Bipolar Disorder Therapists in Wasaga Beach, ON
I have had the privilege to counsel many individuals, couples and groups over the past 3 decades. Whether you're experiencing distressing symptoms of anxiety, depression, grief, chronic sadness, faltering relationships or a sense of loss of meaning, you are not alone. I am dedicated to holding a compassionate and safe space where whatever you need to express can be seen and heard without judgment or agenda. I draw upon proven counselling tools to help create an atmosphere for change and wellness for clients of all ages, backgrounds, ethnicities, gender and sexual preference.
I have had the privilege to counsel many individuals, couples and groups over the past 3 decades. Whether you're experiencing distressing symptoms of anxiety, depression, grief, chronic sadness, faltering relationships or a sense of loss of meaning, you are not alone. I am dedicated to holding a compassionate and safe space where whatever you need to express can be seen and heard without judgment or agenda. I draw upon proven counselling tools to help create an atmosphere for change and wellness for clients of all ages, backgrounds, ethnicities, gender and sexual preference.
Heather Evans
Registered Psychotherapist, RP , BAHon, MDiv, OAMHP
Verified Verified
Wasaga Beach, ON L9Z (Online Only)
I provide therapy for those looking to understand themselves more and those looking for relief and change. I am a relational therapist and practice in a relaxed way with a sense of humor. Life is serious...but it doesn't have to be all the time. If you are tired, misunderstood and unsure of what next and how to make sense of it all, I get that. Whether its work life balance, stress and burnout, compassion fatigue, ADHD or gifted challenges, anxiousness (and the list goes on)...connecting and talking and processing and learning can actually help! I am currently taking new clients for the summer of 2024.
I provide therapy for those looking to understand themselves more and those looking for relief and change. I am a relational therapist and practice in a relaxed way with a sense of humor. Life is serious...but it doesn't have to be all the time. If you are tired, misunderstood and unsure of what next and how to make sense of it all, I get that. Whether its work life balance, stress and burnout, compassion fatigue, ADHD or gifted challenges, anxiousness (and the list goes on)...connecting and talking and processing and learning can actually help! I am currently taking new clients for the summer of 2024.
Centre for Meaningful Living
Psychologist, PhD, CPsych
Verified Verified
Wasaga Beach, ON L9Z (Online Only)
Traditional therapy methods assume that everyone’s problems can be solved by participating in weekly 1-hour sessions using one-size-fits-all protocols. This approach focuses on treating disorders, rather than people, and the latest research does not support this approach. I want to understand YOU, as a person. Together we'll figure out the underlying reasons you are stuck, and we’ll create an individualized plan for long-term change. Are your emotions overwhelming? Maybe you feel numb? Do you repeatedly respond to situations in unhelpful ways? Whatever the reasons, we’ll work together to help you take back control of your life.
Traditional therapy methods assume that everyone’s problems can be solved by participating in weekly 1-hour sessions using one-size-fits-all protocols. This approach focuses on treating disorders, rather than people, and the latest research does not support this approach. I want to understand YOU, as a person. Together we'll figure out the underlying reasons you are stuck, and we’ll create an individualized plan for long-term change. Are your emotions overwhelming? Maybe you feel numb? Do you repeatedly respond to situations in unhelpful ways? Whatever the reasons, we’ll work together to help you take back control of your life.
Tracy Bertrand
Registered Social Worker, HBSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Wasaga Beach, ON L9Z (Online Only)
Making meaning of our lives can become difficult when problems arise that we least expected. What if we have never experienced these things and coping isn't going so well, what do we do? What if the old familiar things keep happening? Sometimes our usual ways of staying focused and present are interrupted, even if we have managed before. I have been part of many healing journeys and one thing is the same in all of us: we must move through the difficulties with support in order to get back to our present. I am here to help you do just that.
Making meaning of our lives can become difficult when problems arise that we least expected. What if we have never experienced these things and coping isn't going so well, what do we do? What if the old familiar things keep happening? Sometimes our usual ways of staying focused and present are interrupted, even if we have managed before. I have been part of many healing journeys and one thing is the same in all of us: we must move through the difficulties with support in order to get back to our present. I am here to help you do just that.
Walker Wellness Services
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), BAH, MEd, RP(Q)
Verified Verified
Wasaga Beach, ON L9Z (Online Only)
Being in a smaller community it's important that I run from a general practice standpoint. This means I will work with you to the best of my abilities. I will work with you on your current issues and help you with additional resources. If your looking to get started or have experienced previous counselling from others, I invite you to work with me to see what benefit counselling can be to you.
Being in a smaller community it's important that I run from a general practice standpoint. This means I will work with you to the best of my abilities. I will work with you on your current issues and help you with additional resources. If your looking to get started or have experienced previous counselling from others, I invite you to work with me to see what benefit counselling can be to you.
My services focus on providing clients with a family of origin perspective combined with practical strategies to manage dysfunctional thinking and behaviour to support lasting emotional change. This focus supports change across a wide range of problem areas. When clients understand how their family of origin affects them and how their thoughts and behaviours maintain problems, change comes naturally and lasting change comes with mastery of behaviour and thinking.
My services focus on providing clients with a family of origin perspective combined with practical strategies to manage dysfunctional thinking and behaviour to support lasting emotional change. This focus supports change across a wide range of problem areas. When clients understand how their family of origin affects them and how their thoughts and behaviours maintain problems, change comes naturally and lasting change comes with mastery of behaviour and thinking.
Therapy shouldn't feel like a chore. While it might sometimes be hard to hear what is discussed in therapy, overall you should leave feeling like you've gained something useful or even transformative. Over time, you should feel you are getting stronger, more resilient and have shed layers of fear and anxiety. Of course this process can be overwhelming at times and you might not always progress on the timeframe that you thought you would, but when therapy goes well, you should feel more settled and more clear about your life. You should gain understanding about yourself and others and have a renewed sense of purpose and passion
Therapy shouldn't feel like a chore. While it might sometimes be hard to hear what is discussed in therapy, overall you should leave feeling like you've gained something useful or even transformative. Over time, you should feel you are getting stronger, more resilient and have shed layers of fear and anxiety. Of course this process can be overwhelming at times and you might not always progress on the timeframe that you thought you would, but when therapy goes well, you should feel more settled and more clear about your life. You should gain understanding about yourself and others and have a renewed sense of purpose and passion
The Dot Canada
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, RSW, MA
Verified Verified
Wasaga Beach, ON L9Z (Online Only)
It's not just you, life HAS gotten harder in the last few years. If you've been powering through, staying strong and carrying on, but now you're barely getting by and you're tired of feeling like you're not really living your life, it might be time for outside support. The benefit of therapy is that it's a time where you get to focus on yourself, to look at your life, and to get an outside perspective on how it could be different. You don't have to just endure, with the right support, you can heal from the past, and move forward towards a better future.
It's not just you, life HAS gotten harder in the last few years. If you've been powering through, staying strong and carrying on, but now you're barely getting by and you're tired of feeling like you're not really living your life, it might be time for outside support. The benefit of therapy is that it's a time where you get to focus on yourself, to look at your life, and to get an outside perspective on how it could be different. You don't have to just endure, with the right support, you can heal from the past, and move forward towards a better future.
More Therapists Nearby
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.
Allison Heffern
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, MACP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Collingwood, ON L9Y
Waitlist for new clients
I work with clients who are finding their true identity and ready to release any aspect of themselves and their story that no longer serve them. This includes clients that have unresolved experiences from their recent or distant past that would like professional guidance in processing such from a trauma-informed and empathic lens. Clients that are ready for change and able to dedicate their energy to their own healing, in and out of session, with my support. Clients that may feel stuck, low-mood, unmotivated or confused in how to progress in life but are feeling called to evolve into a fulfilled & grateful version of themselves.
I work with clients who are finding their true identity and ready to release any aspect of themselves and their story that no longer serve them. This includes clients that have unresolved experiences from their recent or distant past that would like professional guidance in processing such from a trauma-informed and empathic lens. Clients that are ready for change and able to dedicate their energy to their own healing, in and out of session, with my support. Clients that may feel stuck, low-mood, unmotivated or confused in how to progress in life but are feeling called to evolve into a fulfilled & grateful version of themselves.
Michele Wolf
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, BASc
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Collingwood, ON L9Y (Online Only)
Life has its ups and downs and sometimes gets really challenging. So often we tell ourselves we can handle it, that things will get better, that it's not that bad, or that other people have it worse. Maybe we’ll fix it by doing more, giving more, pleasing others more. Everyone has their unique reasons to seek counselling. Often, it's for gaining support with a current challenge or life transition. Or, for support around long-standing unhelpful patterns and difficulties from the past. For adult women from their 20’s through midlife and into their elder years.
Life has its ups and downs and sometimes gets really challenging. So often we tell ourselves we can handle it, that things will get better, that it's not that bad, or that other people have it worse. Maybe we’ll fix it by doing more, giving more, pleasing others more. Everyone has their unique reasons to seek counselling. Often, it's for gaining support with a current challenge or life transition. Or, for support around long-standing unhelpful patterns and difficulties from the past. For adult women from their 20’s through midlife and into their elder years.
You're here because you've taken the first, and one of the hardest steps in reaching out for support - and that, takes a lot of courage. Maybe you just want a safe space and a confidential ear. Or maybe you are going through a challenging break-up and are working to regain control of your life and build your self-esteem. Maybe you're going through a difficult life transition and you are looking for strategies to help you cope. Whatever you may be going through, you've come to the right place.
You're here because you've taken the first, and one of the hardest steps in reaching out for support - and that, takes a lot of courage. Maybe you just want a safe space and a confidential ear. Or maybe you are going through a challenging break-up and are working to regain control of your life and build your self-esteem. Maybe you're going through a difficult life transition and you are looking for strategies to help you cope. Whatever you may be going through, you've come to the right place.
Life comes with many challenges that can affect how we are functioning in the many roles we hold in our life. Our thoughts, behaviours, and emotional responses can really weigh us down. They hold us back, and leave us feeling stressed and overwhelmed. I'm here to empower you with the tools and coping strategies necessary to overcome challenges such as depression, self-harm, anxiety, mood disorders, trauma/PTSD, and complex situations. This will leave you with a sense of balance and peacefulness.
Life comes with many challenges that can affect how we are functioning in the many roles we hold in our life. Our thoughts, behaviours, and emotional responses can really weigh us down. They hold us back, and leave us feeling stressed and overwhelmed. I'm here to empower you with the tools and coping strategies necessary to overcome challenges such as depression, self-harm, anxiety, mood disorders, trauma/PTSD, and complex situations. This will leave you with a sense of balance and peacefulness.
Allison Heffern - Holistic Psychotherapy
Registered Psychotherapist, RP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Collingwood, ON L9Y
I am a Registered Psychotherapist who facilitates healing through modern and holistic psychotherapy practices. I work with Individuals, Couples and Families, providing support in the following areas: Mental and Emotional Wellness Optimization, Self-Development and Spirituality, Childhood and Developmental Trauma Recovery, Anxiety, Depression and other mood difficulties, Eating Disorders, Perinatal Mental Health, Addictions, AD(H)D, Stress and Emotional Management, Couples Therapy, and Parenting/Family Therapy.
I am a Registered Psychotherapist who facilitates healing through modern and holistic psychotherapy practices. I work with Individuals, Couples and Families, providing support in the following areas: Mental and Emotional Wellness Optimization, Self-Development and Spirituality, Childhood and Developmental Trauma Recovery, Anxiety, Depression and other mood difficulties, Eating Disorders, Perinatal Mental Health, Addictions, AD(H)D, Stress and Emotional Management, Couples Therapy, and Parenting/Family Therapy.
Cambrian Counselling and Wellness
Registered Psychotherapist
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Collingwood, ON L9Y
Here at CCW, we don't just focus on a singular aspect; we embrace your entire world—the relationship with yourself, family, friends, work, and the broader context of society shaping your experiences. Our approach involves immersing ourselves in your reality, understanding, and supporting you every step of the way. You're never alone in this journey. We understand that the cornerstone of successful therapy is the connection between the client and therapist. At CCW, nurturing this bond is paramount; we deeply value and honour the relationship we build with you, ensuring it's founded on respect and compassion.
Here at CCW, we don't just focus on a singular aspect; we embrace your entire world—the relationship with yourself, family, friends, work, and the broader context of society shaping your experiences. Our approach involves immersing ourselves in your reality, understanding, and supporting you every step of the way. You're never alone in this journey. We understand that the cornerstone of successful therapy is the connection between the client and therapist. At CCW, nurturing this bond is paramount; we deeply value and honour the relationship we build with you, ensuring it's founded on respect and compassion.
Central Ontario Psychology is a diverse group practice. We offer psychotherapy, clinical assessment, and psychoeducational assessment. Services are provided by psychologists, or under their close supervision. Our clients include adults children adolescents and seniors. We treat anxiety, depression, behavioural and conduct disorders. We offer specialized treatment for trauma, whether from childhood, the workplace, the military, or in First Responders.
Central Ontario Psychology is a diverse group practice. We offer psychotherapy, clinical assessment, and psychoeducational assessment. Services are provided by psychologists, or under their close supervision. Our clients include adults children adolescents and seniors. We treat anxiety, depression, behavioural and conduct disorders. We offer specialized treatment for trauma, whether from childhood, the workplace, the military, or in First Responders.
Anxiety/Stress, ADHD, Child/Parenting, Emotion Regulation- Perhaps you are feeling overwhelmed, stressed and exhausted, and it's starting to take a toll on your parenting, work, relationships, and personal life. Your emotions are becoming harder to "control" and you feel like you're breaking down. Life is starting to feel daunting & hopeless and you're unsure how to get out of this rut, possibly turning to unhealthy coping methods. If this sounds like you, I'm here to help you overcome the emotional burnout and start making positive changes towards the person, parent, and partner you want to be.
Anxiety/Stress, ADHD, Child/Parenting, Emotion Regulation- Perhaps you are feeling overwhelmed, stressed and exhausted, and it's starting to take a toll on your parenting, work, relationships, and personal life. Your emotions are becoming harder to "control" and you feel like you're breaking down. Life is starting to feel daunting & hopeless and you're unsure how to get out of this rut, possibly turning to unhealthy coping methods. If this sounds like you, I'm here to help you overcome the emotional burnout and start making positive changes towards the person, parent, and partner you want to be.
We all know life can have its up's and down's. I am here to help you deal with some of the more challenging times. I am a caring and compassionate therapist who is here to listen. I am also here to help you develop positive strategies that are focused on your goals. This ensures that you come away feeling like you are making change and healing happens in your life. I am also open minded and non-judgmental.
We all know life can have its up's and down's. I am here to help you deal with some of the more challenging times. I am a caring and compassionate therapist who is here to listen. I am also here to help you develop positive strategies that are focused on your goals. This ensures that you come away feeling like you are making change and healing happens in your life. I am also open minded and non-judgmental.
Amy Bowins
Registered Social Worker, BA Hons, BSW, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Collingwood, ON L9Y (Online Only)
I have 19 years of experience as a Registered Social Worker providing treatment for individuals who are experiencing a range of struggles including; relationship breakdown, stress, anxiety, substance use, and sleep difficulties. Seeking help and support feels scary and it takes courage to reach out. I would like to help you embrace your inherent resilience and expand your inner strength. Existing in a place of distress is mentally exhausting, emotionally taxing and physically draining. There is another way, and you have it within you to discover there is more to life than merely existing.
I have 19 years of experience as a Registered Social Worker providing treatment for individuals who are experiencing a range of struggles including; relationship breakdown, stress, anxiety, substance use, and sleep difficulties. Seeking help and support feels scary and it takes courage to reach out. I would like to help you embrace your inherent resilience and expand your inner strength. Existing in a place of distress is mentally exhausting, emotionally taxing and physically draining. There is another way, and you have it within you to discover there is more to life than merely existing.
I can relate to the many issues and needs of others. Some experiences are so traumatic that we may actually feel a sense of hopelessness. Some of us need help in working through trauma, self-esteem, or confidence. We can create a healthier and more adaptive life where we overall feel better and when we start to heal and feel good we are going to enjoy the many things that we have in our lives a little bit more.
I can relate to the many issues and needs of others. Some experiences are so traumatic that we may actually feel a sense of hopelessness. Some of us need help in working through trauma, self-esteem, or confidence. We can create a healthier and more adaptive life where we overall feel better and when we start to heal and feel good we are going to enjoy the many things that we have in our lives a little bit more.
Online Therapists
Belsky Ng Occupational Therapist
Occupational Therapist, MSc OT, OT Reg, (Ont)
Verified Verified
Richmond Hill, ON L4S (Online Only)
This includes low mood, anxiety, ADHD/ADD, traumatic brain injuries/concussions, trauma, bipolar disorder and addictions.
Thinking of making a change? Are you curious as to what this might look like? It can seem overwhelming to search for the right therapist for yourself. It is also normal to feel afraid and overwhelmed by everything you are dealing with. You are showing a lot of courage by reaching out and looking for guidance; it is much easier to run away from all of it. If you are looking to come to therapy to explore new practical ways of coping, this may be the start of our journey together in rewriting your story. We will work to overcome barriers that get in your way and help you to become the best version of yourself.
This includes low mood, anxiety, ADHD/ADD, traumatic brain injuries/concussions, trauma, bipolar disorder and addictions.
Thinking of making a change? Are you curious as to what this might look like? It can seem overwhelming to search for the right therapist for yourself. It is also normal to feel afraid and overwhelmed by everything you are dealing with. You are showing a lot of courage by reaching out and looking for guidance; it is much easier to run away from all of it. If you are looking to come to therapy to explore new practical ways of coping, this may be the start of our journey together in rewriting your story. We will work to overcome barriers that get in your way and help you to become the best version of yourself.
Caitlin Doherty
Registered Social Worker, RSW, BSW, MA
Verified Verified
Toronto, ON M6H (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
My name is Cait (she/they) and I am a registered social worker. I work with clients from where they are at, working collaboratively to figure out what challenges you, what you want to process and learn from. I am not here to tell you what to do, but to support in figuring out next steps, skills and processing trauma and life events. I work with clients to figure out what they need, their values, their identity and their boundaries. I work extensively with clients who are neurodivergent and/or have Bipolar Disorder or Borderline Personality Disorder, although I have experience with many mental health challenges.
My name is Cait (she/they) and I am a registered social worker. I work with clients from where they are at, working collaboratively to figure out what challenges you, what you want to process and learn from. I am not here to tell you what to do, but to support in figuring out next steps, skills and processing trauma and life events. I work with clients to figure out what they need, their values, their identity and their boundaries. I work extensively with clients who are neurodivergent and/or have Bipolar Disorder or Borderline Personality Disorder, although I have experience with many mental health challenges.
I am a Clinical Psychologist registered with the College of Psychologists of Ontario (CPO). I provide clinical assessment and evidence-based therapy for a range of emotional and adjustment related difficulties, with a primary focus on the treatment of anxiety and insomnia. I have received specialized training and have expertise in treating anxiety, obsessive-compulsive (e.g., OCD, trichotillomania, skin picking), depression and bipolar, and trauma-related (i.e., PTSD) disorders. Other areas of clinical interest include stress, health anxiety, and emotion regulation difficulties.
I am a Clinical Psychologist registered with the College of Psychologists of Ontario (CPO). I provide clinical assessment and evidence-based therapy for a range of emotional and adjustment related difficulties, with a primary focus on the treatment of anxiety and insomnia. I have received specialized training and have expertise in treating anxiety, obsessive-compulsive (e.g., OCD, trichotillomania, skin picking), depression and bipolar, and trauma-related (i.e., PTSD) disorders. Other areas of clinical interest include stress, health anxiety, and emotion regulation difficulties.
Dialectical Living
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M4J (Online Only)
Are you facing any; relationship challenges, substance abuse, self-harm, disordered eating, isolation? Struggling to find effective therapy due to long waitlists? If you're seeking to master Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) skills to regain stability and joy, Dialectical Living is here for you. Our ideal client craves tools for emotional regulation, yearns for healthier relationships, and desires a path to inner peace. DBT has demonstrated success in effectively managing conditions such as bipolar disorder, BPD, ADHD, anxiety, addiction and more. We would be honoured to be a part of your DBT journey. Plant that DBT seed today!
Are you facing any; relationship challenges, substance abuse, self-harm, disordered eating, isolation? Struggling to find effective therapy due to long waitlists? If you're seeking to master Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) skills to regain stability and joy, Dialectical Living is here for you. Our ideal client craves tools for emotional regulation, yearns for healthier relationships, and desires a path to inner peace. DBT has demonstrated success in effectively managing conditions such as bipolar disorder, BPD, ADHD, anxiety, addiction and more. We would be honoured to be a part of your DBT journey. Plant that DBT seed today!
I also work with family conflict, aging and death, and bipolar and personality disorders.
Do you feel like your thoughts and feelings are closing in on you? Having trouble seeing past your problems? Life can bring suffering, but you don't have to do it alone. Experience expertise and care to guide you to your well-being and purpose. Cross-certified as both a psychotherapist and specialist in spiritual care, I have a multifaceted approach which combines therapy and behavioral coaching. There is hope and meaning to be found after difficult changes. Benefit from my gentle but powerful approach that has helped hundreds of people find peace and real growth. Life is meant to be lived, and you have infinite possibilities.
I also work with family conflict, aging and death, and bipolar and personality disorders.
Do you feel like your thoughts and feelings are closing in on you? Having trouble seeing past your problems? Life can bring suffering, but you don't have to do it alone. Experience expertise and care to guide you to your well-being and purpose. Cross-certified as both a psychotherapist and specialist in spiritual care, I have a multifaceted approach which combines therapy and behavioral coaching. There is hope and meaning to be found after difficult changes. Benefit from my gentle but powerful approach that has helped hundreds of people find peace and real growth. Life is meant to be lived, and you have infinite possibilities.
See more therapy options for Wasaga Beach
Nearby Bipolar Disorder Counsellors Searches for Wasaga Beach
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.