Photo of Theresa Wier - Theresa Wier, Psy.D., PsyD, LPC, Psychologist
Theresa Wier, Psy.D.
Psychologist, PsyD, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
River Forest, IL 60305
My experience includes working within various environments including a hospital setting, community mental health center, private practice, and educational settings with those who suffer from anxiety, depression, high functioning autism, ADHD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and personality disorders.
Hello. You are probably reading this as a result of an issue that has been on your mind and are hoping to find some peace or come to a resolution. I am a licensed clinical psychologist with a personable, down-to-earth approach willing to partner with you through your current struggle. I support a safe, non-judgmental therapeutic environment to discuss the thoughts and feelings that may be troubling for you. I have helped individuals, couples, and families with a vast array of mental health issues using a psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, or a family systems approach.
My experience includes working within various environments including a hospital setting, community mental health center, private practice, and educational settings with those who suffer from anxiety, depression, high functioning autism, ADHD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and personality disorders.
Hello. You are probably reading this as a result of an issue that has been on your mind and are hoping to find some peace or come to a resolution. I am a licensed clinical psychologist with a personable, down-to-earth approach willing to partner with you through your current struggle. I support a safe, non-judgmental therapeutic environment to discuss the thoughts and feelings that may be troubling for you. I have helped individuals, couples, and families with a vast array of mental health issues using a psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, or a family systems approach.
(708) 669-0746 View (708) 669-0746
Photo of Linda Small, PhD, Psychologist
Linda Small
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
River Forest, IL 60305
I work best with clients who are troubled by anxiety, depression, relationship issues, losses or trauma, and life transition issues. I provide individual and family therapy for children, adolescents, and adults. I use a variety of treatment techniques including cognitive, psychodynamic, and client-centered therapies as well as behavior management strategies. My research on coping with traumatic life events has prepared me well to work with clients who have experienced trauma and crisis. A life crisis can be debilitating at first, but can lead to a search for meaning and dramatic new growth. It is exciting for me to accompany clients in this process!
I work best with clients who are troubled by anxiety, depression, relationship issues, losses or trauma, and life transition issues. I provide individual and family therapy for children, adolescents, and adults. I use a variety of treatment techniques including cognitive, psychodynamic, and client-centered therapies as well as behavior management strategies. My research on coping with traumatic life events has prepared me well to work with clients who have experienced trauma and crisis. A life crisis can be debilitating at first, but can lead to a search for meaning and dramatic new growth. It is exciting for me to accompany clients in this process!
(630) 313-6319 View (630) 313-6319
Photo of Ethan Israelsohn, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Ethan Israelsohn
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
River Forest, IL 60305  (Online Only)
Is it difficult for you to achieve your goals because of depression, anxiety, panic, or fears? For over 25 years I have provided a comfortable and supportive atmosphere where results can be obtained quickly. Do you experience the overwhelming impact of chronic disease on you and your family? Do you or a loved one have physical or medical problems that just seem too stressful or confusing to manage? Many people seek my help with asthma, emphysema, diabetes, heart, and other chronic diseases and achieve better treatment results and a higher level of control in their lives.
Is it difficult for you to achieve your goals because of depression, anxiety, panic, or fears? For over 25 years I have provided a comfortable and supportive atmosphere where results can be obtained quickly. Do you experience the overwhelming impact of chronic disease on you and your family? Do you or a loved one have physical or medical problems that just seem too stressful or confusing to manage? Many people seek my help with asthma, emphysema, diabetes, heart, and other chronic diseases and achieve better treatment results and a higher level of control in their lives.
(708) 848-0112 View (708) 848-0112
Photo of Margaret McGonegal, MA, LCPC
Margaret McGonegal
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
River Forest, IL 60305  (Online Only)
Life’s challenges happen suddenly. Without warning it feels like you can’t navigate through with confidence and calm. Instead, you are plagued with worry, hesitation, anxiety, and depression. At times, life feels like a ticking time bomb, and you are desperately searching for an effective means to diffuse it. But your coping skills aren’t working well enough, or maybe they weren’t that healthy in the first place. How are you supposed to get comfortable with the challenges you are experiencing, let alone feel you are responding in a healthy way, when everything around you – maybe even your person – can be so unpredictable?
Life’s challenges happen suddenly. Without warning it feels like you can’t navigate through with confidence and calm. Instead, you are plagued with worry, hesitation, anxiety, and depression. At times, life feels like a ticking time bomb, and you are desperately searching for an effective means to diffuse it. But your coping skills aren’t working well enough, or maybe they weren’t that healthy in the first place. How are you supposed to get comfortable with the challenges you are experiencing, let alone feel you are responding in a healthy way, when everything around you – maybe even your person – can be so unpredictable?
(312) 262-5173 View (312) 262-5173
Photo of Innovative Counseling Partners Pllc - Innovative Counseling Partners, PLLC, LPC, LSW, LCPC, LCSW, MA
Innovative Counseling Partners, PLLC
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LPC, LSW, LCPC, LCSW, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
River Forest, IL 60305
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.
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.
(773) 312-3612 View (773) 312-3612
Photo of Kendra A Vargas, LCPC, PMH-C
Kendra A Vargas
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC, PMH-C
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
River Forest, IL 60305
I am truly grateful when a client allows me the opportunity to play a role in the journey of their lives. I believe therapy requires a combination of compassion, humor, honesty, and stability. I recognize the importance of providing a space to safely process through life struggles and work towards change. Sometimes at the start of therapy, the goals are unclear, or there is limited awareness and understanding into the areas that may need additional support. I will work alongside with you on your journey to help you get there. This will be done through a collaborative, warm, and supportive approach.
I am truly grateful when a client allows me the opportunity to play a role in the journey of their lives. I believe therapy requires a combination of compassion, humor, honesty, and stability. I recognize the importance of providing a space to safely process through life struggles and work towards change. Sometimes at the start of therapy, the goals are unclear, or there is limited awareness and understanding into the areas that may need additional support. I will work alongside with you on your journey to help you get there. This will be done through a collaborative, warm, and supportive approach.
(224) 479-0116 View (224) 479-0116

More Therapists Nearby

Roberta Stahnke
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Melrose Park, IL 60160
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.
(708) 218-9147 View (708) 218-9147
Photo of Jae Lee, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Jae Lee
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Oak Park, IL 60301
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who works from a client centered lens with diverse populations experiencing challenges. I work with adults, couples, adolescents, and is particularly passionate about helping immigrant families work through familial conflicts. I am skilled in working with clients who experience anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, and substance use disorders. I provide a safe and non-judgmental space for clients to explore their feelings, develop coping skills, and work towards their goals.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who works from a client centered lens with diverse populations experiencing challenges. I work with adults, couples, adolescents, and is particularly passionate about helping immigrant families work through familial conflicts. I am skilled in working with clients who experience anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, and substance use disorders. I provide a safe and non-judgmental space for clients to explore their feelings, develop coping skills, and work towards their goals.
(708) 627-2124 View (708) 627-2124
Photo of Katarina Berin, MA, LCPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Katarina Berin
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oak Park, IL 60301
The symptoms I work with include depression, anxiety, trauma, bipolar, borderline and eating disorders.
Welcome and best wishes on your search for help. I am an experienced, mature clinician and I offer a compassionate, calm and supportive environment in which clients can work through their experiences, learn to feel their emotions in a healthy way, and find new ways of engaging with their problems. My clients will focus on improving their relationships, and on how to feel better at home, school and work. I can help manage change and stress when you are feeling overwhelmed by events, whether that is a specific issue or a problem that has snowballed over time. Please reach out.
The symptoms I work with include depression, anxiety, trauma, bipolar, borderline and eating disorders.
Welcome and best wishes on your search for help. I am an experienced, mature clinician and I offer a compassionate, calm and supportive environment in which clients can work through their experiences, learn to feel their emotions in a healthy way, and find new ways of engaging with their problems. My clients will focus on improving their relationships, and on how to feel better at home, school and work. I can help manage change and stress when you are feeling overwhelmed by events, whether that is a specific issue or a problem that has snowballed over time. Please reach out.
(872) 231-3268 View (872) 231-3268
Photo of Ed Rhodes, MA, LCPC, Counselor
Ed Rhodes
Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Oak Park, IL 60302
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.
(312) 313-0272 View (312) 313-0272
Photo of Innovative Counseling Partners Pllc - Innovative Counseling Partners, PLLC, MA, LPC, Counselor
Innovative Counseling Partners, PLLC
Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Oak Park, IL 60302
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.
(773) 312-3612 View (773) 312-3612
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.
(773) 312-3612 View (773) 312-3612
Photo of Annie Chang - Innovative Counseling Partners, PLLC, LPC, MAATC
Innovative Counseling Partners, PLLC
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LPC, MAATC
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 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.
(708) 578-8666 View (708) 578-8666
Photo of Isabelle Reiniger, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Isabelle Reiniger
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Oak Park, IL 60302
I help my clients lead less burdensome, more joyful, and more emotionally connected lives. Together we can: find new tools to deal with challenging situations; uncover the reasons you are feeling down and rekindle excitement in your life; break patterns of fear and develop coping mechanisms to make success possible; work through feelings of low self-esteem and build confidence; move past the obstacles that prevent you from fostering deeper connections with others; identify the causes of obsessive thinking and help transcend the problem; and break free of destructive patterns and develop new skills to improve your life.
I help my clients lead less burdensome, more joyful, and more emotionally connected lives. Together we can: find new tools to deal with challenging situations; uncover the reasons you are feeling down and rekindle excitement in your life; break patterns of fear and develop coping mechanisms to make success possible; work through feelings of low self-esteem and build confidence; move past the obstacles that prevent you from fostering deeper connections with others; identify the causes of obsessive thinking and help transcend the problem; and break free of destructive patterns and develop new skills to improve your life.
(773) 295-6803 View (773) 295-6803
Photo of Lisa Wiersema, LCPC
Lisa Wiersema
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
Oak Park, IL 60301
Does your life seem to be less fulfilling and you do not know why? Look no further. Your best life is waiting. I work to provide a safe space and collaborate with clients on finding their inner strengths to utilize them in building resiliency. I work to guide children ages four and older, adolescents, adults, couples, and first responders to reach their goals and experience a happier life. Given my experience working in emergency rooms, outpatient, residential and schools, I understand how the impact of these challenges can often leave people feeling unable to participate in life roles that lead to life satisfaction.
Does your life seem to be less fulfilling and you do not know why? Look no further. Your best life is waiting. I work to provide a safe space and collaborate with clients on finding their inner strengths to utilize them in building resiliency. I work to guide children ages four and older, adolescents, adults, couples, and first responders to reach their goals and experience a happier life. Given my experience working in emergency rooms, outpatient, residential and schools, I understand how the impact of these challenges can often leave people feeling unable to participate in life roles that lead to life satisfaction.
(708) 564-3227 View (708) 564-3227
Photo of John Mundt, PhD, Psychologist
John Mundt
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oak Park, IL 60302  (Online Only)
I'm a seasoned psychotherapist with more than 30 years' experience. I offer a safe and non-judgmental space in which you can freely explore whatever has felt dissatisfying, obsolete, self-defeating or even toxic in your life. Maybe you’re seeking to improve the way you've responded to transitions or traumas, whether recently or many years ago. Maybe you want to figure out how to “jettison” habits, relationships or lifestyles that no longer work for you. Or maybe you want to break free from repeating cycles or patterns that haven’t served you successfully in the past.
I'm a seasoned psychotherapist with more than 30 years' experience. I offer a safe and non-judgmental space in which you can freely explore whatever has felt dissatisfying, obsolete, self-defeating or even toxic in your life. Maybe you’re seeking to improve the way you've responded to transitions or traumas, whether recently or many years ago. Maybe you want to figure out how to “jettison” habits, relationships or lifestyles that no longer work for you. Or maybe you want to break free from repeating cycles or patterns that haven’t served you successfully in the past.
(708) 294-7660 View (708) 294-7660
Photo of Mariana Gonzalez, LPC, MAATC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Mariana Gonzalez
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MAATC
Verified Verified
Melrose Park, IL 60160  (Online Only)
My ideal client may be grappling with questions of identity, purpose, or direction. They may feel disconnected from themselves, unsure of where they belong, or uncertain about their next steps. They're learning to reconnect with their authentic self and find clarity. Their goal is to explore their emotions through creative expression whether it’s art, writing, or other forms of self-exploration and explore who they are at their core and learn how to live in alignment with their values. They are tired of feeling lost or like they’re living someone else’s life, and they’re ready to make meaningful changes.
My ideal client may be grappling with questions of identity, purpose, or direction. They may feel disconnected from themselves, unsure of where they belong, or uncertain about their next steps. They're learning to reconnect with their authentic self and find clarity. Their goal is to explore their emotions through creative expression whether it’s art, writing, or other forms of self-exploration and explore who they are at their core and learn how to live in alignment with their values. They are tired of feeling lost or like they’re living someone else’s life, and they’re ready to make meaningful changes.
(708) 847-4760 View (708) 847-4760
Photo of Julia Jenvey - Jenvey Psychotherapy & Coaching , LCSW, MA, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jenvey Psychotherapy & Coaching
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oak Park, IL 60302  (Online Only)
Breaking unhealthy habits, getting "unstuck", or working through life’s challenges requires creativity. But when we are feeling depressed, anxious, or overwhelmed, our brains tend to follow rigid patterns of thinking, feeling, and reacting. And that makes creativity difficult to access. As a therapist, my goal is to develop a fully creative process with each client and provide a comfortable space to explore and discuss different perspectives and self-care strategies.
Breaking unhealthy habits, getting "unstuck", or working through life’s challenges requires creativity. But when we are feeling depressed, anxious, or overwhelmed, our brains tend to follow rigid patterns of thinking, feeling, and reacting. And that makes creativity difficult to access. As a therapist, my goal is to develop a fully creative process with each client and provide a comfortable space to explore and discuss different perspectives and self-care strategies.
(773) 341-2296 View (773) 341-2296
Photo of Isaac Lopez, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Isaac Lopez
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oak Park, IL 60301
Thank you for clicking here and taking a moment to learn about those available to help and support your own mental health. To tell you a little bit about myself, I have spent the past 20 years working with children, adolescents, families and older adults. I've specialized in helping people work through trauma, unexpected life changes and the challenges that day to day life presents. I've worked with people having difficulties with Depression, Anxiety and other mood disorders. I've been in practice as a social worker since 2007 and in private practice since 2011 .
Thank you for clicking here and taking a moment to learn about those available to help and support your own mental health. To tell you a little bit about myself, I have spent the past 20 years working with children, adolescents, families and older adults. I've specialized in helping people work through trauma, unexpected life changes and the challenges that day to day life presents. I've worked with people having difficulties with Depression, Anxiety and other mood disorders. I've been in practice as a social worker since 2007 and in private practice since 2011 .
(708) 934-4241 View (708) 934-4241
Photo of Joan McDonald, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Joan McDonald
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oak Park, IL 60304
Choosing therapy is a brave step to take, and after you take that step, I will walk with you. It is my priority to create a space where you feel comfortable and supported as you express yourself. I want to partner with you and learn about your specific needs so that I can understand your experience, without assumptions. I will provide empathy, education, and insight as we work together. I want to help you recognize your own strengths and build off of them as we create solid goals so that you can take active steps towards healing, change, and growth. I will work with you and your family to help you meet your individual needs.
Choosing therapy is a brave step to take, and after you take that step, I will walk with you. It is my priority to create a space where you feel comfortable and supported as you express yourself. I want to partner with you and learn about your specific needs so that I can understand your experience, without assumptions. I will provide empathy, education, and insight as we work together. I want to help you recognize your own strengths and build off of them as we create solid goals so that you can take active steps towards healing, change, and growth. I will work with you and your family to help you meet your individual needs.
(847) 796-6297 View (847) 796-6297

See more therapy options for River Forest

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.