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 Dr. Heidi D Schwartz, PsyD, LCPC
Dr. Heidi D Schwartz
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, PsyD, LCPC
Verified Verified
River Forest, IL 60305
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.
(708) 934-4279 View (708) 934-4279
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 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 Margaret McGonegal, MA, LCPC
Margaret McGonegal
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
River Forest, IL 60305
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 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

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 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 Dr. Carla Beatrici - Smart Love Family Services, PsyD, Psychologist
Smart Love Family Services
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Oak Park, IL 60301
Smart Love Family Services is a team of experienced psychologists, social workers, and professional counselors providing supportive relationship-based psychotherapy. Our approach recognizes that all people are born with an innate potential and desire to be happy, to feel good about themselves, and to experience close, positive loving relationships, but often times learned self-sabotaging patterns can get in the way. We help people create the kind of life that they want for themselves by turning away from self-sabotaging behaviors, and turning towards self-caretaking and constructive coping choices for a more fulfilling life.
Smart Love Family Services is a team of experienced psychologists, social workers, and professional counselors providing supportive relationship-based psychotherapy. Our approach recognizes that all people are born with an innate potential and desire to be happy, to feel good about themselves, and to experience close, positive loving relationships, but often times learned self-sabotaging patterns can get in the way. We help people create the kind of life that they want for themselves by turning away from self-sabotaging behaviors, and turning towards self-caretaking and constructive coping choices for a more fulfilling life.
(773) 378-9293 x4 View (773) 378-9293 x4
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 Brittany Adams Yee, MA, PsyD, Psychologist
Brittany Adams Yee
Psychologist, MA, PsyD
Verified Verified
Oak Park, IL 60302
LifeSpan Counseling & Psychological Services offers services to children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. In therapy, I tend to take a collaborative, egalitarian approach to treatment. I am open and nonjudgmental, and I take special time to tailor treatment approaches to fit each individual therapeutic relationship. I practice from a predominately existential-phenomenological framework where individual needs, meaning-making, and pursuit of happiness are emphasized. I also incorporate elements of cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and attachment theory as needed.
LifeSpan Counseling & Psychological Services offers services to children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. In therapy, I tend to take a collaborative, egalitarian approach to treatment. I am open and nonjudgmental, and I take special time to tailor treatment approaches to fit each individual therapeutic relationship. I practice from a predominately existential-phenomenological framework where individual needs, meaning-making, and pursuit of happiness are emphasized. I also incorporate elements of cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and attachment theory as needed.
(708) 725-0434 View (708) 725-0434
Photo of Mark D. Parisi - Home Psych Services, P.C., PsyD
Home Psych Services, P.C.
PsyD
Verified Verified
Oak Park, IL 60302
Home Psych Services, P.C. is perfectly suited for clients looking for integrated behavioral healthcare where they can receive counseling, neuropsychological testing, and psychotropic medication management all under one roof with seamless coordination of care. Our ideal client is looking for a provider who will serve as a partner in change - respecting their unique goals and providing expert guidance to achieve these goals. Our clients appreciate that we use evidence-based treatment protocols and respect and honor diversity in our clients.
Home Psych Services, P.C. is perfectly suited for clients looking for integrated behavioral healthcare where they can receive counseling, neuropsychological testing, and psychotropic medication management all under one roof with seamless coordination of care. Our ideal client is looking for a provider who will serve as a partner in change - respecting their unique goals and providing expert guidance to achieve these goals. Our clients appreciate that we use evidence-based treatment protocols and respect and honor diversity in our clients.
(847) 512-7069 View (847) 512-7069
Photo of Deanna Ford, MA, LAMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Deanna Ford
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, LAMFT
Verified Verified
Oak Park, IL 60303  (Online Only)
As a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate (LMFTA), I am dedicated to helping individuals, couples, and families navigate life's challenges and cultivate healthier relationships. I specialize in providing compassionate and effective therapy to address a wide range of issues, including communication problems, conflict resolution, intimacy issues, parenting struggles, and mental health concerns. My approach to therapy is collaborative, empathetic, and solution-focused. I believe in creating a safe and non-judgmental space where clients can explore their thoughts and emotions freely, while improving their overall wellbeing.
As a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate (LMFTA), I am dedicated to helping individuals, couples, and families navigate life's challenges and cultivate healthier relationships. I specialize in providing compassionate and effective therapy to address a wide range of issues, including communication problems, conflict resolution, intimacy issues, parenting struggles, and mental health concerns. My approach to therapy is collaborative, empathetic, and solution-focused. I believe in creating a safe and non-judgmental space where clients can explore their thoughts and emotions freely, while improving their overall wellbeing.
(331) 202-1461 View (331) 202-1461
Photo of Dr. Calvin Young, PhD, LCPC, Counselor
Dr. Calvin Young
Counselor, PhD, LCPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Maywood, IL 60153  (Online Only)
Hello! My name is Dr. Calvin Young, a credentialed provider of telehealth care services. As a provider of telemental health as a Psychotherapist, forensic assessment and Substance Abuse Counseling and Addictions treatment professional, I am also US military veteran. For over two decades I have provided Online Therapy and in-person care, using an integrative approach that combines Psychodynamic, Behavior Therapy, Gestalt, Community Psychology, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing, Family Systems approaches, combined with Multicultural Psychotherapy, a Person-centered focus.
Hello! My name is Dr. Calvin Young, a credentialed provider of telehealth care services. As a provider of telemental health as a Psychotherapist, forensic assessment and Substance Abuse Counseling and Addictions treatment professional, I am also US military veteran. For over two decades I have provided Online Therapy and in-person care, using an integrative approach that combines Psychodynamic, Behavior Therapy, Gestalt, Community Psychology, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing, Family Systems approaches, combined with Multicultural Psychotherapy, a Person-centered focus.
(773) 687-5071 View (773) 687-5071
Photo of Payton Chalmers, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Payton Chalmers
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Oak Park, IL 60301
I am a licensed professional counselor (LPC) who works with children, adolescents, adults, and families. I specialize in treating eating disorders, trauma, PTSD, suicidal ideation, self-harm, personality disorders, anxiety, depression, and interpersonal relationship challenges. I am trained in DBT, ACT, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy, and Family Based Therapy. In my work with clients I use a person centered and insight-oriented approach to therapy, helping clients understand their past experiences and relationships, and the influence they have in the present.
I am a licensed professional counselor (LPC) who works with children, adolescents, adults, and families. I specialize in treating eating disorders, trauma, PTSD, suicidal ideation, self-harm, personality disorders, anxiety, depression, and interpersonal relationship challenges. I am trained in DBT, ACT, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy, and Family Based Therapy. In my work with clients I use a person centered and insight-oriented approach to therapy, helping clients understand their past experiences and relationships, and the influence they have in the present.
(708) 734-2474 View (708) 734-2474
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 Dennis R. Verville, PsyD, Psychologist
Dennis R. Verville
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oak Park, IL 60301
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.
(708) 231-0598 View (708) 231-0598
Photo of Christine Carpenter - Christine Carpenter and Associates, PsyD, Psychologist
Christine Carpenter and Associates
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Oak Park, IL 60301
(She/Her/Hers) Over the years, I have built a practice devoted to improving the lives of people from a wide variety of backgrounds, struggling with a number of different issues. More recently, I have shifted my focus from clinical practice to the training of pre-licensed and early career therapists. I very much enjoy mentoring as it gives me the opportunity to share all that I have learned in my two decades of providing psychotherapy.
(She/Her/Hers) Over the years, I have built a practice devoted to improving the lives of people from a wide variety of backgrounds, struggling with a number of different issues. More recently, I have shifted my focus from clinical practice to the training of pre-licensed and early career therapists. I very much enjoy mentoring as it gives me the opportunity to share all that I have learned in my two decades of providing psychotherapy.
(773) 888-0757 View (773) 888-0757
Photo of Tony D. Wilson - Therapy Health Clinic: Tony D. Wilson, LCSW, MSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Therapy Health Clinic: Tony D. Wilson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oak Park, IL 60301
Through more than 20 years of experience, I have worked extensively with individuals, couples and multi-generational families providing treatment for a wide range of conditions that affect mood, thinking, and behavior. I grew up in a large & humble home; learning and understanding the complexities of dealing with different types of personalities, sometimes in difficult circumstances at an early age. My goal is to see clients do amazing work in treatment by strengthening their coping skills, removing limiting beliefs, resolving conflicts, and lifestyle changes through a positive way of thinking, feeling, and behaving.
Through more than 20 years of experience, I have worked extensively with individuals, couples and multi-generational families providing treatment for a wide range of conditions that affect mood, thinking, and behavior. I grew up in a large & humble home; learning and understanding the complexities of dealing with different types of personalities, sometimes in difficult circumstances at an early age. My goal is to see clients do amazing work in treatment by strengthening their coping skills, removing limiting beliefs, resolving conflicts, and lifestyle changes through a positive way of thinking, feeling, and behaving.
(708) 300-0261 View (708) 300-0261

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.