Bipolar Disorder Therapists in Manhattan Beach, CA
![Photo of Kenichi Mekaru, ACSW](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2b7ae3cb-300c-4897-90d9-32760fee15c0/2/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in addressing severe mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, OCD, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder (BPD), and PTSD.
My name is Ken Mekaru, and I hail from Okinawa, Japan. I am fluent in both English and Japanese. In 2018, I graduated from Columbia University in New York City. Since then, I have gained extensive experience working in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, intensive outpatient programs (IOP), non-profits, and substance treatment centers. My professional journey has involved supporting individuals facing a wide range of challenges, such as HIV and cancer, as well as members of the LGBTQAI+ community.
I specialize in addressing severe mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, OCD, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder (BPD), and PTSD.
My name is Ken Mekaru, and I hail from Okinawa, Japan. I am fluent in both English and Japanese. In 2018, I graduated from Columbia University in New York City. Since then, I have gained extensive experience working in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, intensive outpatient programs (IOP), non-profits, and substance treatment centers. My professional journey has involved supporting individuals facing a wide range of challenges, such as HIV and cancer, as well as members of the LGBTQAI+ community.
![Photo of Dominique A White, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a2c5f5f0-ce13-4b5e-8eb1-097ccf79141c/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dominique A White
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Manhattan Beach, CA 90267 (Online Only)
I am a licensed clinical psychologist who enjoys working with individuals to help cultivate growth, understanding, and healing. I specialize in working with clients experiencing challenges related to anxiety, depression, trauma, mood disorders, bipolar disorder, psychosis, and specific phobias. If you are experiencing challenges such as difficulties in relationships, work stressors, becoming a parent, or transitioning to other new roles in your life, you can benefit greatly from having a safe space to feel heard, understood, and seen. I aim to build on your existing strengths and discover what you find meaningful in life.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist who enjoys working with individuals to help cultivate growth, understanding, and healing. I specialize in working with clients experiencing challenges related to anxiety, depression, trauma, mood disorders, bipolar disorder, psychosis, and specific phobias. If you are experiencing challenges such as difficulties in relationships, work stressors, becoming a parent, or transitioning to other new roles in your life, you can benefit greatly from having a safe space to feel heard, understood, and seen. I aim to build on your existing strengths and discover what you find meaningful in life.
![Photo of Nicole R Sela, MA, LPCC, NCC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a53bea20-9f7a-44a9-b28a-834e73ac70df/2/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in working with individuals who have anger management issues as well as those with a history of childhood trauma and those who wrestle with PTSD, bipolar disorder, depression and anxiety.
Do you have trouble managing your anger? Have you been told by loved ones, coworkers, or friends that you have trouble managing your anger? Are you looking for someone who hears you with an impartial ear? I specialize in helping clients manage anger, adapting to a life of responding rather than reacting. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques to help clients adapt successful coping strategies. I also work with clients who have a history of childhood trauma, and as well provide couples counseling and see many clients who are struggling with depression and anxiety.
I specialize in working with individuals who have anger management issues as well as those with a history of childhood trauma and those who wrestle with PTSD, bipolar disorder, depression and anxiety.
Do you have trouble managing your anger? Have you been told by loved ones, coworkers, or friends that you have trouble managing your anger? Are you looking for someone who hears you with an impartial ear? I specialize in helping clients manage anger, adapting to a life of responding rather than reacting. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques to help clients adapt successful coping strategies. I also work with clients who have a history of childhood trauma, and as well provide couples counseling and see many clients who are struggling with depression and anxiety.
![Photo of Sarah Raike, PA-C](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d460f858-61bf-4b48-972a-e3a33295a0a9/2/320x400.jpeg)
Exclusively focused on mental health issues, Bonmente treats a myriad of psychiatric conditions including anxiety, depression, ADHD, sleep disorders, postpartum depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and panic attacks.
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS FOR MEDICATION MANAGEMENT ONLY-Bonmente knows 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. 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.
Exclusively focused on mental health issues, Bonmente treats a myriad of psychiatric conditions including anxiety, depression, ADHD, sleep disorders, postpartum depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and panic attacks.
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS FOR MEDICATION MANAGEMENT ONLY-Bonmente knows 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. 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.
![Photo of Kelly Albrecht, ASW, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/08c2fe98-5eec-4921-b6f2-0aabfa30e299/1/320x400.png)
With expertise in substance use disorder, ADHD, bipolar and personality disorders, my holistic approach to therapy prioritizes safety and healing, with trauma-informed care.
Are you struggling to process depression, anxiety, relationship/family issues, and trauma? These emotional ruptures can cause major disruptions in our lives. The work to process these types of life events is multifaceted, and I can help you identify your feelings and potential relational patterns, build tolerance and acceptance around challenging ones, and set meaningful goals. In order to do so, I utilize various therapeutic approaches consisting of ACT, CBT, and Problem Solving Therapy and somatic interventions.
With expertise in substance use disorder, ADHD, bipolar and personality disorders, my holistic approach to therapy prioritizes safety and healing, with trauma-informed care.
Are you struggling to process depression, anxiety, relationship/family issues, and trauma? These emotional ruptures can cause major disruptions in our lives. The work to process these types of life events is multifaceted, and I can help you identify your feelings and potential relational patterns, build tolerance and acceptance around challenging ones, and set meaningful goals. In order to do so, I utilize various therapeutic approaches consisting of ACT, CBT, and Problem Solving Therapy and somatic interventions.
![Photo of Lou Figueroa, LMFT, MS, CHT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4f53efd8-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I am an experienced bilingual clinician who works with adolescents, adults, couples and families dealing with a variety of mental health issues. I utilize a number of therapeutic approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, clinical hypnosis and hypnotically-facilitated psychotherapy. My areas of specialization include addiction, depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, grief/loss, and bipolar disorder. My life experience has given me broad exposure to divorce, blended families, bi-cultural families, midlife career changes, families with special needs members, special needs advocacy, and sports performance.
I am an experienced bilingual clinician who works with adolescents, adults, couples and families dealing with a variety of mental health issues. I utilize a number of therapeutic approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, clinical hypnosis and hypnotically-facilitated psychotherapy. My areas of specialization include addiction, depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, grief/loss, and bipolar disorder. My life experience has given me broad exposure to divorce, blended families, bi-cultural families, midlife career changes, families with special needs members, special needs advocacy, and sports performance.
![Photo of Julia Marie May, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e26e90a4-b016-4710-a7ac-860d46fb64a5/1/320x400.jpeg)
Julia May, is a licensed marriage and family therapist and clinical art therapist, treating young adults and adults dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationships issues, addiction, codependency, bipolar I/II and borderline personality disorder. She utilizes a variety of approaches with specialized training in Art Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). She strives to empower her clients towards personal growth and healing. She has seen client’s lives transform after working together, breaking compulsive cycles, improving relationships and living positive and more fulfilling lives.
Julia May, is a licensed marriage and family therapist and clinical art therapist, treating young adults and adults dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationships issues, addiction, codependency, bipolar I/II and borderline personality disorder. She utilizes a variety of approaches with specialized training in Art Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). She strives to empower her clients towards personal growth and healing. She has seen client’s lives transform after working together, breaking compulsive cycles, improving relationships and living positive and more fulfilling lives.
![Photo of Elizabeth Yurnet, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8c70d1bc-9cb3-44dc-a291-a0f284781a2b/2/320x400.jpeg)
Elizabeth Yurnet
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 (Online Only)
Imagine a life that has meaning and purpose in all aspects such as work, healthy family and friend relationships, and spiritual connections. By working on your personal growth and healing you can achieve peace, happiness and abundance. I want to help you achieve the solutions and life changes you are looking for so that you can gain control of your trauma, emotional pain, anxiety, and/or anger and experience yourself in new ways.
Imagine a life that has meaning and purpose in all aspects such as work, healthy family and friend relationships, and spiritual connections. By working on your personal growth and healing you can achieve peace, happiness and abundance. I want to help you achieve the solutions and life changes you are looking for so that you can gain control of your trauma, emotional pain, anxiety, and/or anger and experience yourself in new ways.
![Photo of Cynthia M Braden - Cynthia M. Braden Marriage and Family Therapy, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a4a886d5-8da0-4a3e-a015-34988019faf7/1/320x400.jpeg)
Cynthia M. Braden Marriage and Family Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
I specialize in helping couples, families, teens and children solve concerns that are important to them. Often, people come in because of excessive conflicts with a partner or family member, affairs and big decisions. New clients are frequently looking for skills and/or knowledge to deal with challenging or traumatic situations. Nowadays especially, people are seeking help to manage powerful and confusing feelings, at last visiting a therapist when other potential solutions aren't working. They just want to feel better. If the issues you are facing are straining your normal coping mechanisms, it's time to reach out for assistance.
I specialize in helping couples, families, teens and children solve concerns that are important to them. Often, people come in because of excessive conflicts with a partner or family member, affairs and big decisions. New clients are frequently looking for skills and/or knowledge to deal with challenging or traumatic situations. Nowadays especially, people are seeking help to manage powerful and confusing feelings, at last visiting a therapist when other potential solutions aren't working. They just want to feel better. If the issues you are facing are straining your normal coping mechanisms, it's time to reach out for assistance.
![Photo of Amie Love Callon, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/71584363-b8e1-4b7a-8b76-7bf4f6ee05a4/1/320x400.jpeg)
Amie Love Callon
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Waitlist for new clients
Hello. I am a licensed clinical psychologist with over 15 years of experience providing psychotherapy for adults, adolescents, couples and families. I can help you find relief. Together we can face the challenges in your life in a way that will empower you and open the doors to greater possibilities. My private practice offers a safe and open atmosphere, free of judgement, and grounded in authenticity. Here you can experience heightened self-awareness and understanding, self-acceptance, enhanced mind-body health, personal growth, and freedom.
Hello. I am a licensed clinical psychologist with over 15 years of experience providing psychotherapy for adults, adolescents, couples and families. I can help you find relief. Together we can face the challenges in your life in a way that will empower you and open the doors to greater possibilities. My private practice offers a safe and open atmosphere, free of judgement, and grounded in authenticity. Here you can experience heightened self-awareness and understanding, self-acceptance, enhanced mind-body health, personal growth, and freedom.
![Photo of Shelley Gregory, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f7ef649-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Shelley Gregory
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 (Online Only)
Everyone has their own unique story. I believe that being present for you to share your story is a privilege. I will help you explore and process your life experiences and set goals. I will be dedicated to helping you reconcile your past and overcome your fears. If you are struggling due to trauma, difficult relationships, workplace stress, depression, anxiety, transitions in your life, or you have a specific difficult situation that you need help with, I can help you.Together we will address issues that are causing you distress and that may be interfering with other areas of your life.
Everyone has their own unique story. I believe that being present for you to share your story is a privilege. I will help you explore and process your life experiences and set goals. I will be dedicated to helping you reconcile your past and overcome your fears. If you are struggling due to trauma, difficult relationships, workplace stress, depression, anxiety, transitions in your life, or you have a specific difficult situation that you need help with, I can help you.Together we will address issues that are causing you distress and that may be interfering with other areas of your life.
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![Photo of Jonathan Artigue, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bde6840e-970e-4507-a565-851bc100645b/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jonathan earned his master’s in marriage and family therapy at Cal State Dominguez Hills, after which Jonathan was drawn to work with children and families managing challenges associated with autism and other neurodiversity. After shifting to working with adults in both residential and outpatient treatment for addiction and co-occurring challenges such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, OCD, and many other psychiatric diagnoses, Jonathan developed his mindfulness-based approach to therapy further.
Jonathan earned his master’s in marriage and family therapy at Cal State Dominguez Hills, after which Jonathan was drawn to work with children and families managing challenges associated with autism and other neurodiversity. After shifting to working with adults in both residential and outpatient treatment for addiction and co-occurring challenges such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, OCD, and many other psychiatric diagnoses, Jonathan developed his mindfulness-based approach to therapy further.
![Photo of Judy Clingman, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3b97e958-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
Judy Clingman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 (Online Only)
My specialties include couples counseling, alcohol,drug,sex and love addiction, eating disorders, relationship issues,depression, sexual abuse, and spiritual issues. I am extremely skilled at helping clients who have very difficult people in their lives ( partners/ ex-partners, bosses etc with Borderline and Narcissistic Personality Disorders). I have 30 years of experience working with both adults and teens I genuinely LOVE what I do.I accept all PPO Insurance Plans and do the insurance billing on line for you.
My specialties include couples counseling, alcohol,drug,sex and love addiction, eating disorders, relationship issues,depression, sexual abuse, and spiritual issues. I am extremely skilled at helping clients who have very difficult people in their lives ( partners/ ex-partners, bosses etc with Borderline and Narcissistic Personality Disorders). I have 30 years of experience working with both adults and teens I genuinely LOVE what I do.I accept all PPO Insurance Plans and do the insurance billing on line for you.
![Photo of Cristy Pareti, PsyD, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4f339271-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Cristy Pareti
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
I am passionate about helping clients raise their level of self-awareness and transform themselves and their relationships into the level they have always wanted. Whether anxiety, depression, past traumas or failed relationships are currently making you or your relationships feel stuck, I am dedicated to helping you discover new ways of challenging old patterns of thoughts and behaviors. You can create a renewed sense of empowerment and increase your overall sense of well-being.
I am passionate about helping clients raise their level of self-awareness and transform themselves and their relationships into the level they have always wanted. Whether anxiety, depression, past traumas or failed relationships are currently making you or your relationships feel stuck, I am dedicated to helping you discover new ways of challenging old patterns of thoughts and behaviors. You can create a renewed sense of empowerment and increase your overall sense of well-being.
![Photo of Phyllis Dworsky, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4563d677-a449-42b1-8d4e-6145c0a51c68/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Phyllis E. Dworsky is a Psychologist in California who has been practicing since 1997. Dr. Dworsky offers both cognitive behavioral techniques to work toward goals and psychodynamic understanding as to what sabotages goals and triggers anxiety, depression, and anger. She also offers support and communication strategies for couples with a strong background in Gottman techniques. In her spare time, Dr. Dworsky enjoys hiking, yoga, poetry, and literature.
Dr. Phyllis E. Dworsky is a Psychologist in California who has been practicing since 1997. Dr. Dworsky offers both cognitive behavioral techniques to work toward goals and psychodynamic understanding as to what sabotages goals and triggers anxiety, depression, and anger. She also offers support and communication strategies for couples with a strong background in Gottman techniques. In her spare time, Dr. Dworsky enjoys hiking, yoga, poetry, and literature.
![Photo of Veronica Calkins, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/58a6a0e7-0ecf-46b8-a96c-cec257c3f265/2/320x400.jpeg)
A Licensed Psychotherapist specializing in trauma, crisis, grief, anxiety, depression, and relationships. Veronica provides an empathetic and caring environment to work through challenges without judgment. Veronica obtained her B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Applied Developmental Psychology and Master’s in Social Welfare at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). She is trained in CBT, DBT, and family and couples therapy. She is also certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and the administration of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and Deep-Brain Theta Stimulation.
A Licensed Psychotherapist specializing in trauma, crisis, grief, anxiety, depression, and relationships. Veronica provides an empathetic and caring environment to work through challenges without judgment. Veronica obtained her B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Applied Developmental Psychology and Master’s in Social Welfare at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). She is trained in CBT, DBT, and family and couples therapy. She is also certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and the administration of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and Deep-Brain Theta Stimulation.
![Photo of Christine Sage Johnson, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/da589cc9-7260-4423-ac3e-b3480d3ab6d7/1/320x400.jpeg)
Christine Sage Johnson
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Christine earned her Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology at Antioch University. Her experience working in the mental health and substance use field brings out her passion for Trauma Informed Care. Christine acknowledges the multitude of complexities that come with the human condition and, using authenticity and unwavering compassion, she approaches recovery from a place of empowering her clients. Christine’s goal is to create a safe, non-judgmental space for healing to unfold. She has a strong foundation in the science of psychology, the study of the brain and nervous system and its capacity to heal and change.
Christine earned her Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology at Antioch University. Her experience working in the mental health and substance use field brings out her passion for Trauma Informed Care. Christine acknowledges the multitude of complexities that come with the human condition and, using authenticity and unwavering compassion, she approaches recovery from a place of empowering her clients. Christine’s goal is to create a safe, non-judgmental space for healing to unfold. She has a strong foundation in the science of psychology, the study of the brain and nervous system and its capacity to heal and change.
CBT Treatment Center, A Psychological Corporation
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Seeing your child struggle is such a helpless feeling. You wish you could find the right words that would fix it all, but nothing that you say, and no amount of logic that you use seems to help. Perhaps you have even tried therapy before, with little progress or success, and you're not sure if this is even a fixable problem. Your child's struggles have become the focus of the entire family. You just want your happy little boy or girl back and to have normalcy restored at home.
Seeing your child struggle is such a helpless feeling. You wish you could find the right words that would fix it all, but nothing that you say, and no amount of logic that you use seems to help. Perhaps you have even tried therapy before, with little progress or success, and you're not sure if this is even a fixable problem. Your child's struggles have become the focus of the entire family. You just want your happy little boy or girl back and to have normalcy restored at home.
![Photo of Christina Matso, PhD, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3ccf7f44-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
Christina Matso
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
I enjoyed very much my post licensure work at a family institute. Whether working with a child, an adolescent, an adult, a dyad or the whole family, I will initially focus on the person suffering the most. Based on the presenting symptom, I may do brief crisis intervention to stabilize a situation until an individual's underlying issue has been crystallized. The life issue causing depression, anxiety, and fears will then be addressed in more depth. My approach is to assist people in their own healing, maximizing on their own strengths and resources.
I enjoyed very much my post licensure work at a family institute. Whether working with a child, an adolescent, an adult, a dyad or the whole family, I will initially focus on the person suffering the most. Based on the presenting symptom, I may do brief crisis intervention to stabilize a situation until an individual's underlying issue has been crystallized. The life issue causing depression, anxiety, and fears will then be addressed in more depth. My approach is to assist people in their own healing, maximizing on their own strengths and resources.
![Photo of Judy Ho, PhD, ABPP, CFMHE, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/50d792af-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I conduct psychological testing for a variety of purposes, including forensic evaluations and expert witness work, neuropsychological evaluations to assess cognitive functioning and damage from brain injury, and psychoeducational evaluations to examine whether learning disorders exist.These evaluations conclude with detailed written reports use for diagnosis/treatment planning, individualized educational plans (IEP), and criminal and civil courtroom cases including fitness for duty, workers' compensation, harassment issues, ability to parent, and professional board licensing disputes. In all evaluations. I utilize Best Practices and empirically proven instruments, and provide recommendations based on the testing results.
I conduct psychological testing for a variety of purposes, including forensic evaluations and expert witness work, neuropsychological evaluations to assess cognitive functioning and damage from brain injury, and psychoeducational evaluations to examine whether learning disorders exist.These evaluations conclude with detailed written reports use for diagnosis/treatment planning, individualized educational plans (IEP), and criminal and civil courtroom cases including fitness for duty, workers' compensation, harassment issues, ability to parent, and professional board licensing disputes. In all evaluations. I utilize Best Practices and empirically proven instruments, and provide recommendations based on the testing results.
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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.