Therapists in Desert Hills, AZ
There are no results for therapists in Desert Hills
Check out therapists located nearby or offering teletherapy in Arizona below.More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Caroline Olotu - ADHD Treatment Center and Wellness Clinic, DNP, PMHNP, FNP-C, MSN](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/71f4fdb1-5311-4f80-b4f5-119f37a46596/1/320x400.jpeg)
ADHD Treatment Center and Wellness Clinic
DNP, PMHNP, FNP-C, MSN
Verified Verified
Phoenix, AZ 85085
Caroline Olotu is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and a Family Nurse Practitioner. She sees both Adults and Children. She specializes in psychiatric mental health care, specializing in the evaluation & treatment of ADHD and related disorders such as anxiety, depression, test anxiety, insomnia, depression, PTSD and Bipolar disorder. We provide medication management if you’re already taking Adderall, Vyvanse, Ritalin, or other ADHD medications, after an initial evaluation, we can provide refills for your medication. Tele-medicine sessions available
Caroline Olotu is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and a Family Nurse Practitioner. She sees both Adults and Children. She specializes in psychiatric mental health care, specializing in the evaluation & treatment of ADHD and related disorders such as anxiety, depression, test anxiety, insomnia, depression, PTSD and Bipolar disorder. We provide medication management if you’re already taking Adderall, Vyvanse, Ritalin, or other ADHD medications, after an initial evaluation, we can provide refills for your medication. Tele-medicine sessions available
![Photo of Cassandra Sankey, OTD, OTR/L, Occupational Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4b588cdd-744d-4ff8-8278-6e13cb296799/2/320x400.jpeg)
Cassandra Sankey
Occupational Therapist, OTD, OTR/L
Verified Verified
Cave Creek, AZ 85331
Not accepting new clients
She sees clients with anxiety, depression, bipolar, hoarding, autism, substance use, trauma, and PTSD.
**NOT ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS** Start putting your mental health first so you can reach your goals. Are you struggling with organizing your home, your time, and your life? Do you feel overwhelmed with everything you need to do and too burnt-out to know where to start? Dr. Sankey is a compassionate Mental Health Occupational Therapist and a life skills expert who is here to help you feel more like you again. Looking for a different therapeutic experience? With Dr. Sankey, she doesn't tell you what to do - she shows you how to do it and walks with you through the process to help you be successful, transforming talking into action.
She sees clients with anxiety, depression, bipolar, hoarding, autism, substance use, trauma, and PTSD.
**NOT ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS** Start putting your mental health first so you can reach your goals. Are you struggling with organizing your home, your time, and your life? Do you feel overwhelmed with everything you need to do and too burnt-out to know where to start? Dr. Sankey is a compassionate Mental Health Occupational Therapist and a life skills expert who is here to help you feel more like you again. Looking for a different therapeutic experience? With Dr. Sankey, she doesn't tell you what to do - she shows you how to do it and walks with you through the process to help you be successful, transforming talking into action.
![Photo of Lisa Ruelas, LAC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d89f1101-5bce-4a4e-882b-cdb444ea3096/1/320x400.jpeg)
Sit back, relax and let's get comfy! My counseling style is like a cozy couch, non-judgy, super empathetic, with lots of smiles and laughs. I strive to create a safe space where you feel heard and understood. I am committed to taking part of the journey with each client, I am here to listen with an open heart and mind. Being a mother of 4, gives me a unique perspective on life’s challenges. I believe even through the toughest times anyone is capable of unlocking new levels of fulfillment, purpose and true happiness. You have what it takes to conquer life's hurdles! Together we'll navigate this journey towards a brighter future.
Sit back, relax and let's get comfy! My counseling style is like a cozy couch, non-judgy, super empathetic, with lots of smiles and laughs. I strive to create a safe space where you feel heard and understood. I am committed to taking part of the journey with each client, I am here to listen with an open heart and mind. Being a mother of 4, gives me a unique perspective on life’s challenges. I believe even through the toughest times anyone is capable of unlocking new levels of fulfillment, purpose and true happiness. You have what it takes to conquer life's hurdles! Together we'll navigate this journey towards a brighter future.
![Photo of Marcus Recarte, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f1cab4c-fde7-4d8f-b162-32cc241539d2/3/320x400.jpeg)
Marcus Recarte
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Cave Creek, AZ 85331
Not accepting new clients
Do you feel trapped and alone, or find your self engaged in self-defeating behaviors? Are you: Anxious, depressed, betrayed, confused, defeated, frustrated, or lack of self-worth/low self-esteem? My clients learn to break self-defeating thoughts and behaviors by helping them seek the possibilities by working towards acceptance, forgiveness, and compassion. I also provide several different evidenced based interventions. I coach my clients in developing healthy coping skills, incorporating, health, mind, and spiritual perspective enhancing one's ability to reach their full potental.
Do you feel trapped and alone, or find your self engaged in self-defeating behaviors? Are you: Anxious, depressed, betrayed, confused, defeated, frustrated, or lack of self-worth/low self-esteem? My clients learn to break self-defeating thoughts and behaviors by helping them seek the possibilities by working towards acceptance, forgiveness, and compassion. I also provide several different evidenced based interventions. I coach my clients in developing healthy coping skills, incorporating, health, mind, and spiritual perspective enhancing one's ability to reach their full potental.
![Photo of Patricia L Miller, MAT, LPC, SEP, EMDR, CSAT, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f0759f2a-3a83-41f9-9d05-d845b7e7757c/3/320x400.jpeg)
Patricia L Miller
Licensed Professional Counselor, MAT, LPC, SEP, EMDR, CSAT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cave Creek, AZ 85331
Do you feel stuck in repeating patterns wondering how to change? Wanting to begin your healing journey? Learning to live life to its fullest? Everyone needs support from time to time as you work through relational issues or complex emotions including important life decisions, addressing self-esteem with challenging negative thinking or boundaries as well as perfectionism. I can help you discover needs and wants or finding moderation, any and all core issues including traumatic experiences can be processed through a therapeutic relationship. I have dedicated my professional career to offering support and guidance through healing.
Do you feel stuck in repeating patterns wondering how to change? Wanting to begin your healing journey? Learning to live life to its fullest? Everyone needs support from time to time as you work through relational issues or complex emotions including important life decisions, addressing self-esteem with challenging negative thinking or boundaries as well as perfectionism. I can help you discover needs and wants or finding moderation, any and all core issues including traumatic experiences can be processed through a therapeutic relationship. I have dedicated my professional career to offering support and guidance through healing.
![Photo of Talia Toon - Seashell Therapy, LLC, LCSW, EMDR, CCTS-I, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/33bc521c-df04-4780-98df-53179f3bde0c/2/320x400.jpeg)
Seashell Therapy, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, EMDR, CCTS-I
Verified Verified
Phoenix, AZ 85086 (Online Only)
Accepting New Clients! As an EMDR trained clinician, I make it a priority to build a supportive and close relationship my clients will need to move forward in a positive and productive way! I specialize in working with clients struggling with trauma, depression, anxiety, grief/loss issues, substance abuse issues, chronic pain and chronic disease. My goal is to offer a trauma focused healing space for you! Because I see clients by video, I provide therapy throughout the state of Arizona!
Accepting New Clients! As an EMDR trained clinician, I make it a priority to build a supportive and close relationship my clients will need to move forward in a positive and productive way! I specialize in working with clients struggling with trauma, depression, anxiety, grief/loss issues, substance abuse issues, chronic pain and chronic disease. My goal is to offer a trauma focused healing space for you! Because I see clients by video, I provide therapy throughout the state of Arizona!
![Photo of Krystina A. Gordon, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3ca7ecc5-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/5/320x400.jpeg)
Hi! I am Dr. Krystina. I’m excited that you saw something in me that feels like a good fit. I really love helping people at any age discover a more fulfilling, nourishing life — one where they feel connected to what makes them feel truly alive and excited for the future. Text me anytime at (480) 463-4432 or call/email to schedule your free 15-min phone or video meet and greet with me — it’s a quick and easy way for you to get a feel for me and how I can help you. With 17 years of experience (I look younger than I am), you will find that I am very easy to talk to and knowledgeable about how to help you or your child/teen.
Hi! I am Dr. Krystina. I’m excited that you saw something in me that feels like a good fit. I really love helping people at any age discover a more fulfilling, nourishing life — one where they feel connected to what makes them feel truly alive and excited for the future. Text me anytime at (480) 463-4432 or call/email to schedule your free 15-min phone or video meet and greet with me — it’s a quick and easy way for you to get a feel for me and how I can help you. With 17 years of experience (I look younger than I am), you will find that I am very easy to talk to and knowledgeable about how to help you or your child/teen.
![Photo of Tiffany Jp Hernandez, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/372fcfc6-7853-4a96-89ec-f8d039e29ce7/2/320x400.jpeg)
Tiffany Jp Hernandez
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Phoenix, AZ 85085 (Online Only)
Email for all inquiries! Congratulations on taking the first step to living your best life! The last couple years have been difficult for all of us, but especially those who were already struggling with their mental health. It has been a time for reflection and now it is time to take action towards healing and making lifelong changes. Please allow me to assist you in discovering your strengths and recognizing your resiliency. I utilize a variety of therapeutic techniques each designed to help you on your unique journey of self-improvement.
Email for all inquiries! Congratulations on taking the first step to living your best life! The last couple years have been difficult for all of us, but especially those who were already struggling with their mental health. It has been a time for reflection and now it is time to take action towards healing and making lifelong changes. Please allow me to assist you in discovering your strengths and recognizing your resiliency. I utilize a variety of therapeutic techniques each designed to help you on your unique journey of self-improvement.
![Photo of Joshua Root, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7ff66785-2b36-4530-9537-d52a54687a36/1/320x400.jpeg)
Whether it be day to day stressors, or extreme scenarios that took you by surprise I am here to assist you in navigating the lasting impacts of the trauma, anxiety, and/or depression that came with the scenario. With several years of diverse practice within both an inpatient psychiatric hospital and in outpatient general mental health settings, I have vast experience in the treatment of both severe mental illness and general mental health issues. Utilizing an approach that is individualized to each of my client’s needs I hope to formulate the same perfect treatment plan for you as you face your own unique situation.
Whether it be day to day stressors, or extreme scenarios that took you by surprise I am here to assist you in navigating the lasting impacts of the trauma, anxiety, and/or depression that came with the scenario. With several years of diverse practice within both an inpatient psychiatric hospital and in outpatient general mental health settings, I have vast experience in the treatment of both severe mental illness and general mental health issues. Utilizing an approach that is individualized to each of my client’s needs I hope to formulate the same perfect treatment plan for you as you face your own unique situation.
![Photo of Janel Fairchild - Phoenix Wellness Center, MC, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/47c5d497-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Phoenix Wellness Center
Licensed Professional Counselor, MC, LPC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Phoenix, AZ 85085
Quality: Phoenix Wellness Center is committed to providing quality counseling. Our counselors treat most mental health concerns using effective, evidence based treatments. Our counselors specialize in treating depression, anxiety, trauma, substance abuse, divorce, and adjustment concerns. Additionally, we treat individuals, families, couples, children and adults. We work collaboratively as a team to provide you and your family with comprehensive treatment.
Quality: Phoenix Wellness Center is committed to providing quality counseling. Our counselors treat most mental health concerns using effective, evidence based treatments. Our counselors specialize in treating depression, anxiety, trauma, substance abuse, divorce, and adjustment concerns. Additionally, we treat individuals, families, couples, children and adults. We work collaboratively as a team to provide you and your family with comprehensive treatment.
![Photo of Alison Fisher, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e3a74fd3-409e-46e8-bef8-95253754340c/1/320x400.jpeg)
My goal is to create a safe and authentic space for people to feel comfortable to share their concerns and work towards positive change. I believe that we all get stuck sometimes and need a little extra help. My focus is on helping individuals meet their goals in a way that works best for them. I utilize a variety of evidence-based approaches and interventions including cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and internal family systems (IFS), among others to help clients effectively address problems, build better communication and coping skills, and improve relationships.
My goal is to create a safe and authentic space for people to feel comfortable to share their concerns and work towards positive change. I believe that we all get stuck sometimes and need a little extra help. My focus is on helping individuals meet their goals in a way that works best for them. I utilize a variety of evidence-based approaches and interventions including cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and internal family systems (IFS), among others to help clients effectively address problems, build better communication and coping skills, and improve relationships.
![Photo of Marlys L Reardon, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/969038ed-efe1-49c4-b73e-ef0304db18cf/2/320x400.jpeg)
Marlys L Reardon
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Cave Creek, AZ 85331 (Online Only)
Accepting NEW Clients! Let's work together to discover the truest version of yourself! The decision to seek therapy is a courageous, personal one that honors your life experiences and journey. My objective when working with clients is to provide a safe, comfortable space where they can share freely and without judgement. Your therapeutic journey will be aimed at addressing the behaviors that block you, preventing you from living your most authentic, joyful life. My approach is holistic; centering on assessing emotional and mental health concerns, as well as physical health, familial interactions, community, and spiritual needs.
Accepting NEW Clients! Let's work together to discover the truest version of yourself! The decision to seek therapy is a courageous, personal one that honors your life experiences and journey. My objective when working with clients is to provide a safe, comfortable space where they can share freely and without judgement. Your therapeutic journey will be aimed at addressing the behaviors that block you, preventing you from living your most authentic, joyful life. My approach is holistic; centering on assessing emotional and mental health concerns, as well as physical health, familial interactions, community, and spiritual needs.
![Photo of Barbara Lynn Hatton, MA, LPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/562afa43-106e-4aef-b173-3e8b2a8f9096/2/320x400.jpeg)
As a therapist, my deepest passion lies in guiding individuals through their healing journey and helping them uncover their true selves. There's nothing more fulfilling to me than accompanying people on this transformative path, supporting them as they heal from past wounds and tap into their inner strengths. I understand that being human is a complex journey involving the mind, body, and spirit, and I strive to create a safe, non-judgmental space where individuals can freely express themselves. Taking a holistic approach to therapy, my goal is to meet my clients exactly where they are and assist them in moving forward in life.
As a therapist, my deepest passion lies in guiding individuals through their healing journey and helping them uncover their true selves. There's nothing more fulfilling to me than accompanying people on this transformative path, supporting them as they heal from past wounds and tap into their inner strengths. I understand that being human is a complex journey involving the mind, body, and spirit, and I strive to create a safe, non-judgmental space where individuals can freely express themselves. Taking a holistic approach to therapy, my goal is to meet my clients exactly where they are and assist them in moving forward in life.
![Photo of January Hartze - Healing Hartze, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/34bfa5cc-49a0-456a-a69a-e71d06c656a5/2/320x400.jpeg)
EMDR, Evenings, Saturday and Sundays available! Now accepting new clients as well as AHCCCS plans, OSCAR, BCBS, Cigna, UHC, AETNA, and more. Hello and welcome to the beginning of your journey to better self-awareness, growth, and healing! My name is January Hartze, and my team and I are trained in several treatment modalities which allows us to blend elements from different theories and interventions to customize our approach based on your needs and goals. We use EMDR Therapy, DBT, and CBT among many other therapy modalities to address issues and difficulties that prevent a person from reaching their potential.
EMDR, Evenings, Saturday and Sundays available! Now accepting new clients as well as AHCCCS plans, OSCAR, BCBS, Cigna, UHC, AETNA, and more. Hello and welcome to the beginning of your journey to better self-awareness, growth, and healing! My name is January Hartze, and my team and I are trained in several treatment modalities which allows us to blend elements from different theories and interventions to customize our approach based on your needs and goals. We use EMDR Therapy, DBT, and CBT among many other therapy modalities to address issues and difficulties that prevent a person from reaching their potential.
![Photo of Dena Cabrera, PsyD, CEDS, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/800241aa-9442-404d-a05b-8c8fb5e3ba34/2/320x400.jpeg)
Hello, I am currently taking new patients. I offer both in-person and virtual and have flexible hours (even Sat). I have been working as a psychologist for over 23 years. I provide compassionate & evidenced-based treatment to children, adolescents, adults who feel overwhelmed, out-of-sorts, anxious and / or dysregulated.
Hello, I am currently taking new patients. I offer both in-person and virtual and have flexible hours (even Sat). I have been working as a psychologist for over 23 years. I provide compassionate & evidenced-based treatment to children, adolescents, adults who feel overwhelmed, out-of-sorts, anxious and / or dysregulated.
![Photo of Diane P Goula - Diane P. Goula LCSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e42f8d5-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Let me help you find your balance. We'll focus on the goals and timelines you set by building upon your individual strengths, beliefs and life experience. I'm interactive and will intertwine technology, insights, and practical feedback with compassion and humor (especially if you have a mentally ill family member, difficult or special-needs child /spouse or an aging parent). I'm available to conduct video and in-person sessions after 5:00 pm. You can book your first appointment in less than 5 minutes via my 24/7 online scheduler. Please visit my website, www.DianeGoula.com to learn more.
Let me help you find your balance. We'll focus on the goals and timelines you set by building upon your individual strengths, beliefs and life experience. I'm interactive and will intertwine technology, insights, and practical feedback with compassion and humor (especially if you have a mentally ill family member, difficult or special-needs child /spouse or an aging parent). I'm available to conduct video and in-person sessions after 5:00 pm. You can book your first appointment in less than 5 minutes via my 24/7 online scheduler. Please visit my website, www.DianeGoula.com to learn more.
![Photo of Mike Johnson, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/856690b7-9a8f-4bfd-b9d4-cae881224942/2/320x400.jpeg)
We run. We hide. We fight. We comply. And nothing changes. The stress/pain remains. We go to bed and get up the next day to do it all over again. Maybe you're at the beginning stage of coping with a stressful event. Maybe you know you need support. Maybe you don't know what you need. Maybe you're feeling out of options. Life can throw some difficult, seemingly impossible, events at us. When that happens, it's normal to feel out of control. But there is hope. I’ve spent over two decades helping people remove obstacles to living a more fulfilling life. You can feel in control again and experience life as joyful and fun.
We run. We hide. We fight. We comply. And nothing changes. The stress/pain remains. We go to bed and get up the next day to do it all over again. Maybe you're at the beginning stage of coping with a stressful event. Maybe you know you need support. Maybe you don't know what you need. Maybe you're feeling out of options. Life can throw some difficult, seemingly impossible, events at us. When that happens, it's normal to feel out of control. But there is hope. I’ve spent over two decades helping people remove obstacles to living a more fulfilling life. You can feel in control again and experience life as joyful and fun.
![Photo of Dr. Jodi Manning, DSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8c8e358a-9259-402e-8001-cf4b0095bddb/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Jodi Manning
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, DSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Cave Creek, AZ 85327 (Online Only)
In the wake of the unprecedented challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, you might still be grappling with its profound effects on your mental health and overall well-being. Are you struggling with depression and anxiety, sleeping, going to work, socializing, or adjusting to various changes? As a Doctor of Social Work (DSW) and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), I am dedicated to supporting individuals like you in overcoming these challenges and achieving personal growth.
In the wake of the unprecedented challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, you might still be grappling with its profound effects on your mental health and overall well-being. Are you struggling with depression and anxiety, sleeping, going to work, socializing, or adjusting to various changes? As a Doctor of Social Work (DSW) and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), I am dedicated to supporting individuals like you in overcoming these challenges and achieving personal growth.
![Photo of Savana Howe Psy.d., PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/708d2bd0-7460-48ee-a604-5e40c41fbcbf/3/320x400.jpeg)
Hello and welcome! I am a clinical psychologist who specializes in helping both adults and children achieve their goals despite facing challenges with anxiety, depression, or any other mental health condition. Together, we can come up with a game plan to get you where you want to be, and help you excel at your job, school, in your relationships, and in parenting. As someone who specializes in behavioral change, you can expect a no nonsense, yet warm and inviting approach.
Hello and welcome! I am a clinical psychologist who specializes in helping both adults and children achieve their goals despite facing challenges with anxiety, depression, or any other mental health condition. Together, we can come up with a game plan to get you where you want to be, and help you excel at your job, school, in your relationships, and in parenting. As someone who specializes in behavioral change, you can expect a no nonsense, yet warm and inviting approach.
![Photo of Christina Liakopoulos, LCSW, BC-TMH, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8b1b5967-f03d-4d05-ade6-0c6f6eadaeeb/2/320x400.jpeg)
Christina Liakopoulos
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, BC-TMH
Verified Verified
Cave Creek, AZ 85331
Welcome to EMPOWER YOU EXPERTS! I have over 22 years of diverse experience, and hold Clinical Social Work Licenses in Arizona, Illinois, and Indiana. My focus is to guide you towards becoming unstuck and creating positive changes in your life, such as alleviating anxiety and depression, reducing stress, restoring love and family relationships, healing past and present wounds, and transforming anger into positive, constructive emotions and actions. I offer a FREE phone consultation prior to your first appointment and a Sliding Fee Scale. In addition, I provide therapy in English and in Greek.
Welcome to EMPOWER YOU EXPERTS! I have over 22 years of diverse experience, and hold Clinical Social Work Licenses in Arizona, Illinois, and Indiana. My focus is to guide you towards becoming unstuck and creating positive changes in your life, such as alleviating anxiety and depression, reducing stress, restoring love and family relationships, healing past and present wounds, and transforming anger into positive, constructive emotions and actions. I offer a FREE phone consultation prior to your first appointment and a Sliding Fee Scale. In addition, I provide therapy in English and in Greek.
See more therapy options for Desert Hills
Nearby Bipolar Disorder Therapists Searches for Desert Hills
- Anthem
- Avondale
- Carefree
- Cave Creek
- Fountain Hills
- Glendale
- Paradise Valley
- Peoria
- Phoenix
- Scottsdale
- Sun City
- Surprise
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.