Bipolar Disorder Therapists in Leonia, NJ

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 Ahylzabeth Giannantonio, MSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Ahylzabeth Giannantonio
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW
Verified Verified
Leonia, NJ 07605  (Online Only)
Whatever feelings or difficulty you are experiencing that that have brought you to your current standing position, I hope to help you to gain insight to the following: relationship dynamics, gain more effective communication tools, conflict identification/management, gain accountability, explore areas of vulnerability, clarify expectations, identify triggers, enhance decision making process and problem solving skills. The process will not be linear but the journey will provide you with skills, connections and inner growth.
Whatever feelings or difficulty you are experiencing that that have brought you to your current standing position, I hope to help you to gain insight to the following: relationship dynamics, gain more effective communication tools, conflict identification/management, gain accountability, explore areas of vulnerability, clarify expectations, identify triggers, enhance decision making process and problem solving skills. The process will not be linear but the journey will provide you with skills, connections and inner growth.
(201) 676-8636 View (201) 676-8636
Photo of Shirley Thompson, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Shirley Thompson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Leonia, NJ 07605  (Online Only)
Reaching out for help is not easy for many of us but it can be very rewarding. I am frequently humbled and inspired by the courage clients show as they work to make real changes in their lives. Attending therapy demonstrates a strength and a willingness to face challenges and make changes. I am honored to accompany clients on their journey to create a life they desire.
Reaching out for help is not easy for many of us but it can be very rewarding. I am frequently humbled and inspired by the courage clients show as they work to make real changes in their lives. Attending therapy demonstrates a strength and a willingness to face challenges and make changes. I am honored to accompany clients on their journey to create a life they desire.
(201) 297-6843 View (201) 297-6843
Photo of Julie E Surbaugh, PsyD, Psychologist
Julie E Surbaugh
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Leonia, NJ 07605
Why do you need a therapist when you have the internet? With access to an abundance of health information via the internet, you can read about conditions, self-diagnosis, self-treat, and can request specific medications from your doctor. So why go to therapy? -- Even with the best information, change is challenging. One reason for this is that thoughts and emotions are not readily exchanged for what we desire. Thus concrete solutions are often not easily implemented. Therapy helps us to understand why we are not getting our desired effect and to define routes toward positive change.
Why do you need a therapist when you have the internet? With access to an abundance of health information via the internet, you can read about conditions, self-diagnosis, self-treat, and can request specific medications from your doctor. So why go to therapy? -- Even with the best information, change is challenging. One reason for this is that thoughts and emotions are not readily exchanged for what we desire. Thus concrete solutions are often not easily implemented. Therapy helps us to understand why we are not getting our desired effect and to define routes toward positive change.
(917) 974-6733 View (917) 974-6733
Photo of Grace Suh, MA, EdM, LMHC, LPC, Counselor
Grace Suh
Counselor, MA, EdM, LMHC, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Leonia, NJ 07605
We fear being vulnerable. We run from difficult feelings. We seek approval of others. We feel ashamed of our emotional baggage. Worst part is, we often try to hide these under our mask because of shame, fear, and anxiety. But hiding in shame only makes us feel worse about ourselves with isolation, emptiness, and a sense of self-hatred. In my practice, I support my clients to feel accepted, validated with no judgement. To promote healing and growth, I sit through difficult emotions until self-acceptance and self-compassion is communicated and received in a safe space.
We fear being vulnerable. We run from difficult feelings. We seek approval of others. We feel ashamed of our emotional baggage. Worst part is, we often try to hide these under our mask because of shame, fear, and anxiety. But hiding in shame only makes us feel worse about ourselves with isolation, emptiness, and a sense of self-hatred. In my practice, I support my clients to feel accepted, validated with no judgement. To promote healing and growth, I sit through difficult emotions until self-acceptance and self-compassion is communicated and received in a safe space.
(718) 568-5501 View (718) 568-5501
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 Bonnie Malajian - Bonnie Malajian LCSW, MSW, LCSW, ACSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Bonnie Malajian LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, ACSW
Verified Verified
Leonia, NJ 07605
I work in an eclectic manner with clients who struggle with depression, anxiety disorders, trauma, loss, PTSD, at-risk behaviors, relationship issues and life transitions. I offer a supportive and interactive experience for clients, providing the most appropriate modality and pace for each client. For over 30 years, I have enabled teenagers, adults and older adults to master the skills needed to manage emotions and navigate life's challenges. I do assessments to verify people needing "Therapy Pets" for travel and Clinical Assessments for Bariatric Surgery. I offer Equine Assisted Psychotherapy as an alternate experiential approach or as an adjunct modality to traditional talk therapy.
I work in an eclectic manner with clients who struggle with depression, anxiety disorders, trauma, loss, PTSD, at-risk behaviors, relationship issues and life transitions. I offer a supportive and interactive experience for clients, providing the most appropriate modality and pace for each client. For over 30 years, I have enabled teenagers, adults and older adults to master the skills needed to manage emotions and navigate life's challenges. I do assessments to verify people needing "Therapy Pets" for travel and Clinical Assessments for Bariatric Surgery. I offer Equine Assisted Psychotherapy as an alternate experiential approach or as an adjunct modality to traditional talk therapy.
(201) 514-2203 View (201) 514-2203
Photo of Elizabeth A Buonomo - Elizabeth A. Buonomo, LCSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Elizabeth A. Buonomo, LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Leonia, NJ 07605
I value building a supportive alliance based on honesty and frank communication. My approach is psychodynamic integrated with cognitive behavioral, body based, emotionally focused and mindfulness approaches. We talk together to find out what works best for you. I am well suited to working with trauma victims, couples and families, and those with an interest in the bodymind perspective. Years spent living abroad inspired an interest in cross cultural dynamics and diversity.
I value building a supportive alliance based on honesty and frank communication. My approach is psychodynamic integrated with cognitive behavioral, body based, emotionally focused and mindfulness approaches. We talk together to find out what works best for you. I am well suited to working with trauma victims, couples and families, and those with an interest in the bodymind perspective. Years spent living abroad inspired an interest in cross cultural dynamics and diversity.
(551) 999-6162 View (551) 999-6162
Photo of Susan L Goldman, LCSW, PsyA, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Susan L Goldman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PsyA
Verified Verified
Leonia, NJ 07605
You are seeking help from an experienced therapist and that is the first step toward feeling better! Whether worried, overwhelmed, resentful, and/or "down-in-the dumps," you are reaching out to a professional, with whom you can feel safe to be yourself and tell your story. Sometimes it is difficult to say out loud what you have not wanted to articulate; however healing takes place when you begin to share, feel understood and problem-solve. We may discover patterns of behavior that are not in your best interest, and explore ways to affect change toward a more satisfying life.
You are seeking help from an experienced therapist and that is the first step toward feeling better! Whether worried, overwhelmed, resentful, and/or "down-in-the dumps," you are reaching out to a professional, with whom you can feel safe to be yourself and tell your story. Sometimes it is difficult to say out loud what you have not wanted to articulate; however healing takes place when you begin to share, feel understood and problem-solve. We may discover patterns of behavior that are not in your best interest, and explore ways to affect change toward a more satisfying life.
(201) 688-7198 View (201) 688-7198
Photo of Andrew Glatzer, PhD, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Andrew Glatzer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LCSW
Verified Verified
Leonia, NJ 07605  (Online Only)
New patients and referrals often ask me how I practice. My reply is usually that it is up to them! Since I have been trained and have considerable experience in a variety of approaches (cognitive, behavoral, psychodynamic,couple therapy),it really depends on which approach would be most effective and acceptable to them. Because of different personality types, people do not all respond well or the same to only one approach dictated by someones training. Most find this non cookie cutter approach and attention very effective and rewarding.
New patients and referrals often ask me how I practice. My reply is usually that it is up to them! Since I have been trained and have considerable experience in a variety of approaches (cognitive, behavoral, psychodynamic,couple therapy),it really depends on which approach would be most effective and acceptable to them. Because of different personality types, people do not all respond well or the same to only one approach dictated by someones training. Most find this non cookie cutter approach and attention very effective and rewarding.
(201) 313-3838 View (201) 313-3838
Photo of Dr. Hyosook Park - Dr. Hyosook Park, MA, LAMFT, DMin, QMHP-A, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Dr. Hyosook Park
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, LAMFT, DMin, QMHP-A, AMFT
Verified Verified
Leonia, NJ 07605
사람은 누구나 변화하고, 자신의 문제를 해결할 수 있는 잠재력을 가지고 있습니다. 따라서 내담자가 긍정적인 삶의 변화를 추구해 나가도록 최선을 다해 도울 것입니다. 내담자와 치료적 동맹관계를 맺고 함께 동반 성장해 나갈 것입니다. 이 과정을 통해 보다 행복한 삶을 영위해 가도록 도울 것입니다. 한 사람과의 관계를 소중히 생각합니다. 길에서 만난 사람들과 만들어 갈 아름다운 세상을 기대합니다. 감사합니다.
사람은 누구나 변화하고, 자신의 문제를 해결할 수 있는 잠재력을 가지고 있습니다. 따라서 내담자가 긍정적인 삶의 변화를 추구해 나가도록 최선을 다해 도울 것입니다. 내담자와 치료적 동맹관계를 맺고 함께 동반 성장해 나갈 것입니다. 이 과정을 통해 보다 행복한 삶을 영위해 가도록 도울 것입니다. 한 사람과의 관계를 소중히 생각합니다. 길에서 만난 사람들과 만들어 갈 아름다운 세상을 기대합니다. 감사합니다.
(201) 574-5730 View (201) 574-5730
Photo of John Gesumaria, LSW, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
John Gesumaria
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW, LMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Leonia, NJ 07605
Feeling overwhelmed by life's complexities? I understand. With a unique blend of therapeutic expertise & a ten-year career in business for those dealing with the workplace, I offer a fresh perspective on your challenges. Whether you're battling depression, anxiety, or navigating life transitions, I provide a safe, supportive space to explore your deepest thoughts and feelings. I believe in looking beyond surface-level symptoms to uncover the root causes of your struggles. By combining evidence-based therapies with genuine empathy, I empower you to build resilience, foster healthier relationships, and unlock your full potential.
Feeling overwhelmed by life's complexities? I understand. With a unique blend of therapeutic expertise & a ten-year career in business for those dealing with the workplace, I offer a fresh perspective on your challenges. Whether you're battling depression, anxiety, or navigating life transitions, I provide a safe, supportive space to explore your deepest thoughts and feelings. I believe in looking beyond surface-level symptoms to uncover the root causes of your struggles. By combining evidence-based therapies with genuine empathy, I empower you to build resilience, foster healthier relationships, and unlock your full potential.
(973) 791-7032 View (973) 791-7032
Photo of Tammy Lynn Sausa - A Therapy Life Center, LLC, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
A Therapy Life Center, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Leonia, NJ 07605
Do you struggle with feeling disconnected from yourself and others? Do you put your needs at the bottom of the to-do list? Do you wonder if life should feel somehow better, happier? Now more than ever, people are feeling anxious, overwhelmed and uncertain about how they are supposed to manage their relationships, career/education and their lives. Pushing away your needs and not taking time for yourself can lead to long-term issues for your mind, body and spirit. We believe it shouldn’t be so hard to live a better life. As a psychotherapist I can help you work through your past traumas, connect back to your heart and heal your life.
Do you struggle with feeling disconnected from yourself and others? Do you put your needs at the bottom of the to-do list? Do you wonder if life should feel somehow better, happier? Now more than ever, people are feeling anxious, overwhelmed and uncertain about how they are supposed to manage their relationships, career/education and their lives. Pushing away your needs and not taking time for yourself can lead to long-term issues for your mind, body and spirit. We believe it shouldn’t be so hard to live a better life. As a psychotherapist I can help you work through your past traumas, connect back to your heart and heal your life.
(973) 532-5268 View (973) 532-5268

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Richard Smith, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Richard Smith
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Teaneck, NJ 07666
Richard is licensed by the State of New Jersey as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and is a National Board Certified Counselor (NBCC). Richard has over eight years of experience working with a wide range of adults and families in the mental health field settings at the Outpatient, Intensive Outpatient, Residential, Intensive In-Community Settings. Richard has experience with various issues, including Depression, Anxiety, Trauma, Bipolar Disorder, ADHD, Grief, Stress, Substance Abuse, Peer Relationships, Anger Management, Men’s Issues, and Domestic Violence.
Richard is licensed by the State of New Jersey as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and is a National Board Certified Counselor (NBCC). Richard has over eight years of experience working with a wide range of adults and families in the mental health field settings at the Outpatient, Intensive Outpatient, Residential, Intensive In-Community Settings. Richard has experience with various issues, including Depression, Anxiety, Trauma, Bipolar Disorder, ADHD, Grief, Stress, Substance Abuse, Peer Relationships, Anger Management, Men’s Issues, and Domestic Violence.
(551) 377-3509 View (551) 377-3509
Photo of Ansimon Rezk, MA, LPC
Ansimon Rezk
MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Edgewater, NJ 07020  (Online Only)
If you are a person experiencing interpersonal conflicts and/or mental health diagnoses, such as, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, personality disorders and a variety of other diagnoses. I can be of great assistance to you. I believe that everyone deserves the best quality of life. I will work with individuals, couples, and families to develop a tailored treatment plan designed to provide a healthy lifestyle through effective healthy coping skills that we will work on together. Our sessions will be focused on achieving client's objectives, improving quality of life, easing day to day interactions and healthy lifestyle.
If you are a person experiencing interpersonal conflicts and/or mental health diagnoses, such as, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, personality disorders and a variety of other diagnoses. I can be of great assistance to you. I believe that everyone deserves the best quality of life. I will work with individuals, couples, and families to develop a tailored treatment plan designed to provide a healthy lifestyle through effective healthy coping skills that we will work on together. Our sessions will be focused on achieving client's objectives, improving quality of life, easing day to day interactions and healthy lifestyle.
(973) 798-1904 View (973) 798-1904
Photo of Shoval M. Gur-Aryeh, PhD, Psychologist
Shoval M. Gur-Aryeh
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Teaneck, NJ 07666
I see clients with a broad range of issues, including anxiety, depression, Bipolar Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, panic attacks, relationship problems, and addiction.
At its heart, psychotherapy is about self-exploration and making positive change. When we feel good, just about anything is possible. But, when our thoughts and feelings are unhealthy, we become weighed down and limited in what we can achieve, whether professionally, in relationships, or in other endeavors. There is great transformative power in therapy and I am confident we can work together to improve your emotional well-being!
I see clients with a broad range of issues, including anxiety, depression, Bipolar Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, panic attacks, relationship problems, and addiction.
At its heart, psychotherapy is about self-exploration and making positive change. When we feel good, just about anything is possible. But, when our thoughts and feelings are unhealthy, we become weighed down and limited in what we can achieve, whether professionally, in relationships, or in other endeavors. There is great transformative power in therapy and I am confident we can work together to improve your emotional well-being!
(201) 815-4465 View (201) 815-4465
Photo of Dr. Stacey Cohen-Meissner, PhD, Psychologist
Dr. Stacey Cohen-Meissner
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Englewood, NJ 07631
I work to help my clients achieve their optimal state of achievement, comfort, and happiness. I use cognitive and behavioral therapy techniques in a supportive environment to assist my clients in overcoming anxiety, depression, bipolar symptoms, and obsessive compulsive behaviors, eating disorders, among other issues. I also conduct various types of psychological evaluations, including: forensic psychological evaluations, immigration exemption evaluations, adoption assessments, and clearance for bariatric and spinal cord surgeries.
I work to help my clients achieve their optimal state of achievement, comfort, and happiness. I use cognitive and behavioral therapy techniques in a supportive environment to assist my clients in overcoming anxiety, depression, bipolar symptoms, and obsessive compulsive behaviors, eating disorders, among other issues. I also conduct various types of psychological evaluations, including: forensic psychological evaluations, immigration exemption evaluations, adoption assessments, and clearance for bariatric and spinal cord surgeries.
(201) 877-5483 View (201) 877-5483
Aimee Marston
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Teaneck, NJ 07666
For over the past 16 years I have worked with adults and adolescents struggling with diverse mental health issues. This can include anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, OCD,eating disorders, substance abuse, and borderline personality disorder. These issues can be influenced by stress from external triggers, including trauma, family issues, medical issues, work stress, relationship issues, and grief and loss. Throughout my extensive experience in hospital and private practice settings, I find individuals often feel intensely overwhelmed and stuck in negative thinking patterns and behaviors. By developing a therapeutic relationship, we can create a treatment plan to increase positive feelings and facilitate effective behavioral changes.
For over the past 16 years I have worked with adults and adolescents struggling with diverse mental health issues. This can include anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, OCD,eating disorders, substance abuse, and borderline personality disorder. These issues can be influenced by stress from external triggers, including trauma, family issues, medical issues, work stress, relationship issues, and grief and loss. Throughout my extensive experience in hospital and private practice settings, I find individuals often feel intensely overwhelmed and stuck in negative thinking patterns and behaviors. By developing a therapeutic relationship, we can create a treatment plan to increase positive feelings and facilitate effective behavioral changes.
(973) 210-7887 View (973) 210-7887
Photo of Matthew Rosen, PhD, Psychologist
Matthew Rosen
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Teaneck, NJ 07666
I am a psychologist who has provided psychotherapy and psychological testing services to children, adolescents, and adults for over 30 years. I have developed a particular interest in working with hypersensitive children and in the differential diagnosis of ADHD and Bipolar Disorder. Many of the pervasively hypersensitive children and adolescents with whom I work have come to me with a diagnosis of ADHD, but are then found, after a thorough evaluation, to have either an anxiety or mood disorder. As a therapist who works primarily with children and adolescents, I have found that when children feel understood and valued, they connect.
I am a psychologist who has provided psychotherapy and psychological testing services to children, adolescents, and adults for over 30 years. I have developed a particular interest in working with hypersensitive children and in the differential diagnosis of ADHD and Bipolar Disorder. Many of the pervasively hypersensitive children and adolescents with whom I work have come to me with a diagnosis of ADHD, but are then found, after a thorough evaluation, to have either an anxiety or mood disorder. As a therapist who works primarily with children and adolescents, I have found that when children feel understood and valued, they connect.
(845) 262-2123 View (845) 262-2123
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
Teaneck, NJ 07666  (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

See more therapy options for Leonia

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.