but positive changes in your life. Each person I support is unique and will receive individualized treatment based on needs. I value in depth assessments to ensure that your situation and needs are understood. We will work together in a way that ensures your comfort and satisfaction with therapy.
My clinical expertise extends to a variety of areas including trauma, sexual abuse recovery, bipolar disorder, ADHD, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, sleep, nutrition, and interpersonal relationship issues.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by life's challenges? Do you struggle with anxiety, depression, or relationship issues? Therapy can provide the support, guidance, and tools you need to navigate these difficulties and thrive. I'm Stefan, a Clinical Supervisor with over 9 years of hands-on experience in the field of mental health. My practice encompasses a wide range of age groups from preteens to seniors, and I offer therapeutic services to individuals, couples, and families alike. My clinical approach is diverse and tailored to the unique needs of each client.
My clinical expertise extends to a variety of areas including trauma, sexual abuse recovery, bipolar disorder, ADHD, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, sleep, nutrition, and interpersonal relationship issues.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by life's challenges? Do you struggle with anxiety, depression, or relationship issues? Therapy can provide the support, guidance, and tools you need to navigate these difficulties and thrive. I'm Stefan, a Clinical Supervisor with over 9 years of hands-on experience in the field of mental health. My practice encompasses a wide range of age groups from preteens to seniors, and I offer therapeutic services to individuals, couples, and families alike. My clinical approach is diverse and tailored to the unique needs of each client.
I have specialities which include compulsive behaviours such as hypersexuality, gambling, video gaming, shopping, and eating behaviours as well as OCD and bipolar disorder.
With over 22 years of clinical experience and training in the fields of addiction, mental health, relationships and trauma, my practice offers evidence-based therapies to provide an opportunity for clients to attain self-awareness, behaviour change, and personal growth and recovery in an environment that is supportive and non-judgmental. My interests include mood disorders such as anxiety and depression, relationship issues, life transitions, self esteem, and substance and behavioural addictions. I'm dedicated to helping clients build a healthier relationship with themselves and others.
I have specialities which include compulsive behaviours such as hypersexuality, gambling, video gaming, shopping, and eating behaviours as well as OCD and bipolar disorder.
With over 22 years of clinical experience and training in the fields of addiction, mental health, relationships and trauma, my practice offers evidence-based therapies to provide an opportunity for clients to attain self-awareness, behaviour change, and personal growth and recovery in an environment that is supportive and non-judgmental. My interests include mood disorders such as anxiety and depression, relationship issues, life transitions, self esteem, and substance and behavioural addictions. I'm dedicated to helping clients build a healthier relationship with themselves and others.
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.
Accepting NEW patients! I speak Cantonese, Mandarin and English. I provide counselling to children, youth and adults via secure video and phone calls. I view mental health as a cardiologist views heart health – a vital part of living! I am passionate about healing and helping you live your best life. I enjoy working with individuals with concerns related to any life challenges experienced that prevent you from living your best life, including: trauma, attachment, addiction, grief, relationship concerns, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, BPD and psychosis. I also work with a team of therapists, dietitians and naturopaths.
Accepting NEW patients! I speak Cantonese, Mandarin and English. I provide counselling to children, youth and adults via secure video and phone calls. I view mental health as a cardiologist views heart health – a vital part of living! I am passionate about healing and helping you live your best life. I enjoy working with individuals with concerns related to any life challenges experienced that prevent you from living your best life, including: trauma, attachment, addiction, grief, relationship concerns, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, BPD and psychosis. I also work with a team of therapists, dietitians and naturopaths.
At the Therapy Centre, Shankari provides individual, couple, and family therapy for adults. Her areas of interest and proficiency include diagnostic assessment and treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depressive and bipolar disorders, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, relationship difficulties, assertiveness, stress and burnout, anger management, and personality disorders. She has a particular interest in the treatment of PTSD, trauma- and stressor-related disorders, and the variety of individual and interpersonal sequelae of traumatic experiences.
At the Therapy Centre, Shankari provides individual, couple, and family therapy for adults. Her areas of interest and proficiency include diagnostic assessment and treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depressive and bipolar disorders, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, relationship difficulties, assertiveness, stress and burnout, anger management, and personality disorders. She has a particular interest in the treatment of PTSD, trauma- and stressor-related disorders, and the variety of individual and interpersonal sequelae of traumatic experiences.
Better Self - Psychotherapy & Counselling
Registered Psychotherapist, MC
Verified Verified
Toronto, ON M2N (Online Only)
Are you feeling overwhelmed? Stuck? Depressed? Anxious? Are you struggling with bipolar disorder or relationship difficulties? Whatever is causing your pain, together we can identify the cause and work for positive change. Together, we can uncover the patterns of thoughts and behaviours that are holding you back. We can replace despair with hope, self-doubt with self-esteem, and sadness with joy. We can help you discover your better self.
Are you feeling overwhelmed? Stuck? Depressed? Anxious? Are you struggling with bipolar disorder or relationship difficulties? Whatever is causing your pain, together we can identify the cause and work for positive change. Together, we can uncover the patterns of thoughts and behaviours that are holding you back. We can replace despair with hope, self-doubt with self-esteem, and sadness with joy. We can help you discover your better self.
Patricia James - Psychotherapist And Workplace Mental Health Consultant
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, CNP, RN, BScN, BA Psyc
Verified Verified
Brantford, ON N3T
As a Certified Nurse Psychotherapist (CNP) and a Registered Psychotherapist (RP), I counsel and support individuals and their families experiencing issues such as depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, trauma, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, attention deficit disorders and addiction issues. We also offer workplace mental health consultant services to help employers develop an effective employee mental health and wellness program tailored to the workplace environment. To customize a workplace mental health program from our service menu please see our Consulting Programs page for our workplace mental health programs.
As a Certified Nurse Psychotherapist (CNP) and a Registered Psychotherapist (RP), I counsel and support individuals and their families experiencing issues such as depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, trauma, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, attention deficit disorders and addiction issues. We also offer workplace mental health consultant services to help employers develop an effective employee mental health and wellness program tailored to the workplace environment. To customize a workplace mental health program from our service menu please see our Consulting Programs page for our workplace mental health programs.
Welcome to Coastal Therapy, where your journey to healing and growth begins. I'm here to support you in finding resilience and happiness through compassionate therapy. My experience includes working in diverse therapeutic settings with individuals living with various mental health diagnosis such as depression, anxiety, bipolar and personally disorders and many more. Additionally, I have worked at the Women’s Mental Health Clinic alongside psychiatrists focusing on perinatal & postpartum depression providing one-on-one therapy as well as facilitating group-based therapy.
Welcome to Coastal Therapy, where your journey to healing and growth begins. I'm here to support you in finding resilience and happiness through compassionate therapy. My experience includes working in diverse therapeutic settings with individuals living with various mental health diagnosis such as depression, anxiety, bipolar and personally disorders and many more. Additionally, I have worked at the Women’s Mental Health Clinic alongside psychiatrists focusing on perinatal & postpartum depression providing one-on-one therapy as well as facilitating group-based therapy.
As a clinical psychologist I provide assessment and treatment services to people experiencing a wide range of mental health difficulties including psychosis, bipolar disorder, depression, personality disorders, anxiety, stress, relationship issues, and grief. I specialize in treating serious mental health conditions such as schizophrenia, psychosis, and bipolar disorder but also treat a wide variety of difficulties. The therapeutic relationship is a critical component to therapy and I work collaboratively with clients to identify goals, understand problem areas, and implement a treatment plan to overcome those problems.
As a clinical psychologist I provide assessment and treatment services to people experiencing a wide range of mental health difficulties including psychosis, bipolar disorder, depression, personality disorders, anxiety, stress, relationship issues, and grief. I specialize in treating serious mental health conditions such as schizophrenia, psychosis, and bipolar disorder but also treat a wide variety of difficulties. The therapeutic relationship is a critical component to therapy and I work collaboratively with clients to identify goals, understand problem areas, and implement a treatment plan to overcome those problems.
I specialize in addiction/substance use, low self esteem and mental health including, but not limited to, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and childhood trauma.
I believe in you. Whether you’re a teen, adult or young at heart, I will listen and walk with you on your healing journey. If you are struggling with the relationship with yourself, parents, partner or others, I will support you with learning new coping strategies and behaviours on how to best take care of yourself in those relationships.
I specialize in addiction/substance use, low self esteem and mental health including, but not limited to, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and childhood trauma.
I believe in you. Whether you’re a teen, adult or young at heart, I will listen and walk with you on your healing journey. If you are struggling with the relationship with yourself, parents, partner or others, I will support you with learning new coping strategies and behaviours on how to best take care of yourself in those relationships.
Shannon Robinson And Associates
Psychologist, PhD, CPsych
Verified Verified
Vaughan, ON L4K (Online Only)
We specialize in treating depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, shyness/self-esteem issues, perfectionism, prenatal/ postpartum disorders, eating disorders/body image concerns, self-harming behavior, interpersonal difficulties, parenting issues, and personality disorders.
We are a group of registered mental health professionals including a psychologist, social worker, and psychotherapist. Our priority is to provide clients with a safe and confidential space to better understand themselves and work through challenges. We offer evidence-based treatments including Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness and Compassion based therapies, Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) & Prolonged Exposure (PE).
We specialize in treating depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, shyness/self-esteem issues, perfectionism, prenatal/ postpartum disorders, eating disorders/body image concerns, self-harming behavior, interpersonal difficulties, parenting issues, and personality disorders.
We are a group of registered mental health professionals including a psychologist, social worker, and psychotherapist. Our priority is to provide clients with a safe and confidential space to better understand themselves and work through challenges. We offer evidence-based treatments including Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness and Compassion based therapies, Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) & Prolonged Exposure (PE).
Let's manage your bipolar. Are you suffering from depression and anxiety? Let's push this to the curb. Are you a senior dealing with isolation, depression? Let's work together to find you joy and appreciate the little things in life. You are evolving and I'm here for you. I come to you with almost 3 decades in health care. Let's challenge your beliefs. I'm working harder to help you as a nurse psychotherapist (qualifying) qualification. I understand you, as well as disorders and diagnostics. Let's tackle your difficulties, one gentle wave at a time.
Let's manage your bipolar. Are you suffering from depression and anxiety? Let's push this to the curb. Are you a senior dealing with isolation, depression? Let's work together to find you joy and appreciate the little things in life. You are evolving and I'm here for you. I come to you with almost 3 decades in health care. Let's challenge your beliefs. I'm working harder to help you as a nurse psychotherapist (qualifying) qualification. I understand you, as well as disorders and diagnostics. Let's tackle your difficulties, one gentle wave at a time.
Talia Marcheggiani
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), ND
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M6S (Online Only)
I have worked with a variety of mental health and physical conditions, such as ADHD, anxiety, depression, OCD, PMDD, Bipolar, among other conditions.
I believe in trauma-informed, shame-free, compassionate, person-centred care that empowers you and honours your body, mind, and emotions. In addition to being a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), I am a licensed Naturopathic Doctor (since 2014) focusing on mental health, hormones, mood, and digestion.
I have worked with a variety of mental health and physical conditions, such as ADHD, anxiety, depression, OCD, PMDD, Bipolar, among other conditions.
I believe in trauma-informed, shame-free, compassionate, person-centred care that empowers you and honours your body, mind, and emotions. In addition to being a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), I am a licensed Naturopathic Doctor (since 2014) focusing on mental health, hormones, mood, and digestion.
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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.