Bipolar Disorder Therapists in Grapevine, TX
![Photo of Christine Jeffries, MS, LPC-S, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0abd80d3-aef8-4415-bf63-df376e13850f/2/320x400.jpeg)
Christine Jeffries
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC-S
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Grapevine, TX 76051
I am an SMU counseling graduate.I have worked several years with mentally ill clients having Bipolar, Depression, Anxiety and Schizophrenia. I have also worked with at risk youth, Gifted and Talented, autism, and children going through adjustments. I use a mixture of EMDR and ACT. I believe that we have much less control over our thoughts and feelings than we would like to believe so my focus with clients is action because our behaviors are one thing that we have significant control over. If you want to feel differently, you have to behave differently, and I will help you create a plan to do just that!
I am an SMU counseling graduate.I have worked several years with mentally ill clients having Bipolar, Depression, Anxiety and Schizophrenia. I have also worked with at risk youth, Gifted and Talented, autism, and children going through adjustments. I use a mixture of EMDR and ACT. I believe that we have much less control over our thoughts and feelings than we would like to believe so my focus with clients is action because our behaviors are one thing that we have significant control over. If you want to feel differently, you have to behave differently, and I will help you create a plan to do just that!
![Photo of Elvira Jasarevic, DO](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f4bd2775-dee1-4a23-b382-45c9eb157882/2/320x400.jpeg)
I understand the challenges of anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and insomnia.
My ideal client faces challenges such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, or insomnia. They seek a compassionate, understanding approach to their mental health, needing personalized strategies to manage their symptoms and improve their daily lives. Their goals include achieving emotional stability, enhancing their overall well-being, and developing effective coping mechanisms. They want to feel heard and supported, aiming to regain control and build resilience for a fulfilling and balanced life.
I understand the challenges of anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and insomnia.
My ideal client faces challenges such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, or insomnia. They seek a compassionate, understanding approach to their mental health, needing personalized strategies to manage their symptoms and improve their daily lives. Their goals include achieving emotional stability, enhancing their overall well-being, and developing effective coping mechanisms. They want to feel heard and supported, aiming to regain control and build resilience for a fulfilling and balanced life.
![Photo of Mylie Greenbach, LPC, PhD, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6cda5760-afc9-4211-9a46-53d1d04049a7/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a licensed professional counselor and a Ph.D. candidate with clinical experience starting in 2005. I assist individuals, couples, and families in resolving issues such as ADHD, Anger Management, Anxiety, Coping Skills, Behavioral Issues, Aging, Bipolar Disorder, Borderline Personality, Career Counseling, Codependency, Depression, Domestic Abuse/Violence, Life Coaching, Family Conflict, Emotional Disturbance, Life Transitions, Job Stress, Grief, and many more. I use a mix of Couples ACT, EFT, EMDR, DBT, CBT, MBCT, and many more. I believe in building on my client's strengths to attain the growth and changes they want to achieve.
I am a licensed professional counselor and a Ph.D. candidate with clinical experience starting in 2005. I assist individuals, couples, and families in resolving issues such as ADHD, Anger Management, Anxiety, Coping Skills, Behavioral Issues, Aging, Bipolar Disorder, Borderline Personality, Career Counseling, Codependency, Depression, Domestic Abuse/Violence, Life Coaching, Family Conflict, Emotional Disturbance, Life Transitions, Job Stress, Grief, and many more. I use a mix of Couples ACT, EFT, EMDR, DBT, CBT, MBCT, and many more. I believe in building on my client's strengths to attain the growth and changes they want to achieve.
![Photo of Lindsey Southall, LCSW-S, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/93113abc-53a1-4b22-9938-1f1aeb8cea46/2/320x400.jpeg)
Lindsey Southall
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-S
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Grapevine, TX 76051
depression and bipolar), Anxiety Struggles, Addiction, Relationship Concerns, and General Life Stresses.
Modern life can be very stressful. Many people find themselves struggling to cope with stress, career problems, depression, anxiety, and relationship problems. I specialize in working with individuals, families, and groups to help people cope with problems during various life stages.
depression and bipolar), Anxiety Struggles, Addiction, Relationship Concerns, and General Life Stresses.
Modern life can be very stressful. Many people find themselves struggling to cope with stress, career problems, depression, anxiety, and relationship problems. I specialize in working with individuals, families, and groups to help people cope with problems during various life stages.
![Photo of Donna Christine Abbott, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d413d15-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
My specialities include: depression, anxiety, marital/relationship issues, parenting, infertility, bipolar disorder, obsessive/compulsive disorders, and obesity.
Are you dissatisfied with how your personal or work life is going? Do you find that you feel down or anxious more often than you believe you should? I help clients discover what might be holding them back in their personal or work lives. Then, most importantly, help them learn new life skills which empower them to change old behaviors and thoughts. I am a licensed, doctoral-level psychologist with 30+ years of experience. I have been married 31 years and have two daughters. I have described as kind, empathic, and nonjudgmental.
My specialities include: depression, anxiety, marital/relationship issues, parenting, infertility, bipolar disorder, obsessive/compulsive disorders, and obesity.
Are you dissatisfied with how your personal or work life is going? Do you find that you feel down or anxious more often than you believe you should? I help clients discover what might be holding them back in their personal or work lives. Then, most importantly, help them learn new life skills which empower them to change old behaviors and thoughts. I am a licensed, doctoral-level psychologist with 30+ years of experience. I have been married 31 years and have two daughters. I have described as kind, empathic, and nonjudgmental.
![Photo of Miles O'Brien, LPCA, MA](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/08322276-13f6-4d27-8adb-a9ca82781ee4/2/320x400.png)
Miles O'Brien
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, LPCA, MA
Verified Verified
Grapevine, TX 76051
I also focus on: Trauma, Feeling lost, Helping helpers, Emotional balance, Reaching goals, Bipolar 1 and 2, Depression, Borderline, Anxiety, Autism.
My approach is to meet you where you are with empathy and caring. To support you in life regardless of what you have been through. Regardless of if you hate yourself or love yourself or how stuck you feel. I hope to support you to reach your goals, and if I can't, to help you find someone who can. This space is for you. What do you want to do? Who do you want to become? Whether all hope is lost or you just can't figure something out. Whether you have been diagnosed with a disorder, you just don't feel happy where you are, or you want to learn how to be healthier. My approach helps you become more of who you are and be whole again.
I also focus on: Trauma, Feeling lost, Helping helpers, Emotional balance, Reaching goals, Bipolar 1 and 2, Depression, Borderline, Anxiety, Autism.
My approach is to meet you where you are with empathy and caring. To support you in life regardless of what you have been through. Regardless of if you hate yourself or love yourself or how stuck you feel. I hope to support you to reach your goals, and if I can't, to help you find someone who can. This space is for you. What do you want to do? Who do you want to become? Whether all hope is lost or you just can't figure something out. Whether you have been diagnosed with a disorder, you just don't feel happy where you are, or you want to learn how to be healthier. My approach helps you become more of who you are and be whole again.
![Photo of Abby J Goode, LCSW, MSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e82df0e0-7610-4bd6-a298-9dd9babbcf4b/2/320x400.jpeg)
My clinical experience includes working with depression, anxiety/panic attacks, bipolar disorder, PTSD, childhood trauma, dementia, as well as issues related to relationships and family dynamics.
Counseling can be a powerful tool for healing and growth during challenging times, stressful situations, and procrastination. As a therapist, I understand the importance of finding the right therapist and building a strong partnership to make progress in each session. My goal is to create a safe and non-judgmental space for you to learn about yourself, and to guide, support and assist you in achieving your goals.
My clinical experience includes working with depression, anxiety/panic attacks, bipolar disorder, PTSD, childhood trauma, dementia, as well as issues related to relationships and family dynamics.
Counseling can be a powerful tool for healing and growth during challenging times, stressful situations, and procrastination. As a therapist, I understand the importance of finding the right therapist and building a strong partnership to make progress in each session. My goal is to create a safe and non-judgmental space for you to learn about yourself, and to guide, support and assist you in achieving your goals.
![Photo of Miles O'Brien - Met Where You Are, LPCA, MA](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fbc57a97-4798-44be-bd08-bd38fab54a6f/1/320x400.jpeg)
Met Where You Are
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, LPCA, MA
Verified Verified
Grapevine, TX 76051
I also focus on: Trauma, Feeling lost, Helping helpers, Emotional balance, Reaching goals, Bipolar 1 and 2, Depression, Borderline, Anxiety, Autism.
My approach is to meet you where you are with empathy and caring. To support you in life regardless of what you have been through. Regardless of if you hate yourself or love yourself or how stuck you feel. I hope to support you to reach your goals, and if I can't, to help you find someone who can. This space is for you. What do you want to do? Who do you want to become? Whether all hope is lost or you just can't figure something out. Whether you have been diagnosed with a disorder, you just don't feel happy where you are, or you want to learn how to be healthier. My approach helps you become more of who you are and be whole again.
I also focus on: Trauma, Feeling lost, Helping helpers, Emotional balance, Reaching goals, Bipolar 1 and 2, Depression, Borderline, Anxiety, Autism.
My approach is to meet you where you are with empathy and caring. To support you in life regardless of what you have been through. Regardless of if you hate yourself or love yourself or how stuck you feel. I hope to support you to reach your goals, and if I can't, to help you find someone who can. This space is for you. What do you want to do? Who do you want to become? Whether all hope is lost or you just can't figure something out. Whether you have been diagnosed with a disorder, you just don't feel happy where you are, or you want to learn how to be healthier. My approach helps you become more of who you are and be whole again.
![Photo of Danielle Brockelman, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6e692740-3906-4f8c-8478-08a196569013/2/320x400.jpeg)
Most of my clients are simply looking for a therapist to walk through a difficult stage of life with them, and I consider it an honor to be given that opportunity. I specialize in the treatment of relationships, depression, anxiety, emotional/physical/sexual trauma, addictions and PTSD. I also have a great deal of experience working with those with Bipolar Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, suicidal ideation, self-harm, and grief/loss. I work with adult individuals, teens and families. I am an ally of the LGBT+ community, and work with individuals in any type of relationship.
Most of my clients are simply looking for a therapist to walk through a difficult stage of life with them, and I consider it an honor to be given that opportunity. I specialize in the treatment of relationships, depression, anxiety, emotional/physical/sexual trauma, addictions and PTSD. I also have a great deal of experience working with those with Bipolar Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, suicidal ideation, self-harm, and grief/loss. I work with adult individuals, teens and families. I am an ally of the LGBT+ community, and work with individuals in any type of relationship.
![Photo of Katrina Will Colwick, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3cb1d45c-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Katrina Will Colwick
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
10 Endorsed
Grapevine, TX 76051
Our lives are filled with both joy and sadness, comforts and fears, strengths and weaknesses. At times we may feel that the negativity in our lives is more than we can handle. Those are times when seeking out counseling can provide a great benefit. It is my great pleasure to work with many people to help them achieve their goals, find comfort and peace, and live well adjusted, fulfilling lives. I am blessed to have provided services to those needing help with: childhood disorders, grief, abuse, marriage and family conflict, bullying, stress management, parenting, faith crises, premarital and many more.
Our lives are filled with both joy and sadness, comforts and fears, strengths and weaknesses. At times we may feel that the negativity in our lives is more than we can handle. Those are times when seeking out counseling can provide a great benefit. It is my great pleasure to work with many people to help them achieve their goals, find comfort and peace, and live well adjusted, fulfilling lives. I am blessed to have provided services to those needing help with: childhood disorders, grief, abuse, marriage and family conflict, bullying, stress management, parenting, faith crises, premarital and many more.
![Photo of Melissa Robilliard, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/89aebfcb-6287-4515-abda-bdb35742f6ce/1/320x400.jpeg)
Whether it’s stress, feelings of depression or anxiety, grief, trauma, family demands, or trying to find a sense of purpose in uncertain times, counseling is a way to center yourself while learning ways to cope and honor the whole you. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 14 years experience working with individuals struggling with mental health and substance use issues. I respect each of my clients as the unique person they are while working with them to achieve their goals toward becoming a more holistic person.
Whether it’s stress, feelings of depression or anxiety, grief, trauma, family demands, or trying to find a sense of purpose in uncertain times, counseling is a way to center yourself while learning ways to cope and honor the whole you. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 14 years experience working with individuals struggling with mental health and substance use issues. I respect each of my clients as the unique person they are while working with them to achieve their goals toward becoming a more holistic person.
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![Photo of Martha Allee, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/68f1f70c-76bc-45a3-a72e-12c5de396fb1/1/320x400.jpeg)
Martha Allee
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Grapevine, TX 76051 (Online Only)
Hello, and thank you for visiting my page! I understand how difficult it can be to find a therapist with whom you feel comfortable sharing your life and difficulties. I am a firm believer in the importance of a caring therapeutic relationship and environment, and I work hard to make certain that everyone feels supported. I listen and provide feedback and we work together to meet your goals. I strive to provide the best care possible and help you effect change to better manage your life. I provide safe and non-judgmental care. My goal is always to help you become the best version of you.
Hello, and thank you for visiting my page! I understand how difficult it can be to find a therapist with whom you feel comfortable sharing your life and difficulties. I am a firm believer in the importance of a caring therapeutic relationship and environment, and I work hard to make certain that everyone feels supported. I listen and provide feedback and we work together to meet your goals. I strive to provide the best care possible and help you effect change to better manage your life. I provide safe and non-judgmental care. My goal is always to help you become the best version of you.
![Photo of Ashley Cook Rovira - Innovative Trauma Therapy, MS, LPC-S, LMFT, LCDC, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/45e384e7-e3cd-4d71-99c4-73245f6de0d5/1/320x400.png)
Innovative Trauma Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LPC-S, LMFT, LCDC
Verified Verified
Grapevine, TX 76051
Are you looking for therapy or counseling that is different than traditional therapy? We're here to help you with the root cause of your struggles, while also addressing your symptoms. Our proactive therapy leads to real long lasting solutions. We provide customized care designed to the specific mental health needs of all ages from children to pre-teens/teens to adults, couples, and families. While we can't change difficult situations of the past, we can work together to better understand and resolve the challenges that are a result of these experiences or areas where you may feel "stuck" and need additional guidance to persevere.
Are you looking for therapy or counseling that is different than traditional therapy? We're here to help you with the root cause of your struggles, while also addressing your symptoms. Our proactive therapy leads to real long lasting solutions. We provide customized care designed to the specific mental health needs of all ages from children to pre-teens/teens to adults, couples, and families. While we can't change difficult situations of the past, we can work together to better understand and resolve the challenges that are a result of these experiences or areas where you may feel "stuck" and need additional guidance to persevere.
![Photo of Brenna Cleeland, MSW, LMSW](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7533be78-a7bb-4e1b-914d-b2fae63094da/1/320x400.png)
Brenna Cleeland
Licensed Master Social Worker, MSW, LMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Grapevine, TX 76051
Hi, I’m Brenna! My passion for mental health comes from my own wellness journey around intergenerational family trauma & mental illness. I help clients explore where they’ve been, where they are, & where they’d like to go using a holistic, mind-body approach. I have a direct, engaging style that focuses on humor & empathy to build a warm, accepting therapeutic relationship. My goal is to empower clients to tell their story while using an intersectional lens & practicing unconditional high regard. I believe each client is the expert on themselves & strive to always practice cultural humility.
Hi, I’m Brenna! My passion for mental health comes from my own wellness journey around intergenerational family trauma & mental illness. I help clients explore where they’ve been, where they are, & where they’d like to go using a holistic, mind-body approach. I have a direct, engaging style that focuses on humor & empathy to build a warm, accepting therapeutic relationship. My goal is to empower clients to tell their story while using an intersectional lens & practicing unconditional high regard. I believe each client is the expert on themselves & strive to always practice cultural humility.
![Photo of Janet Chamberlain, LPC-S, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/26c81278-af9d-4037-8477-db55be4ee130/2/320x400.png)
Janet Chamberlain
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC-S
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Grapevine, TX 76051
As an LPC-S with over 25 years of experience, I enjoy working with clients that are looking to replace self-defeating thoughts or feelings with healthier beliefs and coping mechanisms. My goal in our work together is to help you develop unconditional self-acceptance into the person you want to be.
As an LPC-S with over 25 years of experience, I enjoy working with clients that are looking to replace self-defeating thoughts or feelings with healthier beliefs and coping mechanisms. My goal in our work together is to help you develop unconditional self-acceptance into the person you want to be.
![Photo of Dr. Melissa Gaa, PhD, LPC-S, TIYT, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/43c6fe98-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Melissa Gaa
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC-S, TIYT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Grapevine, TX 76051
Making the decision to attend counseling can be a difficult one. Many times emotions are hard to control or even understand, while others in your life may not comprehend what you are struggling with. I understand the difficulties of expectations placed upon each of us to hide or suppress emotions. Together, we will work towards growth and positive changes in your life. Whether you are experiencing a temporary setback, or an ongoing problem, I can assist you. My goal is to help you through your challenges that may be creating barriers for you to move forward.
Making the decision to attend counseling can be a difficult one. Many times emotions are hard to control or even understand, while others in your life may not comprehend what you are struggling with. I understand the difficulties of expectations placed upon each of us to hide or suppress emotions. Together, we will work towards growth and positive changes in your life. Whether you are experiencing a temporary setback, or an ongoing problem, I can assist you. My goal is to help you through your challenges that may be creating barriers for you to move forward.
![Photo of Connor Nickerson, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6179ae4d-07de-4d0c-a022-ec579cfcab58/1/320x400.jpeg)
Connor Nickerson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
Grapevine, TX 76051 (Online Only)
Whether you are struggling with mental health, difficult life transitions, or seeking personal growth, I’m here to support you on your journey. My goal is to create a non-judgemental space where you feel accepted and empowered. I've had the privilege of spending several years supporting college students, young adults, and the LGBTQ+ community. My areas of interest include college student mental health, LGBTQ+ affirming therapy, life transitions/adjustments, depression, anxiety, interpersonal relationships, oldest siblings, and blended families.
Whether you are struggling with mental health, difficult life transitions, or seeking personal growth, I’m here to support you on your journey. My goal is to create a non-judgemental space where you feel accepted and empowered. I've had the privilege of spending several years supporting college students, young adults, and the LGBTQ+ community. My areas of interest include college student mental health, LGBTQ+ affirming therapy, life transitions/adjustments, depression, anxiety, interpersonal relationships, oldest siblings, and blended families.
![Photo of Gail L. Richardson, LPC-S, EMDR, LCDC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cf948cb5-32dc-45e6-96eb-3b29d6092ceb/1/320x400.jpeg)
Gail L. Richardson
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC-S, EMDR, LCDC
Verified Verified
Grapevine, TX 76051 (Online Only)
Accepting new clients and and providing counseling via telehealth at this point. Providing EMDR. Specialize in anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship difficulties, assertiveness and more. When life becomes overwhelming, it takes real courage to reach out for help. A supportive, caring, yet solution-oriented counselor can help enhance all the qualities you already possess to create the life you wish you had. I use an eclectic approach to provide my clients the vision, hope and motivation to create necessary change and lasting satisfaction.
Accepting new clients and and providing counseling via telehealth at this point. Providing EMDR. Specialize in anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship difficulties, assertiveness and more. When life becomes overwhelming, it takes real courage to reach out for help. A supportive, caring, yet solution-oriented counselor can help enhance all the qualities you already possess to create the life you wish you had. I use an eclectic approach to provide my clients the vision, hope and motivation to create necessary change and lasting satisfaction.
![Photo of Cheryl Rutherford, MA, NCC, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4d90c33a-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Cheryl Rutherford
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, NCC, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Grapevine, TX 76051
Life is hard! Let's talk about it! This life is a series of changes and stages. It is easy to find ourselves stuck in an unhealthy relationship, find ourselves feeling down and hopeless because of a loss, or in a toxic environment at work. Solution focused brief therapy, right thinking and clear boundaries creates good fruit in our lives in every area - work, parenting, marriage, self-esteem, boundaries, etc. I love working with blended families to help every member of the family find their balance in your family. I specialize in helping married couples walk through challenges together to stabilize the relationship.
Life is hard! Let's talk about it! This life is a series of changes and stages. It is easy to find ourselves stuck in an unhealthy relationship, find ourselves feeling down and hopeless because of a loss, or in a toxic environment at work. Solution focused brief therapy, right thinking and clear boundaries creates good fruit in our lives in every area - work, parenting, marriage, self-esteem, boundaries, etc. I love working with blended families to help every member of the family find their balance in your family. I specialize in helping married couples walk through challenges together to stabilize the relationship.
![Photo of Samantha Hatchett, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/754b5a29-c9f9-403b-b532-2bfe82f954dc/1/320x400.jpeg)
Welcome! I'm Samantha. My heart for mental health comes from my desire to help people struggling with daily life in ways they don’t see other people struggling. Everyone has their own roadblocks and it can feel very defeating to see everyone around you holding things together so well when it feels like you are not. My passion is in working with adolescents and young adults who are looking for a sounding board on how to navigate the seemingly daily new challenges.
Welcome! I'm Samantha. My heart for mental health comes from my desire to help people struggling with daily life in ways they don’t see other people struggling. Everyone has their own roadblocks and it can feel very defeating to see everyone around you holding things together so well when it feels like you are not. My passion is in working with adolescents and young adults who are looking for a sounding board on how to navigate the seemingly daily new challenges.
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Nearby Bipolar Disorder Therapists Searches for Grapevine
See More Bipolar Disorder TherapistsBipolar 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.