Bipolar Disorder Therapists in Canton, NC
![Photo of N. Diane Stamey, MA, LMFT, LFBPC, MDiv, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/44e59a98-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
N. Diane Stamey
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, LFBPC, MDiv
Verified Verified
Canton, NC 28716
My ideal client is a person who is finding life, love and work challenging! I have been a Christian psychotherapist for over thirty years. My extensive education. my two NC licenses and a three year Residency in Pastoral Counseling at Wake Forest Baptist Hospital has equipped me to handle both acute and chronic mental health issues. I like working with Couples, Families, Children, Teens, Adults and Seniors! My specialties are Family Issues, Anxiety Disorders, Depression, Bi-polar Disorders, Grief and Medical Issues. I like these websites: ADAA.org. and anxieties.com. Find me on Facebook, Mountain Center For Pastoral Counseling.
My ideal client is a person who is finding life, love and work challenging! I have been a Christian psychotherapist for over thirty years. My extensive education. my two NC licenses and a three year Residency in Pastoral Counseling at Wake Forest Baptist Hospital has equipped me to handle both acute and chronic mental health issues. I like working with Couples, Families, Children, Teens, Adults and Seniors! My specialties are Family Issues, Anxiety Disorders, Depression, Bi-polar Disorders, Grief and Medical Issues. I like these websites: ADAA.org. and anxieties.com. Find me on Facebook, Mountain Center For Pastoral Counseling.
![Photo of Betsy Orsini, MS, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/565b1c68-d7ad-4b66-b00a-f9b61bd881a3/1/320x400.jpeg)
Betsy Orsini
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, NCC
Verified Verified
Canton, NC 28716 (Online Only)
You want some peace and to feel less stressed and overwhelmed by the complexities of your life, to feel more in balance in your emotional life. You need support, compassion and effective tools, skills for managing stress, coping effectively with symptoms of anxiety and depression. I can offer compassionate and knowledgeable help. Therapy will provide you with the support and skills for managing intense emotions and finding your way to creating a more balanced, peaceful and joyful life.
You want some peace and to feel less stressed and overwhelmed by the complexities of your life, to feel more in balance in your emotional life. You need support, compassion and effective tools, skills for managing stress, coping effectively with symptoms of anxiety and depression. I can offer compassionate and knowledgeable help. Therapy will provide you with the support and skills for managing intense emotions and finding your way to creating a more balanced, peaceful and joyful life.
Yvonne Johnson-Gilbert
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CCS, LCAS, ICCS
Verified Verified
Canton, NC 28716
My professional education and training was only a part of my development in the field of Clinical Social Work. The other segment that was equally significant was my life prior to attaining my professional credentials as a daughter, wife, mother and grandmother. Life's many challenges provided me with insight into the Human experience and practical application in overcoming them. I not only bring my knowledge of Mental Health, and Alcoholism and Addiction, but also my passion for Clinical Art Psychotherapy, all of which I am Certified to practice in. My primary focus isn't only on the individual but also the "foundation of family".
My professional education and training was only a part of my development in the field of Clinical Social Work. The other segment that was equally significant was my life prior to attaining my professional credentials as a daughter, wife, mother and grandmother. Life's many challenges provided me with insight into the Human experience and practical application in overcoming them. I not only bring my knowledge of Mental Health, and Alcoholism and Addiction, but also my passion for Clinical Art Psychotherapy, all of which I am Certified to practice in. My primary focus isn't only on the individual but also the "foundation of family".
![Photo of Ryn Arrants, LCMHC, LCAS, RYT, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4df7a4e8-5124-4ba3-9fe3-502bcfdf97f4/1/320x400.jpeg)
Ryn Arrants
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCMHC, LCAS, RYT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Canton, NC 28716
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.
![Photo of Jamie Oxendine, LCMHCS, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2abbbd62-bc92-4d22-afe5-8436247d3af5/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jamie Oxendine
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCMHCS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Canton, NC 28716
I have been a clinician for 18 years and have found it one of my life’s greatest honors to be with people as they learn to be with themselves. My experience has been, but not limited to, anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and behavioral concerns. I am dedicated to creating a safe place to explore with clients the changes they wish to make to improve their overall functioning. Building a relationship with clients is the most important and finding a good fit is crucial! My theoretical orientation is based in Gestalt therapy and I also have training and experience in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and EMDR.
I have been a clinician for 18 years and have found it one of my life’s greatest honors to be with people as they learn to be with themselves. My experience has been, but not limited to, anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and behavioral concerns. I am dedicated to creating a safe place to explore with clients the changes they wish to make to improve their overall functioning. Building a relationship with clients is the most important and finding a good fit is crucial! My theoretical orientation is based in Gestalt therapy and I also have training and experience in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and EMDR.
![Photo of Robin Ross Minick, LCMHC-S, NCC, CCMC, CIFST, PMH-C, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/409268a3-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Robin Ross Minick
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCMHC-S, NCC, CCMC, CIFST, PMH-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Canton, NC 28716
Not accepting new clients
Would it be helpful for you to be able to explore concerns or challenges with a caring, neutral, accepting person who could help you make sense of your world? I am practically oriented and comfortable offering support for a wide-range of behavioral and mental health issues. Patient safety and comfort is hugely important to me. Helping patients make connections that promote a sense of integrity and peace is a goal.
Would it be helpful for you to be able to explore concerns or challenges with a caring, neutral, accepting person who could help you make sense of your world? I am practically oriented and comfortable offering support for a wide-range of behavioral and mental health issues. Patient safety and comfort is hugely important to me. Helping patients make connections that promote a sense of integrity and peace is a goal.
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Maria A Averza, LCMHC, NCC, LCAS](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/54b300e0-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Maria A Averza
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, LCMHC, NCC, LCAS
Verified Verified
Waynesville, NC 28786
Thanks for taking the time to consider me for potential counseling. You must be experiencing a time of significant distress during this part of your life. I’d like to help if I am a good fit for you! Mental health counseling is an investment in the quality of your life. That’s what we are trained to do, assist persons who can’t seem to find a way out of their suffering and negative circumstances. It offers a combination of human support, professional guidance and evidence-based psychoeducation.
Thanks for taking the time to consider me for potential counseling. You must be experiencing a time of significant distress during this part of your life. I’d like to help if I am a good fit for you! Mental health counseling is an investment in the quality of your life. That’s what we are trained to do, assist persons who can’t seem to find a way out of their suffering and negative circumstances. It offers a combination of human support, professional guidance and evidence-based psychoeducation.
![Photo of Lynne Finger, MSW, LCSW, PA, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4a077e64-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
You have the ability to reinvent yourself, endlessly. It isn't too late. Your life is here and now. If you have found yourself at this site, you must be going through something pretty tough and are looking for a solution. Perhaps you are feeling lost and uncertain, and don't know where to begin. Whether it be a relationship issue or a personal struggle, the strain of it all can be overwhelming and can cause a mix of emotions...loneliness, sadness, grief, anger, anxiety, depression. It may feel as if your life is spiraling out of control. All you want is to find peace, happiness, and to change your current situation.
You have the ability to reinvent yourself, endlessly. It isn't too late. Your life is here and now. If you have found yourself at this site, you must be going through something pretty tough and are looking for a solution. Perhaps you are feeling lost and uncertain, and don't know where to begin. Whether it be a relationship issue or a personal struggle, the strain of it all can be overwhelming and can cause a mix of emotions...loneliness, sadness, grief, anger, anxiety, depression. It may feel as if your life is spiraling out of control. All you want is to find peace, happiness, and to change your current situation.
![Photo of Katherine Sloan, MA, LCMHCS, LCAS](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c32b813d-965a-41f2-bab2-7d5491346fb8/1/320x400.jpeg)
Katherine Sloan
Lic Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervisor, MA, LCMHCS, LCAS
Verified Verified
Waynesville, NC 28785
Waitlist for new clients
Not taking new clients. I am a LCMHCS (Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervisor) who specializes in providing counseling to adults. During therapy sessions, I pull from trauma-informed approaches, cognitive behavioral therapy, EMDR, and mindfulness-based stress reduction to empower clients to embrace authentic self-expression and increase their feelings of self-worth and well-being. I also specialize in treating ADHD in adults. I am also a Licensed Supervisor with experience supervising interns. I have 20 years of counseling experience.
Not taking new clients. I am a LCMHCS (Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervisor) who specializes in providing counseling to adults. During therapy sessions, I pull from trauma-informed approaches, cognitive behavioral therapy, EMDR, and mindfulness-based stress reduction to empower clients to embrace authentic self-expression and increase their feelings of self-worth and well-being. I also specialize in treating ADHD in adults. I am also a Licensed Supervisor with experience supervising interns. I have 20 years of counseling experience.
![Photo of Lynn P Burrough, LCSW, BCD, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3ca9cd27-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
My ideal client is one who is interested in finding happiness in love, work and community. My reward during my 30 years in practice is to experience, with individuals and couples, their growth towards these goals. Years in private practice and a major medical setting in New York have given me a broad background in helping people cope with the many challenges life hands them and to help them regain their feelings of hope. Additional focus is placed on life transitions including divorce, retirement, and bereavement. Additionally, I offer guidance in helping your children and teens navigate those challenging years.
My ideal client is one who is interested in finding happiness in love, work and community. My reward during my 30 years in practice is to experience, with individuals and couples, their growth towards these goals. Years in private practice and a major medical setting in New York have given me a broad background in helping people cope with the many challenges life hands them and to help them regain their feelings of hope. Additional focus is placed on life transitions including divorce, retirement, and bereavement. Additionally, I offer guidance in helping your children and teens navigate those challenging years.
![Photo of Matthew Grotsky, LCMHC, LCAS, Drug & Alcohol Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5af2abee-f4df-4231-be45-ec1ab9a58e0d/2/320x400.jpeg)
I know how hard it is to seek help when you’re struggling. I get it because I've been there too. You deserve to live fully. You deserve better than scheduling problems, long drives, big bills, and weak outcomes. Maybe you’re afraid it will take years of counseling just to start feeling better. I believe therapy should be a lot more than learning how to cope or survive something. It should help you achieve your goals, thrive in relationships, and live more fully.
I know how hard it is to seek help when you’re struggling. I get it because I've been there too. You deserve to live fully. You deserve better than scheduling problems, long drives, big bills, and weak outcomes. Maybe you’re afraid it will take years of counseling just to start feeling better. I believe therapy should be a lot more than learning how to cope or survive something. It should help you achieve your goals, thrive in relationships, and live more fully.
![Photo of Lauri Burmeister, MA, LPA, Psychological Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9166433e-0560-470a-8921-428c79697596/2/320x400.jpeg)
Lauri Burmeister
Psychological Associate, MA, LPA
Verified Verified
Waynesville, NC 28786 (Online Only)
My goal as a practitioner, and the cornerstone of good therapy, is to foster a trusting, respectful, and collaborative relationship where clients can feel safe to sort through sensitive issues and make changes. For those reading, I honor your sense of purpose and your courage to take the first step. Together, we can team up to build skills, resolve concerns, and achieve mutually developed goals. You can achieve a high level of well-being and enjoyment in life, no matter where you start from and no matter your challenges. Your goals are within reach; success is possible!
My goal as a practitioner, and the cornerstone of good therapy, is to foster a trusting, respectful, and collaborative relationship where clients can feel safe to sort through sensitive issues and make changes. For those reading, I honor your sense of purpose and your courage to take the first step. Together, we can team up to build skills, resolve concerns, and achieve mutually developed goals. You can achieve a high level of well-being and enjoyment in life, no matter where you start from and no matter your challenges. Your goals are within reach; success is possible!
![Photo of Michael Fagan, MS, LCMHC, LCAS](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c84a29b-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Michael Fagan
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MS, LCMHC, LCAS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Waynesville, NC 28785
Clear, Resolve, Transform. I help clients discover and resolve subconscious causes for emotionaI and behavioral difficulties. The Subconscious controls emotions, desires, memory, habits, thoughts, dreams, and automatic responses. One may consciously understand the value of eliminating problematic emotions, thoughts or behaviors but unless the Subconscious Mind is reached, enduring change is unlikely. I address the underlying subconscious blocks to living a clear and free life. I have effectively treated sexual abuse, trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, phobias, addictions and more. Issues are cleared, clients report being able to function with more energy and clarity. Relationships thrive and lives are transformed.
Clear, Resolve, Transform. I help clients discover and resolve subconscious causes for emotionaI and behavioral difficulties. The Subconscious controls emotions, desires, memory, habits, thoughts, dreams, and automatic responses. One may consciously understand the value of eliminating problematic emotions, thoughts or behaviors but unless the Subconscious Mind is reached, enduring change is unlikely. I address the underlying subconscious blocks to living a clear and free life. I have effectively treated sexual abuse, trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, phobias, addictions and more. Issues are cleared, clients report being able to function with more energy and clarity. Relationships thrive and lives are transformed.
![Photo of Pablo Javier Averza, MA, NCC, LCMHCA, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b4e16322-3bdf-4921-901b-b1fcbb633ff4/2/320x400.jpeg)
Thank you for taking the time to seek counseling. This is a huge step to activate the change you want with your current situation. I do believe there is hope and answers. Congratulations on taking the first step! At Mind-Body Connection Counseling I offer individual, group, and couples therapy. We start with a free friendly initial consultation. If you are looking for something different, look no further.
Thank you for taking the time to seek counseling. This is a huge step to activate the change you want with your current situation. I do believe there is hope and answers. Congratulations on taking the first step! At Mind-Body Connection Counseling I offer individual, group, and couples therapy. We start with a free friendly initial consultation. If you are looking for something different, look no further.
![Photo of Dr. Robin Winters, LCMHC, Ph D, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4041440b-0dad-401e-8c3d-d40d86476ce9/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Robin Winters
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCMHC, Ph D
Verified Verified
Waynesville, NC 28786 (Online Only)
Anxiety and depression can be overwhelming and interfere with reaching your highest potential. It’s incredibly uncomfortable to feel your heart and mind race or to have shortness of breath. You worry about when a panic attack will happen again and the worry makes matters even worse. You just want to slow your mind down and quit thinking. Your relationships and work performance may be suffering as you lie in bed dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. You've tried everything to control your thoughts and feelings but can't.
Anxiety and depression can be overwhelming and interfere with reaching your highest potential. It’s incredibly uncomfortable to feel your heart and mind race or to have shortness of breath. You worry about when a panic attack will happen again and the worry makes matters even worse. You just want to slow your mind down and quit thinking. Your relationships and work performance may be suffering as you lie in bed dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. You've tried everything to control your thoughts and feelings but can't.
![Photo of Mark Wayne Wester, LCSW, LCASA, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1810c73d-f5ba-4dc1-a70e-e1c17a8f8fda/1/320x400.jpeg)
Mark Wayne Wester
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LCASA
Verified Verified
Waynesville, NC 28785
Sometimes, life can be extremely difficult and feel out of control. Many of us have been taught that asking for help is a sign of weakness, but I believe that we need to challenge that thought. The ability to be vulnerable, to say we are not okay and to reach out for support, is the bravest step we can take. I have personally witnessed individuals who had experienced years of trauma, addiction and mental health challenges create meaningful lives that brought them a sense of joy and peace. They found a new sense of purpose and created the healthy loving relationships. They realized the laughter they heard was once again their own.
Sometimes, life can be extremely difficult and feel out of control. Many of us have been taught that asking for help is a sign of weakness, but I believe that we need to challenge that thought. The ability to be vulnerable, to say we are not okay and to reach out for support, is the bravest step we can take. I have personally witnessed individuals who had experienced years of trauma, addiction and mental health challenges create meaningful lives that brought them a sense of joy and peace. They found a new sense of purpose and created the healthy loving relationships. They realized the laughter they heard was once again their own.
![Photo of Deborah Barnett, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/98da5779-467d-47de-809b-6d55b940c762/1/320x400.jpeg)
You are creative, live life consciously, and have enjoyed success in many areas of life. You juggle your career, family, and friends. But it's not easy, is it? In fact, it's impossible when you feel stressed out and the imbalance is contributing to anxiety or depression that you may be experiencing. I'll help you find more balance and experience greater joy and harmony in your life. For couples, I will help you feel more deeply respected and honored by one another. Together, we'll reduce the conflict and tension in your relationship and bring back the fun and romance.
You are creative, live life consciously, and have enjoyed success in many areas of life. You juggle your career, family, and friends. But it's not easy, is it? In fact, it's impossible when you feel stressed out and the imbalance is contributing to anxiety or depression that you may be experiencing. I'll help you find more balance and experience greater joy and harmony in your life. For couples, I will help you feel more deeply respected and honored by one another. Together, we'll reduce the conflict and tension in your relationship and bring back the fun and romance.
![Photo of Mary Martin-Looman, MA, LCMHC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f3e01f64-1f47-47fe-bc5f-b33ead080b0d/1/320x400.png)
Mary Martin-Looman
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LCMHC
Verified Verified
Waynesville, NC 28786
With a high value placed on each client as an individual and their experiences I recognize that your needs are as unique as you are. Entering therapy offers an opportunity to process out our needs/stressors in a non-judgmental, objective, caring and professional setting with a focus on improving emotional wellness. Drawing on 20 years of experience in the field of mental health I integrate cognitive behavioral interventions, mindfulness practice, dialectics, strengths and solutions focused intervention and EMDR to support clients in meeting their treatment goals. I am a certified EMDR therapist through EMDRIA (www.emdria.org).
With a high value placed on each client as an individual and their experiences I recognize that your needs are as unique as you are. Entering therapy offers an opportunity to process out our needs/stressors in a non-judgmental, objective, caring and professional setting with a focus on improving emotional wellness. Drawing on 20 years of experience in the field of mental health I integrate cognitive behavioral interventions, mindfulness practice, dialectics, strengths and solutions focused intervention and EMDR to support clients in meeting their treatment goals. I am a certified EMDR therapist through EMDRIA (www.emdria.org).
![Photo of Lynne H Noonan, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1f1bc56c-b5cd-4a27-9f04-6c0986190a22/2/320x400.jpeg)
I enjoy working with people to identify new ways to cope or ways to solve the challenges life brings us. I encourage bringing your strengths as coping tools while joining in problem solving or problem identification. Sometimes having someone to listen provides an opportunity to see things from a different perspective. As each person is an individual, we can work together to find what works best with you. Expressive arts, dream work, and Sandplay are also ways that I work with those who prefer to approach problems differently.
I enjoy working with people to identify new ways to cope or ways to solve the challenges life brings us. I encourage bringing your strengths as coping tools while joining in problem solving or problem identification. Sometimes having someone to listen provides an opportunity to see things from a different perspective. As each person is an individual, we can work together to find what works best with you. Expressive arts, dream work, and Sandplay are also ways that I work with those who prefer to approach problems differently.
![Photo of Ashley Merchant, LCSWA, MSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ddfbfe41-e06f-4c06-92d1-8a29e67c015f/2/320x400.jpeg)
Ashley Merchant
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSWA, MSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Waynesville, NC 28785 (Online Only)
We live in a world quickly changing with many demands and stressors. Therapy is like working out at a gym. Instead, it is building inner strength and emotional fitness. Traumas or events can happen in life leading to a dysregulated nervous system. We can experience the loss of a job, partner, or identity; the loss of a loved one or pet; disease, illness, financial instability; relationship or family issues, or housing crisis that spin our worlds upside down. Maybe it is low self-worth, stress, or feeling stuck in life. With over 10 years of experience in the mental health field, I am here to be a supportive ally for your growth.
We live in a world quickly changing with many demands and stressors. Therapy is like working out at a gym. Instead, it is building inner strength and emotional fitness. Traumas or events can happen in life leading to a dysregulated nervous system. We can experience the loss of a job, partner, or identity; the loss of a loved one or pet; disease, illness, financial instability; relationship or family issues, or housing crisis that spin our worlds upside down. Maybe it is low self-worth, stress, or feeling stuck in life. With over 10 years of experience in the mental health field, I am here to be a supportive ally for your growth.
See more therapy options for Canton
Nearby Bipolar Disorder Therapists Searches for Canton
- Arden
- Asheville
- Biltmore Forest
- Brevard
- Candler
- Fletcher
- Hendersonville
- Mills River
- Sylva
- Waynesville
- Weaverville
- Woodfin
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.