Photo of Kris Winslow, MA, MBA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Kris Winslow
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MBA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Inglewood, CA 90302  (Online Only)
I see a lot of people who have been diagnosed with anxiety, depression, PTSD and bipolar disorder.
There is really no issue to big or too small to bring to therapy. I have seen people go through so much positive change because of their work in therapy and think it is such an awesome process. Just because we can go through life in survival mode and bouncing off our ups and downs, does not mean we should. I love to talk about everything therapy, so I encourage people to reach out.
I see a lot of people who have been diagnosed with anxiety, depression, PTSD and bipolar disorder.
There is really no issue to big or too small to bring to therapy. I have seen people go through so much positive change because of their work in therapy and think it is such an awesome process. Just because we can go through life in survival mode and bouncing off our ups and downs, does not mean we should. I love to talk about everything therapy, so I encourage people to reach out.
(323) 973-2279 View (323) 973-2279
Photo of Cymone N Damon-David - Reconnect Marriage and Family Counseling, MA, LMFT
Reconnect Marriage and Family Counseling
MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Inglewood, CA 90304
At Reconnect, we strive to provide a space in which people feel seen, heard, and included by providing various treatment options and specialties. To meet the needs of our clients, our clinicians can assist clients with changing or modifying undesired behaviors, improve both mood and relationships, deconstructing childhood trauma, assisting children and parents with their concerns, and much more.
At Reconnect, we strive to provide a space in which people feel seen, heard, and included by providing various treatment options and specialties. To meet the needs of our clients, our clinicians can assist clients with changing or modifying undesired behaviors, improve both mood and relationships, deconstructing childhood trauma, assisting children and parents with their concerns, and much more.
(818) 619-3835 View (818) 619-3835
Photo of Jennifer Drown, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jennifer Drown
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Inglewood, CA 90301
I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist(LMFT) with over 10 years of experience working as a therapist, clinical supervisor, and assistant director of a treatment facility for individuals suffering from mental health and substance use disorders. As a LMFT, my goal is to help individuals improve their mental health, address relationship difficulties, and adjust to challenging life changes. I work with clients from a client-centered approach, utilizing a combination of solution-focused therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy. I enjoy working with individuals to improve their overall mental health.
I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist(LMFT) with over 10 years of experience working as a therapist, clinical supervisor, and assistant director of a treatment facility for individuals suffering from mental health and substance use disorders. As a LMFT, my goal is to help individuals improve their mental health, address relationship difficulties, and adjust to challenging life changes. I work with clients from a client-centered approach, utilizing a combination of solution-focused therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy. I enjoy working with individuals to improve their overall mental health.
(925) 574-8861 View (925) 574-8861
Photo of Janet D. Dyer, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Janet D. Dyer
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Inglewood, CA 90303
Life is in Session! No matter who you are, life can take its toll! From the day to day stressors of family, business, finances, relationships, or simply navigating the course of your life in today’s cultural and social climate, it is easy to feel depleted and overwhelmed. Especially, when life hits you with the unexpected traumatic blow of loss, grief, abuse, or divorce, one can become lost in an emotional fog, completely uncertain about the future. Nevertheless, whatever you are facing in life, you do not have to go it alone.
Life is in Session! No matter who you are, life can take its toll! From the day to day stressors of family, business, finances, relationships, or simply navigating the course of your life in today’s cultural and social climate, it is easy to feel depleted and overwhelmed. Especially, when life hits you with the unexpected traumatic blow of loss, grief, abuse, or divorce, one can become lost in an emotional fog, completely uncertain about the future. Nevertheless, whatever you are facing in life, you do not have to go it alone.
(424) 374-0300 View (424) 374-0300
Photo of Dr. Tyies Brown, PsyD, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Dr. Tyies Brown
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Inglewood, CA 90303  (Online Only)
Has life been challenging or difficult to navigate. Has past trauma, recent stressors or unexpected life changes caused emotional discord or familial conflict(s). With professional help, change is obtainable. If you are ready to see change and do the work required to break free from these past experiences, recent life events, or even to shake the impact of 2020... NOW is the time. You deserve freedom from the cycles of those unhealthy relationships, an improved sense of self, and an opportunity to journey forward in a way that is congruent with your perception of happiness! Invest in yourself today through positive psychology.
Has life been challenging or difficult to navigate. Has past trauma, recent stressors or unexpected life changes caused emotional discord or familial conflict(s). With professional help, change is obtainable. If you are ready to see change and do the work required to break free from these past experiences, recent life events, or even to shake the impact of 2020... NOW is the time. You deserve freedom from the cycles of those unhealthy relationships, an improved sense of self, and an opportunity to journey forward in a way that is congruent with your perception of happiness! Invest in yourself today through positive psychology.
(424) 233-1053 View (424) 233-1053
Photo of Ellen Radha Katz, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Ellen Radha Katz
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Inglewood, CA 90302  (Online Only)
Because I've been blessed with life-changing mentors in my life, I can pass the sum of their wisdom on to you, along with my own. Therapy is a healing process that happens through our shared connection and your expanding awareness. It requires a safe place, where truth is expressed and pain is transformed. Typically we meet suffering with distractions, intoxication or denial. When we find a way to experience emotional sobriety, our relationships with ourselves and others can heal. Loss, trauma, emotional intoxication and shame are common issues that breed secondary problems. We’ll approach them with skill, compassion and courage.
Because I've been blessed with life-changing mentors in my life, I can pass the sum of their wisdom on to you, along with my own. Therapy is a healing process that happens through our shared connection and your expanding awareness. It requires a safe place, where truth is expressed and pain is transformed. Typically we meet suffering with distractions, intoxication or denial. When we find a way to experience emotional sobriety, our relationships with ourselves and others can heal. Loss, trauma, emotional intoxication and shame are common issues that breed secondary problems. We’ll approach them with skill, compassion and courage.
(424) 353-2867 View (424) 353-2867

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Teri Arana, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Teri Arana
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Culver City, CA 90230  (Online Only)
Exclusively focused on mental health issues, Bonmente treats a myriad of psychiatric conditions including anxiety, depression, ADHD, sleep disorders, postpartum depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, panic attacks, OCD, and gender dysphoria.
We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now welcoming new patients!
Exclusively focused on mental health issues, Bonmente treats a myriad of psychiatric conditions including anxiety, depression, ADHD, sleep disorders, postpartum depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, panic attacks, OCD, and gender dysphoria.
We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now welcoming new patients!
(310) 905-6849 View (310) 905-6849
Photo of Us Today - Access Healing Counseling and Associates
Access Healing Counseling and Associates
Verified Verified
Culver City, CA 90230
) / Addictions/ ADHD / ADD/ Adolescents/ Adoption Issues/ Adult Children Of Alcoholics/ Adults/ Aging/ Senior issues/ Anger Management/ Anxiety Disorders Art/ Therapy Asperger / Bipolar Disorder/ Career Transition/ Childhood Abuse/ Children/ Christian Counseling/ Chronic Illness/ Chronic Pain/ Co-Dependency Issues/ Cognitive Behavioral Therapy/ Couples/ Crisis Intervention/ Depression/ Domestic Violence/ Eating Disorders/ EMDR/ Family Therapy/ Farsi/ Gay / Lesbian Issues / Gender Identity /Grief / Loss Group Therapy /Homeopathic Medicine/ Hungarian/ Learning Differences/ Life Transitions Marital / Couples Therapy /Memory Loss/ Men's Issues/ Minority / Cultural Issues/Mood Disorders /OCD/Obsessive Compulsive Disorder /Panic Disorders/Parenting Issues Performance Anxiety/ Phobias/ Play Therapy /Polish /Post Traumatic Stress Disorder// PTSD Post-Partum Depression/ Premarital Counseling/ Psychiatry/ Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Relationship Difficulties/ Separation and Divorce /Spanish /Spiritual/Religious Issues/ Stress Management /Substance Abuse/ Terminal Illness/ Transitional Stress /Trauma /Veterans Women's Issues/ Workplace Stress / EAP.
We are a group practice Network offering video and in person app Our vision is to connect you to a network of some of the most talented, highly qualified and compassionate professionals in the mental health field, each with a broad range of skills and unique personal style. Our therapists and psychiatrists are uniquely equipped to work with individuals, children, adolescents, couples and families. They will help you access the keys to your emotional/psychological healing, wholeness and sense of well being. Once you are connected with a therapist, all communication with them will be handled via their individual voice-mail or email.
) / Addictions/ ADHD / ADD/ Adolescents/ Adoption Issues/ Adult Children Of Alcoholics/ Adults/ Aging/ Senior issues/ Anger Management/ Anxiety Disorders Art/ Therapy Asperger / Bipolar Disorder/ Career Transition/ Childhood Abuse/ Children/ Christian Counseling/ Chronic Illness/ Chronic Pain/ Co-Dependency Issues/ Cognitive Behavioral Therapy/ Couples/ Crisis Intervention/ Depression/ Domestic Violence/ Eating Disorders/ EMDR/ Family Therapy/ Farsi/ Gay / Lesbian Issues / Gender Identity /Grief / Loss Group Therapy /Homeopathic Medicine/ Hungarian/ Learning Differences/ Life Transitions Marital / Couples Therapy /Memory Loss/ Men's Issues/ Minority / Cultural Issues/Mood Disorders /OCD/Obsessive Compulsive Disorder /Panic Disorders/Parenting Issues Performance Anxiety/ Phobias/ Play Therapy /Polish /Post Traumatic Stress Disorder// PTSD Post-Partum Depression/ Premarital Counseling/ Psychiatry/ Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Relationship Difficulties/ Separation and Divorce /Spanish /Spiritual/Religious Issues/ Stress Management /Substance Abuse/ Terminal Illness/ Transitional Stress /Trauma /Veterans Women's Issues/ Workplace Stress / EAP.
We are a group practice Network offering video and in person app Our vision is to connect you to a network of some of the most talented, highly qualified and compassionate professionals in the mental health field, each with a broad range of skills and unique personal style. Our therapists and psychiatrists are uniquely equipped to work with individuals, children, adolescents, couples and families. They will help you access the keys to your emotional/psychological healing, wholeness and sense of well being. Once you are connected with a therapist, all communication with them will be handled via their individual voice-mail or email.
(323) 894-9314 View (323) 894-9314
Photo of Kristen Wallis, LMFT, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist
Kristen Wallis
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
Culver City, CA 90230
Whether you are struggling with depression, anxiety, addiction, a life transition, family/parenting concerns, or other mental health issues, we are all trying to better understand ourselves and break free of our limiting patterns and beliefs. My approach to therapy involves a strong foundation in formal therapeutic modalities, including CBT, DBT, family systems, and others, while at the same time recognizing that you are the expert of your own life, and it is through the therapeutic process that you will come to gain valuable insights, recognize your potential, and enhance your capacity for self-love.
Whether you are struggling with depression, anxiety, addiction, a life transition, family/parenting concerns, or other mental health issues, we are all trying to better understand ourselves and break free of our limiting patterns and beliefs. My approach to therapy involves a strong foundation in formal therapeutic modalities, including CBT, DBT, family systems, and others, while at the same time recognizing that you are the expert of your own life, and it is through the therapeutic process that you will come to gain valuable insights, recognize your potential, and enhance your capacity for self-love.
(424) 433-4256 View (424) 433-4256
Photo of Alicia Brandt, LMFT, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist
Alicia Brandt
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Westchester, CA 90045
Are you feeling stuck? Are you questioning retirement, looking for a "third act" in your life? Is your relationship stagnant or in crisis? Have you ended one addiction, only to have another pop up? Are you the adult child of a narcissist and having issues with relationships and career?Are you a partner or parent of an addict or person in recovery?Are you ready for change?
Are you feeling stuck? Are you questioning retirement, looking for a "third act" in your life? Is your relationship stagnant or in crisis? Have you ended one addiction, only to have another pop up? Are you the adult child of a narcissist and having issues with relationships and career?Are you a partner or parent of an addict or person in recovery?Are you ready for change?
(323) 870-8228 View (323) 870-8228
Photo of Minerva Paz, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Minerva Paz
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Culver City, CA 90230
My approach is focused on providing understanding to all the emotional unknowns. I enjoy working with all age groups and couples ! I find that when working with couples I primarily use attachment theory to create an understanding not only of yourself but of your partner and how you can compliment each other.
My approach is focused on providing understanding to all the emotional unknowns. I enjoy working with all age groups and couples ! I find that when working with couples I primarily use attachment theory to create an understanding not only of yourself but of your partner and how you can compliment each other.
(323) 996-3524 View (323) 996-3524
Photo of Carrie L McElwee, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Carrie L McElwee
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90045  (Online Only)
Are you ready to begin your journey of healing? Do you feel stuck in your current relationships? You've come to the right place. It's time to uncover the source of your concerns and be unapologetic! I work with my clients to create a safe space to feel empowered, as positive change occurs, judgement-free and unapologetically. I promote positive mental health services through prevention, education, and interventions. I specialize in working with adolescents, teens, and adults within several demographics, including BIPOC and LGBTQ communities. I also work with couples facing relationship and sexual issues.
Are you ready to begin your journey of healing? Do you feel stuck in your current relationships? You've come to the right place. It's time to uncover the source of your concerns and be unapologetic! I work with my clients to create a safe space to feel empowered, as positive change occurs, judgement-free and unapologetically. I promote positive mental health services through prevention, education, and interventions. I specialize in working with adolescents, teens, and adults within several demographics, including BIPOC and LGBTQ communities. I also work with couples facing relationship and sexual issues.
(310) 861-1205 View (310) 861-1205
Photo of Cheryl D Casey, MS, LMFT, EMDR, Marriage & Family Therapist
Cheryl D Casey
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT, EMDR
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90043  (Online Only)
The journey of life can be a challenging one. We are often faced with situations and events that challenge us. Sometimes we feel alone, confused, uncertain, or afraid. We seek comfort and understanding. We want change, but are not sure how or what steps to take. We seek safety, security, and purpose. I will help you navigate through life challenges and help you gently face your deepest struggles.
The journey of life can be a challenging one. We are often faced with situations and events that challenge us. Sometimes we feel alone, confused, uncertain, or afraid. We seek comfort and understanding. We want change, but are not sure how or what steps to take. We seek safety, security, and purpose. I will help you navigate through life challenges and help you gently face your deepest struggles.
(714) 627-4897 View (714) 627-4897
Photo of Ivy Huff, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Ivy Huff
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90045  (Online Only)
Each client I have worked with has unique strengths that I have used to create a plan to address their concerns. It might be hard to see that you have strengths right now, but I'm confident that I can help you see strengths within yourself. As we move along the healing process and improve areas in our lives, sometimes we may feel challenged or unsure. I enjoy helping my clients visualize the future they want and then take steps to seize that future with small, attainable steps that lead to progress and positive outcomes.
Each client I have worked with has unique strengths that I have used to create a plan to address their concerns. It might be hard to see that you have strengths right now, but I'm confident that I can help you see strengths within yourself. As we move along the healing process and improve areas in our lives, sometimes we may feel challenged or unsure. I enjoy helping my clients visualize the future they want and then take steps to seize that future with small, attainable steps that lead to progress and positive outcomes.
(925) 744-6893 View (925) 744-6893
Photo of Tanisha Simpson - The Village Mental Health Group, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
The Village Mental Health Group
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90056  (Online Only)
My name is Tanisha Simpson and my clinical experience includes working with children, teens, and adults with severe mental illnesses and individuals in crisis. I am a compassionate, solutions-oriented professional dedicated to providing exceptional care and devising creative treatment plans for children, adolescents, and adults dealing with multiple issues. I developed a passion and personal commitment to two things: fostering a positive learning environment for individuals with various backgrounds and maximizing individual and family performance.
My name is Tanisha Simpson and my clinical experience includes working with children, teens, and adults with severe mental illnesses and individuals in crisis. I am a compassionate, solutions-oriented professional dedicated to providing exceptional care and devising creative treatment plans for children, adolescents, and adults dealing with multiple issues. I developed a passion and personal commitment to two things: fostering a positive learning environment for individuals with various backgrounds and maximizing individual and family performance.
(951) 420-7370 View (951) 420-7370
Photo of Leah Stryer, LMFT, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist
Leah Stryer
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
Culver City, CA 90230  (Online Only)
I became a psychotherapist because everyone needs “that person” in their life who will always believe in them, support them, and not judge them based on their past. As we all continue to navigate life’s transitions and changes, there are points where we find ourselves needing extra guidance and support. Whether you are currently thriving or struggling in life, deciding to seek therapy can be a challenging, rewarding, and life-changing experience. As a therapist, I strive to be “that person” by providing a non-judgmental, warm, and compassionate environment that fosters growth.
I became a psychotherapist because everyone needs “that person” in their life who will always believe in them, support them, and not judge them based on their past. As we all continue to navigate life’s transitions and changes, there are points where we find ourselves needing extra guidance and support. Whether you are currently thriving or struggling in life, deciding to seek therapy can be a challenging, rewarding, and life-changing experience. As a therapist, I strive to be “that person” by providing a non-judgmental, warm, and compassionate environment that fosters growth.
(747) 252-5554 View (747) 252-5554
Photo of Cecilia Ochoa, PsyD, Psychologist
Cecilia Ochoa
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90045  (Online Only)
I have over 25 years of experience working with adults and couples in multiple settings, from outpatient psychiatry clinics to Emergency Department work and community mental health. I am client-centered and pay great attention to the relationship. I am trained in in-depth therapy but can easily adapt to a client's needs when the client wants a more solution and goal-oriented approach. I have treated people dealing with a wide variety of issues over the many years as a psychotherapist. I am deeply passionate about my work and honored to witness people's resiliency and strength.
I have over 25 years of experience working with adults and couples in multiple settings, from outpatient psychiatry clinics to Emergency Department work and community mental health. I am client-centered and pay great attention to the relationship. I am trained in in-depth therapy but can easily adapt to a client's needs when the client wants a more solution and goal-oriented approach. I have treated people dealing with a wide variety of issues over the many years as a psychotherapist. I am deeply passionate about my work and honored to witness people's resiliency and strength.
(626) 654-2350 View (626) 654-2350
Photo of Rebecca R Nation, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Rebecca R Nation
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90045
I believe that people are all inherently relational beings and when our relationships - whether with ourselves, other people, or God - are hurting, life can become incredibly painful.
I believe that people are all inherently relational beings and when our relationships - whether with ourselves, other people, or God - are hurting, life can become incredibly painful.
(916) 602-4568 View (916) 602-4568
Photo of Katrin Steinert, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Katrin Steinert
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Culver City, CA 90230
Katrin Steinert is a licensed Marriage and Family therapist who has been providing therapy since 2017. Trained in Dialectical Behavior Theory (DBT) and Psychodynamic theory, Katrin brings a sense of calm and humor to her practice. Katrin started her therapeutic practice at a local community clinic where she was trained in the areas of grief, immediate intervention techniques, motivational interviewing and harm reduction. She worked with people from various backgrounds and cultures which gave her a deep appreciation of difference that she carries into her practice today.
Katrin Steinert is a licensed Marriage and Family therapist who has been providing therapy since 2017. Trained in Dialectical Behavior Theory (DBT) and Psychodynamic theory, Katrin brings a sense of calm and humor to her practice. Katrin started her therapeutic practice at a local community clinic where she was trained in the areas of grief, immediate intervention techniques, motivational interviewing and harm reduction. She worked with people from various backgrounds and cultures which gave her a deep appreciation of difference that she carries into her practice today.
(323) 618-6236 View (323) 618-6236
Photo of Kristen Smith, LMFT, MS, Marriage & Family Therapist
Kristen Smith
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MS
Verified Verified
Culver City, CA 90230
I provide therapy for adolescents and adults seeking help with issues including parenting, divorce, stress, anxiety, depression, relationships, communication, suicidal thoughts, self-harm, grief, life-changing events, and others. My approach to therapy is to provide a safe, non-judgmental space where you can identify and explore the underlying beliefs driving your behaviors, shaping your habits, and impacting your relationships. Working together using therapeutic approaches such as mindfulness, CBT, narrative therapy, DBT, etc., you will learn to better manage emotions and behaviors, allowing you to meet your own personal goals.
I provide therapy for adolescents and adults seeking help with issues including parenting, divorce, stress, anxiety, depression, relationships, communication, suicidal thoughts, self-harm, grief, life-changing events, and others. My approach to therapy is to provide a safe, non-judgmental space where you can identify and explore the underlying beliefs driving your behaviors, shaping your habits, and impacting your relationships. Working together using therapeutic approaches such as mindfulness, CBT, narrative therapy, DBT, etc., you will learn to better manage emotions and behaviors, allowing you to meet your own personal goals.
(747) 236-6609 View (747) 236-6609
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.