Bipolar Disorder Therapists in Winnetka, CA

Photo of Joseph G Illovsky, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Joseph G Illovsky
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Winnetka, CA 91306
It takes a great deal of courage to admit that you’re facing difficulties, and even greater to take the steps to do something about it. Therapy, takes a great deal of commitment, honesty, and determination to find resolve and peace. Psychotherapy, talk therapy, is not always easy. Some sessions you will leave feeling positive, and other's Not so much. This is part of the process, and it's necessary. Know that you are not going through this alone. I view each working relationship as a partnership working together to find the best resolve for you. I am non-judgmental, accepting, and confidential PLEASE LEAVE A MESSAGE
It takes a great deal of courage to admit that you’re facing difficulties, and even greater to take the steps to do something about it. Therapy, takes a great deal of commitment, honesty, and determination to find resolve and peace. Psychotherapy, talk therapy, is not always easy. Some sessions you will leave feeling positive, and other's Not so much. This is part of the process, and it's necessary. Know that you are not going through this alone. I view each working relationship as a partnership working together to find the best resolve for you. I am non-judgmental, accepting, and confidential PLEASE LEAVE A MESSAGE
(747) 269-6296 View (747) 269-6296
Photo of Jeffrey Thomas Robertson, CAMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jeffrey Thomas Robertson
Marriage & Family Therapist, CAMFT
Verified Verified
Winnetka, CA 91306  (Online Only)
You need to tell your story to an attentive, engaging listener. You would like to improve your life, but you're not sure how, or where to start. You're looking for meaning, purpose, and identity in life. You have a goal to be happier, healthier, and to improve your relationships. I'm here to help!
You need to tell your story to an attentive, engaging listener. You would like to improve your life, but you're not sure how, or where to start. You're looking for meaning, purpose, and identity in life. You have a goal to be happier, healthier, and to improve your relationships. I'm here to help!
(747) 529-7431 View (747) 529-7431
Photo of Ellen A Golding, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Ellen A Golding
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Winnetka, CA 91306
Ellen Golding is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in Relationships, Depression, Anxiety, Adjustment issues,Grief and Substance Abuse/recovery behavioral concerns with children and adolescent, interpersonal awareness. If you are interested in scheduling an appointment, please respond to this email with a brief description of your barriers and concerns. I am located near Woodland Hills and Los Angeles my fee is negotiable and circumstantial. I look forward to hearing from you. Don't hesitate to get some help - therapy really can work! I am on facebook.
Ellen Golding is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in Relationships, Depression, Anxiety, Adjustment issues,Grief and Substance Abuse/recovery behavioral concerns with children and adolescent, interpersonal awareness. If you are interested in scheduling an appointment, please respond to this email with a brief description of your barriers and concerns. I am located near Woodland Hills and Los Angeles my fee is negotiable and circumstantial. I look forward to hearing from you. Don't hesitate to get some help - therapy really can work! I am on facebook.
(310) 683-2673 View (310) 683-2673

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Lenny Hughley, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Lenny Hughley
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Canoga Park, CA 91304
I have experience with persons that suffer from addiction, anger, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorders, career counseling depression, and racial trauma.
Hi, my name is Lenny Hughley, California license 112845. I like to create a space that is warm and nonjudgmental where individuals can freely talk about whatever they choose. My specialties include depression, anxiety, and stress management. Through therapy, I learned how to manage depression, anger, anxiety, and overcome low self-esteem. Through my practice I find it rewarding to help clients do the same.
I have experience with persons that suffer from addiction, anger, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorders, career counseling depression, and racial trauma.
Hi, my name is Lenny Hughley, California license 112845. I like to create a space that is warm and nonjudgmental where individuals can freely talk about whatever they choose. My specialties include depression, anxiety, and stress management. Through therapy, I learned how to manage depression, anger, anxiety, and overcome low self-esteem. Through my practice I find it rewarding to help clients do the same.
(760) 527-2253 View (760) 527-2253
Photo of Michael Hoopingarner, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Michael Hoopingarner
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Woodland Hills, CA 91367
Michael has experience working with anxiety and depressive disorders, bipolar disorders, ADHD, psychosis, substance abuse, self-harm, and other mental health conditions.
Michael has experience working with anxiety and depressive disorders, bipolar disorders, ADHD, psychosis, substance abuse, self-harm, and other mental health conditions.
(747) 850-6016 View (747) 850-6016
Photo of Vivian B Insua-Lopez - Finding Guidance Behavioral Services, PsyD, Psychologist
Finding Guidance Behavioral Services
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 91335
We specialize in , depression, bipolar, anxiety, addiction, abuse, trauma, crisis intervention, suicidal thoughts, behavioral intervention, behavioral problems, parenting, mood disorders, EMDR, bereavement, PTSD, post partum depression, family issues, domestic violence, and marital problems.
Welcome to our practice. We are a group practice of licensed therapists and we provide individual, family, and couples therapy to children, adolescents, adults and the elderly. We have Spanish speaking staff and therapists. We offer evening and weekend appointments. We have friendly and dedicated staff. We also offer telehealth therapy which can be provided in the privacy and convenience of your home or office.
We specialize in , depression, bipolar, anxiety, addiction, abuse, trauma, crisis intervention, suicidal thoughts, behavioral intervention, behavioral problems, parenting, mood disorders, EMDR, bereavement, PTSD, post partum depression, family issues, domestic violence, and marital problems.
Welcome to our practice. We are a group practice of licensed therapists and we provide individual, family, and couples therapy to children, adolescents, adults and the elderly. We have Spanish speaking staff and therapists. We offer evening and weekend appointments. We have friendly and dedicated staff. We also offer telehealth therapy which can be provided in the privacy and convenience of your home or office.
(818) 330-4782 View (818) 330-4782
Photo of Cheryl Moss, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Cheryl Moss
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Woodland Hills, CA 91364
I'm a licensed psychotherapist with 30 years of experience. I work with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, grief/loss, addiction, trauma, OCD, bipolar, as well as personal growth, life coaching, death and dying, life transitions, aging and LGBTQIA. I use a person-centered approach when in a therapeutic relationship with my clients. This means that I do my best to meet each client "where they are" and to offer interventions and inquiry unique to each individual as they progress through their personal process of self-discovery, self-identification, and evolution.
I'm a licensed psychotherapist with 30 years of experience. I work with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, grief/loss, addiction, trauma, OCD, bipolar, as well as personal growth, life coaching, death and dying, life transitions, aging and LGBTQIA. I use a person-centered approach when in a therapeutic relationship with my clients. This means that I do my best to meet each client "where they are" and to offer interventions and inquiry unique to each individual as they progress through their personal process of self-discovery, self-identification, and evolution.
(818) 350-5042 View (818) 350-5042
Photo of Nicole Esther McCarthy, MSW, LCSW, PMH-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Nicole Esther McCarthy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, PMH-C
Verified Verified
Tarzana, CA 91356  (Online Only)
I have expertise with trauma and PTSD, survivors of abuse, survivors of institutional abuse, domestic violence, grief, bipolar, substance abuse, caregiver support, gay issues and career change.
We all reach emotional crossroads in our lives and often need guidance from a professional. I am warm and caring and provide a non-judgmental atmosphere while assertively providing feedback. I help families and couples resolve conflicts and teach the art of appreciation and gratitude. I utilize a variety of treatment approaches. Do you "feel lost in the world." Do you have a tendency to take out your frustrations with the ones you love the most? My name is Nicole McCarthy, LCSW and I have over 20 years of experience working with adolescents, families, couples and adults across the life span.
I have expertise with trauma and PTSD, survivors of abuse, survivors of institutional abuse, domestic violence, grief, bipolar, substance abuse, caregiver support, gay issues and career change.
We all reach emotional crossroads in our lives and often need guidance from a professional. I am warm and caring and provide a non-judgmental atmosphere while assertively providing feedback. I help families and couples resolve conflicts and teach the art of appreciation and gratitude. I utilize a variety of treatment approaches. Do you "feel lost in the world." Do you have a tendency to take out your frustrations with the ones you love the most? My name is Nicole McCarthy, LCSW and I have over 20 years of experience working with adolescents, families, couples and adults across the life span.
(818) 330-1147 View (818) 330-1147
Photo of Alina Hetherman, MS, LMFT , Marriage & Family Therapist
Alina Hetherman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Reseda, CA 91335  (Online Only)
I specialize in working with adult individuals who are challenged by a variety of issues including relationship issues, abuse and neglect, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder and bereavement. I have a genuine interest in helping people improve their mental and emotional health to have meaningful and healthy lives and social relationships. We truly are social beings and we all have the natural ability to create and nurture healthy social relationships.
I specialize in working with adult individuals who are challenged by a variety of issues including relationship issues, abuse and neglect, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder and bereavement. I have a genuine interest in helping people improve their mental and emotional health to have meaningful and healthy lives and social relationships. We truly are social beings and we all have the natural ability to create and nurture healthy social relationships.
(818) 593-0658 View (818) 593-0658
Photo of Kathryn Ann Vaclavik, JD, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Kathryn Ann Vaclavik
Marriage & Family Therapist, JD, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Woodland Hills, CA 91367
I specialize in depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, neurodiversity, and trauma (e.g., physical/sexual/emotional abuse, abandonment, rape, assault, and accidents), including trauma-related disorders like PTSD, eating disorders, and self-harm. I also specialize in separation/divorce, including divorce mediation, negotiating parenting plans, co-parenting therapy, child therapy, and conjoint therapy in resist/refuse cases. My 20+ years experience as a former attorney informs my work in separation/divorce cases and with clients otherwise involved in the legal system. I also do expert witness work in cases within my specialty areas.
I specialize in depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, neurodiversity, and trauma (e.g., physical/sexual/emotional abuse, abandonment, rape, assault, and accidents), including trauma-related disorders like PTSD, eating disorders, and self-harm. I also specialize in separation/divorce, including divorce mediation, negotiating parenting plans, co-parenting therapy, child therapy, and conjoint therapy in resist/refuse cases. My 20+ years experience as a former attorney informs my work in separation/divorce cases and with clients otherwise involved in the legal system. I also do expert witness work in cases within my specialty areas.
(213) 263-5324 View (213) 263-5324
Photo of Shawn Lare Brinkley, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Shawn Lare Brinkley
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Tarzana, CA 91335
I am an eclectic therapist, meaning I do not subscribe to any one therapeutic modality as I believe the therapeutic process is fluid and as a clinician, I must be the same. I help you manage depression, anxiety, ADHD, adjustment disorder, grief/loss, PTSD, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, children and adolescents navigating the difficulties of adjusting to parent's divorcing and behavioral issues such as oppositional defiance and conduct issues. In an effort to meet my clients where they are, I will take the time needed to examine, with you, the core issues surrounding the problem and assist in developing solutions from that ground work.
I am an eclectic therapist, meaning I do not subscribe to any one therapeutic modality as I believe the therapeutic process is fluid and as a clinician, I must be the same. I help you manage depression, anxiety, ADHD, adjustment disorder, grief/loss, PTSD, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, children and adolescents navigating the difficulties of adjusting to parent's divorcing and behavioral issues such as oppositional defiance and conduct issues. In an effort to meet my clients where they are, I will take the time needed to examine, with you, the core issues surrounding the problem and assist in developing solutions from that ground work.
(818) 214-7362 View (818) 214-7362
Photo of Christine Dougherty, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Christine Dougherty
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Canoga Park, CA 91304
I work with clients who are diagnosed with depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorders.
My name is Christine Dougherty and I have been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for over a decade. My focus areas include; working with adolescents, adults, and families. My theoretical approach often depends on the specific needs of the individual. Some common approaches I use include cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and family systems therapy. I encourage clients to start from where they are and break down large goals into smaller more attainable parts.
I work with clients who are diagnosed with depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorders.
My name is Christine Dougherty and I have been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for over a decade. My focus areas include; working with adolescents, adults, and families. My theoretical approach often depends on the specific needs of the individual. Some common approaches I use include cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and family systems therapy. I encourage clients to start from where they are and break down large goals into smaller more attainable parts.
(213) 786-3341 View (213) 786-3341
Photo of Teri Arana, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Teri Arana
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Woodland Hills, CA 91367  (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!
(213) 376-5672 View (213) 376-5672
Photo of Neda Levi, MA, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Neda Levi
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, LCSW
Verified Verified
Tarzana, CA 91356  (Online Only)
In my 8 years of providing therapy, I have seen clients presenting with symptoms and diagnoses such as isolation, depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, suicidal ideation, self-harm, trauma, schizophrenia, schizoaffective, PTSD, bipolar & borderline PD.
Living with depression and/or anxiety juxtaposed with a shaky sense of self, while one's childhood trauma is unknowingly being pushed aside, can be very overwhelming. Given the emotions that humans experience as they navigate their own unique worlds, these challenges can continue to permeate every avenue of one’s existence as they enter each life stage. Addressing strained relationships with primary caregivers & learning to reparent one’s self due to childhood neglect, can serve as the vehicle through which one is equipped with the tools necessary to provide themselves compassion & a foundation to create a life they've yearned for.
In my 8 years of providing therapy, I have seen clients presenting with symptoms and diagnoses such as isolation, depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, suicidal ideation, self-harm, trauma, schizophrenia, schizoaffective, PTSD, bipolar & borderline PD.
Living with depression and/or anxiety juxtaposed with a shaky sense of self, while one's childhood trauma is unknowingly being pushed aside, can be very overwhelming. Given the emotions that humans experience as they navigate their own unique worlds, these challenges can continue to permeate every avenue of one’s existence as they enter each life stage. Addressing strained relationships with primary caregivers & learning to reparent one’s self due to childhood neglect, can serve as the vehicle through which one is equipped with the tools necessary to provide themselves compassion & a foundation to create a life they've yearned for.
(818) 717-7983 View (818) 717-7983
Photo of Kimberly Naraine, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kimberly Naraine
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Canoga Park, CA 91304
I've worked with a wide variety of mental health disorders and feel very comfortable with working with the following: Depressive disorders, Anxiety disorders, Trauma disorders/ history, Stress-related disorders, Bipolar Disorders, and Schizophrenia/Schizoaffective disorder.
Hi! I'm Kim Naraine and I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) residing in California. I provide virtual individual therapy sessions for all those living in the same state. I work with a wide range of ages and specifically focus on providing collaborative care to my clients. I enjoy providing skills and solutions while teaching how to honor emotions. My passion is to connect with people in a way that makes them feel seen and heard. I'd describe my therapeutic interaction as casual and informal. I believe that therapy is a unique space for emotional healing and mental processing.
I've worked with a wide variety of mental health disorders and feel very comfortable with working with the following: Depressive disorders, Anxiety disorders, Trauma disorders/ history, Stress-related disorders, Bipolar Disorders, and Schizophrenia/Schizoaffective disorder.
Hi! I'm Kim Naraine and I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) residing in California. I provide virtual individual therapy sessions for all those living in the same state. I work with a wide range of ages and specifically focus on providing collaborative care to my clients. I enjoy providing skills and solutions while teaching how to honor emotions. My passion is to connect with people in a way that makes them feel seen and heard. I'd describe my therapeutic interaction as casual and informal. I believe that therapy is a unique space for emotional healing and mental processing.
(818) 483-9691 View (818) 483-9691
Photo of Marina Skegin-Sipes, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Marina Skegin-Sipes
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Woodland Hills, CA 91364
My wide ranged experience offers expertise in the following areas of therapy: Individual Therapy, Marriage/Couples Counseling, Relationship Issues, Work/Personal Life Balance, Anxiety and Stress Management, Dealing with Loss Grief Counseling, Divorce Recovery, Life Transitions, Parenting Issues. In over 20 years, I worked in psychiatric hospital settings, outpatient Day Treatment Programs, adolescent residential placements, and private practice supporting patients diagnosed with Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety Disorder, different types of Schizophrenia, Borderline Personality, Dual Diagnoses, and more
My wide ranged experience offers expertise in the following areas of therapy: Individual Therapy, Marriage/Couples Counseling, Relationship Issues, Work/Personal Life Balance, Anxiety and Stress Management, Dealing with Loss Grief Counseling, Divorce Recovery, Life Transitions, Parenting Issues. In over 20 years, I worked in psychiatric hospital settings, outpatient Day Treatment Programs, adolescent residential placements, and private practice supporting patients diagnosed with Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety Disorder, different types of Schizophrenia, Borderline Personality, Dual Diagnoses, and more
(818) 308-1205 View (818) 308-1205
Photo of Rain Elizabeth Wald, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Rain Elizabeth Wald
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Northridge, CA 91324
I have sought additional trainings and have done extensive work with people suffering from unipolar and bipolar depression, anxiety and phobias, as well as PTSD, substance abuse, self esteem and relational issues.
Across the past eight years, I have worked with a multitude of people with a vast array of presenting issues. Regardless of whether you are suffering from depression, anxiety, substance abuse, low self-esteem or relational problems, I can help. I have a truly eclectic approach to therapy in that I will personalize each session to your needs when you come in the door, as I firmly believe empowerment and growth come from a genuine meeting between two people. I also feel that humor and self reflection are a great starting place for finding and building upon your strengths.
I have sought additional trainings and have done extensive work with people suffering from unipolar and bipolar depression, anxiety and phobias, as well as PTSD, substance abuse, self esteem and relational issues.
Across the past eight years, I have worked with a multitude of people with a vast array of presenting issues. Regardless of whether you are suffering from depression, anxiety, substance abuse, low self-esteem or relational problems, I can help. I have a truly eclectic approach to therapy in that I will personalize each session to your needs when you come in the door, as I firmly believe empowerment and growth come from a genuine meeting between two people. I also feel that humor and self reflection are a great starting place for finding and building upon your strengths.
(818) 722-2320 View (818) 722-2320
Photo of Jennifer Walker, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jennifer Walker
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Woodland Hills, CA 91364
I specialize in working with Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar, Addiction and adjustment issues.
Hello and Welcome... Whether you are brand new to therapy or have had many years of experience in doing therapy, I can help. As a Solution Focused Therapist, my goal is to help you to uncover your true potential so that you can lead a life that is truly worth celebrating. Although we cannot change difficult situations in the past, we can work together to better understand and resolve challenges in your life. By applying complementary therapy approaches and techniques, we will unearth long-standing behavior patterns or negative perceptions that may be holding you back from experiencing a more fulfilling and meaningful life.
I specialize in working with Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar, Addiction and adjustment issues.
Hello and Welcome... Whether you are brand new to therapy or have had many years of experience in doing therapy, I can help. As a Solution Focused Therapist, my goal is to help you to uncover your true potential so that you can lead a life that is truly worth celebrating. Although we cannot change difficult situations in the past, we can work together to better understand and resolve challenges in your life. By applying complementary therapy approaches and techniques, we will unearth long-standing behavior patterns or negative perceptions that may be holding you back from experiencing a more fulfilling and meaningful life.
(818) 483-6717 View (818) 483-6717
Photo of Ludmila Zeltzer - Milla Zeltzer, Psy.D., PsyD, Psychologist
Milla Zeltzer, Psy.D.
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
10 Endorsed
Tarzana, CA 91335
When you are standing at crossroads, overwhelmed by life's decisions, or feeling sad, disappointed and hopeless, engaging in a therapeutic relationship can offer a safe and nurturing space to work through the issues that are in your way. Therapy can provide a relief and free you up to reach for your dreams. I work from the perspective of Depth Psychology, searching below the surface, looking to help you understand your unconscious drives and motivations that steer your life in an unwanted direction.
When you are standing at crossroads, overwhelmed by life's decisions, or feeling sad, disappointed and hopeless, engaging in a therapeutic relationship can offer a safe and nurturing space to work through the issues that are in your way. Therapy can provide a relief and free you up to reach for your dreams. I work from the perspective of Depth Psychology, searching below the surface, looking to help you understand your unconscious drives and motivations that steer your life in an unwanted direction.
(213) 973-4679 View (213) 973-4679
Photo of Laura Lugo, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Laura Lugo
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Canoga Park, CA 91304
Hi there, I'm Laura! I am an experienced Licensed Mental Health Counselor with a demonstrated history of working in the mental health care industry. Skilled in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for trauma, Group Therapy for substance abuse, Crisis Intervention, Family Therapy, and Case Management. I have a background as a healthcare service professional with a Master of Science (MS) focused on Marriage and Family Therapy/Counseling from the University of Phoenix. I have a very empathetic approach to listening while providing unconditional positive regard for each member's issues and concerns.
Hi there, I'm Laura! I am an experienced Licensed Mental Health Counselor with a demonstrated history of working in the mental health care industry. Skilled in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for trauma, Group Therapy for substance abuse, Crisis Intervention, Family Therapy, and Case Management. I have a background as a healthcare service professional with a Master of Science (MS) focused on Marriage and Family Therapy/Counseling from the University of Phoenix. I have a very empathetic approach to listening while providing unconditional positive regard for each member's issues and concerns.
(858) 463-5625 View (858) 463-5625

See more therapy options for Winnetka

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.