Bipolar Disorder Therapists in Mills River, NC
![Photo of Katie Fitzpatrick Camenzind, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/45d5bbd2-6cf2-403f-8702-5cb38ffd56b1/1/320x400.jpeg)
Katie Fitzpatrick Camenzind
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Mills River, NC 28759
Waitlist for new clients
In times like these it can feel like you’re losing a lot: losing hope, losing sleep, losing control. But pain can be productive. Struggles can be opportunities to see what we're made of. They can also be the impetus to make changes we've been putting off, maybe out of fear that they would upset the balance we work so hard to maintain. Right now during this pandemic, it's hard to find one thing in our lives that hasn't changed and there are so many unknowns. It can be very difficult to persevere when you can't see the light at the end of the tunnel and when your usual outlets for support and coping are now limited.
In times like these it can feel like you’re losing a lot: losing hope, losing sleep, losing control. But pain can be productive. Struggles can be opportunities to see what we're made of. They can also be the impetus to make changes we've been putting off, maybe out of fear that they would upset the balance we work so hard to maintain. Right now during this pandemic, it's hard to find one thing in our lives that hasn't changed and there are so many unknowns. It can be very difficult to persevere when you can't see the light at the end of the tunnel and when your usual outlets for support and coping are now limited.
![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
Mills River, NC 28759 (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 Catherine Fulop, LCSW, LCAS, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4d6b6146-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Catherine Fulop
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LCAS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Mills River, NC 28759
Cay Fulop LCSW, LCAS is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker LCSW# C011690 and is a Nationally Certified Substance Abuse Specialist (LCAS 1336) in the state of North Carolina. She has 31 years of clinical counseling experience including Substance Abuse and early recovery issues, Mood Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Eating Disorders, codependency, family of origin issues, grief process and family/relationship issues.
Cay Fulop LCSW, LCAS is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker LCSW# C011690 and is a Nationally Certified Substance Abuse Specialist (LCAS 1336) in the state of North Carolina. She has 31 years of clinical counseling experience including Substance Abuse and early recovery issues, Mood Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Eating Disorders, codependency, family of origin issues, grief process and family/relationship issues.
![Photo of Danielle Hortelano, MA, LCMHCA, NCC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/948e08fe-5a45-436f-81a0-c2f1f648eff9/1/320x400.jpeg)
Accepting New Clients. At Hope Restored Counseling you matter. I believe you matter and that your mental health matters. I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counseling Associate. As an Associate, I am supervised by Katherine Therrell, LCMHCS. I would love to take a moment to get to know you. I am a counselor who understands the scary task of finding a counselor and I am someone who has sat on the other side of the couch. No one should travel their mental health journey alone.
Accepting New Clients. At Hope Restored Counseling you matter. I believe you matter and that your mental health matters. I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counseling Associate. As an Associate, I am supervised by Katherine Therrell, LCMHCS. I would love to take a moment to get to know you. I am a counselor who understands the scary task of finding a counselor and I am someone who has sat on the other side of the couch. No one should travel their mental health journey alone.
More Therapists Nearby
![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 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
Arden, NC 28704
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 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 Byalinah Shakir-Burgess - Limitless Counseling PLLC, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/103ecae2-4c9d-4a44-9cfc-ba83e4c1de98/2/320x400.jpeg)
Limitless Counseling PLLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Asheville, NC 28814 (Online Only)
•Grief •Anxiety •Bipolar •Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) •Depression • PTSD/ Trauma •Family / Parenting Therapy •Parent/Child Concerns •Pain Disorder •Phobia •Psychosis •PTSD.
I have over 20 years of experience in mental health. I am trained in EMDR, Hypnotherapy and CBT. I enjoy using humor to ease tension and lighten the mood, as I build rapport and help people feel supported. When working with clients, I help them identify natural support systems, set healthy boundaries, develop coping skills, gain work/life balance and process trauma. I have a holistic collaborative approach to care focusing on building resiliency using active listening, empathy and unconditional positive regard.
•Grief •Anxiety •Bipolar •Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) •Depression • PTSD/ Trauma •Family / Parenting Therapy •Parent/Child Concerns •Pain Disorder •Phobia •Psychosis •PTSD.
I have over 20 years of experience in mental health. I am trained in EMDR, Hypnotherapy and CBT. I enjoy using humor to ease tension and lighten the mood, as I build rapport and help people feel supported. When working with clients, I help them identify natural support systems, set healthy boundaries, develop coping skills, gain work/life balance and process trauma. I have a holistic collaborative approach to care focusing on building resiliency using active listening, empathy and unconditional positive regard.
![Photo of Michelle Davidson - Helping You Heal, LCSW](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b9bcc8b4-255a-4d06-80d1-7b0c7ef69a56/1/320x400.jpeg)
At Helping You Heal our mission is to deliver the highest quality of behavioral health care to those in our communities empowering and supporting them through their recovery in order to live their best lives. We operate from a client focused perspective, treating all with dignity and valuing diverse perspectives. By working together, sharing knowledge, and moving forward we achieve the best outcomes for individuals, communities and society. The staff here have ten plus years working with those with SPMI, Bipolar, Depression, and Anxiety. If you, or someone you love, are struggling please give us a call to find out how we can help.
At Helping You Heal our mission is to deliver the highest quality of behavioral health care to those in our communities empowering and supporting them through their recovery in order to live their best lives. We operate from a client focused perspective, treating all with dignity and valuing diverse perspectives. By working together, sharing knowledge, and moving forward we achieve the best outcomes for individuals, communities and society. The staff here have ten plus years working with those with SPMI, Bipolar, Depression, and Anxiety. If you, or someone you love, are struggling please give us a call to find out how we can help.
![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 Merinda Cutshaw, LCMHCA, LCAS, NCC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/07223670-72f5-41a5-9acf-62d8e3b7f6fc/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am dedicated to creating a safe space for healing and growth in your life. It is a brave thing to ask for help and work toward real change and I am willing to help you do that. I have five years of experience with group, individual, couples, and family therapy. At River of Hope Behavioral Health and Wellness Center I provide SAIOP group therapy (Matrix Model), mental health group therapy, individual, couples, and family therapy. Primary models of individual treatment are CBT, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Brief Solution Focused therapy. Couples therapy models of treatment are Imago and Gottman Theory. Call today!
I am dedicated to creating a safe space for healing and growth in your life. It is a brave thing to ask for help and work toward real change and I am willing to help you do that. I have five years of experience with group, individual, couples, and family therapy. At River of Hope Behavioral Health and Wellness Center I provide SAIOP group therapy (Matrix Model), mental health group therapy, individual, couples, and family therapy. Primary models of individual treatment are CBT, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Brief Solution Focused therapy. Couples therapy models of treatment are Imago and Gottman Theory. Call today!
![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 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 Healing Solutions Counseling At Jfs - Healing Solutions Counseling at JFS, LCSW, LCMHC, PhD, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/34aaeb79-6ef9-4591-979f-e06ef605ef04/1/320x400.jpeg)
Healing Solutions Counseling at JFS
Counselor, LCSW, LCMHC, PhD
Verified Verified
Hendersonville, NC 28793
Healing Solutions Counseling at JFS provides unique and coordinated services that will engage you in identifying your needs, strengths, and goals. Regardless of your situation, we will help empower you to attain a better quality of life. We specialize in treating depression, anxiety, parenting challenges, grief, trauma, adjustment disorders, relationship problems, stress management, healthy aging, and LGBT support. Our approach is strengths-based and tailored to each unique individual we serve. Our therapy sessions are safe, private, and confidential. We will always meet you where you are.
Healing Solutions Counseling at JFS provides unique and coordinated services that will engage you in identifying your needs, strengths, and goals. Regardless of your situation, we will help empower you to attain a better quality of life. We specialize in treating depression, anxiety, parenting challenges, grief, trauma, adjustment disorders, relationship problems, stress management, healthy aging, and LGBT support. Our approach is strengths-based and tailored to each unique individual we serve. Our therapy sessions are safe, private, and confidential. We will always meet you where you are.
![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 Lawrence Cull, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/54261d2c-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I have been practicing clinical psychology for nearly 20 years as a licensed psychologist. In that time, I have had the pleasure of working with many people who have struggled with a wide range of challenges including relationship and couple's difficulties, addiction, anxiety, depression, serious health concerns, loss, and trauma. I utilize a number of different perspectives including cognitive-behavioral, emotion focused individual and couples, and dynamic therapies. I am also trained in EMDR, mindfulness, relaxation, stress, and pain management.
I have been practicing clinical psychology for nearly 20 years as a licensed psychologist. In that time, I have had the pleasure of working with many people who have struggled with a wide range of challenges including relationship and couple's difficulties, addiction, anxiety, depression, serious health concerns, loss, and trauma. I utilize a number of different perspectives including cognitive-behavioral, emotion focused individual and couples, and dynamic therapies. I am also trained in EMDR, mindfulness, relaxation, stress, and pain management.
![Photo of Andrea Bishop, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3be320e0-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I look at your concerns in the context of your childhood experiences, your current family and your life environments. These patterns repeat themselves. People pick up on cues that communicate what you expect out of them and what they expect out of you. These patterns are no accident, you create them! The good news is you can change them! You are like a magnet, and I help you identify what you're attracting and we change your patterns of attraction to healthy ones. It takes practice, but it can be done, and it will affect the rest of your life!
I look at your concerns in the context of your childhood experiences, your current family and your life environments. These patterns repeat themselves. People pick up on cues that communicate what you expect out of them and what they expect out of you. These patterns are no accident, you create them! The good news is you can change them! You are like a magnet, and I help you identify what you're attracting and we change your patterns of attraction to healthy ones. It takes practice, but it can be done, and it will affect the rest of your life!
![Photo of Carl D Losacco, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/453f57a6-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Carl D Losacco
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Hendersonville, NC 28791 (Online Only)
You've tried everything and your child is still scared or angry and think they can't change. I work with children ages 3-13 to feel better and get along. They're not to blame for what's happened in their lives but do need to take responsibility for their actions. I support kids in not feeling broken or thinking they are "bad". I use play, art projects and stories to help them express feelings. I teach them skills to understand and manage their feelings and teach them to share their feelings to get support and feel safe.
You've tried everything and your child is still scared or angry and think they can't change. I work with children ages 3-13 to feel better and get along. They're not to blame for what's happened in their lives but do need to take responsibility for their actions. I support kids in not feeling broken or thinking they are "bad". I use play, art projects and stories to help them express feelings. I teach them skills to understand and manage their feelings and teach them to share their feelings to get support and feel safe.
![Photo of Vanessa Guerrero, MA, LCMHC-A, NCC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/63b72da1-0410-4fda-8791-69260248fd67/3/320x400.jpeg)
Vanessa Guerrero
LCMHC Associate, MA, LCMHC-A, NCC
Verified Verified
Asheville, NC 28803 (Online Only)
Currently Accepting Clients ( Telehealth Only)-My name is Vanessa Guerero and I am a clinical therapist with Winter to Spring Wellness. Prior to being in Asheville for almost a decade, I originally hail from Miami, Fl. I am a proud daughter of Cuban immigrants and a first-generation college student. As a teen I had my own battles with physical and mental wellness, difficulties with acculturation as well as struggled with cultural stigma in regard to mental health care. Through my own work, I have been able to find healing and am now honored to support others who struggle with their own mental wellness and similar issues.
Currently Accepting Clients ( Telehealth Only)-My name is Vanessa Guerero and I am a clinical therapist with Winter to Spring Wellness. Prior to being in Asheville for almost a decade, I originally hail from Miami, Fl. I am a proud daughter of Cuban immigrants and a first-generation college student. As a teen I had my own battles with physical and mental wellness, difficulties with acculturation as well as struggled with cultural stigma in regard to mental health care. Through my own work, I have been able to find healing and am now honored to support others who struggle with their own mental wellness and similar issues.
![Photo of Darcy M Jones, MSW, LCSW, SEP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5552de02-80f2-412e-a3be-c4ba271e4cb9/2/320x400.jpeg)
Darcy M Jones
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, SEP
Verified Verified
Hendersonville, NC 28791
Waitlist for new clients
I am not currently able to take new clients. I work with my clients’ innate resilience, providing support to people as they discover this resilience for themselves. This process can support reconnection with ourselves, each other, and our world.
I am not currently able to take new clients. I work with my clients’ innate resilience, providing support to people as they discover this resilience for themselves. This process can support reconnection with ourselves, each other, and our world.
See more therapy options for Mills River
Nearby Bipolar Disorder Therapists Searches for Mills River
- Arden
- Asheville
- Biltmore Forest
- Black Mountain
- Brevard
- Candler
- Canton
- Fairview
- Fletcher
- Hendersonville
- Swannanoa
- 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.