Bipolar Disorder Therapists in Hendersonville, NC
![Photo of Damaris Cortes-Figueroa - DC Wellness, LCMHC, MS/P, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9220c959-e888-4a13-b2ae-82e25021701b/1/320x400.jpeg)
DC Wellness
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCMHC, MS/P, NCC
Verified Verified
Hendersonville, NC 28791
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.
![Photo of Sharon Leigh Young, MA, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f367ded-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Sharon Leigh Young
Psychologist, MA, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hendersonville, NC 28792
Waitlist for new clients
I have experience working with a wide range of challenges including depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, marital and family challenges, psychosis, interpersonal challenges, substance use disorders, and personality disorders.
At some point during the complex journey of life we all experience stuck points, emotional suffering, and sometimes an emotional crisis. It my deeply held belief, however, that we all have the innate ability to recover, heal and thrive. Providing an environment that facilitates healing and resilience is tremendously life-affirming work. I trust that each one of us has tremendous wisdom and strength. In partnership, we identify growth areas, goals, and strategies. Although it is essential that therapy is nurturing and nourishing, it is also hard work. I admire anyone who has the courage to push themselves out of their comfort zones.
I have experience working with a wide range of challenges including depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, marital and family challenges, psychosis, interpersonal challenges, substance use disorders, and personality disorders.
At some point during the complex journey of life we all experience stuck points, emotional suffering, and sometimes an emotional crisis. It my deeply held belief, however, that we all have the innate ability to recover, heal and thrive. Providing an environment that facilitates healing and resilience is tremendously life-affirming work. I trust that each one of us has tremendous wisdom and strength. In partnership, we identify growth areas, goals, and strategies. Although it is essential that therapy is nurturing and nourishing, it is also hard work. I admire anyone who has the courage to push themselves out of their comfort zones.
![Photo of Bryan Michalowski, LCSWA, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/38dbbb02-3131-4014-8a9d-87e5fd430955/1/320x400.jpeg)
Bryan Michalowski
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSWA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Hendersonville, NC 28739
Waitlist for new clients
My specialities are: LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, neurodivergent, depression, anxiety, borderline, schizophrenia, bipolar, trauma, and relationships.
I am particularly passionate about serving individuals in the neurodivergent, BIPOC, and/or LGBTQIA+ communities. As a member of all three communities, I know that these three identities often intersect to affect our mental health, most often in a negative way. I want to help my clients understand the many different ways in which they intersect and take steps to use those intersections to their advantage.
My specialities are: LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, neurodivergent, depression, anxiety, borderline, schizophrenia, bipolar, trauma, and relationships.
I am particularly passionate about serving individuals in the neurodivergent, BIPOC, and/or LGBTQIA+ communities. As a member of all three communities, I know that these three identities often intersect to affect our mental health, most often in a negative way. I want to help my clients understand the many different ways in which they intersect and take steps to use those intersections to their advantage.
![Photo of Liz Boulos, LCSW, LCAS, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b377d180-a3a1-4f13-bad9-932800e2b121/3/320x400.jpeg)
Perhaps right now you feel empty, dissapointed in yourself, detached or just plain sad. Maybe it is that you have made some bad decisions that brought you down a path you never imagined for yourself. Maybe your mood feels out of control, you can not stop crying or perhaps it is the opposite and you are feeling on top of the world and you do not know why. I have been there and I want to use my experiences to help. Because I approach client goals with a team mentality you will be in the drivers seat from day one.
Perhaps right now you feel empty, dissapointed in yourself, detached or just plain sad. Maybe it is that you have made some bad decisions that brought you down a path you never imagined for yourself. Maybe your mood feels out of control, you can not stop crying or perhaps it is the opposite and you are feeling on top of the world and you do not know why. I have been there and I want to use my experiences to help. Because I approach client goals with a team mentality you will be in the drivers seat from day one.
![Photo of Laura Patricia D'Angelo, LPC, MA](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f335300-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Laura Patricia D'Angelo
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, LPC, MA
Verified Verified
Hendersonville, NC 28792
I specialize in supporting my clients live more connected and authentic lives, lives which are in integrity with who you truly are. I am a mindfulness-based transpersonal counselor and parenting educator with over a decade of experience working with adults, children, adolescents, and families. My focus is in trauma recovery, conscious parenting, anxiety, depression, life transitions, and low motivation/self-esteem. I would like to work with you to create a more peaceful, meaningful, and creative life that is not governed by the pain of earlier traumas or unhelpful patterns, but from an intentional and resourced place within you.
I specialize in supporting my clients live more connected and authentic lives, lives which are in integrity with who you truly are. I am a mindfulness-based transpersonal counselor and parenting educator with over a decade of experience working with adults, children, adolescents, and families. My focus is in trauma recovery, conscious parenting, anxiety, depression, life transitions, and low motivation/self-esteem. I would like to work with you to create a more peaceful, meaningful, and creative life that is not governed by the pain of earlier traumas or unhelpful patterns, but from an intentional and resourced place within you.
![Photo of Susan Vos-Dupree - Treehouse Therapy LLC, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/47f6809e-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Treehouse Therapy LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Hendersonville, NC 28792
Life is 10% what happens to you, and 90% how you react to it... We will work together in a supportive, nonjudgmental environment to increase understanding of which life choices have been healthy and adaptive, and which ones can be learned from and improved. There are no mistakes, as long as one learns from them.
Life is 10% what happens to you, and 90% how you react to it... We will work together in a supportive, nonjudgmental environment to increase understanding of which life choices have been healthy and adaptive, and which ones can be learned from and improved. There are no mistakes, as long as one learns from them.
![Photo of Brian Dugdale, MA, LCMHC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e85c272-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Brian Dugdale
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MA, LCMHC
Verified Verified
Hendersonville, NC 28739
I provide relational and person-centered therapy to individuals, couples, and families. For the last 14 years I have served a diverse population in treating mental health needs including, anxiety, addiction, relationship/marital trouble, and negative behavior/thinking patterns. People often come wanting a solution to these and many other problems. In my practice, I have found success in helping people look deeper than the surface or for an easy solution. I wish I could promise an easy road ahead. What I can promise is compassion, empathy, support, and guided help on this road to healing.
I provide relational and person-centered therapy to individuals, couples, and families. For the last 14 years I have served a diverse population in treating mental health needs including, anxiety, addiction, relationship/marital trouble, and negative behavior/thinking patterns. People often come wanting a solution to these and many other problems. In my practice, I have found success in helping people look deeper than the surface or for an easy solution. I wish I could promise an easy road ahead. What I can promise is compassion, empathy, support, and guided help on this road to healing.
![Photo of Angela Buchanan, LCSW-A, LCAS, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0ba50137-b97b-4670-adcb-835b2563c4ce/3/320x400.jpeg)
Angela Buchanan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-A, LCAS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Hendersonville, NC 28791
Life is full, complicated, amazing and sometimes we get a curve ball thrown our way. Though each of us possess the tools and wisdom of healing, it is during those curve balls that we need someone to point out our strength and resilience. As a counselor, I am that someone with a bag of tools to help. You decide where we go, what you want out of counseling, and choose what tools you will use. Those times may come from parenting, substance use, hurting those we love, burn out, anxiety, transition, the world around us, not being able to be who we fully are, and questioning life.
Life is full, complicated, amazing and sometimes we get a curve ball thrown our way. Though each of us possess the tools and wisdom of healing, it is during those curve balls that we need someone to point out our strength and resilience. As a counselor, I am that someone with a bag of tools to help. You decide where we go, what you want out of counseling, and choose what tools you will use. Those times may come from parenting, substance use, hurting those we love, burn out, anxiety, transition, the world around us, not being able to be who we fully are, and questioning life.
![Photo of Candace A Champagne, LCSW, LISW-CP, LCAS, MAC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/dc3bdf69-20ab-446f-bd44-bef8f8165985/1/320x400.jpeg)
Candace A Champagne
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LISW-CP, LCAS, MAC
Verified Verified
Hendersonville, NC 28792 (Online Only)
As a therapist with over 20 years experience, I believe in straight forward, compassionate, nonjudgemental therapy. I am currently licensed in three states (NC, SC, MI) and trained in a variety of treatment modalities. My history includes working with individuals who struggle with addictive behaviors, mood shifts, grief & loss, trauma, substance use disorders (SUD) and mental health (MH) challenges - both in residential programs and private practice. I also work with professional monitoring agencies. If you would like more details, please visit my website at 'champagnecounseling.com'
As a therapist with over 20 years experience, I believe in straight forward, compassionate, nonjudgemental therapy. I am currently licensed in three states (NC, SC, MI) and trained in a variety of treatment modalities. My history includes working with individuals who struggle with addictive behaviors, mood shifts, grief & loss, trauma, substance use disorders (SUD) and mental health (MH) challenges - both in residential programs and private practice. I also work with professional monitoring agencies. If you would like more details, please visit my website at 'champagnecounseling.com'
![Photo of Maryana Newton, LCMHC-A, LCAS-A, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/32891a84-6fd8-40b7-b27d-5585006d63ff/4/320x400.jpeg)
Maryana Newton
Counselor, LCMHC-A, LCAS-A
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hendersonville, NC 28791
Waitlist for new clients
Life can be a wild ride and finding your way through it can feel like an overwhelming task. However, you don't have to navigate this path alone. I believe that many of our challenges stem from normal reactions to unusual circumstances. My goal is to assist you in delving deeper into your understanding of yourself, your life, and your relationships, ultimately guiding you towards acceptance rather than struggle. Together, we will pinpoint the values you wish to nurture, compassionately confront any obstacles, and utilize creative techniques to help you craft a life that is both genuine and purposeful.
Life can be a wild ride and finding your way through it can feel like an overwhelming task. However, you don't have to navigate this path alone. I believe that many of our challenges stem from normal reactions to unusual circumstances. My goal is to assist you in delving deeper into your understanding of yourself, your life, and your relationships, ultimately guiding you towards acceptance rather than struggle. Together, we will pinpoint the values you wish to nurture, compassionately confront any obstacles, and utilize creative techniques to help you craft a life that is both genuine and purposeful.
![Photo of Michelle Geiser, NBCC, LCMHC, LCAS, CSI, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9bd79fbc-5936-47ff-b29f-9c7a5f8edd89/2/320x400.jpeg)
Each person's therapeutic journey is unique. The biggest step is the willingness and desire to seek help, especially when things are difficult. Openness and engagement are the pillars of a strong therapeutic relationship. My clinical practice focuses on the needs of the client. Allowing your needs to guide the treatment process. Determining which pathways work best for your needs.
Each person's therapeutic journey is unique. The biggest step is the willingness and desire to seek help, especially when things are difficult. Openness and engagement are the pillars of a strong therapeutic relationship. My clinical practice focuses on the needs of the client. Allowing your needs to guide the treatment process. Determining which pathways work best for your needs.
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![Photo of Valerie B Smith, LCMHC, NCC, AAPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3caabccc-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Valerie B Smith
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCMHC, NCC, AAPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hendersonville, NC 28739
Children, teenagers and adults are welcome at my office. For 30 years, I have helped those ages 2 years to 75 years to lead confident and comfortable lives. I provide developmentally focused psychotherapy for chilren and teenagers. I also work with adults who want their lives to change. You and/or your family's relationship with me is confidential and respectful.
Children, teenagers and adults are welcome at my office. For 30 years, I have helped those ages 2 years to 75 years to lead confident and comfortable lives. I provide developmentally focused psychotherapy for chilren and teenagers. I also work with adults who want their lives to change. You and/or your family's relationship with me is confidential and respectful.
![Photo of Matthew Snyder - Full Circle Community Wellness, MS, MA, PsyD, LCMHCS, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2ba69ced-259b-4314-86a9-aab7cba0ec44/2/320x400.jpeg)
Full Circle Community Wellness
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, MA, PsyD, LCMHCS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hendersonville, NC 28792
Full Circle Counseling and Wellness provides access to high quality, experienced counselors and integrative wellness practitioners who operate in a holistic, community oriented environment. Our counselors have experience with a wide range of emotional and psychological health challenges and seek to make effective treatment strategies affordable and sustainable. We employ the power of relationship for therapeutic benefit and to help foster belonging and connection by surrounding you with resources and support. Whether making art together, weeding gardens, or playing a board game, we hope to provide community oriented opportunities for everyone.
Full Circle Counseling and Wellness provides access to high quality, experienced counselors and integrative wellness practitioners who operate in a holistic, community oriented environment. Our counselors have experience with a wide range of emotional and psychological health challenges and seek to make effective treatment strategies affordable and sustainable. We employ the power of relationship for therapeutic benefit and to help foster belonging and connection by surrounding you with resources and support. Whether making art together, weeding gardens, or playing a board game, we hope to provide community oriented opportunities for everyone.
![Photo of Bree Normandin, LCMHC, LCAS, MTS, NCC, CCS-I](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/de84188f-94ff-488a-9f9c-daf55a83163f/1/320x400.jpeg)
Bree Normandin
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, LCMHC, LCAS, MTS, NCC, CCS-I
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Hendersonville, NC 28792 (Online Only)
Welcome to my therapeutic space. I am honored to guide you on your journey toward healing and growth. With over a decade of experience in Western North Carolina, I specialize in treating addiction, anxiety, depression, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and Borderline Personality Disorder. My approach is tailored to help you overcome these challenges and achieve personal growth.
Welcome to my therapeutic space. I am honored to guide you on your journey toward healing and growth. With over a decade of experience in Western North Carolina, I specialize in treating addiction, anxiety, depression, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and Borderline Personality Disorder. My approach is tailored to help you overcome these challenges and achieve personal growth.
![Photo of Karol Gebbia, MS, LCMHC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/470e285c-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Karol Gebbia
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LCMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hendersonville, NC 28792
Whether looking for a local counselor or you prefer a counselor with a little distance from where you live, I am ready to truly listen and care about where you would like your path to lead. You may not even have considered counseling before...then the Pandemic hit and you found the well of resilience you have always relied upon was not deep enough for all of the chaos, change and waves of grief. It's time to work through what surfaced while you were enduring incredible stress and upheaval in your world. Let's talk and see if this is a good fit for you.
Whether looking for a local counselor or you prefer a counselor with a little distance from where you live, I am ready to truly listen and care about where you would like your path to lead. You may not even have considered counseling before...then the Pandemic hit and you found the well of resilience you have always relied upon was not deep enough for all of the chaos, change and waves of grief. It's time to work through what surfaced while you were enduring incredible stress and upheaval in your world. Let's talk and see if this is a good fit for you.
![Photo of Matt Snyder, MS, MA, LCMHCS, PsyD, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e450ce4-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Matt Snyder
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, MA, LCMHCS, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Hendersonville, NC 28792 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
People often think psychotherapy is only for crises. However research shows that therapy is one of the best investments you can make for life satisfaction and growth. In addition to therapy are other modalities that support healing and growth. Some of these holistic wellness tools include exercise, mindfulness, tai chi and yoga. I have a rich background in the application of mindfulness to promote healing and growth, and have experience integrating tools such as Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, DBT, CBT, Hypnosis and EMDR. I also find authenticity and humor essential for healing and use both liberally.
People often think psychotherapy is only for crises. However research shows that therapy is one of the best investments you can make for life satisfaction and growth. In addition to therapy are other modalities that support healing and growth. Some of these holistic wellness tools include exercise, mindfulness, tai chi and yoga. I have a rich background in the application of mindfulness to promote healing and growth, and have experience integrating tools such as Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, DBT, CBT, Hypnosis and EMDR. I also find authenticity and humor essential for healing and use both liberally.
![Photo of Michelle Bennett Rosenberg, MS, LCMHC, LPC, LMHC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4f373bcc-14ac-435f-9bbc-dbc5fd6efb83/2/320x400.jpeg)
Michelle Bennett Rosenberg
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MS, LCMHC, LPC, LMHC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Hendersonville, NC 28739 (Online Only)
Feeling a bit off but can’t put your finger on it? Trying to get back to “normal” but can’t seem to find your groove? Or maybe it’s something more and feelings of anxiety or depression are holding you down. Wishing you had someone to talk to, who could help you sort things out? Let's sit down together and figure this out in a way that makes sense for you.
Feeling a bit off but can’t put your finger on it? Trying to get back to “normal” but can’t seem to find your groove? Or maybe it’s something more and feelings of anxiety or depression are holding you down. Wishing you had someone to talk to, who could help you sort things out? Let's sit down together and figure this out in a way that makes sense for you.
![Photo of Adrienne Maurin, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/45385c7b-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Adrienne Maurin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hendersonville, NC 28792 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Do you want to make changes in your life, but fear is holding you back? Or maybe you just don't know where to start. Together we can work on what keeps you stuck and how you can move forward. I have an eclectic approach in how I work, meaning I draw from a number of different theories in order to customize my approach for each individual client. I specialize in working with those struggling with depression, anxiety, and trauma/PTSD.
Do you want to make changes in your life, but fear is holding you back? Or maybe you just don't know where to start. Together we can work on what keeps you stuck and how you can move forward. I have an eclectic approach in how I work, meaning I draw from a number of different theories in order to customize my approach for each individual client. I specialize in working with those struggling with depression, anxiety, and trauma/PTSD.
![Photo of Kate Weber, MA, LPC, LCMHC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cc195e9a-0cd3-4f89-82c6-f57f35e7255d/2/320x400.jpeg)
Kate Weber
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MA, LPC, LCMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hendersonville, NC 28739
Lemon (therapy assistant pictured in photo) and I are accepting new clients in 2024! I’m not your typical talk-therapist. I am dynamic in the sense that I’ve been trained in many different evidenced-based models, theories, and techniques, but the therapy that I provide derives from what is needed most by the client sitting in front of me. I’m fun, energetic and real. I don’t mind being direct when necessary, and I think it’s okay to sometimes disclose information about myself;after all, the passion and interest that I have for helping others is directly related to my lived experience of trying to ground myself in an unsettled world.
Lemon (therapy assistant pictured in photo) and I are accepting new clients in 2024! I’m not your typical talk-therapist. I am dynamic in the sense that I’ve been trained in many different evidenced-based models, theories, and techniques, but the therapy that I provide derives from what is needed most by the client sitting in front of me. I’m fun, energetic and real. I don’t mind being direct when necessary, and I think it’s okay to sometimes disclose information about myself;after all, the passion and interest that I have for helping others is directly related to my lived experience of trying to ground myself in an unsettled world.
![Photo of Rebecca Branistareanu, LCASA, MS-OT/L](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bf55f5ba-a43e-455d-a571-f9241cc5200d/1/320x400.jpeg)
Rebecca Branistareanu
LCSW Associate, LCASA, MS-OT/L
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hendersonville, NC 28791
Welcome, I am glad you are here. Seeking therapy takes courage, but it can also offer the greatest fulfillment known to humans - to truly know & trust yourSelf. My name is Rebecca, I am an IFS-informed therapist who is passionate about serving others in finding & fulfilling their heart's deepest purpose & desires. By working through my own CPTSD obstacles I experientially learned how to create a more meaningful life & would love to be alongside you in doing the same. I currently serve folks working through addiction, trauma, relational issues, depression, anxiety, mental illness, health issues, or other daily life stressors.
Welcome, I am glad you are here. Seeking therapy takes courage, but it can also offer the greatest fulfillment known to humans - to truly know & trust yourSelf. My name is Rebecca, I am an IFS-informed therapist who is passionate about serving others in finding & fulfilling their heart's deepest purpose & desires. By working through my own CPTSD obstacles I experientially learned how to create a more meaningful life & would love to be alongside you in doing the same. I currently serve folks working through addiction, trauma, relational issues, depression, anxiety, mental illness, health issues, or other daily life stressors.
See more therapy options for Hendersonville
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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.