Bipolar Disorder Therapists in Red Oak, TX
![Photo of Kate McLennan, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/361a9140-1fdc-4f5a-87ab-4f9c725eaf64/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a doctorate in Creativity and Spirituality. I'm passionate about being fully present with my clients while supporting their growth and transformation. I find there is inherent wisdom in body, mind, and spirit that, when supported, seeks opportunities to heal and balance. One of my specialties is LGBTQIA affirmative therapy. I also love working with artists and creators and weaving elements of creativity into the therapeutic experience. I'm comfortable with integrating spiritual issues, somatic therapies, medical concerns, and dealing with grief.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a doctorate in Creativity and Spirituality. I'm passionate about being fully present with my clients while supporting their growth and transformation. I find there is inherent wisdom in body, mind, and spirit that, when supported, seeks opportunities to heal and balance. One of my specialties is LGBTQIA affirmative therapy. I also love working with artists and creators and weaving elements of creativity into the therapeutic experience. I'm comfortable with integrating spiritual issues, somatic therapies, medical concerns, and dealing with grief.
![Photo of Jing (Crystal) Shi, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/50caef7c-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jing (Crystal) Shi
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Red Oak, TX 75154
Crystal enjoys working with individual adults and couples. As a therapist, Crystal provides services in a caring and non-judgmental environment where clients can feel safe to share life's deepest hurts. Crystal tailors treatment to meet each person's specific needs by taking into consideration the uniqueness of each person's background, life experience, culture, and worldview. She desires to empower each person to face life's challenges, as well as develop strength, hope, and the additional skills needed to find healing and achieve their desired goals.
Crystal enjoys working with individual adults and couples. As a therapist, Crystal provides services in a caring and non-judgmental environment where clients can feel safe to share life's deepest hurts. Crystal tailors treatment to meet each person's specific needs by taking into consideration the uniqueness of each person's background, life experience, culture, and worldview. She desires to empower each person to face life's challenges, as well as develop strength, hope, and the additional skills needed to find healing and achieve their desired goals.
![Photo of Adrianna White, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bdc5ac7f-f78f-45f9-9f3f-964f91d9760c/1/320x400.jpeg)
Adrianna White is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Texas who has been practicing since 2019. She has a Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Adrianna helps clients increase awareness of situations they may struggle with, which will help them approach life with a different perspective, instill hope, and bridge healthier interactions with individuals they come in contact with. She will help them learn how to deal with different situations and bring about a positive change within their lives.
Adrianna White is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Texas who has been practicing since 2019. She has a Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Adrianna helps clients increase awareness of situations they may struggle with, which will help them approach life with a different perspective, instill hope, and bridge healthier interactions with individuals they come in contact with. She will help them learn how to deal with different situations and bring about a positive change within their lives.
![Photo of Tiffany L. Morish, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/57b99f42-61fc-4425-bafb-32705e5a17bd/1/320x400.jpeg)
iffany L. Morish, MS, CRC, LPC Tiffany L. Morish is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Texas who has been practicing since 2019. She has an MS Degree from Northern Illinois University. Tiffany has helped clients identify the sources of their anxiety, depression, and other forms of distress. She works closely to help clients overcome religious trauma which may be the root of anxiety, shame, fear, and panic attacks. Tiffany also enjoys working with clients who exhibit people pleasing behaviors. They are vulnerable to being unkind to themselves and often put others needs ahead of theirs.
iffany L. Morish, MS, CRC, LPC Tiffany L. Morish is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Texas who has been practicing since 2019. She has an MS Degree from Northern Illinois University. Tiffany has helped clients identify the sources of their anxiety, depression, and other forms of distress. She works closely to help clients overcome religious trauma which may be the root of anxiety, shame, fear, and panic attacks. Tiffany also enjoys working with clients who exhibit people pleasing behaviors. They are vulnerable to being unkind to themselves and often put others needs ahead of theirs.
![Photo of Sandra Bruce - Clarity Counseling Center of Ellis County, INC, MEd, LPC-S, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/60f24df1-b104-4209-ac26-dc66c3b5fd68/3/320x400.jpeg)
Clarity Counseling Center of Ellis County, INC
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC-S
Verified Verified
Red Oak, TX 75154
With over 30 years of experience, this counseling is conducted with expertise. A safe and nurturing environment makes it easy to open up. As we work together, solutions for your specific circumstance will become clear. Fees: $100 for 1 hour; and $50 for every additional 30 minutes. Being responsive is a priority, so every effort is made to return your call or email within one business day.
With over 30 years of experience, this counseling is conducted with expertise. A safe and nurturing environment makes it easy to open up. As we work together, solutions for your specific circumstance will become clear. Fees: $100 for 1 hour; and $50 for every additional 30 minutes. Being responsive is a priority, so every effort is made to return your call or email within one business day.
![Photo of Joyce Levell, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/05efbfe2-4121-4574-8692-a34b7a8b3bd6/2/320x400.jpeg)
Do you find yourself worrying a lot about your personal relationships? Do you find yourself replaying your social interactions in your head? Do you fear failing in front of others? You are not alone! These are common human thoughts and emotions, and you can learn to cope with them. You don’t have to live in constant worry and doubt. I have training and experience in working with people who feel worried about their current relationships, as well as with clients who have experienced difficult events in their past. I have lots of tools for helping clients with their current difficulties or past events that are still affecting them.
Do you find yourself worrying a lot about your personal relationships? Do you find yourself replaying your social interactions in your head? Do you fear failing in front of others? You are not alone! These are common human thoughts and emotions, and you can learn to cope with them. You don’t have to live in constant worry and doubt. I have training and experience in working with people who feel worried about their current relationships, as well as with clients who have experienced difficult events in their past. I have lots of tools for helping clients with their current difficulties or past events that are still affecting them.
![Photo of Angela M Sanchez - Creating Inner Peace Counseling, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/524bbd68-f097-4ca8-b670-59a039e4d1a1/2/320x400.jpeg)
Creating Inner Peace Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Red Oak, TX 75154
Are you tired of feeling anxious or depressed? Are you constantly arguing with your teen or child? Do you need help with a drug or alcohol addiction? Let me walk this journey with you to help you overcome your struggles and teach you helpful coping skills. I have helped past clients through depression, anxiety, addiction, and with kids/teens behavioral issues. I can provide individual or family counseling.
Are you tired of feeling anxious or depressed? Are you constantly arguing with your teen or child? Do you need help with a drug or alcohol addiction? Let me walk this journey with you to help you overcome your struggles and teach you helpful coping skills. I have helped past clients through depression, anxiety, addiction, and with kids/teens behavioral issues. I can provide individual or family counseling.
![Photo of Gottman Method Level 2 Christian Counseling Alyssa Navarro, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ac2af929-d8de-4170-9c65-924792baa6cf/2/320x400.jpeg)
Gottman Method Level 2 Christian Counseling Alyssa Navarro
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Red Oak, TX 75154
I fight for my clients and gently challenge them to not give up but instead learn better coping mechanisms so they can get through the difficult times in their lives. This is how I invest in them. I will, however, move at your pace, and if you simply need a space to digest things, we may do so together while you discover more constructive methods to deal with trying circumstances.
I fight for my clients and gently challenge them to not give up but instead learn better coping mechanisms so they can get through the difficult times in their lives. This is how I invest in them. I will, however, move at your pace, and if you simply need a space to digest things, we may do so together while you discover more constructive methods to deal with trying circumstances.
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Kay Fontenot, LCSW-S, LCDC, BSP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/39d8a0d0-9227-4136-b996-afaa6e1abda5/1/320x400.png)
Kay Fontenot
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-S, LCDC, BSP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Waxahachie, TX 75165
My professional goal is to provide connection, healing, and insight during each of our encounters, With a passion for attachment and relational models, I have training, expertise and experience in providing counseling and psychotherapy for the following types of concerns/struggles: Women's Concerns, Emerging Adults, Relationship Strain, Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Substance Use, Personality Traits and/or Disorders, Divorce, Infidelity, Boundaries, Grief and Loss, Career Concerns, Assertiveness Training, & Life Adjustments. I also offer individual, group and family intensives for connection, insight and deeper healing.
My professional goal is to provide connection, healing, and insight during each of our encounters, With a passion for attachment and relational models, I have training, expertise and experience in providing counseling and psychotherapy for the following types of concerns/struggles: Women's Concerns, Emerging Adults, Relationship Strain, Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Substance Use, Personality Traits and/or Disorders, Divorce, Infidelity, Boundaries, Grief and Loss, Career Concerns, Assertiveness Training, & Life Adjustments. I also offer individual, group and family intensives for connection, insight and deeper healing.
![Photo of Peter T Cosens, MSc, LPC, LDCD, NCC, LPHA, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3ffe861a-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Peter T Cosens
Licensed Professional Counselor, MSc, LPC, LDCD, NCC, LPHA
Verified Verified
Duncanville, TX 75137
The decision to seek therapy is a very personal decision. Often, people choose therapy during times of stress & emotional pain. It may also be when you want to grow & mature. I'm experienced in treating an array of issues & disorders, including, but not limited to: · Addictions (Substance and Process) · Major Depression Disorder · Adult Children of Alcoholics · Men's Issues · Military/Veterans · Anxiety Disorders · Mood Disorder · Bipolar Disorder · Panic Disorders - Co-dependence · Personal Growth · Crisis/Trauma Recovery · Schizoaffective Disorder · Dually Diagnosed Individuals · Schizophrenia · Ex-offenders · Self-Esteem - Grief/Loss Counseling · Spirituality · Impaired Professionals · Stress Management · Life Events/Transitions · Substance Abuse/Dependence
The decision to seek therapy is a very personal decision. Often, people choose therapy during times of stress & emotional pain. It may also be when you want to grow & mature. I'm experienced in treating an array of issues & disorders, including, but not limited to: · Addictions (Substance and Process) · Major Depression Disorder · Adult Children of Alcoholics · Men's Issues · Military/Veterans · Anxiety Disorders · Mood Disorder · Bipolar Disorder · Panic Disorders - Co-dependence · Personal Growth · Crisis/Trauma Recovery · Schizoaffective Disorder · Dually Diagnosed Individuals · Schizophrenia · Ex-offenders · Self-Esteem - Grief/Loss Counseling · Spirituality · Impaired Professionals · Stress Management · Life Events/Transitions · Substance Abuse/Dependence
![Photo of Rachel Gerbosi, MS, LPC, LMFT, LCDC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1e5e3ff7-4702-4f72-aa0f-031ed740ace5/1/320x400.jpeg)
Rachel Gerbosi
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, LMFT, LCDC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Dallas, TX 75232 (Online Only)
My experience includes, substance abuse, self-harm, domestic violence, trauma, adolescent behavioral issues, relational issues, family conflict, parenting, depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, Adjustment Disorders, Bipolar, Borderline, and ADHD.
My first priority in the counseling process is to ensure a trusting therapeutic relationship between you and I. No two people are the same, and it is my mission for us to work together to establish goals that are personalized to fit your unique needs. We, as individuals, encounter challenges in life that cause us to feel overwhelmed. It is important for me to help you see your potential, finding meaning and direction in your life, through positive encouragement. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, and Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor, in the state of Texas.
My experience includes, substance abuse, self-harm, domestic violence, trauma, adolescent behavioral issues, relational issues, family conflict, parenting, depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, Adjustment Disorders, Bipolar, Borderline, and ADHD.
My first priority in the counseling process is to ensure a trusting therapeutic relationship between you and I. No two people are the same, and it is my mission for us to work together to establish goals that are personalized to fit your unique needs. We, as individuals, encounter challenges in life that cause us to feel overwhelmed. It is important for me to help you see your potential, finding meaning and direction in your life, through positive encouragement. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, and Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor, in the state of Texas.
![Photo of Tammy Hyde, MA, LPC, DBT-LBC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/458fe7d5-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Tammy Hyde
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, DBT-LBC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Dallas, TX 75232
I am a Certified Dialectical Behavior Therapist through the Linehan Institute. I specialize in treating individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder, chronic suicidal behaviors, self injurers, and eating disorders. I also specialize in treating trauma and have been trained intensively in DBT based Prolonged Exposure therapy. Most of the clients I treat have co occurring diagnosis including Bipolar, Major Depression, PTSD, and/or Anxiety. I work with adolescents, young adults, and adults. I presently lead DBT skills trainning groups for young adults, adults, and parents/family members. My goal is to help my patients to create a life with living.
I am a Certified Dialectical Behavior Therapist through the Linehan Institute. I specialize in treating individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder, chronic suicidal behaviors, self injurers, and eating disorders. I also specialize in treating trauma and have been trained intensively in DBT based Prolonged Exposure therapy. Most of the clients I treat have co occurring diagnosis including Bipolar, Major Depression, PTSD, and/or Anxiety. I work with adolescents, young adults, and adults. I presently lead DBT skills trainning groups for young adults, adults, and parents/family members. My goal is to help my patients to create a life with living.
![Photo of Aquarius N Cox, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/da55e048-9466-4eea-ae04-a9ea31d3bc19/1/320x400.jpeg)
Aquarius N Cox
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lancaster, TX 75146 (Online Only)
Taking new clients. Accept many insurances. I have worked with adolescents and adults for 5 years. Whether you are working through life struggles, marital problems, depression, anxiety, grief, bipolar disorder or other forms of mental illness, I am here to help you gain the insight and skills need for increased self-awareness, coping, motivation and overall improvement. Once we meet, I will work with you to create a treatment plan that will help you achieve your goals.
Taking new clients. Accept many insurances. I have worked with adolescents and adults for 5 years. Whether you are working through life struggles, marital problems, depression, anxiety, grief, bipolar disorder or other forms of mental illness, I am here to help you gain the insight and skills need for increased self-awareness, coping, motivation and overall improvement. Once we meet, I will work with you to create a treatment plan that will help you achieve your goals.
![Photo of Elizabeth Cooper, MS, LPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ca6d4855-48e9-4d11-92ea-18b9b290a8c9/2/320x400.jpeg)
Life's challenges can leave us feeling stuck or isolated as if we need to hide our pain and carry these burdens alone. But what happens if these burdens are too heavy to bear? That's where I come in. As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I am here to offer you a guiding hand through some of life's toughest moments. Whether you're navigating a miscarriage, adjusting to life postpartum, or grappling with depression or anxiety, you don't have to face it alone. Together, we can work to move through these changes and onto the next chapter of your life.
Life's challenges can leave us feeling stuck or isolated as if we need to hide our pain and carry these burdens alone. But what happens if these burdens are too heavy to bear? That's where I come in. As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I am here to offer you a guiding hand through some of life's toughest moments. Whether you're navigating a miscarriage, adjusting to life postpartum, or grappling with depression or anxiety, you don't have to face it alone. Together, we can work to move through these changes and onto the next chapter of your life.
![Photo of Loraine Benson, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/73285bf3-88c4-4a47-a338-ecf324c4cebe/1/320x400.jpeg)
Loraine Benson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cedar Hill, TX 75104
If you feel as though depression, stress, internal turmoil of unprocessed trauma and grief is keeping you from operating at your full potential, I can help you navigate through a process of positive change that helps bring balance and wholeness. Changing the way you think can change your life.
If you feel as though depression, stress, internal turmoil of unprocessed trauma and grief is keeping you from operating at your full potential, I can help you navigate through a process of positive change that helps bring balance and wholeness. Changing the way you think can change your life.
![Photo of Kimberly Dawn Choiniere, MSSW, LCSW, LCDC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/adfaecb7-e1fe-482e-99f8-37583fadd018/2/320x400.jpeg)
Kimberly Dawn Choiniere
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSSW, LCSW, LCDC
Verified Verified
Waxahachie, TX 75165
I provide counseling for neurodivergent and atypical adolescents and adults. I am a certified ADHD provider. I don’t believe in one size fits all. I’m an open-minded and compassionate therapist ready to start where you are. As an ally, I am there to support the client so that they can learn strong coping skills. My work is trauma-informed. Anything from anxiety, depression, trauma or discomfort due to life transitions and difficult relationships will be a focus, and we can uncover what needs to be addressed with greater understanding so that we can face things head on with the tools you will learn.
I provide counseling for neurodivergent and atypical adolescents and adults. I am a certified ADHD provider. I don’t believe in one size fits all. I’m an open-minded and compassionate therapist ready to start where you are. As an ally, I am there to support the client so that they can learn strong coping skills. My work is trauma-informed. Anything from anxiety, depression, trauma or discomfort due to life transitions and difficult relationships will be a focus, and we can uncover what needs to be addressed with greater understanding so that we can face things head on with the tools you will learn.
![Photo of Misty M Midkiff, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/72aef565-8b04-4a3b-9005-7c4150ab7048/1/320x400.jpeg)
Misty M Midkiff
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Waxahachie, TX 75165
YOU are a priority! My desire to serve others is connected to many personal, and professional life experiences that allow me to have a unique perspective in understanding where my clients and their loved ones are coming from. I am a firm believer that with the right tools and some determination, we can challenge our negative thought processes and overcome anything. No one is hopeless. As Albert Einstein once said, “In the middle of every difficulty, lies opportunity.”
YOU are a priority! My desire to serve others is connected to many personal, and professional life experiences that allow me to have a unique perspective in understanding where my clients and their loved ones are coming from. I am a firm believer that with the right tools and some determination, we can challenge our negative thought processes and overcome anything. No one is hopeless. As Albert Einstein once said, “In the middle of every difficulty, lies opportunity.”
![Photo of Jennifer Nagg, MEd, NCC, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e77a3dbf-b5c2-4bc0-ba5d-8bca5e038bfb/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jennifer Nagg
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, NCC, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Waxahachie, TX 75165 (Online Only)
My name is Jenny Nagg, and I am the owner and Licensed Professional Counselor of Waxahachie Therapy. I am dedicated to understanding and supporting you in the best way possible. Let's work together to achieve your goals and begin creating a positive change in your life. Clients often find therapy to be helpful in understanding themselves better. If you are struggling, hurting, or feeling confused, therapy can often help provide insight into your life. Learn more about yourself by exploring how the past impacts your behavior today and influences your choices.
My name is Jenny Nagg, and I am the owner and Licensed Professional Counselor of Waxahachie Therapy. I am dedicated to understanding and supporting you in the best way possible. Let's work together to achieve your goals and begin creating a positive change in your life. Clients often find therapy to be helpful in understanding themselves better. If you are struggling, hurting, or feeling confused, therapy can often help provide insight into your life. Learn more about yourself by exploring how the past impacts your behavior today and influences your choices.
![Photo of Pamela A Aldrich - The Place Within Professional Counseling, MS, LPC-S, LCDC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/53c2a480-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
The Place Within Professional Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC-S, LCDC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Waxahachie, TX 75165
My passion is seeing people find solutions to their questions. Sometimes the problems of life deplete our resources. Therapy offers opportunities to view our problem from a different perspective gaining insight and ability to solve the problem. I enjoy all ages and backgrounds. I have been involved with prison/homeless/substance abuse/parenting and many more backgrounds. I would welcome the opportunity to work with you helping you gain strength to move forward. Things do not have to be 'bad' before you seek counseling. It is never too late to find new directions and live the new change!.
My passion is seeing people find solutions to their questions. Sometimes the problems of life deplete our resources. Therapy offers opportunities to view our problem from a different perspective gaining insight and ability to solve the problem. I enjoy all ages and backgrounds. I have been involved with prison/homeless/substance abuse/parenting and many more backgrounds. I would welcome the opportunity to work with you helping you gain strength to move forward. Things do not have to be 'bad' before you seek counseling. It is never too late to find new directions and live the new change!.
![Photo of Dr. Alzada Benton, PhD, LPC-S, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/75588d86-e4dc-46f2-b5ca-3d84bc804000/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Alzada Benton
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC-S
Verified Verified
Waxahachie, TX 75165
Waitlist for new clients
I believe that people struggle with coping with changes in their lives whether it is a change inflicted by grief, divorce, life transitions or a new job or relationship. These changes can make people question their reality and who they are in life affecting those around them. I help give individuals, families or couples developer tools to empower themselves to overcome those changes and develop better connections with others.
I believe that people struggle with coping with changes in their lives whether it is a change inflicted by grief, divorce, life transitions or a new job or relationship. These changes can make people question their reality and who they are in life affecting those around them. I help give individuals, families or couples developer tools to empower themselves to overcome those changes and develop better connections with others.
See more therapy options for Red Oak
Nearby Bipolar Disorder Therapists Searches for Red Oak
- Arlington
- Cedar Hill
- Dallas
- Desoto
- Duncanville
- Ennis
- Grand Prairie
- Lancaster
- Mansfield
- Mesquite
- Midlothian
- Waxahachie
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.