Bipolar Disorder Therapists in La Jolla, CA
![Photo of Dr. Kimberly Madakasira, PhD, LPC, LPCC, C-IYT, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6506636f-8d8c-4321-a618-c8186fcd24c6/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Kimberly Madakasira
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC, LPCC, C-IYT
Verified Verified
La Jolla, CA 92037 (Online Only)
I am a licensed professional counselor, Health Psychologist and an International Certified Yoga Therapist. I have been a licensed professional counselor since 2000 with experience treating adults utilizing various techniques and therapies in both group and individual settings. I provide CBT, Mindfulness, Yoga Therapy, etc. which have been shown to be beneficial for depression, anxiety, bipolar, trauma, eating disorders among other issues. I obtained my PhD in Health Psychology from Walden University where I studied somatic issues. My areas of interest include mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and health issues.
I am a licensed professional counselor, Health Psychologist and an International Certified Yoga Therapist. I have been a licensed professional counselor since 2000 with experience treating adults utilizing various techniques and therapies in both group and individual settings. I provide CBT, Mindfulness, Yoga Therapy, etc. which have been shown to be beneficial for depression, anxiety, bipolar, trauma, eating disorders among other issues. I obtained my PhD in Health Psychology from Walden University where I studied somatic issues. My areas of interest include mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and health issues.
![Photo of Sara Vicendese - Sara Vicendese & Associates , LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/70017ab5-5d4a-40e3-a505-f63d4623b228/1/320x400.jpeg)
Sara Vicendese & Associates
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
La Jolla, CA 92037
At UCLA, I was trained in the clinical assessment of mood disorders (specializing in bipolar disorder) and Exposure with Response Prevention (ERP) for severe anxiety disorders.
Are you experiencing feelings of anxiety or depression? Is your mood affecting your relationships or career? Sometimes life's challenges become difficult to overcome alone. I offer free phone consultations to see if my practice might be the right fit for your needs. I have diverse training and experience working with adults, adolescents, couples and families. While there are no guarantees of what you will experience, therapy has shown significant benefits for most people who go through it. And being here, on this site, is an important first step.
At UCLA, I was trained in the clinical assessment of mood disorders (specializing in bipolar disorder) and Exposure with Response Prevention (ERP) for severe anxiety disorders.
Are you experiencing feelings of anxiety or depression? Is your mood affecting your relationships or career? Sometimes life's challenges become difficult to overcome alone. I offer free phone consultations to see if my practice might be the right fit for your needs. I have diverse training and experience working with adults, adolescents, couples and families. While there are no guarantees of what you will experience, therapy has shown significant benefits for most people who go through it. And being here, on this site, is an important first step.
![Photo of Destiny Rattanapichetkul, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7272b6d2-c5ac-492e-92ea-4d93124438be/2/320x400.jpeg)
Destiny Rattanapichetkul
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
La Jolla, CA 92037 (Online Only)
I specialize in the treatment of anxiety and bipolar disorders.
I am not the “smile and nod” type of therapist and you will not be the only one talking in our sessions. I will work with you to develop concrete skills to get you back on track in the shortest amount of time possible. Your struggle is real and I want to help. Contact me today for a free 15 minute consultation over the phone and find out if I’m the right fit for you.
I specialize in the treatment of anxiety and bipolar disorders.
I am not the “smile and nod” type of therapist and you will not be the only one talking in our sessions. I will work with you to develop concrete skills to get you back on track in the shortest amount of time possible. Your struggle is real and I want to help. Contact me today for a free 15 minute consultation over the phone and find out if I’m the right fit for you.
![Photo of Laura Wilhoit, PhD, PMH-C, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/17aab1b1-1a97-41b3-8a83-93afab935bf8/1/320x400.jpeg)
I view therapy as a collaboration between client and therapist. I like to co-create an individualized treatment plan to help you reach your goals, whatever they may be. Typically, I draw from a variety of approaches, including Motivational Interviewing (MI), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT). I have specialized training in perinatal mental health, including a Perinatal Mental Health-Certificate. That means I can treat people who are pregnant and experiencing mental health changes as well as those who have anxiety, depression, or bipolar episodes after giving birth.
I view therapy as a collaboration between client and therapist. I like to co-create an individualized treatment plan to help you reach your goals, whatever they may be. Typically, I draw from a variety of approaches, including Motivational Interviewing (MI), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT). I have specialized training in perinatal mental health, including a Perinatal Mental Health-Certificate. That means I can treat people who are pregnant and experiencing mental health changes as well as those who have anxiety, depression, or bipolar episodes after giving birth.
![Photo of Sean O'Hara, PsyD, NCAC, I, SAP, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3cc0f51c-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
O'Hara treats depression, anxiety, ADHD, psychosis, Bipolar, PTSD.
Sean O'Hara Psy.D, NCAC I, SAP is a State of California and State of Hawai'i Board Licensed Psychologist in San Diego, California and Kahului, Hawai'i, with 36 years experience with psychiatric, mental health, dual-diagnosis and crises intervention health problems. Dr. O'Hara works in Rancho Bernardo and does tele heath sessions. Dr. O'Hara travels the United States to work with clients, corporations and athletes residing in other states. Dr. O'Hara works with all populations and does diversified work with corporations, collegiate and professional sports teams, the entertainment industries and concert tours.
O'Hara treats depression, anxiety, ADHD, psychosis, Bipolar, PTSD.
Sean O'Hara Psy.D, NCAC I, SAP is a State of California and State of Hawai'i Board Licensed Psychologist in San Diego, California and Kahului, Hawai'i, with 36 years experience with psychiatric, mental health, dual-diagnosis and crises intervention health problems. Dr. O'Hara works in Rancho Bernardo and does tele heath sessions. Dr. O'Hara travels the United States to work with clients, corporations and athletes residing in other states. Dr. O'Hara works with all populations and does diversified work with corporations, collegiate and professional sports teams, the entertainment industries and concert tours.
![Photo of Dr. Regina Bordieri, PsyD, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/46b2759b-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Regina Bordieri
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
La Jolla, CA 92037 (Online Only)
I have extensive experience helping couples & families cope with life transitions & heal past relationship injuries. I use Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) to help couples escape negative cycles, reduce conflict & reconnect - research consistently shows 90% report significant improvements. I also offer short-term, skills-based relationship coaching, premarital counseling, and relationship enhancement programs, Discernment Counseling for couples considering divorce, & therapy for couples coping with a bipolar diagnosis. I offer flexible scheduling options including Sat & Sun every weekend & online schedule to self-book appointments.
I have extensive experience helping couples & families cope with life transitions & heal past relationship injuries. I use Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) to help couples escape negative cycles, reduce conflict & reconnect - research consistently shows 90% report significant improvements. I also offer short-term, skills-based relationship coaching, premarital counseling, and relationship enhancement programs, Discernment Counseling for couples considering divorce, & therapy for couples coping with a bipolar diagnosis. I offer flexible scheduling options including Sat & Sun every weekend & online schedule to self-book appointments.
![Photo of Kimberly Lauro, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/423a3e77-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in helping individuals and couples with Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, PTSD, Chronic Pain and General Life Changes.
Seeking treatment for depression, anxiety or chronic pain can be challenging, especially when you are feeling down, with little energy and overwhelmed. Because you are here, you are on the right track! I'm a clinical psychologist with over 16 years of experience helping people like you improve mood, energy, self- empowerment and quality of life. I like to work with a mind-body approach, looking at your whole body's experience of your mood...like pain, anxiety, breath.... I use both cognitive treatments, breathwork and ketamine assisted psychotherapy to help you reach your best overall health.
I specialize in helping individuals and couples with Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, PTSD, Chronic Pain and General Life Changes.
Seeking treatment for depression, anxiety or chronic pain can be challenging, especially when you are feeling down, with little energy and overwhelmed. Because you are here, you are on the right track! I'm a clinical psychologist with over 16 years of experience helping people like you improve mood, energy, self- empowerment and quality of life. I like to work with a mind-body approach, looking at your whole body's experience of your mood...like pain, anxiety, breath.... I use both cognitive treatments, breathwork and ketamine assisted psychotherapy to help you reach your best overall health.
![Photo of Jaina Sarkisyan, LMFT, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/49d20466-dd21-4a64-bf8a-01dacb611614/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jaina Sarkisyan
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
La Jolla, CA 92037
Jaina is experienced in: Narcissistic personality disorder, BPD,anxiety, addiction, OCD, trauma, infidelity, mood disorders, depression, PTSD, relationship & vocational & Bipolar & more.
Let me be part of your journey in this brutiful life. As Glennon Doyle Melton says "Life is brutal. But it is also beautiful. Life's brutal and beautiful woven together so tightly they cannot be separated. Reject the brutal, reject the beauty. Life is Bruitiful." Jaina is an experienced licensed clinician with 18 years of experience providing exceptional clinical care to adults, couples and families. Jaina has many years of experience working w/law enforcement, military and their families. Additionally, working with individuals with life transition issues, Polyamory, anxiety, depression, sexual assault, trauma, SUD & other issues
Jaina is experienced in: Narcissistic personality disorder, BPD,anxiety, addiction, OCD, trauma, infidelity, mood disorders, depression, PTSD, relationship & vocational & Bipolar & more.
Let me be part of your journey in this brutiful life. As Glennon Doyle Melton says "Life is brutal. But it is also beautiful. Life's brutal and beautiful woven together so tightly they cannot be separated. Reject the brutal, reject the beauty. Life is Bruitiful." Jaina is an experienced licensed clinician with 18 years of experience providing exceptional clinical care to adults, couples and families. Jaina has many years of experience working w/law enforcement, military and their families. Additionally, working with individuals with life transition issues, Polyamory, anxiety, depression, sexual assault, trauma, SUD & other issues
![Photo of Maria Scali, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ff63e6ad-6e87-472f-a632-0877d15f1a09/2/320x400.jpeg)
Maria Scali
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
La Jolla, CA 92037
As a psychotherapist, I am passionate & dedicated to working with individuals who struggle with issues impacting emotional wellness- including depression, anxiety, addiction, trauma, bipolar disorder, & relationship issues. I have over 15 years experience in treating addiction & trauma. I use a psychodynamic & attachment lens- exploring the relationship you have with yourself & others. Together, we can take a look at what factors make sense & contribute to what you're struggling with. The work to resolve these struggles is an amazing process & truly a gift to give yourself. I am always privileged to be on that journey with you.
As a psychotherapist, I am passionate & dedicated to working with individuals who struggle with issues impacting emotional wellness- including depression, anxiety, addiction, trauma, bipolar disorder, & relationship issues. I have over 15 years experience in treating addiction & trauma. I use a psychodynamic & attachment lens- exploring the relationship you have with yourself & others. Together, we can take a look at what factors make sense & contribute to what you're struggling with. The work to resolve these struggles is an amazing process & truly a gift to give yourself. I am always privileged to be on that journey with you.
![Photo of Kelly Anderson - Wellness Therapy of San Diego, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0e8fed41-8387-40a8-aa50-e203fc0c0413/1/320x400.jpeg)
Feeling overwhelmed and struggling to find balance in your life is a common experience many can relate to. These concerns can have a significant impact on your overall well-being and hinder your personal growth. Our dedicated interdisciplinary team is here to support you on your journey toward transformative changes. We provide personalized strategies that align with your unique values, fostering growth and facilitating recovery. Through one or more services, based on your needs, we empower you to achieve a life that is whole, healthy, and aligned with your goals.
Feeling overwhelmed and struggling to find balance in your life is a common experience many can relate to. These concerns can have a significant impact on your overall well-being and hinder your personal growth. Our dedicated interdisciplinary team is here to support you on your journey toward transformative changes. We provide personalized strategies that align with your unique values, fostering growth and facilitating recovery. Through one or more services, based on your needs, we empower you to achieve a life that is whole, healthy, and aligned with your goals.
![Photo of Marion Kvasnicka, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e990899c-9834-482b-876d-2212330cdfd4/2/320x400.jpeg)
Marion Kvasnicka
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
La Jolla, CA 92037 (Online Only)
Do you feel like you've lost Hope?! Do you often feel like what's the point? Do you feel like you are just surviving? Hope! Hope; noun; 1 - A feeling or expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen. 2 - A feeling of trust. Hope; Verb; Example: - I Hope therapy helps me and I Hope I learn the skills I need to move through this experience. I truly believe as a therapist that hope is the catalyst for change. Hope propels us to keep trying. When we feel stuck due to trauma holding us back, our thought distortions, or our self-sabotaging, HOPE still is present and propelling us to move forward. Step by Step.
Do you feel like you've lost Hope?! Do you often feel like what's the point? Do you feel like you are just surviving? Hope! Hope; noun; 1 - A feeling or expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen. 2 - A feeling of trust. Hope; Verb; Example: - I Hope therapy helps me and I Hope I learn the skills I need to move through this experience. I truly believe as a therapist that hope is the catalyst for change. Hope propels us to keep trying. When we feel stuck due to trauma holding us back, our thought distortions, or our self-sabotaging, HOPE still is present and propelling us to move forward. Step by Step.
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![Photo of Sabrina Shammas, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/57903fd3-059c-47ac-b8ce-81841a6387df/3/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in working with youth and adults experiencing increasingly distressing symptoms. This can include: Low mood, anxiety, trauma, emotional dysregulation & challenges with day to day tasks or overall desire to improve quality of life. I create a safe and non-judgmental space for those silenced and confused by their day to day challenges. Working together to navigate their unique experiences.
I specialize in working with youth and adults experiencing increasingly distressing symptoms. This can include: Low mood, anxiety, trauma, emotional dysregulation & challenges with day to day tasks or overall desire to improve quality of life. I create a safe and non-judgmental space for those silenced and confused by their day to day challenges. Working together to navigate their unique experiences.
![Photo of Bryson Greaves, PhD, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/44ce8e0e-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Bryson Greaves
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
La Jolla, CA 92037
Interpersonal relationships are powerful contributors to our overall health. Our intimate partner relationships, family relationships, work or peer relationships tend to affect us in meaningful ways. When our relational lives are strong and connected we feel satisfied, empowered, hopeful, and more confident. When our relational lives are hurting, we feel anxious, sad, pained, frustrated, and left not knowing what to do to improve it. I work with my clients to address the heart of their stressors working toward tangible results with lasting effects. I work collaboratively & passionately to create a safe, responsive, and supportive environment to address your needs.
Interpersonal relationships are powerful contributors to our overall health. Our intimate partner relationships, family relationships, work or peer relationships tend to affect us in meaningful ways. When our relational lives are strong and connected we feel satisfied, empowered, hopeful, and more confident. When our relational lives are hurting, we feel anxious, sad, pained, frustrated, and left not knowing what to do to improve it. I work with my clients to address the heart of their stressors working toward tangible results with lasting effects. I work collaboratively & passionately to create a safe, responsive, and supportive environment to address your needs.
![Photo of Christina Faddoul-Lucero, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/967db27d-c4f2-4747-812a-6a9e359cc02d/3/320x400.jpeg)
Christina Faddoul-Lucero
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
La Jolla, CA 92037 (Online Only)
Life can be stressful, overwhelming, and challenging. Are you having a hard time coping with the day to day, recent stressful events, relationship issues, stage of life transitions, or just feeling stuck? Seeking help and support from a therapist can make a difference in navigating and coping through "this thing we call life." I firmly believe in creating a safe space that is client centered, collaborative, and focuses on your strengths to support you in identifying the changes you want to make and taking steps towards that change.
Life can be stressful, overwhelming, and challenging. Are you having a hard time coping with the day to day, recent stressful events, relationship issues, stage of life transitions, or just feeling stuck? Seeking help and support from a therapist can make a difference in navigating and coping through "this thing we call life." I firmly believe in creating a safe space that is client centered, collaborative, and focuses on your strengths to support you in identifying the changes you want to make and taking steps towards that change.
![Photo of Kellie Delli Colli, PhD, BCN, RYT, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f10c2e8-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Are you facing the overwhelming weight of life's challenges, experiencing obsessive thoughts, intrusive memories, feeling disconnected from others, fatigue, feeling on edge, sadness, fear, worry, or constant distraction? If these difficulties impact your work, relationships, and overall well-being, I am here to support you through a powerful process of healing and growth. I specialize in treating people who experience trauma, depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. Through your engagement in treatment, you will free yourself from suffering, overcome obstacles, and foster your resilience.
Are you facing the overwhelming weight of life's challenges, experiencing obsessive thoughts, intrusive memories, feeling disconnected from others, fatigue, feeling on edge, sadness, fear, worry, or constant distraction? If these difficulties impact your work, relationships, and overall well-being, I am here to support you through a powerful process of healing and growth. I specialize in treating people who experience trauma, depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. Through your engagement in treatment, you will free yourself from suffering, overcome obstacles, and foster your resilience.
![Photo of Irene Saunders, LCSW, BCD, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bf8bd16b-ca6c-477f-bbe4-4bdaad9ed6d0/1/320x400.jpeg)
Irene Saunders
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, BCD
Verified Verified
La Jolla, CA 92037 (Online Only)
Most everything we value flows from the relationship we have with ourselves. Discover all that transforms when you live in a way that reflects compassion toward yourself, and a deeper connection with your emotions, truth and dreams. I am a warm, genuinely caring and intuitive therapist. People I see often say that they feel safe and at ease with me, and deeply understood. Prior to a private practice, I provided therapy at the Departments of Psychiatry at UCSD and Rady Children's Hospital, and at Scripps, and trained other therapists. I use a blend of approaches to therapy and healing, and can offer tools tailored to your needs.
Most everything we value flows from the relationship we have with ourselves. Discover all that transforms when you live in a way that reflects compassion toward yourself, and a deeper connection with your emotions, truth and dreams. I am a warm, genuinely caring and intuitive therapist. People I see often say that they feel safe and at ease with me, and deeply understood. Prior to a private practice, I provided therapy at the Departments of Psychiatry at UCSD and Rady Children's Hospital, and at Scripps, and trained other therapists. I use a blend of approaches to therapy and healing, and can offer tools tailored to your needs.
![Photo of Bernadette M. Di Toro, PsyD, MS, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/498fa573-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I bring together the heart and science of psychology to my practice and 25 years experience in the field of mental health. I have worked as a researcher and clinician in inpatient and outpatient settings (including UCSD and the VA) and focused on trauma, grief, depression, dementia, Alzheimer's disease and forensics. I received a B.A. from Lehigh University in Psychology and Health & Human Development, an M.S.Degree from SDSU in Gerontology (the study of aging), and an M.A. Degree and a Doctorate Degree in Clinical Psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology.
I bring together the heart and science of psychology to my practice and 25 years experience in the field of mental health. I have worked as a researcher and clinician in inpatient and outpatient settings (including UCSD and the VA) and focused on trauma, grief, depression, dementia, Alzheimer's disease and forensics. I received a B.A. from Lehigh University in Psychology and Health & Human Development, an M.S.Degree from SDSU in Gerontology (the study of aging), and an M.A. Degree and a Doctorate Degree in Clinical Psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology.
![Photo of Alysia Wong, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c88a604a-2296-45b2-9b55-dbcbd0bd3f7d/1/320x400.png)
My name is Alysia Wong and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California. I primarily work with adults who need support with mood disorders, trauma, domestic violence, life transitions, or anxiety. I approach treatment with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and I may incorporate Person-Centered, Strength-Based, Trauma Informed, and Applied Behavioral Analysis modalities as well. I have been working in the mental health system of care since 2013 in various settings (inpatient, outpatient, private practice, court-mandated).
My name is Alysia Wong and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California. I primarily work with adults who need support with mood disorders, trauma, domestic violence, life transitions, or anxiety. I approach treatment with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and I may incorporate Person-Centered, Strength-Based, Trauma Informed, and Applied Behavioral Analysis modalities as well. I have been working in the mental health system of care since 2013 in various settings (inpatient, outpatient, private practice, court-mandated).
![Photo of Alex Urrutia, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/385202dc-6f92-4f96-98ba-90e64a27095c/1/320x400.jpeg)
Alex Urrutia
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
La Jolla, CA 92037 (Online Only)
I have worked in several areas of mental health care and have truly found my purpose and passion in assisting those who struggle with trauma and/or addiction. I understand how trauma has been locked within the psyche and having an individual feel as though they are stuck within themselves. I understand that addiction was a solution to several problems at the time because it allowed relief, but in reality it only masked the underlying issues. My goal for each of my clients is to have them recognize their own strengths and abilities so they may continue or begin to live meaningful lives.
I have worked in several areas of mental health care and have truly found my purpose and passion in assisting those who struggle with trauma and/or addiction. I understand how trauma has been locked within the psyche and having an individual feel as though they are stuck within themselves. I understand that addiction was a solution to several problems at the time because it allowed relief, but in reality it only masked the underlying issues. My goal for each of my clients is to have them recognize their own strengths and abilities so they may continue or begin to live meaningful lives.
![Photo of Josh Thomas, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/83bdf8b2-c799-4bb4-8a61-07494f3fe5c1/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Thomas is a licensed clinical psychologist with expertise in substance addiction, dual diagnosis, depression, anxiety, acute stress, relationship problems, and chronic pain. With an emphasis in living from and connecting to personal values, his approach is highly compassionate, culturally sensitive, strengths-based, and evidenced-based. He integrates CBT and mindfulness-based interventions to help individuals to uncover, discover, and discard thinking and behavioral patterns that are blocking them from living enriched and empowered lives.
Dr. Thomas is a licensed clinical psychologist with expertise in substance addiction, dual diagnosis, depression, anxiety, acute stress, relationship problems, and chronic pain. With an emphasis in living from and connecting to personal values, his approach is highly compassionate, culturally sensitive, strengths-based, and evidenced-based. He integrates CBT and mindfulness-based interventions to help individuals to uncover, discover, and discard thinking and behavioral patterns that are blocking them from living enriched and empowered lives.
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Bipolar Disorder Therapists
What is the most successful approach to treating bipolar disorder?
Living with bipolar disorder can be challenging, and a number of therapies have been found effective in providing support to patients as they gain the skills to understand and manage the disorder. Family-focused therapy is often helpful for children and teens (the majority of cases develop before age 19); it aims to minimize mood cycling by improving family communication and reducing conflict. It also helps young people navigate the developmental challenges the disorder can create. Cognitive and behavioral therapy (CBT) and variants such as Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)help patients manage the thoughts and feelings that influence bipolar mood swings as well as develop specific behavioral strategies to counteract them.
What happens in therapy for bipolar disorder?
Because the patterns of mood switching and its triggers differ for each person and can change over time, mood tracking or monitoring becomes a basic way patients learn about the nature of their condition. One of the most common features of therapy is finding a workable method of mood monitoring, in which patients track their daily activities and rate their moods, then use the findings to adjust routines accordingly. Patients learn ways of handling the many stresses that arise in life so that they do not trigger mood swings.
What kinds of problems does therapy help with?
Like many other mental health disorders, BPD is heavily influenced by stress; therapy provides skills for coping with stressors of all kinds. Therapy is extremely important for helping individuals identify the situations that may trigger mood switching, so that mood swings can be prevented. Therapy may especially target recognition of the early stages of mood change so that they can be managed. In addition, therapy helps patients deal with the significant amount of turbulence the disorder can create in relationships and in work life.
What is the goal of therapy for bipolar disorder?
Therapy helps patients set up their lives to maintain stability so that their mood isn’t constantly threatened by daily events. Perhaps the first task of therapy is to educate people about the nature of the disorder. At the same time, a primary goal of therapy is to enhance adherence to drug treatment. Extended periods of mood stability can prompt patients to discontinue medication, triggering relapse, while the early phases of manic episodes can feel so energizing that patients stop medication, ushering in full-blown mania and the altered self-perception that can lead to destructive behaviors. Another major goal of therapy is to understand one’s mood patterns so as to minimize both the frequency and intensity of mood cycling.