Therapists in Cedarville, IL
There are no results for therapists in Cedarville
Check out therapists located nearby or offering teletherapy in Illinois below.Online Therapists
![Photo of Rajkumar Periasamy, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c91285fc-ab01-457b-a7bd-eebec0fd0669/2/320x400.jpeg)
I frequently help people work through anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, familial difficulties, identity-related disturbances, stress, sleep difficulties, bipolar, and substance use.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with extensive experience working with individuals across the lifespan. I have worked with children, adolescents, and adults. We all experience moments in life when become stuck in unhelpful patterns and have a difficult time seeing the direction to move forward. One of my aspirations is to help you identify areas that you are stuck in and help you navigate in a direction that aligns with your values and helps meet your goals. To me therapy is a collaborative endeavor, and it is my goal to understand your needs, values, and aspects of your culture in our work together.
I frequently help people work through anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, familial difficulties, identity-related disturbances, stress, sleep difficulties, bipolar, and substance use.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with extensive experience working with individuals across the lifespan. I have worked with children, adolescents, and adults. We all experience moments in life when become stuck in unhelpful patterns and have a difficult time seeing the direction to move forward. One of my aspirations is to help you identify areas that you are stuck in and help you navigate in a direction that aligns with your values and helps meet your goals. To me therapy is a collaborative endeavor, and it is my goal to understand your needs, values, and aspects of your culture in our work together.
![Photo of Lisa Ann Ditchek - Ditchek Psychological Services, PLLC, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3bed4c77-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Ditchek Psychological Services, PLLC
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Niles, IL 60714 (Online Only)
I am a professional member of the American Psychological Association, Illinois Psychological Association, Association for Psychological Science, Child and Adolescent Bipolar Foundation, National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Eating Disorders, and the Anxiety Disorders Association of America.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist who will offer you a safe, caring, and supportive environment. In my 20 + years of clinical experience, I believe having a mutual and reciprocal therapeutic relationship is one of the first steps for growth and change. I value your input and will work with you as a team to help you identify and achieve your goals.
I have a strong background in treating children, adolescents and adults with issues related to mood, relationships, adjustments to life transitions, anxiety, work or school performance, medical issues, eating disorders, substance abuse, stress, parenting, and other psychological disorders.
I am a professional member of the American Psychological Association, Illinois Psychological Association, Association for Psychological Science, Child and Adolescent Bipolar Foundation, National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Eating Disorders, and the Anxiety Disorders Association of America.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist who will offer you a safe, caring, and supportive environment. In my 20 + years of clinical experience, I believe having a mutual and reciprocal therapeutic relationship is one of the first steps for growth and change. I value your input and will work with you as a team to help you identify and achieve your goals.
I have a strong background in treating children, adolescents and adults with issues related to mood, relationships, adjustments to life transitions, anxiety, work or school performance, medical issues, eating disorders, substance abuse, stress, parenting, and other psychological disorders.
I provide cognitive behavioral psychotherapy for education, support and management of symptoms of all mental disorders including depression, anxiety and Bipolar Disorder. I teach specific stress management, time management and other coping skills. I administer comprehensive neuropsychological and psychological testing batteries, including cognitive, memory, ADHD and projective testing. My areas of expertise include women's issues, geriatrics, veteran's issues and issues related to managing chronic medical illnesses and pain. My focus is on addressing each client's personal needs and problems.
I provide cognitive behavioral psychotherapy for education, support and management of symptoms of all mental disorders including depression, anxiety and Bipolar Disorder. I teach specific stress management, time management and other coping skills. I administer comprehensive neuropsychological and psychological testing batteries, including cognitive, memory, ADHD and projective testing. My areas of expertise include women's issues, geriatrics, veteran's issues and issues related to managing chronic medical illnesses and pain. My focus is on addressing each client's personal needs and problems.
![Photo of Shannon M Mannix - Shannon Mannix Services Inc, MSW, LCSW, type 73, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d611777-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Shannon Mannix Services Inc
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, type 73
Verified Verified
Lockport, IL 60441
Ms. Mannix's clinical practice focuses on providing cognitive behavioral therapy to children, adolescents & adults. Ms. Mannix also provides family therapy to clients of all ages. She has worked extensively with children, adolescents and adults who have Mood Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Behavioral Problems & ADHD, Bipolar disorder, Autism, Divorce, Grief and loss, family conflicts, learning difficulties, school concerns. Ms. Mannix focuses on post traumatic stress, relational/behavioral problems in children, school difficulties, adolescences and adults as well. Ms. Mannix is also a strong advocate for persons with disabilities.
Ms. Mannix's clinical practice focuses on providing cognitive behavioral therapy to children, adolescents & adults. Ms. Mannix also provides family therapy to clients of all ages. She has worked extensively with children, adolescents and adults who have Mood Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Behavioral Problems & ADHD, Bipolar disorder, Autism, Divorce, Grief and loss, family conflicts, learning difficulties, school concerns. Ms. Mannix focuses on post traumatic stress, relational/behavioral problems in children, school difficulties, adolescences and adults as well. Ms. Mannix is also a strong advocate for persons with disabilities.
![Photo of Tom Alcock, PsyD, CADC, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/40a73e91-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
My experience and expertise includes working with with anxiety, depression, unexplained physical symptoms, substance abuse/dependence, bipolar and mood disorders, issues of identity, eating and exercise disorders, grief & loss, performance, motivation, PTSD, and chronic stress.
Personally, I know how difficult it was for me to get out of bed when suffering from depression and anxiety and to go about the everyday when concerned about having another panic attack. I know how valuable it was for me to have someone to talk to that wouldn't judge me or make me feel guilty about being exactly where I was at the time. The idea of "you should be fine", or "you have no reason to be anxious or depressed" is hurtful and doesn't help.
My experience and expertise includes working with with anxiety, depression, unexplained physical symptoms, substance abuse/dependence, bipolar and mood disorders, issues of identity, eating and exercise disorders, grief & loss, performance, motivation, PTSD, and chronic stress.
Personally, I know how difficult it was for me to get out of bed when suffering from depression and anxiety and to go about the everyday when concerned about having another panic attack. I know how valuable it was for me to have someone to talk to that wouldn't judge me or make me feel guilty about being exactly where I was at the time. The idea of "you should be fine", or "you have no reason to be anxious or depressed" is hurtful and doesn't help.
![Photo of Katrina Ramirez, PsyD, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/534c4df4-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Ramirez has experience providing individual and group therapy to adolescents, young adults, and adults. She engages clients in therapy with enthusiasm, warmth, and compassion. Dr. Ramirez specializes in working with individuals who struggle with drug/behavioral addictions, bipolar disorder, depression, trauma, and psychosis. Further, she enjoys working with co-occurring disorders and acute mental health symptoms where she utilizes an empathic and strength-focused approach. Creating a safe space for her clients is her utmost priority, recognizing the challenges that are innate to those suffering with mental health disorders.
Dr. Ramirez has experience providing individual and group therapy to adolescents, young adults, and adults. She engages clients in therapy with enthusiasm, warmth, and compassion. Dr. Ramirez specializes in working with individuals who struggle with drug/behavioral addictions, bipolar disorder, depression, trauma, and psychosis. Further, she enjoys working with co-occurring disorders and acute mental health symptoms where she utilizes an empathic and strength-focused approach. Creating a safe space for her clients is her utmost priority, recognizing the challenges that are innate to those suffering with mental health disorders.
![Photo of Serge Sorokin, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3cb68ceb-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Sorokin effectively treats depression, anxiety, Bipolar Disorder and substance abuse by successfully combining hypnosis and psychotherapy. He also specializes in relationship problems, anger management, OCD, domestic abuse, sleep issues and PTSD. If you feel stock in life and powerless to change things, if you feel fatigue and constantly worry it's time to start changing your life. Dr. Sorokin utilizes his innovative approach to create a long-lasting improvement in your emotional and physical condition and achieve a successful, balanced life. He effectively utilizes holistic approach to help you recognize an important unity of human body, mind and spirit.
Dr. Sorokin effectively treats depression, anxiety, Bipolar Disorder and substance abuse by successfully combining hypnosis and psychotherapy. He also specializes in relationship problems, anger management, OCD, domestic abuse, sleep issues and PTSD. If you feel stock in life and powerless to change things, if you feel fatigue and constantly worry it's time to start changing your life. Dr. Sorokin utilizes his innovative approach to create a long-lasting improvement in your emotional and physical condition and achieve a successful, balanced life. He effectively utilizes holistic approach to help you recognize an important unity of human body, mind and spirit.
![Photo of Annie Rosas - Conventions Psychiatry & Counseling](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1342d171-7001-40d0-ba48-3d8db5a463c8/3/320x400.jpeg)
Offering in-office NeuroStar TMS treatments! TMS is a non-drug, non-invasive treatment for Depression. Conventions Psychiatry & Counseling offers mental health treatment for those suffering from Depressive Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Bipolar Disorder, Addictions, and Personality Disorders. We also treat those struggling with life transitions, grief, or stress. Conventions Psychiatry & Counseling has been a trusted resource for mental health treatment in Naperville, IL and the surrounding area, for 20 years. Our practice has grown into a one-stop treatment facility, treating all ages and offering a variety of services.
Offering in-office NeuroStar TMS treatments! TMS is a non-drug, non-invasive treatment for Depression. Conventions Psychiatry & Counseling offers mental health treatment for those suffering from Depressive Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Bipolar Disorder, Addictions, and Personality Disorders. We also treat those struggling with life transitions, grief, or stress. Conventions Psychiatry & Counseling has been a trusted resource for mental health treatment in Naperville, IL and the surrounding area, for 20 years. Our practice has grown into a one-stop treatment facility, treating all ages and offering a variety of services.
![Photo of Tiffany Wu, MA, NCC, LCPC, EMDR, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/43fb41f7-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
As a mental health clinician, my goal is to help my clients explore themselves to make the changes in their lives that will allow them to have a happier future by their own definition. I believe that we all need someone to talk with - who will really listen and accept us as we are, without judgment. I provide my clients with a warm, nonjudgmental environment -a safe place to explore the issues that you want to discuss with me. I was trained as a plastic surgeon in China for 9 years. I also speak Mandarin and provide bilingual counseling services to my clients.
As a mental health clinician, my goal is to help my clients explore themselves to make the changes in their lives that will allow them to have a happier future by their own definition. I believe that we all need someone to talk with - who will really listen and accept us as we are, without judgment. I provide my clients with a warm, nonjudgmental environment -a safe place to explore the issues that you want to discuss with me. I was trained as a plastic surgeon in China for 9 years. I also speak Mandarin and provide bilingual counseling services to my clients.
![Photo of Gerard David Widmann, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5b4322f5-e770-4dbe-a7ec-889c4a156327/2/320x400.jpeg)
Are you experiencing changes in thinking abilities, personality, or behavior? Do you feel as though you are a prisoner of your emotions that are intense and difficult to manage? Do you think you or a loved one might have a learning disability? Are you struggling to effectively cope with your life circumstances? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you are not alone and you came to the right place. Whether you are seeking a neuropsychological evaluation or psychotherapy, you deserve the high-quality and personalized care that I offer. Together, we can achieve your goals so you can live a more fulfilling and satisfying life.
Are you experiencing changes in thinking abilities, personality, or behavior? Do you feel as though you are a prisoner of your emotions that are intense and difficult to manage? Do you think you or a loved one might have a learning disability? Are you struggling to effectively cope with your life circumstances? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you are not alone and you came to the right place. Whether you are seeking a neuropsychological evaluation or psychotherapy, you deserve the high-quality and personalized care that I offer. Together, we can achieve your goals so you can live a more fulfilling and satisfying life.
![Photo of Alan P Childs - Dr. Alan P. Childs and Associates, MA, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5ed84458-ab8f-49a7-ae0d-e31a40153a56/3/320x400.png)
I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with over 20 years of experience in assisting children, adults, and families in overcoming personal and environmental challenges. My approach to counseling is interactive and respectful, aimed at helping you discover the best solutions in a safe and trusting environment. With expertise in individual and marital therapy, divorce, and child custody hearings, I frequently serve as an expert witness in divorce proceedings concerning the well-being of the child. Our commitment to providing exceptional, empathetic, and compassionate care is at the core of our practice's success and client well-being.
I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with over 20 years of experience in assisting children, adults, and families in overcoming personal and environmental challenges. My approach to counseling is interactive and respectful, aimed at helping you discover the best solutions in a safe and trusting environment. With expertise in individual and marital therapy, divorce, and child custody hearings, I frequently serve as an expert witness in divorce proceedings concerning the well-being of the child. Our commitment to providing exceptional, empathetic, and compassionate care is at the core of our practice's success and client well-being.
![Photo of Christine T Look, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ae6f8065-e50c-4057-ab8d-8f536410c3b6/1/320x400.jpeg)
Life presents us with many challenges. many of which we can and do handle on our own. However, when we feel overwhelmed or do not have the support we need, we may need a professional therapist. As a psychologist for 23 years, I work with individuals, couples and families to build strong relationships, learn how to manage difficult situations and emotions and to heal from loss. I work to provide a safe and confidiential place for clients, to address current needs and to develop skills and strategies that will help them address future challenges with skill and confidence.
Life presents us with many challenges. many of which we can and do handle on our own. However, when we feel overwhelmed or do not have the support we need, we may need a professional therapist. As a psychologist for 23 years, I work with individuals, couples and families to build strong relationships, learn how to manage difficult situations and emotions and to heal from loss. I work to provide a safe and confidiential place for clients, to address current needs and to develop skills and strategies that will help them address future challenges with skill and confidence.
![Photo of Anna Ciampanelli, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d88aab16-86da-4fd7-96b2-db6357839306/4/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Ciampanelli specializes in pediatric and adult neuropsychology and offers individual therapy and neuropsychological testing across the lifespan. She has therapeutic experience treating depression, anxiety, trauma, grief and loss, perfectionism, executive dysfunction, school/work performance challenges, caregiver burden, aging, and chronic medical conditions, among other concerns. She aspires to promote a life of meaning and build upon your strengths and values. Dr. Ciampanelli offers tailored neuropsychological evaluations and treatment recommendations for an array of social-emotional and neurological concerns.
Dr. Ciampanelli specializes in pediatric and adult neuropsychology and offers individual therapy and neuropsychological testing across the lifespan. She has therapeutic experience treating depression, anxiety, trauma, grief and loss, perfectionism, executive dysfunction, school/work performance challenges, caregiver burden, aging, and chronic medical conditions, among other concerns. She aspires to promote a life of meaning and build upon your strengths and values. Dr. Ciampanelli offers tailored neuropsychological evaluations and treatment recommendations for an array of social-emotional and neurological concerns.
![Photo of Jeff Bondora And Jessica Zaucha - BZA Behavioral Health - Schaumburg office, LCSW, MEd, BCD, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d9d7cb25-6b4e-4cbf-9d0a-b06eab54848b/1/320x400.jpeg)
BZA Behavioral Health - Schaumburg office
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MEd, BCD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Schaumburg, IL 60173
BZA Behavioral Health is an inclusive, highly specialized group of clinicians dedicated to the emotional and behavioral wellness of the individuals and families we treat. We value the diversity & unique experiences of each person & it is our mission to have comprehensive & individualized types of treatment options to best match those personal needs. Services we offer include (but are not limited to) neuropsychological/psychological assessment, psychiatry, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), EMDR, & art therapy. We work with clients of all ages to utilizing strength to cope with life's challenges.
BZA Behavioral Health is an inclusive, highly specialized group of clinicians dedicated to the emotional and behavioral wellness of the individuals and families we treat. We value the diversity & unique experiences of each person & it is our mission to have comprehensive & individualized types of treatment options to best match those personal needs. Services we offer include (but are not limited to) neuropsychological/psychological assessment, psychiatry, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), EMDR, & art therapy. We work with clients of all ages to utilizing strength to cope with life's challenges.
![Photo of Laurel R Erickson - Laurel R. Erickson, PsyD, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c87e746-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I understand it takes courage to ask for help. The right therapeutic relationship should be a useful tool to help overcome life's challenges. I want to offer you a place where you can safely share your concerns and learn new ways to cope with the struggles you encounter. I provide a safe, supportive atmosphere which is free from criticism and offers direct feedback and suggestions. Our work together helps you better understand yourself and have more insight into your relationships. I will collaborate with you to find new ways to communicate and feel more life satisfaction.
I understand it takes courage to ask for help. The right therapeutic relationship should be a useful tool to help overcome life's challenges. I want to offer you a place where you can safely share your concerns and learn new ways to cope with the struggles you encounter. I provide a safe, supportive atmosphere which is free from criticism and offers direct feedback and suggestions. Our work together helps you better understand yourself and have more insight into your relationships. I will collaborate with you to find new ways to communicate and feel more life satisfaction.
![Photo of Andrea I Washington, EdD, LCSW, PEL, LPHA, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/afb9f3c9-1558-43e7-863c-5c07cb059a49/3/320x400.png)
Andrea I Washington
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, EdD, LCSW, PEL, LPHA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bolingbrook, IL 60440
There are times in all our lives when we don’t quite feel comfortable with ourselves or with our situations. These times can bring about overwhelming feelings of stress, depression and anxiety. We began to think and or act-out in ways which can be self-destructive and non-productive. As a highly skilled and supportive cognitive-behavioral and psychoanalytic therapist, I will assist you with moving beyond traumatic experiences, challenges and un-resolve conflict via personalized evidenced based therapeutic intervention.
There are times in all our lives when we don’t quite feel comfortable with ourselves or with our situations. These times can bring about overwhelming feelings of stress, depression and anxiety. We began to think and or act-out in ways which can be self-destructive and non-productive. As a highly skilled and supportive cognitive-behavioral and psychoanalytic therapist, I will assist you with moving beyond traumatic experiences, challenges and un-resolve conflict via personalized evidenced based therapeutic intervention.
"What is the impact of my personality on my self, my significant other, and my family/work relationships?" By answering this questions, clients/patients identify and eventually change self-defeating habits, beliefs, and patterns caused by trauma, substance abuse/addiction, and chronic stress. Signs of negative impact include anger, low mood,multiple marriages, work problems, and eventually job loss.
"What is the impact of my personality on my self, my significant other, and my family/work relationships?" By answering this questions, clients/patients identify and eventually change self-defeating habits, beliefs, and patterns caused by trauma, substance abuse/addiction, and chronic stress. Signs of negative impact include anger, low mood,multiple marriages, work problems, and eventually job loss.
![Photo of Deanna Ned Youngberg, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e1f52100-3e7c-48f2-965d-5acebde2836a/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Ned believes in supporting each individual with data driven information about themselves. The more information a person has about how they function within their environments, the more they know about who they are, and the more comprehensive their treatment will be. Dr. Ned believes that each person has unique strengths that can be fostered while simultaneously supporting areas of growth. Dr. Ned utilizes Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in individual therapy work.
Dr. Ned believes in supporting each individual with data driven information about themselves. The more information a person has about how they function within their environments, the more they know about who they are, and the more comprehensive their treatment will be. Dr. Ned believes that each person has unique strengths that can be fostered while simultaneously supporting areas of growth. Dr. Ned utilizes Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in individual therapy work.
![Photo of Lindabeth Rivera, MS, NCC, LCPC, CADC, CATP, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/40c46a57-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Lindabeth Rivera
Counselor, MS, NCC, LCPC, CADC, CATP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Arlington Heights, IL 60004
" What consumes your mind, controls your life" Are you or someone you know dealing with something right now that does not seem to end? Feeling like giving up? Frustrated? Afraid? Feeling confused and needing direction? Maybe you have been feeling like no one understands, or that you can handle it on your own. As much as we would all like to handle it on our own, the truth is everyone can use someone to talk with. I am a believer in experiences making you who you are. These experiences can either consume you, or shape you.
" What consumes your mind, controls your life" Are you or someone you know dealing with something right now that does not seem to end? Feeling like giving up? Frustrated? Afraid? Feeling confused and needing direction? Maybe you have been feeling like no one understands, or that you can handle it on your own. As much as we would all like to handle it on our own, the truth is everyone can use someone to talk with. I am a believer in experiences making you who you are. These experiences can either consume you, or shape you.
![Photo of Anna Hammond, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/47a32984-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Today, teens and young adults face many stressors including sadness, anxiety, loneliness, and uncertainty about the future. They want to feel the confidence to cope with an unpredictable world as they mature. I provide a safe, nurturing environment for teens and young adults to explore these challenges and stressors. I work closely with parents so they can support their teen's successful growth outside of the office. My passion is teaching skills to manage independence, social anxiety, depression and relationship dynamics. Clients benefit from improved social and coping skills, with a focus on mindfulness, acceptance and commitment.
Today, teens and young adults face many stressors including sadness, anxiety, loneliness, and uncertainty about the future. They want to feel the confidence to cope with an unpredictable world as they mature. I provide a safe, nurturing environment for teens and young adults to explore these challenges and stressors. I work closely with parents so they can support their teen's successful growth outside of the office. My passion is teaching skills to manage independence, social anxiety, depression and relationship dynamics. Clients benefit from improved social and coping skills, with a focus on mindfulness, acceptance and commitment.
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.