Bipolar Disorder Therapists in Benson, AZ
![Photo of Myndi Brooks, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/041fdd9b-cc08-47bd-bb17-560e42538b10/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am a substance abuse counselor who works with those who use substances (e.g. drugs and alcohol) as well as those who use other addictive behaviors (e.g. gambling, sex, internet, self-harm, etc.) to cope with their anxiety, depression, and past trauma. I have experience working with adults who suffer from anxiety, depression, trauma, bipolar disorders, and personality disorders along with substance use disorders and other addictive behaviors. I give strength to my clients by helping them to learn about their addiction, their emotions, their strengths and weaknesses, and how to use them to begin recovery and have long term sobriety.
I am a substance abuse counselor who works with those who use substances (e.g. drugs and alcohol) as well as those who use other addictive behaviors (e.g. gambling, sex, internet, self-harm, etc.) to cope with their anxiety, depression, and past trauma. I have experience working with adults who suffer from anxiety, depression, trauma, bipolar disorders, and personality disorders along with substance use disorders and other addictive behaviors. I give strength to my clients by helping them to learn about their addiction, their emotions, their strengths and weaknesses, and how to use them to begin recovery and have long term sobriety.
![Photo of Randy Buck - LifeCare Counseling, PLLC, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/135959d2-78f2-45a8-8853-bc2c3482c6ac/3/320x400.jpeg)
Life's obstacles can be tough. Have you found yourself struggling with them lately? Don't do it alone anymore. You need wisdom, experience, and a safe place to seek out solutions to life's challenges. Therapy is work and you can count of LifeCare Counseling to partner with you to meet your expectations. You need to have someone in your corner whose experience can guide you, and whose experience you can trust to bring about the results you need. With over 24 years of counseling experience with hundreds of people of all ages, help is near. I will listen, understand, and journey together with you to find hope and healing.
Life's obstacles can be tough. Have you found yourself struggling with them lately? Don't do it alone anymore. You need wisdom, experience, and a safe place to seek out solutions to life's challenges. Therapy is work and you can count of LifeCare Counseling to partner with you to meet your expectations. You need to have someone in your corner whose experience can guide you, and whose experience you can trust to bring about the results you need. With over 24 years of counseling experience with hundreds of people of all ages, help is near. I will listen, understand, and journey together with you to find hope and healing.
![Photo of Dwayne Kruse -Attainable Family Solutions Llc, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7753f605-9084-4db7-81b2-fb4f52b22f12/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dwayne Kruse -Attainable Family Solutions Llc
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Benson, AZ 85602
Now Hiring for interns! - Licensed Marriage and Family Therapy and Master Certified Life Coaching available for Individual, Couple, Child, and Family Counseling. I offer real solutions for Communication, Anger, Depression, ADHD, Anxiety, PTSD. When we stress our reactivity leads to regressive and unhealthy coping behaviors. The mental health field often uses diagnoses to label behavior. You are not your diagnosis. We provide counseling around attachment, communication and various coping skills. Our therapeutic process includes removing or reducing stress and establishing a healthy, constructive coping strategy.
Now Hiring for interns! - Licensed Marriage and Family Therapy and Master Certified Life Coaching available for Individual, Couple, Child, and Family Counseling. I offer real solutions for Communication, Anger, Depression, ADHD, Anxiety, PTSD. When we stress our reactivity leads to regressive and unhealthy coping behaviors. The mental health field often uses diagnoses to label behavior. You are not your diagnosis. We provide counseling around attachment, communication and various coping skills. Our therapeutic process includes removing or reducing stress and establishing a healthy, constructive coping strategy.
![Photo of Marla G Kuhn, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c0429b8-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Marla G Kuhn
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Benson, AZ 85602
Not accepting new clients
If you are looking at this website you, or someone you love, is hurting and you're not sure what to do about it. Asking a stranger for help is a difficult move to make and I acknowledge the courage that has gotten you this far. I honor that you are doing the very best you can with the knowledge and resources that you currently have available and I can help you build on your own strengths to do even better. A joyful and rewarding life is your birthright and I'd like to help you reclaim that gift.
If you are looking at this website you, or someone you love, is hurting and you're not sure what to do about it. Asking a stranger for help is a difficult move to make and I acknowledge the courage that has gotten you this far. I honor that you are doing the very best you can with the knowledge and resources that you currently have available and I can help you build on your own strengths to do even better. A joyful and rewarding life is your birthright and I'd like to help you reclaim that gift.
Online Therapists
![Photo of Bianca Aguilar @ Entune Behavioral Health, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/aed56c12-3064-4c9b-a575-d061fee46745/2/320x400.jpeg)
Bianca Aguilar @ Entune Behavioral Health
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Tucson, AZ 85715
Whether you're struggling with bipolar disorder, trauma, substance use, or identity issues, I offer a safe, non-judgmental space for healing.
My name is Bianca and I am an LPC and the Site Director at Entune's Tanque Verde office. My ideal client is someone seeking genuine healing and growth. They might struggle with trauma, substance use, or mood disorders like bipolar disorder. They're courageous individuals, perhaps veterans or first responders, who've faced intense challenges. They yearn for relief from their pain, a sense of control, and the ability to live authentically. They want to understand themselves better, navigate life's complexities, and cultivate resilience. Their goal is not just survival, but to thrive, reclaiming joy and purpose.
Whether you're struggling with bipolar disorder, trauma, substance use, or identity issues, I offer a safe, non-judgmental space for healing.
My name is Bianca and I am an LPC and the Site Director at Entune's Tanque Verde office. My ideal client is someone seeking genuine healing and growth. They might struggle with trauma, substance use, or mood disorders like bipolar disorder. They're courageous individuals, perhaps veterans or first responders, who've faced intense challenges. They yearn for relief from their pain, a sense of control, and the ability to live authentically. They want to understand themselves better, navigate life's complexities, and cultivate resilience. Their goal is not just survival, but to thrive, reclaiming joy and purpose.
![Photo of Lisa Jacqui Placencio, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7e5d825c-11fb-45f8-be95-64069f6b2d4e/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jacqui's professional background includes outpatient mental health, mobile crisis services, the VA Healthcare system nursing home program, community prevention and diversion services. She has worked with a wide range of individuals diagnosed with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, substance use and personality disorders.
Jacqui's professional background includes outpatient mental health, mobile crisis services, the VA Healthcare system nursing home program, community prevention and diversion services. She has worked with a wide range of individuals diagnosed with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, substance use and personality disorders.
![Photo of Linda A Chernus, LCSW, BCD, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/453bfe49-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
As a psychodynamically oriented therapist with forty years of experience treating individuals, couples, and families, I have a passion for my work and a capacity to engage well even with difficult and challenging clients. In addition to people experiencing anxiety, depression and other problems associated with daily living, I have expertise working with individuals and families struggling with PTSD, dissociative disorders, bipolar disorders, and dual diagnoses of substance abuse and mental health problems. I especially enjoy helping adolescents and young adults experiencing identity issues and challenging life transitions.
As a psychodynamically oriented therapist with forty years of experience treating individuals, couples, and families, I have a passion for my work and a capacity to engage well even with difficult and challenging clients. In addition to people experiencing anxiety, depression and other problems associated with daily living, I have expertise working with individuals and families struggling with PTSD, dissociative disorders, bipolar disorders, and dual diagnoses of substance abuse and mental health problems. I especially enjoy helping adolescents and young adults experiencing identity issues and challenging life transitions.
![Photo of Mark Wardlow, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/042c38e6-ea9c-443f-adbd-432ac254d795/1/320x400.jpeg)
All I can say is that I’d love to help! Stress, Anxiety Addictions Self esteem Depression Coaching Also experienced in: Relationship issues , Family conflicts , Trauma and abuse , Grief , Intimacy-related issues , Sleeping disorders , Anger management , Career difficulties , Bipolar disorder , Coping with life changes , Compassion fatigue , ADHD
All I can say is that I’d love to help! Stress, Anxiety Addictions Self esteem Depression Coaching Also experienced in: Relationship issues , Family conflicts , Trauma and abuse , Grief , Intimacy-related issues , Sleeping disorders , Anger management , Career difficulties , Bipolar disorder , Coping with life changes , Compassion fatigue , ADHD
![Photo of Adam Lovallo - Adam Lovallo Counseling , MC, LPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/76d3749a-e9b1-418b-aa70-57cb45bb2a24/1/320x400.jpeg)
Adam Lovallo Counseling
Counselor, MC, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Tucson, AZ 85742 (Online Only)
I specialize in individual counseling, with experience working on the following issues: depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, sleep disorders, low self-esteem, relationships, grief, LGBTQ, adoption, substance abuse and video game addiction.
I am a seasoned Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Arizona for over 25 years. My job is to help you learn how to face all of those daunting challenges in your life, that often keep you up at night, by providing you with a judgement-free safe space. This is achieved by providing you with constructive feedback coupled with modeling unconditional positive regard and encouragement. In therapy I will help you to better understand how your thoughts and behaviors affect your feelings. So let's move you from a place of simply existing and enduring life to actually living life to its fullest!
I specialize in individual counseling, with experience working on the following issues: depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, sleep disorders, low self-esteem, relationships, grief, LGBTQ, adoption, substance abuse and video game addiction.
I am a seasoned Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Arizona for over 25 years. My job is to help you learn how to face all of those daunting challenges in your life, that often keep you up at night, by providing you with a judgement-free safe space. This is achieved by providing you with constructive feedback coupled with modeling unconditional positive regard and encouragement. In therapy I will help you to better understand how your thoughts and behaviors affect your feelings. So let's move you from a place of simply existing and enduring life to actually living life to its fullest!
![Photo of Rahul Sivaprasad, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/43c7a3c0-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
A native of Portsmouth, New Hampshire I am a licensed marriage and family therapist in New Hampshire and Arizona. I am a Clinical Fellow with the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy and serve on the Board of the Greengard Center for Autism in Portsmouth, NH. I had extensive training in dialectical-behavioral and cognitive behavioral therapies. I also employ solution-focused therapy as well as strategic brief therapy. With couples, I utilize Emotionally Focused Therapy which helps clients reconnect with their partners. Specialties include: -Trauma -Internet Pornography addiction -Mood disorders -Crisis Management -Parenting -Meditation/mindfulness training
A native of Portsmouth, New Hampshire I am a licensed marriage and family therapist in New Hampshire and Arizona. I am a Clinical Fellow with the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy and serve on the Board of the Greengard Center for Autism in Portsmouth, NH. I had extensive training in dialectical-behavioral and cognitive behavioral therapies. I also employ solution-focused therapy as well as strategic brief therapy. With couples, I utilize Emotionally Focused Therapy which helps clients reconnect with their partners. Specialties include: -Trauma -Internet Pornography addiction -Mood disorders -Crisis Management -Parenting -Meditation/mindfulness training
![Photo of Layne Hood, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a385ec10-e86d-48a8-9280-1e7b874aa1ab/2/320x400.jpeg)
I only offer online/phone services. I specialize in awakening resilience. Resilience is positive and constructive adaptation. My work fosters emotional agility, develops mental clarity, and optimizes personal power. Whether you feel out of balance, lost, broken, or looking to express yourself more fully, we can quickly activate growth in the direction you choose to help you feel better and deal well with what life presents. You can expect to access your strengths and activate your will to not simply survive but thrive and even flourish.
I only offer online/phone services. I specialize in awakening resilience. Resilience is positive and constructive adaptation. My work fosters emotional agility, develops mental clarity, and optimizes personal power. Whether you feel out of balance, lost, broken, or looking to express yourself more fully, we can quickly activate growth in the direction you choose to help you feel better and deal well with what life presents. You can expect to access your strengths and activate your will to not simply survive but thrive and even flourish.
![Photo of Elaine Hixson-Weiss, MC, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/eec1bb8a-50c3-4672-91a3-121a54f075f5/2/320x400.jpeg)
Elaine Hixson-Weiss
Licensed Professional Counselor, MC, LPC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Tucson, AZ 85719
My journey to becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor wasn't driven by a textbook, but by the human stories etched around me. Witnessing the struggles of friends and family battling mental health challenges sparked a deep empathy and a desire to empower them. This path has been fueled by years of experience, rigorous training, and a core belief: everyone deserves a safe space to heal. Let's build a bridge, not a wall, towards a healthier, happier you.
My journey to becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor wasn't driven by a textbook, but by the human stories etched around me. Witnessing the struggles of friends and family battling mental health challenges sparked a deep empathy and a desire to empower them. This path has been fueled by years of experience, rigorous training, and a core belief: everyone deserves a safe space to heal. Let's build a bridge, not a wall, towards a healthier, happier you.
![Photo of Christine Heinisch, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e4d25814-c0ea-4ffb-b25d-35754fb3ed18/1/320x400.jpeg)
Christine Heinisch
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Tucson, AZ 85705
Are you feeling stuck? Past practices and coping that once served the purpose of protecting you from further difficulties, often become obstacles to your well-being as well as interfere with your functioning in relationships and community. When caught in the cycle of stress and / or trauma you may build a narrative that involves blaming of others and / or shaming and blaming yourself. By seeing the contributing biological, psychological, and social factors and by taking responsibility for changing the things you are capable of changing, you begin to successfully navigate obstacles. I am here to help.
Are you feeling stuck? Past practices and coping that once served the purpose of protecting you from further difficulties, often become obstacles to your well-being as well as interfere with your functioning in relationships and community. When caught in the cycle of stress and / or trauma you may build a narrative that involves blaming of others and / or shaming and blaming yourself. By seeing the contributing biological, psychological, and social factors and by taking responsibility for changing the things you are capable of changing, you begin to successfully navigate obstacles. I am here to help.
![Photo of Alison McCabe, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/44cd3b6b-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Good on you for taking this step. Let’s talk about the challenges that brought you here. Let’s also talk about the strength. Whether you’re giving therapy a first try, or another chance, I know it’s not easy. But you and I are here because we both believe things can improve with the right support. Now let’s nurture your belief - in therapy and, most importantly, in yourself. You can change harmful behaviors that take more than they give. You can validate your past trauma and get out from under it. You can meet your emotional needs that were previously set to the side. You can learn to speak your truth, with confidence and love.
Good on you for taking this step. Let’s talk about the challenges that brought you here. Let’s also talk about the strength. Whether you’re giving therapy a first try, or another chance, I know it’s not easy. But you and I are here because we both believe things can improve with the right support. Now let’s nurture your belief - in therapy and, most importantly, in yourself. You can change harmful behaviors that take more than they give. You can validate your past trauma and get out from under it. You can meet your emotional needs that were previously set to the side. You can learn to speak your truth, with confidence and love.
![Photo of Jiovann Carrasco, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4dd6164b-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jiovann Carrasco
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Oro Valley, AZ 85737 (Online Only)
Are you ready for a change? Have you been banging your head against a wall trying to figure out what went wrong? Do you keep getting in your own way? Do you wonder why you can't seem to shake off years of shame, self-doubt, and fear? Maybe it's time for a different approach. Maybe YOU are not the problem. It's time to drop the struggle to "fix" yourself and reconnect with the you that is already whole and complete. How would your life be different if you were good enough? Who do you want to be?
Are you ready for a change? Have you been banging your head against a wall trying to figure out what went wrong? Do you keep getting in your own way? Do you wonder why you can't seem to shake off years of shame, self-doubt, and fear? Maybe it's time for a different approach. Maybe YOU are not the problem. It's time to drop the struggle to "fix" yourself and reconnect with the you that is already whole and complete. How would your life be different if you were good enough? Who do you want to be?
![Photo of Doreen Ann DeRoss - DBT Resiliency Center, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2db51916-2419-449a-b7bf-b9073cbe40b7/1/320x400.jpeg)
DBT Resiliency Center
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Tucson, AZ 85746 (Online Only)
DBT Resiliency Center specializes in DBT for Children. DBT for Children (DBT-C) is a treatment program that focuses on skill development for parents of kids who are emotionally sensitive and highly reactive. DBT-C focuses on changing the environment to meet the needs of the child. For this reason, the family is seen as the “patient". Adults, teens, tweens and children who would like to learn skills for coping with intense emotions and working towards a life worth living. We want to grow and learn how to change certain behaviors. Intense emotions, feelings of hopelessness sometimes make that change difficult to achieve.
DBT Resiliency Center specializes in DBT for Children. DBT for Children (DBT-C) is a treatment program that focuses on skill development for parents of kids who are emotionally sensitive and highly reactive. DBT-C focuses on changing the environment to meet the needs of the child. For this reason, the family is seen as the “patient". Adults, teens, tweens and children who would like to learn skills for coping with intense emotions and working towards a life worth living. We want to grow and learn how to change certain behaviors. Intense emotions, feelings of hopelessness sometimes make that change difficult to achieve.
![Photo of Sarah Herndon - Entune Behavioral Health, LMSW, LCSW, LMFT, LISAC, LPC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fd38e851-3964-4ec9-85b0-2682a72ff94f/1/320x400.png)
Entune Behavioral Health
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, LCSW, LMFT, LISAC, LPC
Verified Verified
Tucson, AZ 85712
Entune Behavioral Health is a team of licensed therapists that provide individual, couples, and family therapy to clients ages 18 and up. Our therapists address a myriad of conditions, including generalized anxiety, depression, trauma, marital counseling, substance use and abuse, major life transitions and serious mental illness. Entune Behavioral Health's therapists are specially trained in CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) therapy for trauma, MI (motivational interviewing), and SFBT (solution-focused brief therapy.
Entune Behavioral Health is a team of licensed therapists that provide individual, couples, and family therapy to clients ages 18 and up. Our therapists address a myriad of conditions, including generalized anxiety, depression, trauma, marital counseling, substance use and abuse, major life transitions and serious mental illness. Entune Behavioral Health's therapists are specially trained in CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) therapy for trauma, MI (motivational interviewing), and SFBT (solution-focused brief therapy.
![Photo of Benjamin Ayantola, MS, LPC, CCTP, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f1de997b-4ea4-474a-8b21-7db96c76ff8d/2/320x400.jpeg)
Benjamin Ayantola
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, CCTP
Verified Verified
Oro Valley, AZ 85755
Day by day life teaches us something new about ourselves and how we adjust to the obstacles that emerge in front of us. Overall wellness is often a process, one in which we may have the desire to pursue but lack the skillset to achieve. I strive to come along side of you in your pursuit to invest in yourself and mental wellbeing. Engaging in counseling services is an excellent way to deepen your self-awareness, and explore what you truly are capable of accomplishing in your life.
Day by day life teaches us something new about ourselves and how we adjust to the obstacles that emerge in front of us. Overall wellness is often a process, one in which we may have the desire to pursue but lack the skillset to achieve. I strive to come along side of you in your pursuit to invest in yourself and mental wellbeing. Engaging in counseling services is an excellent way to deepen your self-awareness, and explore what you truly are capable of accomplishing in your life.
![Photo of Christine Clawley - Lucid Awakening, LLC, MA, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/02d7aeb0-366c-43ea-9fec-95cae0bc92cf/1/320x400.jpeg)
Lucid Awakening, LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Tucson, AZ 85711 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Welcome! I am glad you are here and it takes courage to take that first step to reach out for support, especially if you might be feeling depressed, anxious, or paralyzed with fear of how to move forward. Sometimes, we may find ourselves in unexpected situations, toxic relationships or work environments, trapped in addiction, or find ourselves stuck in self-sabatoge or repeating the same unhealthy patterns. You might feel alienated, alone, or unable to open up to friends or family. Counseling can help you navigate difficult situations, help you gain clarity, and begin to heal and move forward with life again.
Welcome! I am glad you are here and it takes courage to take that first step to reach out for support, especially if you might be feeling depressed, anxious, or paralyzed with fear of how to move forward. Sometimes, we may find ourselves in unexpected situations, toxic relationships or work environments, trapped in addiction, or find ourselves stuck in self-sabatoge or repeating the same unhealthy patterns. You might feel alienated, alone, or unable to open up to friends or family. Counseling can help you navigate difficult situations, help you gain clarity, and begin to heal and move forward with life again.
![Photo of Paige Harlan @ Entune Behavioral Health, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f7805e78-703b-498a-b8ee-2e5721a28192/1/320x400.jpeg)
Paige Harlan @ Entune Behavioral Health
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Tucson, AZ 85712 (Online Only)
Paige uses a holistic and eclectic approach to improve mental health by providing knowledge, empowerment, and practical skills to encourage well-being, growth, and change.
Paige uses a holistic and eclectic approach to improve mental health by providing knowledge, empowerment, and practical skills to encourage well-being, growth, and change.
See more therapy options for Benson
Nearby Bipolar Disorder Therapists Searches for Benson
See More Bipolar Disorder TherapistsNearby Searches for Benson
See More TherapistsBipolar 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.