Therapists in Cary, NC
Wake Counseling & Mediation, PLLC
Lic Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervisor, MS, NCC, LPCS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Cary, NC 27511
We have specialists who treat Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety, PTSD, OCD, ADD/ADHD, Trauma, Substance use/abuse and relationship issues.
Welcome to Wake Counseling & Mediation! We provide the professional guidance you need to resolve wide variety of life issues. Our therapists are experienced & well trained to listen, guide, and respectfully challenge you. We have a team of passionate clinicians who has the expertise in different areas related to mental health & family issues. We are guiding individuals, couples and families make needed lifestyle adjustments that resulted in healthier coping skills, improved communication, and happiness. We also couples & families with adjustment, parenting issues, marital issues and substance use/abuse related issues.
We have specialists who treat Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety, PTSD, OCD, ADD/ADHD, Trauma, Substance use/abuse and relationship issues.
Welcome to Wake Counseling & Mediation! We provide the professional guidance you need to resolve wide variety of life issues. Our therapists are experienced & well trained to listen, guide, and respectfully challenge you. We have a team of passionate clinicians who has the expertise in different areas related to mental health & family issues. We are guiding individuals, couples and families make needed lifestyle adjustments that resulted in healthier coping skills, improved communication, and happiness. We also couples & families with adjustment, parenting issues, marital issues and substance use/abuse related issues.
I've worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, family, bipolar, and many others.
We are accepting New Clients! It takes courage to recognize steps need to be taken to seek a more fulfilling life and for change to happen. Are ready to make that step? I am here to support and help you in your journey. People are hurting and trying to understand why they are going through hard times. Everyone at some point need help overcoming problems that life throws our way. It's always helpful to have someone to talk to and help release the unwanted and harmful buildup that life brings. Together we can navigate through the unwelcome issue that arise in your life.
I've worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, family, bipolar, and many others.
We are accepting New Clients! It takes courage to recognize steps need to be taken to seek a more fulfilling life and for change to happen. Are ready to make that step? I am here to support and help you in your journey. People are hurting and trying to understand why they are going through hard times. Everyone at some point need help overcoming problems that life throws our way. It's always helpful to have someone to talk to and help release the unwanted and harmful buildup that life brings. Together we can navigate through the unwelcome issue that arise in your life.
Etheridge Psychology specializes in evaluations to include: ADHD, Asperger's, depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, bariatric surgery evaluations, gifted (IQ) testing, career assessment, forensic (court-related) evaluation, PTSD and related veterans issues, Bipolar Disorder, and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.
I specialize in clinical and forensic psychological testing and evaluation with adults and offer evidence-based assessment, diagnosis, and treatment recommendations. My interpersonal style is direct, pragmatic, and spiritual, and I subscribe to the idea that our thoughts drive our reality. My therapy style is compassionate, yet reality-based and focused on helping you identify the themes that are weighing you down and to offer learning strategies toward a change of mind and a change in your reality.
Etheridge Psychology specializes in evaluations to include: ADHD, Asperger's, depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, bariatric surgery evaluations, gifted (IQ) testing, career assessment, forensic (court-related) evaluation, PTSD and related veterans issues, Bipolar Disorder, and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.
I specialize in clinical and forensic psychological testing and evaluation with adults and offer evidence-based assessment, diagnosis, and treatment recommendations. My interpersonal style is direct, pragmatic, and spiritual, and I subscribe to the idea that our thoughts drive our reality. My therapy style is compassionate, yet reality-based and focused on helping you identify the themes that are weighing you down and to offer learning strategies toward a change of mind and a change in your reality.
Our team takes an integrative, cross-disciplinary approach to whole-person wellness and recovery. The clients we work with struggle with a broad range of physical and mental health symptoms and conditions including anxiety and mood disorders, depression and bipolar depression, trauma and PTSD, insomnia, chronic pain, substance or alcohol abuse, compulsive behaviors, ADHD, and autism spectrum disorders. We tailor your treatment plan to start where you are right now and help you build a meaningful, satisfying life that is unique to your personal goals and desires.
Our team takes an integrative, cross-disciplinary approach to whole-person wellness and recovery. The clients we work with struggle with a broad range of physical and mental health symptoms and conditions including anxiety and mood disorders, depression and bipolar depression, trauma and PTSD, insomnia, chronic pain, substance or alcohol abuse, compulsive behaviors, ADHD, and autism spectrum disorders. We tailor your treatment plan to start where you are right now and help you build a meaningful, satisfying life that is unique to your personal goals and desires.
I am trauma-informed and treat all mood disorders (including Bipolar), anxiety disorders (including OCD), Complex PTSD, and adult ADHD.
Your mental health matters and proactively making it a priority is critical in today's world. If you are finding this to be challenging, or if you're feeling overwhelmed or stuck, reaching out for help is a great (and brave) decision. My top priority is to help clients feel safe, seen and understood from the very beginning. I believe that therapy should be a collaborative process, built around your goals and needs. I'll create and hold space for you to explore yourself, to identify what is holding you back or impacting your mental health, and to ultimately find a pathway to a healthier and happier version of yourself.
I am trauma-informed and treat all mood disorders (including Bipolar), anxiety disorders (including OCD), Complex PTSD, and adult ADHD.
Your mental health matters and proactively making it a priority is critical in today's world. If you are finding this to be challenging, or if you're feeling overwhelmed or stuck, reaching out for help is a great (and brave) decision. My top priority is to help clients feel safe, seen and understood from the very beginning. I believe that therapy should be a collaborative process, built around your goals and needs. I'll create and hold space for you to explore yourself, to identify what is holding you back or impacting your mental health, and to ultimately find a pathway to a healthier and happier version of yourself.
I have been a practicing psychotherapist for over 20 years. I have had the opportunity to work within very unique and challenging clinical settings, including within a school, within a psychiatric center, within a residential campus and for the past decade within my current outpatient practice. The aforementioned settings have afforded a wealth of empirically based mental health insight and training, while also allowing efforts to gather invaluable clinical experiences working with adults and adolescents, dealing with mental health issues ranging from anxiety, depression, Bipolar Disorder and various other personality disorders.
I have been a practicing psychotherapist for over 20 years. I have had the opportunity to work within very unique and challenging clinical settings, including within a school, within a psychiatric center, within a residential campus and for the past decade within my current outpatient practice. The aforementioned settings have afforded a wealth of empirically based mental health insight and training, while also allowing efforts to gather invaluable clinical experiences working with adults and adolescents, dealing with mental health issues ranging from anxiety, depression, Bipolar Disorder and various other personality disorders.
I treat clients who have difficulty with borderline personality disorder, depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder as well as clients in the midst of a major life transition or grief. Many of my clients struggle to regulate their emotions. They either avoid emotions altogether or feel explosive or out of control of their emotions.
I treat clients who have difficulty with borderline personality disorder, depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder as well as clients in the midst of a major life transition or grief. Many of my clients struggle to regulate their emotions. They either avoid emotions altogether or feel explosive or out of control of their emotions.
I have developed specialties to treat (but am not limited to) Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety Disorders including Panic Attacks, Adjustment Disorders, Relationship Problems, Grief, Domestic Violence, Mens Issues, Stress Management, Identity Issues, Transitioning Couples to Parenthood, and ADHD.
Most of us need help, at one time or another in our lives, and asking for help is not always easy. However, it is important to realize our own limitations and allow yourself to feel better. Mental health is a vital part of overall well-being, and its impact on our life should not be underestimated.
I have developed specialties to treat (but am not limited to) Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety Disorders including Panic Attacks, Adjustment Disorders, Relationship Problems, Grief, Domestic Violence, Mens Issues, Stress Management, Identity Issues, Transitioning Couples to Parenthood, and ADHD.
Most of us need help, at one time or another in our lives, and asking for help is not always easy. However, it is important to realize our own limitations and allow yourself to feel better. Mental health is a vital part of overall well-being, and its impact on our life should not be underestimated.
James L. Machado Workman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MDiv, MA, BCC, LMFT
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Cary, NC 27511
I have worked with PTSD, cancer diagnoses, grief, end-of-life, depression/bipolar disorder, ADHD/ADD, adjustment related to stages of the family life cycle ("launching children", career transitions), Veterans issues (Moral Injury, post-deployment adjustment), mindfulness based stress reduction, and couple's assessments using the Prepare-Enrich program.
My approach to therapy is a culmination of my life's work with people in a variety of settings. My philosophy of therapy grows out of my many years as an interfaith pastoral care giver. I have worked with trauma at Albert Einstein Medical Center (Philadelphia, PA). I am a Veteran with combat experience as a Chaplain during Operation Iraqi Freedom. I have served as a clinical, interfaith, spiritual care provider at Pitt County Memorial Hospital (Greenville, NC), Duke HomeCare and Hospice (Durham, NC), and Rex Hospital (Raleigh, NC). I believe that people are "living human documents" continually under revision.
I have worked with PTSD, cancer diagnoses, grief, end-of-life, depression/bipolar disorder, ADHD/ADD, adjustment related to stages of the family life cycle ("launching children", career transitions), Veterans issues (Moral Injury, post-deployment adjustment), mindfulness based stress reduction, and couple's assessments using the Prepare-Enrich program.
My approach to therapy is a culmination of my life's work with people in a variety of settings. My philosophy of therapy grows out of my many years as an interfaith pastoral care giver. I have worked with trauma at Albert Einstein Medical Center (Philadelphia, PA). I am a Veteran with combat experience as a Chaplain during Operation Iraqi Freedom. I have served as a clinical, interfaith, spiritual care provider at Pitt County Memorial Hospital (Greenville, NC), Duke HomeCare and Hospice (Durham, NC), and Rex Hospital (Raleigh, NC). I believe that people are "living human documents" continually under revision.
Dale S Sheffield
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervis, PhD, MEd, LCMHCS, LCMHC, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Cary, NC 27513
My focus is Trauma, Addiction, ADHD, Anger, Anxiety, Autism Spectrum, Bipolar Disorder, Conduct Disorder, Depression, Eating Disorders, Grief & Mourning, Life Decisions, Post Traumatic Stress, Relationship Issues, Self-Esteem, Self Injurious Behaviors, Suicidal Thoughts, & Trichotillomania (hair pulling).
I am pleased to announce the release of my new book, "Affirmative Parenting." It is available as an ebook and paperback version on Amazon. My goal is to provide a safe, nonjudgmental, positive environment where thoughts, feelings, and behaviors can be explored and understood. I want to help people achieve problem resolution through personal and emotional growth. I have used this approach in a variety of mental health settings and, presently, in my private practice. Please visit my website for more details at www.drdalesheffield.com. Thank you for taking the time to read my profile.
My focus is Trauma, Addiction, ADHD, Anger, Anxiety, Autism Spectrum, Bipolar Disorder, Conduct Disorder, Depression, Eating Disorders, Grief & Mourning, Life Decisions, Post Traumatic Stress, Relationship Issues, Self-Esteem, Self Injurious Behaviors, Suicidal Thoughts, & Trichotillomania (hair pulling).
I am pleased to announce the release of my new book, "Affirmative Parenting." It is available as an ebook and paperback version on Amazon. My goal is to provide a safe, nonjudgmental, positive environment where thoughts, feelings, and behaviors can be explored and understood. I want to help people achieve problem resolution through personal and emotional growth. I have used this approach in a variety of mental health settings and, presently, in my private practice. Please visit my website for more details at www.drdalesheffield.com. Thank you for taking the time to read my profile.
Corinne Fisher-LaRoche
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Cary, NC 27513
Cognitive-behavioral therapy has been very useful to treat a variety of issues such as anxiety, depression, and Bipolar disorder.
Therapy can help you overcome and cope with a number of challenges. It is my hope that you feel empowered after each session with tools that will last a lifetime. I have 25 yrs as a psychotherapist. Before moving to NC I had a private practice in northern CA and still maintain my license in CA and see clients remotely. Over the years I have broadened my client population to adolescents as well as adults. My specialty is anxiety but I see clients with a range of clinical issues or simply just coping with life events and transitions. Additionally, I am certified to provide clinical supervision to clinicians seeking their LCSW in NC
Cognitive-behavioral therapy has been very useful to treat a variety of issues such as anxiety, depression, and Bipolar disorder.
Therapy can help you overcome and cope with a number of challenges. It is my hope that you feel empowered after each session with tools that will last a lifetime. I have 25 yrs as a psychotherapist. Before moving to NC I had a private practice in northern CA and still maintain my license in CA and see clients remotely. Over the years I have broadened my client population to adolescents as well as adults. My specialty is anxiety but I see clients with a range of clinical issues or simply just coping with life events and transitions. Additionally, I am certified to provide clinical supervision to clinicians seeking their LCSW in NC
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Issues including, but not limited to: stress, depression, anxiety, trauma, PTSD, ADHD, bipolar disorder, grief/loss, behavioral issues, divorce, anger, eating disorders/disordered eating, self esteem, relationship issues, teen issues, chronic illness, family conflict, and life transitions.
Asking for help is the first step towards feeling better and leading a happier, healthier life. Mental health is an important part of overall well-being. Most of us, at one time or another, are impacted by mental health concerns. We have therapists that treat adults, children, and teens. If you don't even know where to start call or e-mail the office and we will help guide you in choosing the right therapist and check your insurance benefits. To learn more about each of our therapists and their individual specialties, please visit our website www.sbcounseling.com/therapists
Issues including, but not limited to: stress, depression, anxiety, trauma, PTSD, ADHD, bipolar disorder, grief/loss, behavioral issues, divorce, anger, eating disorders/disordered eating, self esteem, relationship issues, teen issues, chronic illness, family conflict, and life transitions.
Asking for help is the first step towards feeling better and leading a happier, healthier life. Mental health is an important part of overall well-being. Most of us, at one time or another, are impacted by mental health concerns. We have therapists that treat adults, children, and teens. If you don't even know where to start call or e-mail the office and we will help guide you in choosing the right therapist and check your insurance benefits. To learn more about each of our therapists and their individual specialties, please visit our website www.sbcounseling.com/therapists
Kelly L Harrison
Marriage & Family Therapist, MACC, LCMHC-S, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Cary, NC 27513
I also enjoy working with clients facing the challenges of anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, grief and loss, trauma, and spiritual matters.
Are you, or someone you love, at a crossroads in life? Deciding to contact a therapist is the first step to bringing about the change you desire. I recognize that it takes courage to begin this search, and it is usually the result of emotional pain. I want you to know that there is hope. Your present circumstances do not have to dictate your future. This does not need to become your new normal. Instead, you have the power to overcome your current circumstances. I believe that through a safe and trusting counseling relationship, true healing can begin.
I also enjoy working with clients facing the challenges of anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, grief and loss, trauma, and spiritual matters.
Are you, or someone you love, at a crossroads in life? Deciding to contact a therapist is the first step to bringing about the change you desire. I recognize that it takes courage to begin this search, and it is usually the result of emotional pain. I want you to know that there is hope. Your present circumstances do not have to dictate your future. This does not need to become your new normal. Instead, you have the power to overcome your current circumstances. I believe that through a safe and trusting counseling relationship, true healing can begin.
NOW OFFERING E-THERAPY! My services take place in the client's natural environment (their home, local gym, or in the surrounding community). Services include individual counseling, therapy, personal training for adults, adolescents, couples, & families. I also offer ADHD coaching, personal coaching, career counseling, and consultation. I'm experienced in treating Mood Disorders such as Depression & Bipolar Disorders, Anger Management, ADHD in adolescents & adults, Anxiety Disorders, Career Counseling, Life Skills Building, Men's Issues, Identity Development, Nutrition & Exercise Planning, Meditation Training.
NOW OFFERING E-THERAPY! My services take place in the client's natural environment (their home, local gym, or in the surrounding community). Services include individual counseling, therapy, personal training for adults, adolescents, couples, & families. I also offer ADHD coaching, personal coaching, career counseling, and consultation. I'm experienced in treating Mood Disorders such as Depression & Bipolar Disorders, Anger Management, ADHD in adolescents & adults, Anxiety Disorders, Career Counseling, Life Skills Building, Men's Issues, Identity Development, Nutrition & Exercise Planning, Meditation Training.
My therapeutic experience has been diverse, although I most commonly work with: women, couples, depression and anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, ADHD, individuals on the Autism Spectrum.
I find it a tremendous privilege to play a role in the journey my clients embark on as they heal, transform and grow. I provide clinical therapy to adolescents, adults and couples. I take an attachment and relational approach to therapy, nurturing an open and trusting environment for my clients. I am always learning and utilizing different therapeutic techniques and most frequently utilize: CBT, Emotion Focused Therapy, Attachment and Systems Theory along with a Person Centered approach. I often incorporate mindfulness techniques into sessions as well.
My therapeutic experience has been diverse, although I most commonly work with: women, couples, depression and anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, ADHD, individuals on the Autism Spectrum.
I find it a tremendous privilege to play a role in the journey my clients embark on as they heal, transform and grow. I provide clinical therapy to adolescents, adults and couples. I take an attachment and relational approach to therapy, nurturing an open and trusting environment for my clients. I am always learning and utilizing different therapeutic techniques and most frequently utilize: CBT, Emotion Focused Therapy, Attachment and Systems Theory along with a Person Centered approach. I often incorporate mindfulness techniques into sessions as well.
Suzanna Marie Nagy
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, NCC, LCMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cary, NC 27512
I work with individual adult/child clients and couples who are facing anxiety, depression, life transitions, loss, trauma, ADHD, Bipolar disorder, and challenges at work or in relationships. I have counseled adults, couples, and groups in community-based and school-based mental health, as well as private practice. I have also conducted in-depth research on trauma, hopelessness, empathy, attachment, and intimacy. Above all, I believe that my clients, not I, hold the key to their growth and that emotional pain and anxiety, when given respect and non-judgmental attention, can often provide some of the best opportunities for learning.
I work with individual adult/child clients and couples who are facing anxiety, depression, life transitions, loss, trauma, ADHD, Bipolar disorder, and challenges at work or in relationships. I have counseled adults, couples, and groups in community-based and school-based mental health, as well as private practice. I have also conducted in-depth research on trauma, hopelessness, empathy, attachment, and intimacy. Above all, I believe that my clients, not I, hold the key to their growth and that emotional pain and anxiety, when given respect and non-judgmental attention, can often provide some of the best opportunities for learning.
I am a Licensed Psychologist and AASECT Certified Sex Therapist and I specialize in couples & sex therapy, affairs, trauma recovery, as well as depression, anxiety, bipolar, & other mental health issues.
I delight in working with couples to repair troubled relationships & find a deeper, more secure connection with one another by helping partners bring their needs into awareness, share those unmasked parts, and transform old patterns of communication & interaction. I strive to create a safe, non-judgmental space, whatever your orientation, identity, ethnicity, or sexual preference. I meet my clients where they are & am open, compassionate, and curious, whether we are discussing interpersonal conflicts, relationship issues, or other stressors. I am honored by the individuals & couples who have let me join them in those places.
I am a Licensed Psychologist and AASECT Certified Sex Therapist and I specialize in couples & sex therapy, affairs, trauma recovery, as well as depression, anxiety, bipolar, & other mental health issues.
I delight in working with couples to repair troubled relationships & find a deeper, more secure connection with one another by helping partners bring their needs into awareness, share those unmasked parts, and transform old patterns of communication & interaction. I strive to create a safe, non-judgmental space, whatever your orientation, identity, ethnicity, or sexual preference. I meet my clients where they are & am open, compassionate, and curious, whether we are discussing interpersonal conflicts, relationship issues, or other stressors. I am honored by the individuals & couples who have let me join them in those places.
Brenda Mullis
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cary, NC 27513 (Online Only)
With 20 years of experience as a clinical social worker, I specialize in treating mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and other behavioral health issues. Patients seek a supportive and understanding environment where they can address their struggles and work towards improving their overall well-being and I tent to provide them with this space. My main focus is to manage their symptoms, understand and process their emotions, develop healthier coping mechanisms, achieve a sense of well-being, and increase their self-esteem so that they can lead happier, healthier lives.
With 20 years of experience as a clinical social worker, I specialize in treating mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and other behavioral health issues. Patients seek a supportive and understanding environment where they can address their struggles and work towards improving their overall well-being and I tent to provide them with this space. My main focus is to manage their symptoms, understand and process their emotions, develop healthier coping mechanisms, achieve a sense of well-being, and increase their self-esteem so that they can lead happier, healthier lives.
Hello! It's great to meet you! My name is Kristin Hammond, and I am a licensed clinical social worker with over 23 years of clinical experience working with adults, couples, and some adolescence. I work with many issues, including anxiety, health anxiety, panic, depression, life stressors, family dysfunction, relationship issues, self-esteem, and other emotional and behavioral issues. I mainly draw from Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Holistic, Mindfulness-Based (MBCT), Solution Focused Brief (SFBT), and Supportive therapies. I believe one of the biggest keys to success in treatment is having a connection with your therapist.
Hello! It's great to meet you! My name is Kristin Hammond, and I am a licensed clinical social worker with over 23 years of clinical experience working with adults, couples, and some adolescence. I work with many issues, including anxiety, health anxiety, panic, depression, life stressors, family dysfunction, relationship issues, self-esteem, and other emotional and behavioral issues. I mainly draw from Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Holistic, Mindfulness-Based (MBCT), Solution Focused Brief (SFBT), and Supportive therapies. I believe one of the biggest keys to success in treatment is having a connection with your therapist.
Christina Unruh
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cary, NC 27511 (Online Only)
It is human to experience emotional extremes but when you are feeling emotional often, it can impact your work, your parenting and your relationships. In many cases, extreme emotional responses interfere with important dreams for ourselves and our families. Beginning with your very first session, we will begin to formulate a picture of what has been going on in your life, using a fresh framework that has been shown in research to be helpful in alleviating many mental health symptoms. We will also identify simple skills/strategies and achievable actions that you can implement right away to build awareness, hope, and motivation.
It is human to experience emotional extremes but when you are feeling emotional often, it can impact your work, your parenting and your relationships. In many cases, extreme emotional responses interfere with important dreams for ourselves and our families. Beginning with your very first session, we will begin to formulate a picture of what has been going on in your life, using a fresh framework that has been shown in research to be helpful in alleviating many mental health symptoms. We will also identify simple skills/strategies and achievable actions that you can implement right away to build awareness, hope, and motivation.
See more therapy options for Cary
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.