Bipolar Disorder Therapists in Elmwood Park, IL
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 Tania E Nunez, LCPC , Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/45ca89c1-35f5-4e55-860b-473b0b5f732e/2/320x400.jpeg)
I have experience in working with adults and adolescents that have experienced trauma, anxiety and depression. Most of my clients that I have supported have been uncomfortable with their daily lifestyle and are seeking to make active changes to improve their quality of life.
I have experience in working with adults and adolescents that have experienced trauma, anxiety and depression. Most of my clients that I have supported have been uncomfortable with their daily lifestyle and are seeking to make active changes to improve their quality of life.
![Photo of Dr. Princess Gabor, EdD, LCPC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7ccfbb21-36b8-4d4b-b036-2c222a4f82fb/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Princess Gabor
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, EdD, LCPC
Verified Verified
Elmwood Park, IL 60707 (Online Only)
I hold a Doctorate Degree in Counselor Education and Supervision and I am a licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC). I am a certified Integrative Mental Health Professional and a certified Mental Health and Nutrional Clinical Specialist. In addition, I am certified in neuropsychotherapy, and Trauma Therapy. I have extensive professional experience using DBT with children & adults with relationships issues, anxiety, depression, trauma, autism, intellectual disabilities, ADHD, & parent coaching. I worked in residential, hospitals, private practice, supervision, parenting education, couples, family and substance use therapy.
I hold a Doctorate Degree in Counselor Education and Supervision and I am a licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC). I am a certified Integrative Mental Health Professional and a certified Mental Health and Nutrional Clinical Specialist. In addition, I am certified in neuropsychotherapy, and Trauma Therapy. I have extensive professional experience using DBT with children & adults with relationships issues, anxiety, depression, trauma, autism, intellectual disabilities, ADHD, & parent coaching. I worked in residential, hospitals, private practice, supervision, parenting education, couples, family and substance use therapy.
![Photo of Rich Horowitz, LCSW, ACSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7dab4f6e-63c4-4383-859d-a01b751ad99e/2/320x400.jpeg)
Rich Horowitz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, ACSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Elmwood Park, IL 60707
For forty years I have worked as a therapist addressing a broad array of concerns. Forming a solid working relationship is the foundation of all therapeutic change. No matter where someone is in the life cycle, the search for meaning and purpose always remains an essential endeavor. Learning how to take care of ourselves is the task of a lifetime. A shared exploration of the past opens the way to a deeper understanding of the present and inspires hope for shaping the future. My intent is to identify barriers to change, work towards their removal, and engender personal advancement.
For forty years I have worked as a therapist addressing a broad array of concerns. Forming a solid working relationship is the foundation of all therapeutic change. No matter where someone is in the life cycle, the search for meaning and purpose always remains an essential endeavor. Learning how to take care of ourselves is the task of a lifetime. A shared exploration of the past opens the way to a deeper understanding of the present and inspires hope for shaping the future. My intent is to identify barriers to change, work towards their removal, and engender personal advancement.
![Photo of Alithea Wayer, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3bcde9d3-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Alithea Wayer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Elmwood Park, IL 60707
In my therapy practice, I believe in an individualized treatment approach, realizing that all clients have varying needs and perspectives. These differences are always respected and acknowledged and as a result, my treatment focus is adaptive, utilizing various treatment models customized according to the individual qualities, needs and goals of each client. I maintain a strengths-based perspective on treatment and believe that every client has the potential to experience greater self-awareness, emotional healing and growth, and personal achievement.
In my therapy practice, I believe in an individualized treatment approach, realizing that all clients have varying needs and perspectives. These differences are always respected and acknowledged and as a result, my treatment focus is adaptive, utilizing various treatment models customized according to the individual qualities, needs and goals of each client. I maintain a strengths-based perspective on treatment and believe that every client has the potential to experience greater self-awareness, emotional healing and growth, and personal achievement.
![Photo of Annemarie Slobig, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/359645ff-c492-4365-8877-09720a8fd5e9/1/320x400.jpeg)
Annemarie Slobig
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Elmwood Park, IL 60707
Not accepting new clients
My primary interest as a psychologist lies in understanding the factors that will allow you to take better care of yourself and to enjoy positive and constructive relationships. My deeply respectful approach to psychotherapy will allow you to make good choices and feel good about them. This kind of therapy allows you to achieve more successful and enjoyable relationships with partners, friends, and professional contacts. I specialize in adult and adolescent psychotherapy for depression, anxiety, trauma, and issues of spirituality and social and cultural identity. I approach each therapy relationship individually, customizing the treatment to meet your specific needs.
My primary interest as a psychologist lies in understanding the factors that will allow you to take better care of yourself and to enjoy positive and constructive relationships. My deeply respectful approach to psychotherapy will allow you to make good choices and feel good about them. This kind of therapy allows you to achieve more successful and enjoyable relationships with partners, friends, and professional contacts. I specialize in adult and adolescent psychotherapy for depression, anxiety, trauma, and issues of spirituality and social and cultural identity. I approach each therapy relationship individually, customizing the treatment to meet your specific needs.
![Photo of Dennis R. Verville, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c9c2961-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in the assessment and treatment of behavior problems in children and adolescents, as well as depression and anxiety in individuals of all ages. I also specialize in the treatment of relationship problems and the psychological management of acute and chronic medical disorders, particularly cardiovascular disorders and encopresis. I help people gain insights into their difficulties and teach them skills that will facilitate the resolution of their difficulties. When requested, I confer with attending physicians and, in the case of minors, with their teachers and/or school social workers. I am on the medical staff of Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge.
I specialize in the assessment and treatment of behavior problems in children and adolescents, as well as depression and anxiety in individuals of all ages. I also specialize in the treatment of relationship problems and the psychological management of acute and chronic medical disorders, particularly cardiovascular disorders and encopresis. I help people gain insights into their difficulties and teach them skills that will facilitate the resolution of their difficulties. When requested, I confer with attending physicians and, in the case of minors, with their teachers and/or school social workers. I am on the medical staff of Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge.
![Photo of Terry L Stagman, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c954e20-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
For many years, I have been helping my clients to lead happier and more fulfilling lives. One of my main psychotherapy approaches is cognitive-behavioral therapy, a well-established, efficient and effective form of psychotherapy. It directly targets the patient's thinking, and behavior, patterns that are producing psychological problems, and teaches the patient to change those patterns. In marital and family therapy, I help the parties to communicate better with one another and to reach agreements acceptable to all. If the children have behavior problems, I often help the parents to become more effective disciplinarians.
For many years, I have been helping my clients to lead happier and more fulfilling lives. One of my main psychotherapy approaches is cognitive-behavioral therapy, a well-established, efficient and effective form of psychotherapy. It directly targets the patient's thinking, and behavior, patterns that are producing psychological problems, and teaches the patient to change those patterns. In marital and family therapy, I help the parties to communicate better with one another and to reach agreements acceptable to all. If the children have behavior problems, I often help the parents to become more effective disciplinarians.
![Photo of Dr. Heidi D Schwartz, PsyD, LCPC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/48790179-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Heidi D Schwartz
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, PsyD, LCPC
Verified Verified
Elmwood Park, IL 60707
I have been practicing psychotherapy for 32 years. My clinical work centers around helping people develop satisfying relationships and lifestyles. We will work collaboratively to help you heal old wounds and make insightful meaning of your patterns of self-defeating thoughts and behaviors as they impact your current functioning and relationships. I will help you develop inner strength and creativity to remedy depression, anxiety, and unhappiness. Ultimately, you will ably make intentional choices about managing your life, goals, work, and relationships.
I have been practicing psychotherapy for 32 years. My clinical work centers around helping people develop satisfying relationships and lifestyles. We will work collaboratively to help you heal old wounds and make insightful meaning of your patterns of self-defeating thoughts and behaviors as they impact your current functioning and relationships. I will help you develop inner strength and creativity to remedy depression, anxiety, and unhappiness. Ultimately, you will ably make intentional choices about managing your life, goals, work, and relationships.
![Photo of Katarina Berin, MA, LCPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1e70a6fd-262a-41a5-b898-81b69ababa3e/2/320x400.jpeg)
Katarina Berin
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Elmwood Park, IL 60707
Welcome and best wishes on your search for help. Please know that therapy is a good option that has helped many others in difficult times. I offer a compassionate, calm and supportive environment for clients to talk about their experiences, organize their thoughts and understand their emotions. You may be struggling with behaviours that you feel are unhealthy, or emotional difficulties that are impacting functioning. Maybe it’s thoughts that are not serving you well or life events that are hard to process. You do not have to go through it alone.
Welcome and best wishes on your search for help. Please know that therapy is a good option that has helped many others in difficult times. I offer a compassionate, calm and supportive environment for clients to talk about their experiences, organize their thoughts and understand their emotions. You may be struggling with behaviours that you feel are unhealthy, or emotional difficulties that are impacting functioning. Maybe it’s thoughts that are not serving you well or life events that are hard to process. You do not have to go through it alone.
![Photo of Sarah H Krcmarik, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/90505aac-6547-4e5e-ad07-e51beab9cbff/1/320x400.jpeg)
We all have words in our heart that are difficult to speak. Therapy is a great opportunity to bring voice to those words and make sense of their meaning so we can have a greater understanding of who we are and our place in this world. I view therapy as a unique opportunity to know and understand yourself in more profound and meaningful ways so as to allow true clarity, purpose, and healing in everyday life. We will move at a pace that feels comfortable to you, and, ultimately, we will work together to bridge your inner emotional life to past and current experiences to then provide a renewed and hopeful understanding of yourself.
We all have words in our heart that are difficult to speak. Therapy is a great opportunity to bring voice to those words and make sense of their meaning so we can have a greater understanding of who we are and our place in this world. I view therapy as a unique opportunity to know and understand yourself in more profound and meaningful ways so as to allow true clarity, purpose, and healing in everyday life. We will move at a pace that feels comfortable to you, and, ultimately, we will work together to bridge your inner emotional life to past and current experiences to then provide a renewed and hopeful understanding of yourself.
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Megan Malaski, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/383e0d03-dbbc-42ba-b2dd-abfd2b882533/1/320x400.jpeg)
I offer an array of services centered around the needs you bring. Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar, school struggles or difficult transitions is not always something we can go through alone. Needing someone to talk to is human, or if you do not like to talk maybe writing or art feels safer.
I offer an array of services centered around the needs you bring. Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar, school struggles or difficult transitions is not always something we can go through alone. Needing someone to talk to is human, or if you do not like to talk maybe writing or art feels safer.
![Photo of Allie Wills, MS, LCPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/24ae6ee9-b7ea-4fea-8e44-3a9cf3af666c/1/320x400.jpeg)
Allie has experience and training working with people with depression, bipolar disorder, self-injury, suicidal ideation, anxiety, and psychosis.
Allie Wills is a relational, person-centered, and trauma-informed therapist for adults and adolescents. She works from an intersectional, social justice perspective. In therapy, she focuses on providing a safe space and joining you to help you explore who you want to be and how you want to live. She is compassionate, non-judgmental, and collaborative.
Allie has experience and training working with people with depression, bipolar disorder, self-injury, suicidal ideation, anxiety, and psychosis.
Allie Wills is a relational, person-centered, and trauma-informed therapist for adults and adolescents. She works from an intersectional, social justice perspective. In therapy, she focuses on providing a safe space and joining you to help you explore who you want to be and how you want to live. She is compassionate, non-judgmental, and collaborative.
![Photo of Martina Lowery, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7d2c9bc2-64cd-486c-a2bb-774996c62fa9/1/320x400.jpeg)
Martina Lowery is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois. She has an MSW from Dominican University and a BS from Lincoln University. Martina has several years of experience helping adults manage anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorders in order to live productive fulfilling lives. She is both solution and client centered and uses a holistic approach to help clients gain confidence and reach goals. Martina offers a safe and judgement free space where she empowers and encourages clients to be their authentic selves. Martina is considerate of culture and how it impacts individuals’ experiences.
Martina Lowery is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois. She has an MSW from Dominican University and a BS from Lincoln University. Martina has several years of experience helping adults manage anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorders in order to live productive fulfilling lives. She is both solution and client centered and uses a holistic approach to help clients gain confidence and reach goals. Martina offers a safe and judgement free space where she empowers and encourages clients to be their authentic selves. Martina is considerate of culture and how it impacts individuals’ experiences.
Innovative Counseling Partners PLLC
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, LCPC
Verified Verified
Oak Park, IL 60301
We have been trained to work with a variety of issues-Depression, Anger, Anxiety (group and individual formats), Bipolar disorder, Trauma, Child and Adolescent work (males and females), Sexual Abuse, Play Therapy, Family therapy, Cultural issues (adapting to the western culture), and Gay/Lesbian family issues.
Our life's work is helping clients achieve a better sense of self and happiness...more recently we've recognized that without good mental health providers, finding this balance in life can be more difficult and stressful. As a result, we tend toward an Integrative approach and help our clients transform into the people they want to be. We see each client as an individual with many parts to their identity. Utilizing a holistic and systemic approach we help clients reintegrate the parts of themselves to function better as individuals and within their systems. Our focus tenhers and fathers navigating prenatal/postpartum depression.
We have been trained to work with a variety of issues-Depression, Anger, Anxiety (group and individual formats), Bipolar disorder, Trauma, Child and Adolescent work (males and females), Sexual Abuse, Play Therapy, Family therapy, Cultural issues (adapting to the western culture), and Gay/Lesbian family issues.
Our life's work is helping clients achieve a better sense of self and happiness...more recently we've recognized that without good mental health providers, finding this balance in life can be more difficult and stressful. As a result, we tend toward an Integrative approach and help our clients transform into the people they want to be. We see each client as an individual with many parts to their identity. Utilizing a holistic and systemic approach we help clients reintegrate the parts of themselves to function better as individuals and within their systems. Our focus tenhers and fathers navigating prenatal/postpartum depression.
![Photo of Ed Rhodes, MA, LCPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f7be346-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
My areas of expertise include treatment of anxiety and stress disorders including reactions to trauma, unipolar and bipolar mood disorders, substance abuse (abstinence-focused, Harm Reduction and SMART Recovery), mindfulness, existential concerns, relational and identity issues, and creating a safe and confidential space within which to explore personally meaningful issues.
Stories have always fascinated me. They have the power to move us emotionally, to educate and instruct, to entertain us, and to cultivate true compassion and empathy through the act of sharing a story with another. They are also a powerful vehicle for how we perceive, interpret, define and live our lives, yet sometimes it can be easy to forget that we can be the authors of our story, not just a character proceeding along some previously determined narrative.
My areas of expertise include treatment of anxiety and stress disorders including reactions to trauma, unipolar and bipolar mood disorders, substance abuse (abstinence-focused, Harm Reduction and SMART Recovery), mindfulness, existential concerns, relational and identity issues, and creating a safe and confidential space within which to explore personally meaningful issues.
Stories have always fascinated me. They have the power to move us emotionally, to educate and instruct, to entertain us, and to cultivate true compassion and empathy through the act of sharing a story with another. They are also a powerful vehicle for how we perceive, interpret, define and live our lives, yet sometimes it can be easy to forget that we can be the authors of our story, not just a character proceeding along some previously determined narrative.
Madeline M Muecke
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, BCD
Verified Verified
Oak Park, IL 60302
Not accepting new clients
I work with adults affected by anxiety, abuse (physical, sexual, emotional, verbal), grief/loss, Major Depressive Disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Bipolar Disorder, suicide of family member, co-worker or other, and women's issues. Experience: 30 + years in the psychiatry department of a major university clinic and 25 years of private practice. Wide range of therapies to offer the best "fit" for each client. My therapy approach is collaborative, interactive, strengths-based and focused on change. Former faculty member of The Jane Addams College of Social Work at the University of Illinois at Chicago (12 years.)
I work with adults affected by anxiety, abuse (physical, sexual, emotional, verbal), grief/loss, Major Depressive Disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Bipolar Disorder, suicide of family member, co-worker or other, and women's issues. Experience: 30 + years in the psychiatry department of a major university clinic and 25 years of private practice. Wide range of therapies to offer the best "fit" for each client. My therapy approach is collaborative, interactive, strengths-based and focused on change. Former faculty member of The Jane Addams College of Social Work at the University of Illinois at Chicago (12 years.)
![Photo of Tamar Levinson, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0cd02104-f613-4ad4-a517-da65077612f6/1/320x400.jpeg)
I have worked extensively with clients struggling with depression, anxiety, bipolar, suicidality, body image issues, abuse, trauma, self-mutilation, addiction, ADHD, grief/loss, gender/sexual identity, parenting, intimacy issues, spirituality, and cultural/religious identity.
Hello! For over 30 years, I have worked with clients as a clinical psychologist providing a safe, compassionate, and non-judgmental space for adolescents, adults, and couples of all genders and sexualities. My counseling focuses on embracing tools for self-empowerment, self-worth, self-compassion, self-care, and assertiveness through reclaiming parts of oneself to feel whole. Reaching out for therapy can be intimidating and my goal is to make this experience as comfortable, safe and welcoming as possible!
I have worked extensively with clients struggling with depression, anxiety, bipolar, suicidality, body image issues, abuse, trauma, self-mutilation, addiction, ADHD, grief/loss, gender/sexual identity, parenting, intimacy issues, spirituality, and cultural/religious identity.
Hello! For over 30 years, I have worked with clients as a clinical psychologist providing a safe, compassionate, and non-judgmental space for adolescents, adults, and couples of all genders and sexualities. My counseling focuses on embracing tools for self-empowerment, self-worth, self-compassion, self-care, and assertiveness through reclaiming parts of oneself to feel whole. Reaching out for therapy can be intimidating and my goal is to make this experience as comfortable, safe and welcoming as possible!
![Photo of Megan Wills, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9ae37db7-420d-49b6-ac16-c94286bc2077/2/320x400.jpeg)
Megan Wills
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oak Park, IL 60301
Not accepting new clients
Megan has experience and training in supporting clients dealing with PTSD, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, addiction and substance use, ADHD, chronic illness, identity exploration, burnout, and life transitions.
Megan Wills is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who works with adults and adolescents. She practices from a relational, trauma-informed, person-centered, and intersectional feminist lens. Megan believes that the foundation of good therapy is a strong and trusting therapeutic relationship. She works to create a space where clients can experience safety, support, and unconditional positive regard, build insight into their values, and live a better life.
Megan has experience and training in supporting clients dealing with PTSD, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, addiction and substance use, ADHD, chronic illness, identity exploration, burnout, and life transitions.
Megan Wills is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who works with adults and adolescents. She practices from a relational, trauma-informed, person-centered, and intersectional feminist lens. Megan believes that the foundation of good therapy is a strong and trusting therapeutic relationship. She works to create a space where clients can experience safety, support, and unconditional positive regard, build insight into their values, and live a better life.
![Photo of Innovative Counseling Partners Pllc - Innovative Counseling Partners, PLLC, MA, LPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b9dfe2c4-5d39-4b53-b388-3b012a927917/1/320x400.jpeg)
We have been trained to work with a variety of issues-Depression, Anger, Anxiety (group and individual formats), Bipolar disorder, Trauma, Child and Adolescent work (males and females), Sexual Abuse, Play Therapy, Family therapy, Cultural issues (adapting to the western culture), and Gay/Lesbian family issues.
Our life's work is helping clients achieve a better sense of self and happiness...more recently we've recognized that without good mental health providers, finding this balance in life can be more difficult and stressful. As a result, we tend toward an Integrative approach and help our clients transform into the people they want to be. We see each client as an individual with many parts to their identity. Utilizing a holistic and systemic approach we help clients reintegrate the parts of themselves to function better as individuals and within their systems. Our focus tends toward a systems based approach using behavior methods.
We have been trained to work with a variety of issues-Depression, Anger, Anxiety (group and individual formats), Bipolar disorder, Trauma, Child and Adolescent work (males and females), Sexual Abuse, Play Therapy, Family therapy, Cultural issues (adapting to the western culture), and Gay/Lesbian family issues.
Our life's work is helping clients achieve a better sense of self and happiness...more recently we've recognized that without good mental health providers, finding this balance in life can be more difficult and stressful. As a result, we tend toward an Integrative approach and help our clients transform into the people they want to be. We see each client as an individual with many parts to their identity. Utilizing a holistic and systemic approach we help clients reintegrate the parts of themselves to function better as individuals and within their systems. Our focus tends toward a systems based approach using behavior methods.
See more therapy options for Elmwood Park
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- Bensenville
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- Norridge
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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.