Therapists in Tempe, AZ
![Photo of Adam Lovallo - Adam Lovallo Counseling , MC, LPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b4397976-2a14-40f0-8b2c-232fecd15b9d/1/320x400.jpeg)
Adam Lovallo Counseling
Counselor, MC, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Tempe, AZ 85284 (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 Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Arizona with over 26 years of clinical experience. My goal is to help you successfully take on the various challenges in your life, by providing you with a judgement-free safe space to develop an array of coping tools! This is achieved by providing you with psycho education and constructive feedback, coupled with modeling unconditional positive regard & 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 tolerating your life to 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 Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Arizona with over 26 years of clinical experience. My goal is to help you successfully take on the various challenges in your life, by providing you with a judgement-free safe space to develop an array of coping tools! This is achieved by providing you with psycho education and constructive feedback, coupled with modeling unconditional positive regard & 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 tolerating your life to living life to its fullest!
![Photo of Breecole Valdez, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8305e7e9-c275-49d2-955a-3dc40c0635b5/2/320x400.jpeg)
Breecole Valdez
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Tempe, AZ 85281 (Online Only)
I specialize in mood disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, BPD, trauma, eating disorders, and substance use.
Hi, I'm Breecole! If you're feeling overwhelmed by life's ups and downs, you're not alone. Whether you need to spill the tea on what's been weighing you down, discuss relationship issues, or find support through life’s challenges, I'm here for you. I provide a warm, non-judgmental, and holistic approach to therapy with a down-to-earth vibe. Your comfort and safety are my top priorities. Understanding the difficulty of mental health battles on a personal level, I offer a unique empathic perspective and want to support you in navigating life's obstacles and helping you create insightful "ah-ha" moments on your path to recovery.
I specialize in mood disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, BPD, trauma, eating disorders, and substance use.
Hi, I'm Breecole! If you're feeling overwhelmed by life's ups and downs, you're not alone. Whether you need to spill the tea on what's been weighing you down, discuss relationship issues, or find support through life’s challenges, I'm here for you. I provide a warm, non-judgmental, and holistic approach to therapy with a down-to-earth vibe. Your comfort and safety are my top priorities. Understanding the difficulty of mental health battles on a personal level, I offer a unique empathic perspective and want to support you in navigating life's obstacles and helping you create insightful "ah-ha" moments on your path to recovery.
![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)
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 Jessie Moecia, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0ee8770d-4c90-4662-a36b-e86875225808/1/320x400.jpeg)
I have had the privilege of working in community mental health since 2016 and have most enjoyed being able to meet with and take the journey with clients from many diverse backgrounds, facing various mental health challenges. Most humans want and need to be understood without the fear of judgment in order to thrive and create positive change. I am able to help meet the needs of those facing trauma, co-dependency, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, ADHD, relationship challenges and phase of life challenges.
I have had the privilege of working in community mental health since 2016 and have most enjoyed being able to meet with and take the journey with clients from many diverse backgrounds, facing various mental health challenges. Most humans want and need to be understood without the fear of judgment in order to thrive and create positive change. I am able to help meet the needs of those facing trauma, co-dependency, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, ADHD, relationship challenges and phase of life challenges.
![Photo of Christopher Trotman, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/427a65fc-ac04-4f71-a348-0c24c777469f/1/320x400.jpeg)
Christopher Trotman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
Tempe, AZ 85284 (Online Only)
My experience, including living with sickle cell anemia, allows me to specialize in chronic illness, pain, emotional regulation, depression, anxiety, trauma, bipolar disorder and other related issues.
Hey there! If you're here, you may be starting (or continuing) a journey of self-discovery. As a dedicated licensed master social worker, I'm honored to assist you. I know reaching out for help can be difficult sometimes. If you’re willing to take that intimidating first step, I promise you- I will do my best in helping make it as easy and enjoyable for you as I possibly can. I aim to create a healing space, where we'll laugh together, you may cry, and you'll feel ready to overcome challenges. Shoot me an email and we'll schedule a free 15 min consultation! Now accepting clients in both MD and AZ
My experience, including living with sickle cell anemia, allows me to specialize in chronic illness, pain, emotional regulation, depression, anxiety, trauma, bipolar disorder and other related issues.
Hey there! If you're here, you may be starting (or continuing) a journey of self-discovery. As a dedicated licensed master social worker, I'm honored to assist you. I know reaching out for help can be difficult sometimes. If you’re willing to take that intimidating first step, I promise you- I will do my best in helping make it as easy and enjoyable for you as I possibly can. I aim to create a healing space, where we'll laugh together, you may cry, and you'll feel ready to overcome challenges. Shoot me an email and we'll schedule a free 15 min consultation! Now accepting clients in both MD and AZ
![Photo of Roxanne Dalpos, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3ce97a00-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Roxanne Dalpos
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
12 Endorsed
Tempe, AZ 85282
I am a licensed psychotherpist in AZ and nationally certified. I am trained in various techniques that help with the resolution of trauma, abuse, neglect, addiction, and personality corrections. In addition, I can provide testing for behavioral, emotional, personality, and psychological concerns. As the clinical director, I coordinate and oversee our groups and IOP (intensive outpatient) programs. My team includes Spanish speaking services and the ability to work with those who have other concerns such as anxiey, bipolar, depression, ADHD, and emotional dysregulation as part of individual, group, IOP counseling.
I am a licensed psychotherpist in AZ and nationally certified. I am trained in various techniques that help with the resolution of trauma, abuse, neglect, addiction, and personality corrections. In addition, I can provide testing for behavioral, emotional, personality, and psychological concerns. As the clinical director, I coordinate and oversee our groups and IOP (intensive outpatient) programs. My team includes Spanish speaking services and the ability to work with those who have other concerns such as anxiey, bipolar, depression, ADHD, and emotional dysregulation as part of individual, group, IOP counseling.
![Photo of Rebecca Fregoso, MS, LPC, NCC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9944818b-702f-42cd-bfb1-1bbb345babea/1/320x400.jpeg)
Over the years, I've developed specialized skills to work with diverse populations, various backgrounds, and individuals dealing with depression, dissociative disorders, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, BPD, self-esteem issues, relationship challenges, and complex trauma.
Have you ever found yourself in need of someone to talk to, only to feel like there's no one you can turn to? Perhaps you've experienced the frustration of opening up and being vulnerable, only to receive a blank stare or have the conversation unintentionally redirected to the other person's experiences. At Inner Balance, YOU are our primary and central focus. I value the courage it takes to be vulnerable and provide a secure space for you to explore your past, present, and future. I'm here to offer the support and validation you need to evolve into the person you aspire to be.
Over the years, I've developed specialized skills to work with diverse populations, various backgrounds, and individuals dealing with depression, dissociative disorders, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, BPD, self-esteem issues, relationship challenges, and complex trauma.
Have you ever found yourself in need of someone to talk to, only to feel like there's no one you can turn to? Perhaps you've experienced the frustration of opening up and being vulnerable, only to receive a blank stare or have the conversation unintentionally redirected to the other person's experiences. At Inner Balance, YOU are our primary and central focus. I value the courage it takes to be vulnerable and provide a secure space for you to explore your past, present, and future. I'm here to offer the support and validation you need to evolve into the person you aspire to be.
![Photo of Mark Treegoob, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3de201e1-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I also have specialized in ADHD, adult and children; Bipolar Disorder; Asperger's Disorder; Depression; Anger Management; and Stress Management.
I work with children 13 or over through adolescence, and adults of all ages.
I also have specialized in ADHD, adult and children; Bipolar Disorder; Asperger's Disorder; Depression; Anger Management; and Stress Management.
I work with children 13 or over through adolescence, and adults of all ages.
![Photo of Daniel J. Nichols - Scottsdale Providence Recovery Center, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4d08bf48-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Scottsdale Providence Recovery Center
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Tempe, AZ 85282
We know how scary it can feel to reach out for help at your lowest point. At Scottsdale Providence, we understand the feeling of overwhelming desperation, and our experienced staff are here to guide you with compassion toward a brighter future filled with joy, healing and belonging. We are dedicated to helping you attain a sense of freedom and purpose in your life. Whether it's drug or alcohol problems, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or complex co-occurring disorders, our luxury inpatient treatment center is here with individualized treatment options to get you through life's problems.
We know how scary it can feel to reach out for help at your lowest point. At Scottsdale Providence, we understand the feeling of overwhelming desperation, and our experienced staff are here to guide you with compassion toward a brighter future filled with joy, healing and belonging. We are dedicated to helping you attain a sense of freedom and purpose in your life. Whether it's drug or alcohol problems, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or complex co-occurring disorders, our luxury inpatient treatment center is here with individualized treatment options to get you through life's problems.
![Photo of Kathleen Cramer, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4083c109-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Therapy is used to address stress, depression, bipolar disorder, relationship issues, etc.
Just as you visit physicians for preventive care, you can meet with a psychologist to address issues before they become problematic. This proactive approach encourages the development of psychological health. People are in good psychological health when they make good decisions, manage stress well, communicate effectively, have healthy relationships, and take good care of themselves emotionally and physically. Let me work with you to establish and maintain your optimal psychological health. We can do that through the use of therapy and/or psychological testing, as I specialize in both forms of treatment.
Therapy is used to address stress, depression, bipolar disorder, relationship issues, etc.
Just as you visit physicians for preventive care, you can meet with a psychologist to address issues before they become problematic. This proactive approach encourages the development of psychological health. People are in good psychological health when they make good decisions, manage stress well, communicate effectively, have healthy relationships, and take good care of themselves emotionally and physically. Let me work with you to establish and maintain your optimal psychological health. We can do that through the use of therapy and/or psychological testing, as I specialize in both forms of treatment.
![Photo of Eddie Lee Blakes Jr., MSAC, LISAC, BHP, Drug & Alcohol Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/faf432bc-8e75-4485-8cad-046a74d93fd4/1/320x400.jpeg)
Are you feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, LGBTQIA+ issues, anger, grief, loss, loneliness, addictions, trauma, discrimination, or a lack of motivation? You're not alone. I'm here to introduce you to an incredibly compassionate and experienced therapist who is ready to support you on your journey towards healing and growth. With immediate openings for new patients, this therapist is committed to providing a safe and non-judgmental space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. As an independently licensed therapist, they have the expertise to help you navigate your challenges.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, LGBTQIA+ issues, anger, grief, loss, loneliness, addictions, trauma, discrimination, or a lack of motivation? You're not alone. I'm here to introduce you to an incredibly compassionate and experienced therapist who is ready to support you on your journey towards healing and growth. With immediate openings for new patients, this therapist is committed to providing a safe and non-judgmental space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. As an independently licensed therapist, they have the expertise to help you navigate your challenges.
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![Photo of Clinton Bartlett, MA, LPC, CEO, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/83e09ec4-8efb-47d1-b6ce-7e2fb395cda9/2/320x400.png)
I have been a mental health professional for over 25 years. Being the only Deaf Specialist for many years in the valley I had to learn a lot of skills as there was no other place to refer the Deaf to so I have a lot of experience in the following: Trauma, Eating Disorders, Mood Disorders (anxiety, depression, bipolar and more). Starting a new company to focus on patient treatment and therapy, my first love. So come on over and lets change your life for the better!
I have been a mental health professional for over 25 years. Being the only Deaf Specialist for many years in the valley I had to learn a lot of skills as there was no other place to refer the Deaf to so I have a lot of experience in the following: Trauma, Eating Disorders, Mood Disorders (anxiety, depression, bipolar and more). Starting a new company to focus on patient treatment and therapy, my first love. So come on over and lets change your life for the better!
![Photo of Kristine Mill, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1cb346d7-aa3f-40dd-9482-9249e7938628/2/320x400.jpeg)
My specialities of focus are individual session with children 9 years or older/teens/adults with anxiety, depression, bipolar, mood disorder, PTSD, OCD.
I have been in practice since 1997. I am Licensed Professional Counselor as well as an Advanced Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Certified Clinician (CBT-C) & Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP) to address anxiety and depression. I believe it is the relationship with the patient and therapist which are significant to build trust and in turn facilitate change. It is important to have a treatment plan to set goals to learn healthy coping skills to address negative thought patterns. The recent years have brought such change in how we work, attend school, have relationships, and work through adversity. Therapy is key.
My specialities of focus are individual session with children 9 years or older/teens/adults with anxiety, depression, bipolar, mood disorder, PTSD, OCD.
I have been in practice since 1997. I am Licensed Professional Counselor as well as an Advanced Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Certified Clinician (CBT-C) & Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP) to address anxiety and depression. I believe it is the relationship with the patient and therapist which are significant to build trust and in turn facilitate change. It is important to have a treatment plan to set goals to learn healthy coping skills to address negative thought patterns. The recent years have brought such change in how we work, attend school, have relationships, and work through adversity. Therapy is key.
![Photo of Antonio Rojelio Alarcon, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fcf444f0-718e-493e-9899-d9bf7bd30fcf/2/320x400.jpeg)
Antonio Rojelio Alarcon
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Tempe, AZ 85281 (Online Only)
Hello, my name is Antonio. I have 8 years of experience in treating adult males experiencing addiction, ADHD, anxiety, bipolar, depression, and trauma related disorders (PTSD, C-PTSD). At the core of my practice is the intension to provide a safe, compassionate, unconditional, and collaborative relationship with you for the purposes of making meaningful progress towards personal growth goals.
Hello, my name is Antonio. I have 8 years of experience in treating adult males experiencing addiction, ADHD, anxiety, bipolar, depression, and trauma related disorders (PTSD, C-PTSD). At the core of my practice is the intension to provide a safe, compassionate, unconditional, and collaborative relationship with you for the purposes of making meaningful progress towards personal growth goals.
![Photo of Malia Seronio, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8901097b-e956-495e-909c-aa267183d598/3/320x400.jpeg)
First, I want to acknowledge the significance of the steps you are taking to seek support, as I know this process can feel scary and overwhelming. I enjoy working with individuals from adolescence all the way into late-life transitions. I believe that at any age or stage in life, we all have opportunities to make positive changes and increase our wellness. I have experience working with diverse populations of different ages, cultural backgrounds, stages in life, and mental health needs including anxiety-based disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, grief and loss, substance use, and trauma.
First, I want to acknowledge the significance of the steps you are taking to seek support, as I know this process can feel scary and overwhelming. I enjoy working with individuals from adolescence all the way into late-life transitions. I believe that at any age or stage in life, we all have opportunities to make positive changes and increase our wellness. I have experience working with diverse populations of different ages, cultural backgrounds, stages in life, and mental health needs including anxiety-based disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, grief and loss, substance use, and trauma.
![Photo of Evalyn Vasquez, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b7a3c529-2914-4648-8740-40d858f18b56/2/320x400.png)
Evalyn Vasquez is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 5 years of experience in the mental and behavioral health field. She loves sharing her knowledge with adolescents, adults and families. Evalyn specializes in concerns involving anxiety, depression, emotional management, communication, relationships, grief/loss, self-esteem, trauma, school issues, and life transitions.
Evalyn Vasquez is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 5 years of experience in the mental and behavioral health field. She loves sharing her knowledge with adolescents, adults and families. Evalyn specializes in concerns involving anxiety, depression, emotional management, communication, relationships, grief/loss, self-esteem, trauma, school issues, and life transitions.
![Photo of Sarah Dabbs, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4d982142-90c3-49a3-b331-216714c10051/1/320x400.jpeg)
Are you tired of being sad, depressed, or anxious? Do you have an issue relating to others or expressing your feelings? Is your lack of impulse control damaging your relationships with the people you love most? Working with adults and at-risk youth presenting with bi-polar, anxiety, depression, borderline personality disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, anger management, schizophrenia, and dissociative disorder from a diversity of religions, ethnicities, and socioeconomic backgrounds over the past ten years has provided me with a positive and unique approach to helping you gain the skills needed to overcome your issues.
Are you tired of being sad, depressed, or anxious? Do you have an issue relating to others or expressing your feelings? Is your lack of impulse control damaging your relationships with the people you love most? Working with adults and at-risk youth presenting with bi-polar, anxiety, depression, borderline personality disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, anger management, schizophrenia, and dissociative disorder from a diversity of religions, ethnicities, and socioeconomic backgrounds over the past ten years has provided me with a positive and unique approach to helping you gain the skills needed to overcome your issues.
![Photo of Marian Humphries, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/543ba234-1e56-4353-8698-8b29a1b00e24/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with 24 years of experience working with adolescents and young adults as well as their families. My experience has been working with clients dealing with depression, anxiety, behavioral issues, suicidal ideation, oppositional defiant disorder, ADHD, and dysfunctional coping skills including self-harming behaviors. Therapy is tailored to the individual using best practices.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with 24 years of experience working with adolescents and young adults as well as their families. My experience has been working with clients dealing with depression, anxiety, behavioral issues, suicidal ideation, oppositional defiant disorder, ADHD, and dysfunctional coping skills including self-harming behaviors. Therapy is tailored to the individual using best practices.
![Photo of Jonathan Gates, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/28ec36a7-9931-491b-9a05-f1dd2ba300e0/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jonathan is a therapist for mental healthcare provider Fusion Care Group. Fusion Care Group is changing the way people think about and receive mental health service and support. We offer a welcoming and accepting environment where you can feel calm and comfortable while in our care. Our relaxed, modern atmosphere and our amazing, highly trained Psychologists, Psychiatrists and therapists are here for you. Our hope is to provide a place to help our clients achieve their life goals, explore life-circumstances, move through difficult life transitions.
Jonathan is a therapist for mental healthcare provider Fusion Care Group. Fusion Care Group is changing the way people think about and receive mental health service and support. We offer a welcoming and accepting environment where you can feel calm and comfortable while in our care. Our relaxed, modern atmosphere and our amazing, highly trained Psychologists, Psychiatrists and therapists are here for you. Our hope is to provide a place to help our clients achieve their life goals, explore life-circumstances, move through difficult life transitions.
![Photo of Marlon Blanks - Resolutions Behavioral Health Therapy, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6414330f-0a90-4acd-be74-0452f4c407f6/4/320x400.jpeg)
Resolutions Behavioral Health Therapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Tempe, AZ 85281 (Online Only)
Today's Depression, Anxiety, Anger, and Trauma stems from a historical place. My goal as your therapist is to process, unprocessed memory that's holding you back from living your best life. Let's explore your challenges with insecurities, lack of confidence, and fear. Let's explore what identifies your purpose. Welcome couples! Let's explore what is affecting communication and intimacy.
Today's Depression, Anxiety, Anger, and Trauma stems from a historical place. My goal as your therapist is to process, unprocessed memory that's holding you back from living your best life. Let's explore your challenges with insecurities, lack of confidence, and fear. Let's explore what identifies your purpose. Welcome couples! Let's explore what is affecting communication and intimacy.
See more therapy options for Tempe
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.