Photo of Vannessa Fuentes, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Vannessa Fuentes
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Houston, TX 77010  (Online Only)
Trying to understand the “standard rules” of behavior was always confusing and overwhelming. When they said, “Don’t cry. Stop acting out. Sit still. Stop being so difficult. You’re too sensitive.”, you heard, “What’s wrong with you?”. You’ve been trying your hardest to figure that answer out ever since. Your focus and attention are precious, so hyper-focusing on something fun and exciting, i.e., TV, Video games, Sports, just made you feel better. It certainly helped tune everything labeled “wrong” or “bad” out, even if it was just for a little while.
Trying to understand the “standard rules” of behavior was always confusing and overwhelming. When they said, “Don’t cry. Stop acting out. Sit still. Stop being so difficult. You’re too sensitive.”, you heard, “What’s wrong with you?”. You’ve been trying your hardest to figure that answer out ever since. Your focus and attention are precious, so hyper-focusing on something fun and exciting, i.e., TV, Video games, Sports, just made you feel better. It certainly helped tune everything labeled “wrong” or “bad” out, even if it was just for a little while.
(972) 284-7981 View (972) 284-7981
Photo of Dr. Emily Dixon, PsyD, LSOTP, Psychologist
Dr. Emily Dixon
Psychologist, PsyD, LSOTP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Houston, TX 77010
Dixon Psychological Services is a multifaceted psychology practice offering a wide range of psychological services. From therapy to evaluations, Dr. Dixon’s philosophy is simple; it is her belief that all emotions and feelings are valid. Not only are all emotions and feelings valid, they alert you to your inner well-being. Her interpersonal approach and innovative use of the therapeutic environment as a microcosm for your worldview will help you or your loved one explore their patterns of behavior, thoughts, and emotions that can often lead to distress, frustration, or disregulation. depression, or anxiety.
Dixon Psychological Services is a multifaceted psychology practice offering a wide range of psychological services. From therapy to evaluations, Dr. Dixon’s philosophy is simple; it is her belief that all emotions and feelings are valid. Not only are all emotions and feelings valid, they alert you to your inner well-being. Her interpersonal approach and innovative use of the therapeutic environment as a microcosm for your worldview will help you or your loved one explore their patterns of behavior, thoughts, and emotions that can often lead to distress, frustration, or disregulation. depression, or anxiety.
(817) 318-6850 View (817) 318-6850

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Bipolar Disorder Therapists

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.