Bipolar Disorder Therapists in Candler, NC

Photo of Sarah Bliss, LCMHCA, LPC, CTP
Sarah Bliss
Lic Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate, LCMHCA, LPC, CTP
Verified Verified
Candler, NC 28715
Hi there, I'm Sarah. Feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, depression, or past experiences? You're not alone. You may feel like you're treading water, or even drowning. Mental health issues impact our relationships, sense of self, and our daily lives, but healing and recovery are absolutely possible with the right support. I'm here to match your energy and provide resources to help you cope, and ultimately, thrive! What do you want for yourself in the next year? Close your eyes if that feels comfortable - envision it, embody it. I'll help you get there.
Hi there, I'm Sarah. Feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, depression, or past experiences? You're not alone. You may feel like you're treading water, or even drowning. Mental health issues impact our relationships, sense of self, and our daily lives, but healing and recovery are absolutely possible with the right support. I'm here to match your energy and provide resources to help you cope, and ultimately, thrive! What do you want for yourself in the next year? Close your eyes if that feels comfortable - envision it, embody it. I'll help you get there.
(828) 521-0214 View (828) 521-0214
Photo of Alexis Decosimo - Asheville Art Therapy and Counseling, DrPH, ATR, LCMHC
Asheville Art Therapy and Counseling
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, DrPH, ATR, LCMHC
Verified Verified
Candler, NC 28715
As an art therapist and mental health counselor, my style of work is to focus on strengths, compassion, and coping skills. While I am trained in a diversity of methodologies including EMDR, my primary focus is to individualize my approach for each client. I have a specialty in trauma-informed practice, and I have worked with a wide range of populations, including at-risk adolescents, children, families, adults, trauma survivors, and active-duty military.
As an art therapist and mental health counselor, my style of work is to focus on strengths, compassion, and coping skills. While I am trained in a diversity of methodologies including EMDR, my primary focus is to individualize my approach for each client. I have a specialty in trauma-informed practice, and I have worked with a wide range of populations, including at-risk adolescents, children, families, adults, trauma survivors, and active-duty military.
(828) 900-1229 View (828) 900-1229
Photo of Zac Tompkins, MS, LCMHC
Zac Tompkins
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MS, LCMHC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Candler, NC 28715
Waitlist for new clients
To move through suffering and risk hope of something better takes such courage. My work finds its foundation in a deep respect for that choice. I meet my clients’ courage by welcoming all parts of them- their overwhelm, strengths, grief, hopes, and fears. That welcoming manifests in my curiosity, care, and genuine empathy for your experience. My grounded presence, calm yet playful demeanor, clarity of thought, and feedback-informed approach have helped folks safely share their inner world. That safety can be deeply healing, and through it I've witnessed my clients move from simply surviving to living a life of vitality and meaning.
To move through suffering and risk hope of something better takes such courage. My work finds its foundation in a deep respect for that choice. I meet my clients’ courage by welcoming all parts of them- their overwhelm, strengths, grief, hopes, and fears. That welcoming manifests in my curiosity, care, and genuine empathy for your experience. My grounded presence, calm yet playful demeanor, clarity of thought, and feedback-informed approach have helped folks safely share their inner world. That safety can be deeply healing, and through it I've witnessed my clients move from simply surviving to living a life of vitality and meaning.
(828) 373-3996 View (828) 373-3996
Photo of Dr. Christine Abassary, PhD, LCMHC
Dr. Christine Abassary
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, PhD, LCMHC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Candler, NC 28715
Waitlist for new clients
You deserve to feel happiness along with a range of emotions. Did you know recent events can trigger our past traumas? Addressing our emotions through healthy coping can free our potential, improve relationships and help us to simply enjoy our life more thoroughly. I will work within an authentic, present-focused, self-paced therapeutic relationship to foster change. We will address past traumas at your pace and current obstacles to heal. I utilize tools that are evidence-based and meet your specific needs. I have over 20 years experience working with children, adolescents and adults from various backgrounds.
You deserve to feel happiness along with a range of emotions. Did you know recent events can trigger our past traumas? Addressing our emotions through healthy coping can free our potential, improve relationships and help us to simply enjoy our life more thoroughly. I will work within an authentic, present-focused, self-paced therapeutic relationship to foster change. We will address past traumas at your pace and current obstacles to heal. I utilize tools that are evidence-based and meet your specific needs. I have over 20 years experience working with children, adolescents and adults from various backgrounds.
(828) 761-0963 View (828) 761-0963
Photo of David M. Young, PhD, Psychologist
David M. Young
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Candler, NC 28715  (Online Only)
Finding a therapist with whom you feel comfortable and safe can be a challenge. I listen attentively and non-judgmentally to carefully understand the difficulty you are experiencing, and help cultivate a deeper understanding of yourself and the origin of your depleting, recurring problems. Understanding how past experiences influence your current difficulties is an important aspect of psychotherapy. I strive to offer meaningful and practical suggestions for change, which can lead to freedom from feeling stuck, and a much deeper enjoyment of life and relationships. 
Finding a therapist with whom you feel comfortable and safe can be a challenge. I listen attentively and non-judgmentally to carefully understand the difficulty you are experiencing, and help cultivate a deeper understanding of yourself and the origin of your depleting, recurring problems. Understanding how past experiences influence your current difficulties is an important aspect of psychotherapy. I strive to offer meaningful and practical suggestions for change, which can lead to freedom from feeling stuck, and a much deeper enjoyment of life and relationships. 
(214) 785-1035 View (214) 785-1035
Photo of Jay Robichaud, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jay Robichaud
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Candler, NC 28715
Hi, My name is Jay and through personalized treatment, I help individuals access authentic emotional awareness and guide them towards true healing. I am a licensed clinical social worker and therapist who has been providing mental health services directly to people for over 20 years. I have worked successfully with clients of all ages who presented with a wide range of challenges, including depression, anxiety, behavioral disorders, stress, ADHD, relationship issues, struggles with parenting, substance use and abuse, career and job issues as well as survivors of trauma such as abuse and neglect.
Hi, My name is Jay and through personalized treatment, I help individuals access authentic emotional awareness and guide them towards true healing. I am a licensed clinical social worker and therapist who has been providing mental health services directly to people for over 20 years. I have worked successfully with clients of all ages who presented with a wide range of challenges, including depression, anxiety, behavioral disorders, stress, ADHD, relationship issues, struggles with parenting, substance use and abuse, career and job issues as well as survivors of trauma such as abuse and neglect.
(828) 332-5263 View (828) 332-5263
Photo of Emilie Diesen, MA, LCMHC, Counselor
Emilie Diesen
Counselor, MA, LCMHC
Verified Verified
Candler, NC 28715  (Online Only)
I am committed to creating a safe, non-judgmental space for my clients. I see my role as helping people identify self-limiting beliefs, emotional blocks and other barriers that keep them from leading lives consistent with their authentic selves and their values. I combine theoretical and psychological insights with more pragmatic skills training (relaxation, conflict-resolution, communication skills). I have an active, direct counseling style that combines genuine empathic listening with therapeutic challenges.
I am committed to creating a safe, non-judgmental space for my clients. I see my role as helping people identify self-limiting beliefs, emotional blocks and other barriers that keep them from leading lives consistent with their authentic selves and their values. I combine theoretical and psychological insights with more pragmatic skills training (relaxation, conflict-resolution, communication skills). I have an active, direct counseling style that combines genuine empathic listening with therapeutic challenges.
(828) 332-5680 View (828) 332-5680
Photo of Ryn Arrants, LCMHC, LCAS, RYT, Licensed Professional Counselor
Ryn Arrants
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCMHC, LCAS, RYT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Candler, NC 28715
Waitlist for new clients
We all go through times in our lives when therapy can help us to cope with the difficulties that arise. You are not alone. Maybe your are feeling overwhelmed or stuck. You feel like you have tried everything and you are looking for a new way to improve your situation. Perhaps your child has experienced an upsetting event and you don't want this to define them. It hurts to see the people we love upset or struggling. I can offer the tools, skills, and support for your journey.
We all go through times in our lives when therapy can help us to cope with the difficulties that arise. You are not alone. Maybe your are feeling overwhelmed or stuck. You feel like you have tried everything and you are looking for a new way to improve your situation. Perhaps your child has experienced an upsetting event and you don't want this to define them. It hurts to see the people we love upset or struggling. I can offer the tools, skills, and support for your journey.
(828) 585-6068 View (828) 585-6068
Photo of Syd Speer - Syd Speer, LCMHC/Asheville Integrative Counseling, MA, LCMHC, Counselor
Syd Speer, LCMHC/Asheville Integrative Counseling
Counselor, MA, LCMHC
Verified Verified
Candler, NC 28715
I believe that authentic & supportive relationship is the catalyst for positive change! I help couples, families & individuals better understand themselves & each other. I have extensive experience with relationship repair & enrichment, supporting families & individuals adjusting to separation & divorce, as well as successfully treating mood & anxiety problems. I have specialized training in Gestalt Therapy, Brainspotting, Dynamic Attachment Repatterning Therapy, Addiction Recovery support, alternative/integrative processes including Emotional Kinesiology, Single's Coaching, Heartmath, and several other modes of assisting change!
I believe that authentic & supportive relationship is the catalyst for positive change! I help couples, families & individuals better understand themselves & each other. I have extensive experience with relationship repair & enrichment, supporting families & individuals adjusting to separation & divorce, as well as successfully treating mood & anxiety problems. I have specialized training in Gestalt Therapy, Brainspotting, Dynamic Attachment Repatterning Therapy, Addiction Recovery support, alternative/integrative processes including Emotional Kinesiology, Single's Coaching, Heartmath, and several other modes of assisting change!
(828) 230-8687 View (828) 230-8687
Photo of Amparo Penny, MA, LCMHC, C-DBT, CCTP, Licensed Professional Counselor
Amparo Penny
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LCMHC, C-DBT, CCTP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Candler, NC 28715
Waitlist for new clients
You are allowed to be a masterpiece and a work in progress at the same time - Sophia Bush. Are you at war with your emotions, food, or your body? Well, that's just the tip of the iceberg, and I invite you to take you on a journey below the surface. I am a DBT-certified, trauma-certified, and Intuitive Eating certified therapist and I see therapy as a journey we take together; you’re the driver and I'm the helpful passenger :) I have been a licensed therapist for 17 years, supporting people with eating disorders, issues with emotion regulation, body image issues, and borderline personality disorder. You're never "too much" for me.
You are allowed to be a masterpiece and a work in progress at the same time - Sophia Bush. Are you at war with your emotions, food, or your body? Well, that's just the tip of the iceberg, and I invite you to take you on a journey below the surface. I am a DBT-certified, trauma-certified, and Intuitive Eating certified therapist and I see therapy as a journey we take together; you’re the driver and I'm the helpful passenger :) I have been a licensed therapist for 17 years, supporting people with eating disorders, issues with emotion regulation, body image issues, and borderline personality disorder. You're never "too much" for me.
(828) 373-2537 View (828) 373-2537
Photo of Janet J. Zander, LCMHC, PLLC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Janet J. Zander
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCMHC, PLLC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Candler, NC 28715
Are you looking to improve health in mind, body and spirit? I believe healing comes from dimensions including physical, mental and emotional health, environmental factors, lifestyle choices, relationships and spiritual life. My approach is strength based, empathic and interactive. My training has been in the treatment of anxiety, depression, ADHD/ADD, trauma, PTSD, grief/loss, relationships and family issues. My aim is to provide a supportive and safe space where we can collaborate and work at your own pace to help you reach your goals.
Are you looking to improve health in mind, body and spirit? I believe healing comes from dimensions including physical, mental and emotional health, environmental factors, lifestyle choices, relationships and spiritual life. My approach is strength based, empathic and interactive. My training has been in the treatment of anxiety, depression, ADHD/ADD, trauma, PTSD, grief/loss, relationships and family issues. My aim is to provide a supportive and safe space where we can collaborate and work at your own pace to help you reach your goals.
(828) 618-4684 View (828) 618-4684
Photo of Elena Mansour, LCMHCA, MPA, RYT-500
Elena Mansour
Lic Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate, LCMHCA, MPA, RYT-500
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Candler, NC 28715  (Online Only)
Taking the initiative to reach out for therapy brings you one step closer towards healing & is a courageous act. I can help you bring kindness, awareness and compassion to difficult feelings and other self-limiting beliefs that often arise out of trauma, difficult childhoods and life's challenges. The journey of life can be hard at times, and you don't have to be alone. I celebrate working with a diverse range of clients including adults and those who identify as LGBTQ+, BIPOC, neurodivergent, outsiders, and immigrants. As a person born in the Middle East, I also have unique understanding of multicultural issues.
Taking the initiative to reach out for therapy brings you one step closer towards healing & is a courageous act. I can help you bring kindness, awareness and compassion to difficult feelings and other self-limiting beliefs that often arise out of trauma, difficult childhoods and life's challenges. The journey of life can be hard at times, and you don't have to be alone. I celebrate working with a diverse range of clients including adults and those who identify as LGBTQ+, BIPOC, neurodivergent, outsiders, and immigrants. As a person born in the Middle East, I also have unique understanding of multicultural issues.
(828) 392-5418 View (828) 392-5418
Photo of Matthew Popielarczyk, MS, LCMHC
Matthew Popielarczyk
MS, LCMHC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Candler, NC 28715
Waitlist for new clients
Compassion is a basic human need that often goes unfulfilled. When we don’t get it from others, it’s no wonder we are our own toughest critic. We refer to ourselves in harsh terms we would likely not use with friends and family. We feel stuck, alone, hopeless. Reaching out for help is hard, but continuing the emotional suffering is even harder. My clients have described me as approachable, compassionate, & non-judgmental. My goal is to help you explore & process unhealthy patterns of thinking and behavior while learning new healthy ways to regulate your emotions, communicate with others, & to stand firm in your decision-making.
Compassion is a basic human need that often goes unfulfilled. When we don’t get it from others, it’s no wonder we are our own toughest critic. We refer to ourselves in harsh terms we would likely not use with friends and family. We feel stuck, alone, hopeless. Reaching out for help is hard, but continuing the emotional suffering is even harder. My clients have described me as approachable, compassionate, & non-judgmental. My goal is to help you explore & process unhealthy patterns of thinking and behavior while learning new healthy ways to regulate your emotions, communicate with others, & to stand firm in your decision-making.
(828) 392-7987 View (828) 392-7987
Photo of Dr. Jey Hiott, PhD, Psychologist
Dr. Jey Hiott
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Candler, NC 28715
Not accepting new clients
Limited openings for 1) in-person couples and for 2) IFS consultation for level 1 trained therapists/practitioners, solo or group (sliding scale). I'm a Psychologist with over 40 years of experience. I work with individuals and couples. Having worked with all ages over the years, I currently focus on adults. I've had years of working with families of diverse needs, now I especially enjoy working with couples. I am able to help with severe concerns and love to work with people toward their own personal growth and spirituality.
Limited openings for 1) in-person couples and for 2) IFS consultation for level 1 trained therapists/practitioners, solo or group (sliding scale). I'm a Psychologist with over 40 years of experience. I work with individuals and couples. Having worked with all ages over the years, I currently focus on adults. I've had years of working with families of diverse needs, now I especially enjoy working with couples. I am able to help with severe concerns and love to work with people toward their own personal growth and spirituality.
(828) 515-1948 View (828) 515-1948
Photo of Hillary Siedler - Hillary Siedler, PhD, PC, PhD, Psychologist
Hillary Siedler, PhD, PC
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Candler, NC 28715
Not accepting new clients
My practice is not accepting new clients at this time. I commend you for being here. It takes courage and strength to ask for help. I believe as human beings we are resilient and often intuitively know what we need to do to heal. Unfortunately sometimes that healing can be thwarted by seemingly insurmountable barriers such as depression, anxiety, history of trauma, or substance abuse. Let's work together to create more effective coping skills so you may actually live, rather than just survive, your life. I find that the best results in treatment stem from focusing on people's strengths rather than their weaknesses.
My practice is not accepting new clients at this time. I commend you for being here. It takes courage and strength to ask for help. I believe as human beings we are resilient and often intuitively know what we need to do to heal. Unfortunately sometimes that healing can be thwarted by seemingly insurmountable barriers such as depression, anxiety, history of trauma, or substance abuse. Let's work together to create more effective coping skills so you may actually live, rather than just survive, your life. I find that the best results in treatment stem from focusing on people's strengths rather than their weaknesses.
(828) 393-4128 View (828) 393-4128

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Amanda Comer, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Amanda Comer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Asheville, NC 28801  (Online Only)
Amanda Comer is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in North Carolina with 7 years of experience in the mental health field. She is passionate about helping adults and older adolescents address life challenges and lead healthy and fulfilling lives. She focuses on Trauma/PTSD, Anxiety, Depression, Anger, Bipolar Disorder, Stress, and Life Transitions. Amanda completed her Master of Social Work (MSW) at Simmons University. She has professional experience in hospitals and private therapy settings.
Amanda Comer is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in North Carolina with 7 years of experience in the mental health field. She is passionate about helping adults and older adolescents address life challenges and lead healthy and fulfilling lives. She focuses on Trauma/PTSD, Anxiety, Depression, Anger, Bipolar Disorder, Stress, and Life Transitions. Amanda completed her Master of Social Work (MSW) at Simmons University. She has professional experience in hospitals and private therapy settings.
(828) 373-8849 View (828) 373-8849
Photo of Damaris Cortes-Figueroa - DC Wellness, LCMHC, MS/P, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
DC Wellness
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCMHC, MS/P, NCC
Verified Verified
Asheville, NC 28801
Waitlist for new clients
Damaris works as an outpatient/school-based counselor providing services to both children and adults in English, Spanish, and American Sign Language (ASL). Damaris loves to listen to people and guide them to identify and build their strengths on what they truly love. Some of the issues she currently addresses include understanding and managing anxiety, defiant behaviors, bipolar disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), as well as navigating new mental health and physical health diagnosis, grief or divorce.
Damaris works as an outpatient/school-based counselor providing services to both children and adults in English, Spanish, and American Sign Language (ASL). Damaris loves to listen to people and guide them to identify and build their strengths on what they truly love. Some of the issues she currently addresses include understanding and managing anxiety, defiant behaviors, bipolar disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), as well as navigating new mental health and physical health diagnosis, grief or divorce.
(828) 385-5535 View (828) 385-5535
Photo of Sarah Olivia Yontz, LCSW, LCAS, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Sarah Olivia Yontz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LCAS
Verified Verified
Asheville, NC 28801
Life's transitions can be challenging, and it's completely normal to experience mood disturbances during these times. My passion lies in guiding and empowering adults facing a range of mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, bipolar I or II, and obsessive-compulsive disorders. I believe in a collaborative, strengths-based approach to therapy. Together, we'll work on establishing achievable goals and finding healthy solutions to the issues you're facing. It's crucial to address your unique needs and build a path toward recovery that suits you best. In person and Telehealth appointments available.
Life's transitions can be challenging, and it's completely normal to experience mood disturbances during these times. My passion lies in guiding and empowering adults facing a range of mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, bipolar I or II, and obsessive-compulsive disorders. I believe in a collaborative, strengths-based approach to therapy. Together, we'll work on establishing achievable goals and finding healthy solutions to the issues you're facing. It's crucial to address your unique needs and build a path toward recovery that suits you best. In person and Telehealth appointments available.
(828) 845-8105 View (828) 845-8105
Photo of Kristin Mignogna, LCMHC-A, Counselor
Kristin Mignogna
Counselor, LCMHC-A
Verified Verified
Asheville, NC 28801
I help clients work through problems related to relational issues, life transitions, chronic pain, PTSD/trauma, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, autism, and borderline traits.
I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counseling Associate who strives to create a space of trust and safety in which clients can heal, progress, and develop self-compassion. I have experience helping clients with a broad range of presenting concerns, with an educational focus on trauma. I cater my therapeutic techniques to each individual client's needs, drawing most heavily from Person-Centered (approaching clients as equal collaborators, with empathy and non-judgement), Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (focusing on thought patterns), and Gestalt Therapy (focusing on emotional and somatic experiences).
I help clients work through problems related to relational issues, life transitions, chronic pain, PTSD/trauma, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, autism, and borderline traits.
I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counseling Associate who strives to create a space of trust and safety in which clients can heal, progress, and develop self-compassion. I have experience helping clients with a broad range of presenting concerns, with an educational focus on trauma. I cater my therapeutic techniques to each individual client's needs, drawing most heavily from Person-Centered (approaching clients as equal collaborators, with empathy and non-judgement), Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (focusing on thought patterns), and Gestalt Therapy (focusing on emotional and somatic experiences).
(828) 457-7143 View (828) 457-7143
Photo of Denise Strickland, LCMHC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Denise Strickland
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCMHC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Asheville, NC 28801  (Online Only)
Over the last 13 years, I have provided individual psychotherapy to adolescents and adults struggling with bereavement, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, transitioning, attachment, stress, loss, family conflict, divorce, codependency, and trauma.
Evolve or repeat. Therapy, by nature, can be challenging. It can appear scary, overwhelming, and anxiety-inducing; you are essentially vocalizing (to a stranger!) your challenges, weaknesses, mistakes, and insecurities. And sometimes that needs to happen to grow. My mantra over the last year has been to evolve or repeat. That’s it. Evolve or repeat. Frequently we establish and maintain patterns of thoughts and behaviors, based on past experiences and memories which are unhealthy and unproductive. I found these patterns and cycles are the root to unhappiness and barriers to change.
Over the last 13 years, I have provided individual psychotherapy to adolescents and adults struggling with bereavement, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, transitioning, attachment, stress, loss, family conflict, divorce, codependency, and trauma.
Evolve or repeat. Therapy, by nature, can be challenging. It can appear scary, overwhelming, and anxiety-inducing; you are essentially vocalizing (to a stranger!) your challenges, weaknesses, mistakes, and insecurities. And sometimes that needs to happen to grow. My mantra over the last year has been to evolve or repeat. That’s it. Evolve or repeat. Frequently we establish and maintain patterns of thoughts and behaviors, based on past experiences and memories which are unhealthy and unproductive. I found these patterns and cycles are the root to unhappiness and barriers to change.
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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.