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More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Victoria Garofalo, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Victoria Garofalo
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
North Bergen, NJ 07047  (Online Only)
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping adults and adolescents with depression, stress, and anxiety, coping with addictions, motivation, self-esteem and confidence, and bipolar disorder, among other conditions.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping adults and adolescents with depression, stress, and anxiety, coping with addictions, motivation, self-esteem and confidence, and bipolar disorder, among other conditions.
(201) 597-0945 View (201) 597-0945
Photo of Lina Mendez - Footprints to Feel Better, LMHC, Pre-Licensed Professional
Footprints to Feel Better
Pre-Licensed Professional, LMHC
Verified Verified
Leonia, NJ 07605
We work with depression, anxiety, bipolar, PTSD, eating disorders, bereavement, borderline, autism, ADHD, addiction, sexual abuse, DV, medical illnesses, relationship problems, LGTBQ+, adjustment disorders and forensic cases.
Rize-Up Together was started by three women of The Bronx who realized that often times the services provided to low socio-economic communities is lacking quality care. We noticed these communities where confronted with long wait times, disrespectful admins, and subpar treatment. The one and only purpose was to exploit the community for profit without providing the level of care deserved. Rize-Up Together began from the inspiration to provide quality mental health care to the poorest of communities and treating the clients of this community the same way a rich patient would be treated in a clinic treating affluent clients.
We work with depression, anxiety, bipolar, PTSD, eating disorders, bereavement, borderline, autism, ADHD, addiction, sexual abuse, DV, medical illnesses, relationship problems, LGTBQ+, adjustment disorders and forensic cases.
Rize-Up Together was started by three women of The Bronx who realized that often times the services provided to low socio-economic communities is lacking quality care. We noticed these communities where confronted with long wait times, disrespectful admins, and subpar treatment. The one and only purpose was to exploit the community for profit without providing the level of care deserved. Rize-Up Together began from the inspiration to provide quality mental health care to the poorest of communities and treating the clients of this community the same way a rich patient would be treated in a clinic treating affluent clients.
(718) 550-8535 View (718) 550-8535
Photo of Susan S. Turkenkopf - Susan S. Turkenkopf, MSW, LCSW, CGP, MSW, LCSW, CGP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Susan S. Turkenkopf, MSW, LCSW, CGP
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, CGP
Verified Verified
Fort Lee, NJ 07024  (Online Only)
I, Susan S. Turkenkopf, MSW, LCSW, CGP, deal with the following issues and symptoms in my Private Practice: ADHD, Asperger's Syndrome, Eating Disorders/Body Image, Internet/Online Problems, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Adolescent-Parent/Authority Difficulties, School Phobia/School Refusal/Separation, Learning Disabilities, Self-Esteem/Confidence,Gay/Lesbian/Gender/SexualityDivorce/Marital Issues, Bipolar Disorder, Anger Management, Social Anxiety, Substance Abuse Depression/Anxiety/Panic Disorder, Separation Anxiety Disdorder, Personality Disorders, Sleep Issues, Smoking/Addictions, Available Weekends COVID low fee available
I, Susan S. Turkenkopf, MSW, LCSW, CGP, deal with the following issues and symptoms in my Private Practice: ADHD, Asperger's Syndrome, Eating Disorders/Body Image, Internet/Online Problems, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Adolescent-Parent/Authority Difficulties, School Phobia/School Refusal/Separation, Learning Disabilities, Self-Esteem/Confidence,Gay/Lesbian/Gender/SexualityDivorce/Marital Issues, Bipolar Disorder, Anger Management, Social Anxiety, Substance Abuse Depression/Anxiety/Panic Disorder, Separation Anxiety Disdorder, Personality Disorders, Sleep Issues, Smoking/Addictions, Available Weekends COVID low fee available
(551) 209-3661 View (551) 209-3661
Photo of Felipe Lau, LPC, Counselor
Felipe Lau
Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
North Bergen, NJ 07047  (Online Only)
I have experience treating several mental health issues including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorders, PTSD, psychotic disorders, substance use disorders, grief and loss, and family and relationship stressors.
I believe in building a trusting relationship that leads to the empowerment of my clients. In our work together, my priority is for you to feel safe in being yourself and expressing your experiences. I have experience providing bilingual (English and Spanish) individual therapy and use a person-centered approach when working with clients. I am passionate about normalizing mental health treatment and I believe that access to mental health care is a right and not a privilege.
I have experience treating several mental health issues including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorders, PTSD, psychotic disorders, substance use disorders, grief and loss, and family and relationship stressors.
I believe in building a trusting relationship that leads to the empowerment of my clients. In our work together, my priority is for you to feel safe in being yourself and expressing your experiences. I have experience providing bilingual (English and Spanish) individual therapy and use a person-centered approach when working with clients. I am passionate about normalizing mental health treatment and I believe that access to mental health care is a right and not a privilege.
(201) 500-3665 View (201) 500-3665
Photo of Andrey Rusetskiy - Insight.inc, MS, LMSW
Insight.inc
MS, LMSW
Verified Verified
Guttenberg, NJ 07093  (Online Only)
In treatment of depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, relationship issues and other problems, I use psychodynamic approach, CBT, Transactional Analysis,Existential and Gestalt therapy approaches.
During my 35 years of professional experience in the field of psychology i worked with the small groups under extreme conditions in the expeditions, performed forensic psychological services in Russian prisons and research in the airport, provided counseling services in family psychology and maladaptation. In America my major focus for the past 15 years is on on individual and couple therapy
In treatment of depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, relationship issues and other problems, I use psychodynamic approach, CBT, Transactional Analysis,Existential and Gestalt therapy approaches.
During my 35 years of professional experience in the field of psychology i worked with the small groups under extreme conditions in the expeditions, performed forensic psychological services in Russian prisons and research in the airport, provided counseling services in family psychology and maladaptation. In America my major focus for the past 15 years is on on individual and couple therapy
(732) 333-8630 View (732) 333-8630
Photo of Felipe A. Lau, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Felipe A. Lau
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
West New York, NJ 07093  (Online Only)
I have experience treating several mental health issues including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorders, PTSD, psychotic disorders, substance use disorders, grief and loss, and family and relationship stressors.
Hi, my name is Felipe, and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. I received my Master of Arts in Counseling from Montclair State University with a concentration in Community Counseling. I am a bilingual therapist and can conduct therapy sessions in English and Spanish. I have 15 years of experience as a mental health professional with the opportunity to work with various ages and backgrounds in different clinical settings. I have experience providing individual therapy and use a person-centered approach. I utilize concepts and tools from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Solution-Focused Therapy.
I have experience treating several mental health issues including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorders, PTSD, psychotic disorders, substance use disorders, grief and loss, and family and relationship stressors.
Hi, my name is Felipe, and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. I received my Master of Arts in Counseling from Montclair State University with a concentration in Community Counseling. I am a bilingual therapist and can conduct therapy sessions in English and Spanish. I have 15 years of experience as a mental health professional with the opportunity to work with various ages and backgrounds in different clinical settings. I have experience providing individual therapy and use a person-centered approach. I utilize concepts and tools from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Solution-Focused Therapy.
(973) 490-4787 View (973) 490-4787
Photo of Hunter Tarvin, LSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Hunter Tarvin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW
Verified Verified
Edgewater, NJ 07020
Are you afraid of failure? Do you speak/think negatively about yourself? Need help with boundaries in relationships? For many people, these discomforts are worsened by the addition of self-judgment. My goal is to provide a safe space where clients can explore these thought and relational patterns. I specialize in working with anxiety, stress, depression, OCD, perfectionism, womens issues, relationship/familil issues, major life adjustments. Additionally, I am an allied therapist with experience supporting the LGBTIA+ community, as well as individuals and couples from all races, ethnicities, cultures, and ages.
Are you afraid of failure? Do you speak/think negatively about yourself? Need help with boundaries in relationships? For many people, these discomforts are worsened by the addition of self-judgment. My goal is to provide a safe space where clients can explore these thought and relational patterns. I specialize in working with anxiety, stress, depression, OCD, perfectionism, womens issues, relationship/familil issues, major life adjustments. Additionally, I am an allied therapist with experience supporting the LGBTIA+ community, as well as individuals and couples from all races, ethnicities, cultures, and ages.
(201) 879-6421 View (201) 879-6421
Photo of Hea-Kyung Kwon, DA, LP, LCAT, Licensed Psychoanalyst
Hea-Kyung Kwon
Licensed Psychoanalyst, DA, LP, LCAT
Verified Verified
Fort Lee, NJ 07024  (Online Only)
When you are seeking therapy, finding the right therapist is the first and most important step. With the right therapist, you feel understood and safe to explore difficult issues. I am a warm and empathic listener who can help you gain insight into your life and give you tools to regain control. I received my doctorate from New York University and training in Psychoanalysis at the National Institute for Psychotherapies in NYC. Currently I am an adjunct faculty member & supervisor at NYU.
When you are seeking therapy, finding the right therapist is the first and most important step. With the right therapist, you feel understood and safe to explore difficult issues. I am a warm and empathic listener who can help you gain insight into your life and give you tools to regain control. I received my doctorate from New York University and training in Psychoanalysis at the National Institute for Psychotherapies in NYC. Currently I am an adjunct faculty member & supervisor at NYU.
(646) 600-5199 View (646) 600-5199
Photo of Vanessa Gourdine - Specialized Therapy Associates, PsyD, APN-C, CFMP, Psychologist
Specialized Therapy Associates
Psychologist, PsyD, APN-C, CFMP
Verified Verified
Fort Lee, NJ 07024
Where special concerns deserve special care, Specialized Therapy Associates has been in operation since 1994 with a staff of psychologists, psychiatrists, and therapists in Hackensack, Ramsey, Short Hills, & Fort Lee. STA provides the full range of psychological services: individual, couples, family & group therapy. We also provide a full range of psychological testing services for all age ranges.STA offers specialized programs which includes but not limited to eating disorders, substance abuse, trauma, academic success, child and parenting. We are staffed with Board certified adult & child psychiatrists & psychiatric nurse practitioners, clinical social workers, licensed clinical alcohol & drug counselors & licensed professional counselors.
Where special concerns deserve special care, Specialized Therapy Associates has been in operation since 1994 with a staff of psychologists, psychiatrists, and therapists in Hackensack, Ramsey, Short Hills, & Fort Lee. STA provides the full range of psychological services: individual, couples, family & group therapy. We also provide a full range of psychological testing services for all age ranges.STA offers specialized programs which includes but not limited to eating disorders, substance abuse, trauma, academic success, child and parenting. We are staffed with Board certified adult & child psychiatrists & psychiatric nurse practitioners, clinical social workers, licensed clinical alcohol & drug counselors & licensed professional counselors.
(201) 366-7096 View (201) 366-7096
Photo of Karen L. Madura, LCSW, LADC1, LCADC, BCD, CBT, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Karen L. Madura
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LADC1, LCADC, BCD, CBT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fort Lee, NJ 07024
Do you want to feel better about yourself and your life? Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, or other difficulties? I can help you to start to feel less distressed. Clients tell me that I am easy to talk with. I establish a safe, trustworthy relationship in which you can be yourself and express your deepest fears and concerns. You can learn new ways to manage your overwhelming feelings. We will reduce painful feelings, look at self-defeating thoughts and behaviors, improve communication skills, identify and make life-transforming choices, and work together on developing the happiness you deserve in your life.
Do you want to feel better about yourself and your life? Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, or other difficulties? I can help you to start to feel less distressed. Clients tell me that I am easy to talk with. I establish a safe, trustworthy relationship in which you can be yourself and express your deepest fears and concerns. You can learn new ways to manage your overwhelming feelings. We will reduce painful feelings, look at self-defeating thoughts and behaviors, improve communication skills, identify and make life-transforming choices, and work together on developing the happiness you deserve in your life.
(201) 254-3674 View (201) 254-3674
Photo of Johaira Akwei, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Johaira Akwei
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fort Lee, NJ 07024  (Online Only)
Are you looking for a friendly and compassionate professional to help you live your best life? My name is Joy, and I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor with deep experience helping my clients understand themselves and cope with issues like trauma, anxiety, depression, and much more. Using clinically proven methods, my goal is to support you in developing effective coping strategies, enhancing resilience, and restoring a sense of control over your life. Whether you're exploring therapy for the first time or seeking specialized treatment, I'm here to walk alongside you on your path to healing.
Are you looking for a friendly and compassionate professional to help you live your best life? My name is Joy, and I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor with deep experience helping my clients understand themselves and cope with issues like trauma, anxiety, depression, and much more. Using clinically proven methods, my goal is to support you in developing effective coping strategies, enhancing resilience, and restoring a sense of control over your life. Whether you're exploring therapy for the first time or seeking specialized treatment, I'm here to walk alongside you on your path to healing.
(973) 968-6886 View (973) 968-6886
Photo of Brian Legg - The Psych Center, PsyD, Psychologist
The Psych Center
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Edgewater, NJ 07020
Welcome to the Psych Center. We are a private practice that aims to provide quality services to children, adults, and their families. We understand the sensitivity and compassion it takes to help our clients succeed. Furthermore, we strive to be collaborative and work with you on identifying and accomplishing the goals you set forth. Please explore our page which addresses our services, fees, and other important information. We look forward to hearing from you. For questions, comments, or to schedule an appointment, please call: 201-606-2592 or email us.
Welcome to the Psych Center. We are a private practice that aims to provide quality services to children, adults, and their families. We understand the sensitivity and compassion it takes to help our clients succeed. Furthermore, we strive to be collaborative and work with you on identifying and accomplishing the goals you set forth. Please explore our page which addresses our services, fees, and other important information. We look forward to hearing from you. For questions, comments, or to schedule an appointment, please call: 201-606-2592 or email us.
(201) 559-8797 View (201) 559-8797
Photo of Steven D. Chen, LCSW, LCADC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Steven D. Chen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LCADC
Verified Verified
Fort Lee, NJ 07024
I am a dual licensed clinical social worker and licensed clinical addiction and drug counselor (LCSW and LCADC) with experience working with children, adolescents, adults and families in various care level and treatment environments. I strongly believe in the potential of the mind, body and spirit that empower each person to regain a balanced life, healthier relationship with others and the world. I am passionate in encouraging and empowering clients to learn and grow using various approaches meeting the unique needs of each client to resolve their issues.
I am a dual licensed clinical social worker and licensed clinical addiction and drug counselor (LCSW and LCADC) with experience working with children, adolescents, adults and families in various care level and treatment environments. I strongly believe in the potential of the mind, body and spirit that empower each person to regain a balanced life, healthier relationship with others and the world. I am passionate in encouraging and empowering clients to learn and grow using various approaches meeting the unique needs of each client to resolve their issues.
(201) 479-9760 View (201) 479-9760
Photo of Caity Thompson, LMHC, CRC
Caity Thompson
Mental Health Counselor, LMHC, CRC
Verified Verified
12 Endorsed
Leonia, NJ 07605
I work with adults ages 22-38 looking to develop personally and professionally. I specialize in helping my clients with coping with anxiety and stress, make decisions, make life transitions, improve self-esteem, and achieve personal advancement. I have a sports background that has led me to have a methodical, goal-oriented, results-driven therapy style. My treatment with you will be tailored to your goals and desired outcomes for therapy.
I work with adults ages 22-38 looking to develop personally and professionally. I specialize in helping my clients with coping with anxiety and stress, make decisions, make life transitions, improve self-esteem, and achieve personal advancement. I have a sports background that has led me to have a methodical, goal-oriented, results-driven therapy style. My treatment with you will be tailored to your goals and desired outcomes for therapy.
(971) 224-7378 View (971) 224-7378
Photo of Sam Maldonado, PhD, LPC, CHT, ASDCS, APM
Sam Maldonado
PhD, LPC, CHT, ASDCS, APM
Verified Verified
Fort Lee, NJ 07024  (Online Only)
I am a Certified Divorce Mediator, Master Hypnotherapist, and Licensed Professional Counselor, with over 25,000 clinical hours. I have specializations in many areas including working with children, adolescents, and adults. I have specializations in Autism and Forensic Psychology. I possess a Post Doctoral Re-Specialization in Forensic Psychology. I have provided intervention and mediation for the courts, the state, and private clients. Call for further information 201-364-8474.
I am a Certified Divorce Mediator, Master Hypnotherapist, and Licensed Professional Counselor, with over 25,000 clinical hours. I have specializations in many areas including working with children, adolescents, and adults. I have specializations in Autism and Forensic Psychology. I possess a Post Doctoral Re-Specialization in Forensic Psychology. I have provided intervention and mediation for the courts, the state, and private clients. Call for further information 201-364-8474.
(201) 231-8238 View (201) 231-8238
Photo of Alison Prince Hammonds, LCSW, BCD, LPC, FAPA, ATR-BC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Alison Prince Hammonds
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, BCD, LPC, FAPA, ATR-BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fort Lee, NJ 07024
My 30+ years of experience enable me to treat a variety of populations and cultures. My degrees in the disciplines of clinical psychology, clinical social work and clinical art therapy allow me the opportunity to utilize many treatment interventions as I assist people to help and empower themselves. My work is collaborative and interactive and includes involvement in all systems associated with the patient as necessary. From the difficult to treat child and adolescent, to the adult facing divorce, occupational crisis, or life re-evaluation, our work together is goal oriented. Consultant & certified EMDR therapist treating trauma.
My 30+ years of experience enable me to treat a variety of populations and cultures. My degrees in the disciplines of clinical psychology, clinical social work and clinical art therapy allow me the opportunity to utilize many treatment interventions as I assist people to help and empower themselves. My work is collaborative and interactive and includes involvement in all systems associated with the patient as necessary. From the difficult to treat child and adolescent, to the adult facing divorce, occupational crisis, or life re-evaluation, our work together is goal oriented. Consultant & certified EMDR therapist treating trauma.
(201) 688-7267 View (201) 688-7267
Photo of Dr. Lana Grinev, LCSW-R, M-CASAC, SAP/SAE, CPHQ, CCM/DSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Dr. Lana Grinev
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-R, M-CASAC, SAP/SAE, CPHQ, CCM/DSW
Verified Verified
Fort Lee, NJ 07024  (Online Only)
I have to agree that finding the precise therapist can be quite challenging! Hopefully I can make your search less hectic if given the opportunity. I provide an unbiased, trusting environment necessary to explore vulnerabilities which foster healing. I have success working with clients of various ages from diverse backgrounds. I have received advanced training in Eating Disorders and Substance Abuse, and I am also well-versed in cognitive, behavioral, mindfulness, and psychodynamic approaches. I combine techniques from different therapeutic modalities to help my clients reach their goals to success and overall self-fulfillment.
I have to agree that finding the precise therapist can be quite challenging! Hopefully I can make your search less hectic if given the opportunity. I provide an unbiased, trusting environment necessary to explore vulnerabilities which foster healing. I have success working with clients of various ages from diverse backgrounds. I have received advanced training in Eating Disorders and Substance Abuse, and I am also well-versed in cognitive, behavioral, mindfulness, and psychodynamic approaches. I combine techniques from different therapeutic modalities to help my clients reach their goals to success and overall self-fulfillment.
(929) 298-3870 View (929) 298-3870
Photo of Matthew Rofofsky, LCSW-R, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Matthew Rofofsky
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-R
Verified Verified
Fort Lee, NJ 07024
Therapy is an opportunity to express yourself in a safe environment, to heal and to experience personal growth. I'm a warm and dedicated therapist with a collaborative approach and over 20 years of experience. I'll help you to make meaning of and more fully understand any conflicts and/or obstacles you may be experiencing. We will work together towards resolving those challenges by establishing positive coping strategies, identifying your personal strengths and helping you to see things from different perspectives.
Therapy is an opportunity to express yourself in a safe environment, to heal and to experience personal growth. I'm a warm and dedicated therapist with a collaborative approach and over 20 years of experience. I'll help you to make meaning of and more fully understand any conflicts and/or obstacles you may be experiencing. We will work together towards resolving those challenges by establishing positive coping strategies, identifying your personal strengths and helping you to see things from different perspectives.
(347) 695-2713 View (347) 695-2713
Photo of Catherine Cusack, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Catherine Cusack
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Edgewater, NJ 07020  (Online Only)
I am a therapist who offers a nurturing and integrative approach to helping you create the life you want to live. Creatively we will help you to break through barriers of self-doubt and insecurity, release limiting patterns, and guide you towards standing in your strength. Together we will identify solutions that reduce anxiety, lift depression, improve self-esteem, heal trauma, navigate the losses and find your center again. My approach is personalized to your unique needs and preferences: CBT with Applied Neuroscience, Psychodynamic Therapy, Mindfulness Techniques, Emotional Freedom Technique, Somatic Therapy, and Parts Work.
I am a therapist who offers a nurturing and integrative approach to helping you create the life you want to live. Creatively we will help you to break through barriers of self-doubt and insecurity, release limiting patterns, and guide you towards standing in your strength. Together we will identify solutions that reduce anxiety, lift depression, improve self-esteem, heal trauma, navigate the losses and find your center again. My approach is personalized to your unique needs and preferences: CBT with Applied Neuroscience, Psychodynamic Therapy, Mindfulness Techniques, Emotional Freedom Technique, Somatic Therapy, and Parts Work.
(929) 560-6359 View (929) 560-6359
Photo of Christina Han, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Christina Han
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Fort Lee, NJ 07024
No one should be alone in their struggles. Helping others to discover peace and fulfillment in their lives, I partner and work with individuals, children/adolescents, couples, and families. I help equip clients with the necessary tools to overcome tough experiences that life can bring including anxiety, depression, life transitions, grief, and more. I would be happy to take a collaborative approach and work together with my client to create a tailored treatment plan, and ultimately reach mental, emotional, and relational health.
No one should be alone in their struggles. Helping others to discover peace and fulfillment in their lives, I partner and work with individuals, children/adolescents, couples, and families. I help equip clients with the necessary tools to overcome tough experiences that life can bring including anxiety, depression, life transitions, grief, and more. I would be happy to take a collaborative approach and work together with my client to create a tailored treatment plan, and ultimately reach mental, emotional, and relational health.
(732) 624-6233 View (732) 624-6233

See more therapy options for Cliffside Park

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.