Bipolar Disorder Therapists in Mount Lebanon, PA
![Photo of Demond E Bledsoe, PhD, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/42b4422a-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Demond E Bledsoe
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Mount Lebanon, PA 15228
It is my belief that all people have the capacity to change and achieve their goals. I founded Resolutions Counseling and Behavioral Health Services, LLC to provide a place where clients can feel safe as they address some of the most significant challenges of their lives. I believe in the ability for all clients to make the changes necessary to live complete and satisfying lives, strengthen relationships, and bring families closer together. I work with clients experiencing mental health, emotional and behavioral concerns including relationship problems, anxiety, depression, grief, bipolar disorder, substance abuse issues and problems related to cultural identity.
It is my belief that all people have the capacity to change and achieve their goals. I founded Resolutions Counseling and Behavioral Health Services, LLC to provide a place where clients can feel safe as they address some of the most significant challenges of their lives. I believe in the ability for all clients to make the changes necessary to live complete and satisfying lives, strengthen relationships, and bring families closer together. I work with clients experiencing mental health, emotional and behavioral concerns including relationship problems, anxiety, depression, grief, bipolar disorder, substance abuse issues and problems related to cultural identity.
![Photo of Nancy A Smith, PhD, LPC, I, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/53296b9b-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Nancy A Smith
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC, I
Verified Verified
Mount Lebanon, PA 15228
I see many people with bipolar and other mood disorders.
I have been a practicing therapist for over 30 years, so I have dealt with all kinds of problems and issues that people come in, seeking help with. My approach is eclectic and personalized and is based upon the issues you bring, your life situation, and your goals for therapy. I accept most major insurances but if you do not have insurance, or an insurance plan I do not participate in, I have a sliding fee scale and we can make something work for you.
I see many people with bipolar and other mood disorders.
I have been a practicing therapist for over 30 years, so I have dealt with all kinds of problems and issues that people come in, seeking help with. My approach is eclectic and personalized and is based upon the issues you bring, your life situation, and your goals for therapy. I accept most major insurances but if you do not have insurance, or an insurance plan I do not participate in, I have a sliding fee scale and we can make something work for you.
![Photo of Sandra Maria Pattinato, MEd , LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c79ca3d2-d9fc-40c7-80a1-2c939f56307f/1/320x400.jpeg)
Sandra Maria Pattinato
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd , LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Mount Lebanon, PA 15228
I have worked with a number of different issues including depression, anxiety, grief, adjustment disorders, bipolar disorder, PTSD, relationship issues, substance abuse and anger control.
I have 15 years of experience in the mental health field. I have worked in a number of different settings and with clients from a wide variety of backgrounds and cultures. My priority is to meet the client where he or she is and help him or her by providing support, aid and guidance, so the client can work through processing the past, identifying present patterns and taking steps toward long lasting changes while addressing the client’s fears, challenges and worries along the way.
I have worked with a number of different issues including depression, anxiety, grief, adjustment disorders, bipolar disorder, PTSD, relationship issues, substance abuse and anger control.
I have 15 years of experience in the mental health field. I have worked in a number of different settings and with clients from a wide variety of backgrounds and cultures. My priority is to meet the client where he or she is and help him or her by providing support, aid and guidance, so the client can work through processing the past, identifying present patterns and taking steps toward long lasting changes while addressing the client’s fears, challenges and worries along the way.
![Photo of Matthew Metcalf, MS, BA, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3ed72a0c-234c-4c13-91bf-3f08d7a30ae1/2/320x400.jpeg)
Matthew Metcalf
Pre-Licensed Professional, MS, BA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Mount Lebanon, PA 15228
My ideal client is an individual who recognizes need and is open to assistance with help in areas of self-awareness and processing skills. This client would struggle in areas of acceptance and cognitive processing and ask the question " Why am I feeling or acting this way". Their issues could range from anger management, anxiety, depression, PTSD, trauma, grief, substance use disorder, or simply understanding themselves is a healthy manner. They would be in search of ways at which they could implement small changes in their daily routine to produce sustained positive change.
My ideal client is an individual who recognizes need and is open to assistance with help in areas of self-awareness and processing skills. This client would struggle in areas of acceptance and cognitive processing and ask the question " Why am I feeling or acting this way". Their issues could range from anger management, anxiety, depression, PTSD, trauma, grief, substance use disorder, or simply understanding themselves is a healthy manner. They would be in search of ways at which they could implement small changes in their daily routine to produce sustained positive change.
![Photo of Dan Duffy, MSW, LCSW, C-ISTT, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fbd823b9-6f10-49a3-923d-9038f47bbe98/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dan Duffy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, C-ISTT
Verified Verified
Mount Lebanon, PA 15228
I offer evening and Saturday availability both virtually and in-person in Mt. Lebanon, PA. I am honored to work with individuals in the areas of addiction, mood, and personality; as well as partnerships in relational distress. I am Certified in Somatic Trauma Therapy and Gottman Institute trained. My work continues with adolescents with acute life experiences at Southwood Psychiatric Hospital. I see clients ages 14 and up. I utilize gender affirming care, as I have served the LGBTQIA+ community directly.
I offer evening and Saturday availability both virtually and in-person in Mt. Lebanon, PA. I am honored to work with individuals in the areas of addiction, mood, and personality; as well as partnerships in relational distress. I am Certified in Somatic Trauma Therapy and Gottman Institute trained. My work continues with adolescents with acute life experiences at Southwood Psychiatric Hospital. I see clients ages 14 and up. I utilize gender affirming care, as I have served the LGBTQIA+ community directly.
![Photo of Keli Schroeffel Ballard, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f963b04d-00b5-4e05-8922-2e9384a60cc7/2/320x400.jpeg)
Keli Schroeffel Ballard
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Mount Lebanon, PA 15228
Book with me now by clicking on my website. I have a firm belief that “Everyone is doing the best they can, with what they have.” You are using your resources and the skills that you currently have to the best of your current ability. Therapy provides more resources and skills; this allows for more opportunities to make different choices. Learning a new skill or seeing a different perspective can be the key to unlock the potential that you currently have but have not been able to use. It is important to look at therapy as a learning experience and a way to have support in attempting new ways of living.
Book with me now by clicking on my website. I have a firm belief that “Everyone is doing the best they can, with what they have.” You are using your resources and the skills that you currently have to the best of your current ability. Therapy provides more resources and skills; this allows for more opportunities to make different choices. Learning a new skill or seeing a different perspective can be the key to unlock the potential that you currently have but have not been able to use. It is important to look at therapy as a learning experience and a way to have support in attempting new ways of living.
![Photo of Dawnalyn Rudzinski, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6dd27e48-8b3a-48a0-a934-37d7bf5a5d6e/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dawnalyn Rudzinski
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Mount Lebanon, PA 15228
I work with clients of all ages, and have special experience working with children struggling with emotional regulation and anger management, as well as with adolescents and adults struggling with depression, anxiety, anger management, parenting, and co-occurring disorders.
I work with clients of all ages, and have special experience working with children struggling with emotional regulation and anger management, as well as with adolescents and adults struggling with depression, anxiety, anger management, parenting, and co-occurring disorders.
![Photo of Ann-Michele Corbi Potvin, MA, LPC, BC-DMT, GL-CMA, RYT, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/aab484fd-2c1d-4a08-b2fa-f06ac1845b95/1/320x400.jpeg)
Ann-Michele Corbi Potvin
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, BC-DMT, GL-CMA, RYT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Mount Lebanon, PA 15228
I take a humanistic approach to therapy and believe that we make meaning out of the events of our lives; we are capable of engaging our creativity and its healing processes. There are times when we need support to pause, breathe, and listen to our inner wisdom. I will serve as a guide and support, encouraging you to maintain or regain ownership of your own life narrative. My approach is also contemplative, relational, and existential. I often utilize cognitive behavioral therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) to support you in decreasing struggle and living in alignment with your values.
I take a humanistic approach to therapy and believe that we make meaning out of the events of our lives; we are capable of engaging our creativity and its healing processes. There are times when we need support to pause, breathe, and listen to our inner wisdom. I will serve as a guide and support, encouraging you to maintain or regain ownership of your own life narrative. My approach is also contemplative, relational, and existential. I often utilize cognitive behavioral therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) to support you in decreasing struggle and living in alignment with your values.
![Photo of Kimberlee Ann Love, MSW, LCSW, CCPT-II, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/53884b26-7ee2-4f49-a8e1-9b2ca124b419/2/320x400.jpeg)
Kimberlee Ann Love
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, CCPT-II
Verified Verified
Mount Lebanon, PA 15228
Sometimes life beats us down, and sometimes we can’t leave our past behind. As we travel though the changes and challenges in our journey on this earth it may be hard to ask for help. Your strengths can be uncovered when you are able to reach out to someone who can understand, and has the experience to guide you along that road. A Bachelors Degree in Human Services from Geneva College, a Masters Degree in Social Work from the University Pittsburgh, holding a Pennsylvania State Board License as a Clinical Social Worker, and my certification in Trauma From Evergreen can help.
Sometimes life beats us down, and sometimes we can’t leave our past behind. As we travel though the changes and challenges in our journey on this earth it may be hard to ask for help. Your strengths can be uncovered when you are able to reach out to someone who can understand, and has the experience to guide you along that road. A Bachelors Degree in Human Services from Geneva College, a Masters Degree in Social Work from the University Pittsburgh, holding a Pennsylvania State Board License as a Clinical Social Worker, and my certification in Trauma From Evergreen can help.
![Photo of Lauren Filip, LPC, NCC, CAADC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/77b79828-fdab-4112-9171-826d86538e2e/3/320x400.jpeg)
Lauren Filip
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC, CAADC
Verified Verified
Mount Lebanon, PA 15228
Hi! I’m Lauren, a foodie, wife, mother of two, baker, reality television watcher and Mental Health Therapist. Seeking therapy is not a sign of weakness. It is a courageous decision to invest in your mental health and emotional well being. I believe in the power of the therapeutic alliance. With a collaborative effort, in a safe and supportive space, we will explore the areas of your life that may be causing unhappiness, pain, discomfort or distress. I'm committed to being present with you and guiding you towards creating positive changes in your life, supporting you in your journey of personal growth and healing.
Hi! I’m Lauren, a foodie, wife, mother of two, baker, reality television watcher and Mental Health Therapist. Seeking therapy is not a sign of weakness. It is a courageous decision to invest in your mental health and emotional well being. I believe in the power of the therapeutic alliance. With a collaborative effort, in a safe and supportive space, we will explore the areas of your life that may be causing unhappiness, pain, discomfort or distress. I'm committed to being present with you and guiding you towards creating positive changes in your life, supporting you in your journey of personal growth and healing.
![Photo of Kevin B. Kumpf, PhD, LPC, NCC, ACS, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/892d0ba6-e354-4e3b-b593-2ac50b08ce77/2/320x400.jpeg)
Kevin B. Kumpf
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC, NCC, ACS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Mount Lebanon, PA 15228
I have learned through my work with clients that sometimes being willing to take a risk can yield positive results. Finding the willingness to participate in therapy can often feel like taking a risk; however, I am here to provide you with the necessary support you may feel you need as you look to make a positive change in your life. I am confident we can work together to develop a constructive relationship for the purpose of helping you to define and accomplish the goals that you believe are important.
I have learned through my work with clients that sometimes being willing to take a risk can yield positive results. Finding the willingness to participate in therapy can often feel like taking a risk; however, I am here to provide you with the necessary support you may feel you need as you look to make a positive change in your life. I am confident we can work together to develop a constructive relationship for the purpose of helping you to define and accomplish the goals that you believe are important.
15 Second Videos
Matthew Metcalf
Christian Counseling Associates of West Virginia
Adrian Turner
Christian Counseling Associates of Western PA
Christian Counseling Associates of Western PA
![Photo of Kathleen Hoffmann, LCSW, MSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/44cf3a15-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Kathleen Hoffmann
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW
Verified Verified
Mount Lebanon, PA 15228
Now accepting new clients. Life hands each of us all types of challenges. Therapy can help when we feel the need to 'update' our skills in our own 'toolbox' for coping or to make a changes in our behaviors to reduce any negative impact certain situations can have on our mood and on our lives! I have over 25 years experience working as a therapist with mental health and substance issues, coping with trauma, relationship issues, chronic illness, stress reactions, diabetes, breast cancer, codependency, personality disorders, grief and loss, thought disorders and mood disorders.
Now accepting new clients. Life hands each of us all types of challenges. Therapy can help when we feel the need to 'update' our skills in our own 'toolbox' for coping or to make a changes in our behaviors to reduce any negative impact certain situations can have on our mood and on our lives! I have over 25 years experience working as a therapist with mental health and substance issues, coping with trauma, relationship issues, chronic illness, stress reactions, diabetes, breast cancer, codependency, personality disorders, grief and loss, thought disorders and mood disorders.
![Photo of Christina M Ohm - Christina M Ohm, LPC, MA, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3de52eb4-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Christina M Ohm, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Mount Lebanon, PA 15228
I have over 25 years as an experienced counselor in a variety of settings. I have worked over the years in home, school, community, residential, hospital and outpatient settings. My therapy is based on an Adlerian approach as well as advanced trainings in DBT, anxiety issues including OCD, depressive issues including MDD, ADHD, mood disorders, strength-based therapy, family therapy, and relationship dynamics. I love to use visualization techniques as well as incorporate current research solutions, workbooks, and training materials into my current practice.
I have over 25 years as an experienced counselor in a variety of settings. I have worked over the years in home, school, community, residential, hospital and outpatient settings. My therapy is based on an Adlerian approach as well as advanced trainings in DBT, anxiety issues including OCD, depressive issues including MDD, ADHD, mood disorders, strength-based therapy, family therapy, and relationship dynamics. I love to use visualization techniques as well as incorporate current research solutions, workbooks, and training materials into my current practice.
![Photo of Holly Jasin, MA, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4dfc470c-3f31-4b5d-86dc-c927a087859e/1/320x400.jpeg)
"Love is the great miracle cure, loving ourselves works great miracles in our lives." I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and I aspire to team with my clients to achieve their fullest potential using a holistic, wellness-based approach to therapy. By focusing on the mind, body, & spirit, we are capable of healing and moving toward our highest potential. In therapy I like to take both a solution-focused and personal growth approach. Looking at one's life and stressors using a wellness model, allows growth and healing in all areas of life.
"Love is the great miracle cure, loving ourselves works great miracles in our lives." I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and I aspire to team with my clients to achieve their fullest potential using a holistic, wellness-based approach to therapy. By focusing on the mind, body, & spirit, we are capable of healing and moving toward our highest potential. In therapy I like to take both a solution-focused and personal growth approach. Looking at one's life and stressors using a wellness model, allows growth and healing in all areas of life.
![Photo of Jamie Harkins, MEd, LPC, CYT-200, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/20110cd3-1fa0-42a2-b2fc-4aa854ba3151/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jamie Harkins
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC, CYT-200
Verified Verified
Mount Lebanon, PA 15228
Waitlist for new clients
I believe in providing an environment of understanding, encouragement, and hope to allow you work through overwhelming, stressful, and confusing life situations. My therapeutic framework is client-centered and strengths-based, meaning that I recognize you as the expert on your own lived experiences. My goal is to collaborate with you, concentrating on your inherent strengths, to help you work through difficult and uncomfortable emotions, change thought patterns, and support your personal growth.
I believe in providing an environment of understanding, encouragement, and hope to allow you work through overwhelming, stressful, and confusing life situations. My therapeutic framework is client-centered and strengths-based, meaning that I recognize you as the expert on your own lived experiences. My goal is to collaborate with you, concentrating on your inherent strengths, to help you work through difficult and uncomfortable emotions, change thought patterns, and support your personal growth.
![Photo of Dr. Waggy Zeleke, EdD, LCPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/13cc5af1-e1d4-4bd5-bdaa-2f2640c7d085/1/320x400.png)
Dr. Waggy Zeleke
Licensed Professional Counselor, EdD, LCPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Mount Lebanon, PA 15228 (Online Only)
Dr. Waggy Zeleke is a licensed clinical professional counselor in Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Maryland. With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Zeleke specializes in working with diverse populations dealing with relationship issues, depression, trauma, anxiety, autism, adoption, parenting, and other mental health disorders. As a provider of evidence-based, culturally responsive individual, family, and group psychotherapy, Dr. Zeleke also offers individual, group, and organizational consulting. Feel free to call now to schedule an appointment or visit www.ubuntucounseling.com to explore Dr. Zeleke's service.
Dr. Waggy Zeleke is a licensed clinical professional counselor in Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Maryland. With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Zeleke specializes in working with diverse populations dealing with relationship issues, depression, trauma, anxiety, autism, adoption, parenting, and other mental health disorders. As a provider of evidence-based, culturally responsive individual, family, and group psychotherapy, Dr. Zeleke also offers individual, group, and organizational consulting. Feel free to call now to schedule an appointment or visit www.ubuntucounseling.com to explore Dr. Zeleke's service.
![Photo of Margaret Ann Deverin, MSW, LCSW, LLC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/15adbba4-a415-4b4a-b36b-9f204d1f53c1/4/320x400.jpeg)
Margaret Ann Deverin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, LLC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Mount Lebanon, PA 15228 (Online Only)
Witnessing positive change in my clients has provided not only professional joy, but unflagging belief in the benefit of psychotherapy as a catalyst for personal growth. Investment in self can bring great personal and professional rewards. I am ready to work with clients who are seeking to identify key areas, issues or goals in their lives that will support recovery, relief and new insights into life's many confounding challenges. Optimizing my clients' potential is my primary focus.
Witnessing positive change in my clients has provided not only professional joy, but unflagging belief in the benefit of psychotherapy as a catalyst for personal growth. Investment in self can bring great personal and professional rewards. I am ready to work with clients who are seeking to identify key areas, issues or goals in their lives that will support recovery, relief and new insights into life's many confounding challenges. Optimizing my clients' potential is my primary focus.
![Photo of Larissa Johnston, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f17c2fe-641b-49bd-a4d2-33f669178127/3/320x400.jpeg)
Larissa Johnston
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Mount Lebanon, PA 15228
I am an LPC with experience providing therapy to clients with mental health problems, substance use disorders and also co-occurring disorders. My experience comes from a variety of diverse treatment settings including Shawnee Academy Residential Treatment Facility, Southwood Hospital, Southwestern Pennsylvania Human Services and Wesley Spectrum Services. I have delivered quality services across the lifespan. I am currently working with children and adults in individual, family, and couples counseling. I have addressed various issues in counseling such as bullying, anxiety, depression, and personality disorders.
I am an LPC with experience providing therapy to clients with mental health problems, substance use disorders and also co-occurring disorders. My experience comes from a variety of diverse treatment settings including Shawnee Academy Residential Treatment Facility, Southwood Hospital, Southwestern Pennsylvania Human Services and Wesley Spectrum Services. I have delivered quality services across the lifespan. I am currently working with children and adults in individual, family, and couples counseling. I have addressed various issues in counseling such as bullying, anxiety, depression, and personality disorders.
![Photo of Jozi Compliment - Wonder + Wellness, MA, ATR-BC, CCTP, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/eb8da5b1-0d82-4194-861e-977accb3b531/2/320x400.jpeg)
Wonder + Wellness
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, ATR-BC, CCTP, LPC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Mount Lebanon, PA 15228
Jozi is accepting new adult clients, Carolyn and Maggie are accepting clients of all ages. My name is Jozi and I am a therapist and owner of Wonder + Wellness. Our clinicians have experience working with diverse clients, including adults, teens, and children who have survived traumatic experiences, experienced depression and anxiety, and have mood disorders, to name a few. Our therapists are EMDR trained. We work using a collaborative and interactive style to work with you to help identify the best method that'll give you the support to help you move in the direction of health, healing, and growth.
Jozi is accepting new adult clients, Carolyn and Maggie are accepting clients of all ages. My name is Jozi and I am a therapist and owner of Wonder + Wellness. Our clinicians have experience working with diverse clients, including adults, teens, and children who have survived traumatic experiences, experienced depression and anxiety, and have mood disorders, to name a few. Our therapists are EMDR trained. We work using a collaborative and interactive style to work with you to help identify the best method that'll give you the support to help you move in the direction of health, healing, and growth.
![Photo of Meagan Scott, MA, NCC, CAADC, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/39b02a51-f4f6-462f-b0dd-c00ff8661b99/1/320x400.jpeg)
Meagan Scott
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, NCC, CAADC, LPC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Mount Lebanon, PA 15228
All of our life experiences shape us into the people we become, however, at one point or another in most of our lives, we question the direction that we are going and if our lives are as joyful and enriched as possible. Through self-exploration and addressing unresolved problems, individuals can take control of their futures. Let’s talk about that process!
All of our life experiences shape us into the people we become, however, at one point or another in most of our lives, we question the direction that we are going and if our lives are as joyful and enriched as possible. Through self-exploration and addressing unresolved problems, individuals can take control of their futures. Let’s talk about that process!
See more therapy options for Mount Lebanon
Nearby Bipolar Disorder Therapists Searches for Mount Lebanon
- Bethel Park
- Brentwood
- Bridgeville
- Carnegie
- Homestead
- McKees Rocks
- Munhall
- Pittsburgh
- South Park
- Squirrel Hill
- Upper Saint Clair
- West Mifflin
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.