Bipolar Disorder Therapists in Fairfax County, VA
![Photo of Ann Boyer Holmes - Ann Boyer Holmes, LCSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ba59013a-909c-4c51-8199-e24478d60342/1/320x400.jpeg)
Ann Boyer Holmes, LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Centreville, VA 20120
I work with men, women and adolescents dealing with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, life transitions, alcohol abuse, domestic violence, infertility, couples/relationship issues, parenting and adjustment issues.
Would you like to become the best version of yourself? That journey begins with figuring out what you want, choosing what you believe and taking responsibility for the changes you want to make. This is a step by step process best achieved in an environment of unconditional positive regard, validation and genuineness. I use evidence-based techniques including Cognitive Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Interpersonal Therapy along with mindfulness, assertiveness training and relaxation techniques. I am out of network for all insurance but happy to help you navigate that process. Ask me if you qualify for a reduced fee.
I work with men, women and adolescents dealing with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, life transitions, alcohol abuse, domestic violence, infertility, couples/relationship issues, parenting and adjustment issues.
Would you like to become the best version of yourself? That journey begins with figuring out what you want, choosing what you believe and taking responsibility for the changes you want to make. This is a step by step process best achieved in an environment of unconditional positive regard, validation and genuineness. I use evidence-based techniques including Cognitive Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Interpersonal Therapy along with mindfulness, assertiveness training and relaxation techniques. I am out of network for all insurance but happy to help you navigate that process. Ask me if you qualify for a reduced fee.
![Photo of Melissa Addessi, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/99432341-2258-4c08-b5f1-3c8d02c4f4fa/2/320x400.jpeg)
Melissa Addessi
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fairfax, VA 22030 (Online Only)
I have experience working with adults and teens who experience anxiety, depression, trauma, social anxiety and bipolar disorder.
Seeking a compassionate guide for your journey? Look no further. I offer empathetic, judgment-free support to help you navigate challenges and embark on transformation. My person-centered approach ensures a tailored experience. By actively listening and asking thoughtful questions, I empower you to discover solutions that resonate with your unique needs, fostering autonomy. Using cognitive-behavioral therapy, I assist in gaining control over thoughts and behaviors. Together, we reshape negative patterns, cultivating a positive mindset. Mindfulness enhances self-awareness, providing tools for stress management.
I have experience working with adults and teens who experience anxiety, depression, trauma, social anxiety and bipolar disorder.
Seeking a compassionate guide for your journey? Look no further. I offer empathetic, judgment-free support to help you navigate challenges and embark on transformation. My person-centered approach ensures a tailored experience. By actively listening and asking thoughtful questions, I empower you to discover solutions that resonate with your unique needs, fostering autonomy. Using cognitive-behavioral therapy, I assist in gaining control over thoughts and behaviors. Together, we reshape negative patterns, cultivating a positive mindset. Mindfulness enhances self-awareness, providing tools for stress management.
![Photo of Alicia Margarita Funes, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/aa59742f-62a9-413b-bf39-d0558153f5c0/1/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in treating Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety, Depression, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Therapy is a method of improving daily functioning by acquiring self-motivation through gaining insight, establishing boundaries, and embracing positive and challenging emotional states. You will learn to trust yourself, enhance your self-compassion, recognize your strengths, and discover the gifts with which you have been blessed. I have extensive experience working with individuals of all ages, including children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. I have worked in diverse settings, including inpatient and outpatient care, home-based counseling, residential treatment centers, hospitals, private practice, and schools.
I specialize in treating Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety, Depression, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Therapy is a method of improving daily functioning by acquiring self-motivation through gaining insight, establishing boundaries, and embracing positive and challenging emotional states. You will learn to trust yourself, enhance your self-compassion, recognize your strengths, and discover the gifts with which you have been blessed. I have extensive experience working with individuals of all ages, including children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. I have worked in diverse settings, including inpatient and outpatient care, home-based counseling, residential treatment centers, hospitals, private practice, and schools.
![Photo of Teri Bistarkey, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ec3d10b6-6bb5-4143-9900-99a9781d60ea/2/320x400.png)
I have many years of experience working with people with depression and anxiety as well as bipolar and schizophrenia.
Feeling like you can't quite keep it together? Sometimes we get overwhelmed with the stresses in life and need help sorting them out. Maybe you've just hit a low point or feeling overly worried and anxious. Talking to a therapist has helped many people who are feeling the same way. The last two years have been more than difficult, and people are struggling. I help people figure out what's working well for them and what's not. Then we explore together the many strengths and skills you already have and can use to overcome the problems life throws at us.
I have many years of experience working with people with depression and anxiety as well as bipolar and schizophrenia.
Feeling like you can't quite keep it together? Sometimes we get overwhelmed with the stresses in life and need help sorting them out. Maybe you've just hit a low point or feeling overly worried and anxious. Talking to a therapist has helped many people who are feeling the same way. The last two years have been more than difficult, and people are struggling. I help people figure out what's working well for them and what's not. Then we explore together the many strengths and skills you already have and can use to overcome the problems life throws at us.
![Photo of Michael T. Greelis, PhD, LPC, LMFT, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4b692705-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Michael T. Greelis
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC, LMFT
Verified Verified
Herndon, VA 20170
I provide counseling services to adolescents, adults, and preteens. I see people for individual, family, and couples counseling. Services for individuals address the following conditions: depression; bipolar disorder (in conjunction with a psychiatrist); trauma and grief; disruptive behavior including anger problems; substance abuse; and work/professional problems involving mood or other behavioral problems.
I provide counseling services to adolescents, adults, and preteens. I see people for individual, family, and couples counseling. Services for individuals address the following conditions: depression; bipolar disorder (in conjunction with a psychiatrist); trauma and grief; disruptive behavior including anger problems; substance abuse; and work/professional problems involving mood or other behavioral problems.
![Photo of . Sanchez - Healthy Hearts & Minds LLC , LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0527ab3d-388d-4d20-bdaa-9e59202d0d1d/1/320x400.jpeg)
Healthy Hearts & Minds LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Vienna, VA 22181 (Online Only)
Healthy Hearts & Minds can offer you Outpatient Therapy, Psychiatric Evaluations, Medication Management, Intensive Outpatient Treatment and 24/7 Crisis Intervention. We specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy working with people who are dealing with anxiety, depression, Bipolar, PTSD, addiction, adjustment disorder and other mood disorders. We work with families, teens, adults and children as early as 12 years old.
Healthy Hearts & Minds can offer you Outpatient Therapy, Psychiatric Evaluations, Medication Management, Intensive Outpatient Treatment and 24/7 Crisis Intervention. We specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy working with people who are dealing with anxiety, depression, Bipolar, PTSD, addiction, adjustment disorder and other mood disorders. We work with families, teens, adults and children as early as 12 years old.
![Photo of Amy Clay - Sunstone Counseling, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8c7e3745-973b-4382-8346-11e94df30c1b/1/320x400.png)
Sunstone Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
26 Endorsed
Falls Church, VA 22046
In my clinical practice, Sunstone Counseling, I help clients overcome a variety of concerns related to the symptoms of anxiety, panic disorder, depression, bipolar disorder, grief/loss, suicidal ideation, shame, low self-esteem, body image, betrayal, and relationship issues. I specialize in women’s issues (pregnancy, perinatal mood disorders, becoming a new mom, and sexuality issues) and couples work (premarital counseling, new parents, low/no sex, repair after an affair, and second marriages – to name a few). I completed Brené Brown’s Daring Way training and am a Certified Daring Way Facilitator.
In my clinical practice, Sunstone Counseling, I help clients overcome a variety of concerns related to the symptoms of anxiety, panic disorder, depression, bipolar disorder, grief/loss, suicidal ideation, shame, low self-esteem, body image, betrayal, and relationship issues. I specialize in women’s issues (pregnancy, perinatal mood disorders, becoming a new mom, and sexuality issues) and couples work (premarital counseling, new parents, low/no sex, repair after an affair, and second marriages – to name a few). I completed Brené Brown’s Daring Way training and am a Certified Daring Way Facilitator.
![Photo of Ben Thomas, MEd, LPC, CSAC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/df816d6d-d6c8-4c8e-831b-a0b3e0977207/2/320x400.jpeg)
I have experience supporting people in recovery, addressing issues related to depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder.
I am a clinician with over 30 years combined experience in the fields of substance abuse and mental health. I have worked for a number of years assisting adults find recovery in an outpatient substance abuse setting. In more recent years, I have worked with people of all ages experiencing a mental health and/or substance abuse crisis. I use a client centered approach and I am familiar with other treatment modalities such as cognitive behavior therapy.
I have experience supporting people in recovery, addressing issues related to depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder.
I am a clinician with over 30 years combined experience in the fields of substance abuse and mental health. I have worked for a number of years assisting adults find recovery in an outpatient substance abuse setting. In more recent years, I have worked with people of all ages experiencing a mental health and/or substance abuse crisis. I use a client centered approach and I am familiar with other treatment modalities such as cognitive behavior therapy.
![Photo of Nina Garland](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4ccd5b3d-8bcd-4c7f-9176-e8f2ac777da4/2/320x400.jpeg)
With experience working with clients of all ages, I have worked with conditions such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, adjustment disorder, and bipolar disorder.
Are you truly ready to know yourself and embrace your emotional well-being? I am dedicated to guiding individuals through the intricate paths of their emotional and mental well-being. With a deep understanding rooted in my own family's experiences with mental illness and my personal journey as a Latina woman, I recognize the importance of creating tailored treatment plans that honor each person's unique needs. I hold honesty, respect, cultural proficiency, and confidentiality in the highest regard.
With experience working with clients of all ages, I have worked with conditions such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, adjustment disorder, and bipolar disorder.
Are you truly ready to know yourself and embrace your emotional well-being? I am dedicated to guiding individuals through the intricate paths of their emotional and mental well-being. With a deep understanding rooted in my own family's experiences with mental illness and my personal journey as a Latina woman, I recognize the importance of creating tailored treatment plans that honor each person's unique needs. I hold honesty, respect, cultural proficiency, and confidentiality in the highest regard.
![Photo of Scarlete Johnson, LPC, CSAC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2ddc9d39-0234-4200-9102-1456f425529d/1/320x400.jpeg)
Scarlete Johnson
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, CSAC
Verified Verified
Reston, VA 20191 (Online Only)
I have walked alongside others on journeys to healing from depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, domestic abuse, childhood trauma, sex trauma, drug and alcohol addiction, workplace related trauma, low self worth, self hate, grief and through manufactured emotions such as guilt and shame.
I have been in the field of mental health for the last 15 years doing case management, intensive in home therapy, substance use disorder counseling, intensive outpatient and outpatient therapy. I enjoy working with adolescents and adults ranging in age from 14 years and up. I am aware of cultural, religious, and ethnic differences and take on an individualized approach tailored to fit the specific needs of person in treatment. I do what I do because I believe that humans are neither fundamentally good or bad but the product of their experiences that have taught them something about the world, others and most importantly, themselves.
I have walked alongside others on journeys to healing from depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, domestic abuse, childhood trauma, sex trauma, drug and alcohol addiction, workplace related trauma, low self worth, self hate, grief and through manufactured emotions such as guilt and shame.
I have been in the field of mental health for the last 15 years doing case management, intensive in home therapy, substance use disorder counseling, intensive outpatient and outpatient therapy. I enjoy working with adolescents and adults ranging in age from 14 years and up. I am aware of cultural, religious, and ethnic differences and take on an individualized approach tailored to fit the specific needs of person in treatment. I do what I do because I believe that humans are neither fundamentally good or bad but the product of their experiences that have taught them something about the world, others and most importantly, themselves.
![Photo of Bridget Kanz, CP, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5e40a2d9-3165-4ea0-b10d-203788f3e5b4/1/320x400.jpeg)
My name is Bridget Kanz and I am a licensed clinical psychologist. I believe that every person has the desire and capacity to live a full and healthy life. My goal as a therapist is to provide you with the support and skills needed to realize your potential. I have worked with a wide variety of clients throughout my career and am very comfortable treating many conditions including anxiety/panic, PTSD, bipolar, schizophrenia, schizoaffective, substance use, personality disorders, and depression.
My name is Bridget Kanz and I am a licensed clinical psychologist. I believe that every person has the desire and capacity to live a full and healthy life. My goal as a therapist is to provide you with the support and skills needed to realize your potential. I have worked with a wide variety of clients throughout my career and am very comfortable treating many conditions including anxiety/panic, PTSD, bipolar, schizophrenia, schizoaffective, substance use, personality disorders, and depression.
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![Photo of Jennifer Semaan, LPC, MA, EdS, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a14599df-002c-4652-a9d2-3dac2dcb8071/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jennifer Semaan
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MA, EdS
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Fairfax, VA 22030
Waitlist for new clients
I specialize in treating Anxiety and Mood Disorders (Depression and Bipolar), as well as providing treatment to survivors of traumatic experiences.
Our mental health is so vital, but we often put it on the back burner to take care of "more important things". I am so glad you're here, which tells me that you are starting to consider prioritizing your mental health and emotional wellbeing. Sometimes, we try to "keep it all together" in order to focus on other things in our life, such as work, school, family, and relationships, without really realizing that our symptoms bleed into every single area of our life. When that happens, it can feel like our sadness, anxiety, anger, flashbacks, or whatever else, is affecting our ability to function normally and live a fulfilling life.
I specialize in treating Anxiety and Mood Disorders (Depression and Bipolar), as well as providing treatment to survivors of traumatic experiences.
Our mental health is so vital, but we often put it on the back burner to take care of "more important things". I am so glad you're here, which tells me that you are starting to consider prioritizing your mental health and emotional wellbeing. Sometimes, we try to "keep it all together" in order to focus on other things in our life, such as work, school, family, and relationships, without really realizing that our symptoms bleed into every single area of our life. When that happens, it can feel like our sadness, anxiety, anger, flashbacks, or whatever else, is affecting our ability to function normally and live a fulfilling life.
Joan Rockwell
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oakton, VA 22124 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I have experience treating a broad range of issues including depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, relationship issues, life transition issues, work-related issues, stress management, self-esteem issues. I also work with co-occurring disorders and with couples who are struggling in their relationships due to addictive behaviors. When indicated, I work collaboratively with other therapists to maximize therapeutic benefits.
I have experience treating a broad range of issues including depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, relationship issues, life transition issues, work-related issues, stress management, self-esteem issues. I also work with co-occurring disorders and with couples who are struggling in their relationships due to addictive behaviors. When indicated, I work collaboratively with other therapists to maximize therapeutic benefits.
![Photo of Dr. Aaliyah Gibbons, PsyD, PSYPACT, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/74be9b14-eaca-4d78-b772-1dfa70f8fc4d/1/320x400.jpeg)
Are you struggling with trauma, PTSD, addiction, eating disorders, bipolar disorder, BPD, or grief? I am here to help clients work through significant life stressors and emotional experiences. Even in the most difficult of circumstances, I try to help my clients find hope and learn the skills necessary to create a life they truly enjoy. My ideal client will appreciate an honest, direct approach that also emphasizes humor and creativity for a truly unique therapy experience.
Are you struggling with trauma, PTSD, addiction, eating disorders, bipolar disorder, BPD, or grief? I am here to help clients work through significant life stressors and emotional experiences. Even in the most difficult of circumstances, I try to help my clients find hope and learn the skills necessary to create a life they truly enjoy. My ideal client will appreciate an honest, direct approach that also emphasizes humor and creativity for a truly unique therapy experience.
![Photo of Melissa Wooden, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/54936739-c8a0-41d7-896a-863cff351910/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) that hold a Master of Arts Degree in Professional Counseling from Liberty University. I have over ten years of experience working with clients that display a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, substance addiction, Bipolar disorder, Schizophrenia, low self-esteem, mood disorder, career challenges, eating disorders, and poor self-image. My counseling style is warm, collaborative, non-judgmental, and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) that hold a Master of Arts Degree in Professional Counseling from Liberty University. I have over ten years of experience working with clients that display a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, substance addiction, Bipolar disorder, Schizophrenia, low self-esteem, mood disorder, career challenges, eating disorders, and poor self-image. My counseling style is warm, collaborative, non-judgmental, and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion.
![Photo of Victoria Yeboah, LMSW, LGSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cf2d1608-c06b-4772-9270-f4ece0d8582d/1/320x400.jpeg)
Victoria Yeboah
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, LGSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
McLean, VA 22101 (Online Only)
I support adults and teens navigating exploring or accepting a self-identity, sadness, worry, chronic illness, concentration or procrastination, adjustment to changes in family structure, career or school elated stressors, life transitions, family-of-origin relationship, caretaker stress, codependency and more. Together we will identify some of your strengths and leverage them toward change. We'll process past or ongoing experiences that cause or maintain anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, ADHD, ASD and more. We'll collaboratively identify appropriate strategies to alleviate or eliminate these difficulties and symptoms.
I support adults and teens navigating exploring or accepting a self-identity, sadness, worry, chronic illness, concentration or procrastination, adjustment to changes in family structure, career or school elated stressors, life transitions, family-of-origin relationship, caretaker stress, codependency and more. Together we will identify some of your strengths and leverage them toward change. We'll process past or ongoing experiences that cause or maintain anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, ADHD, ASD and more. We'll collaboratively identify appropriate strategies to alleviate or eliminate these difficulties and symptoms.
![Photo of Deborah Walker, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bb434665-e616-43db-b57d-fc76ce49c279/1/320x400.jpeg)
With empathy and understanding, I can help my clients through life's challenges. I believe in the individual having the capacity for change within themselves and we can uncover that together. Mental Health diagnosis I have worked with include depression, anxiety, bipolar, PTSD, LGBTQIA, trauma treatment, personality disorders and schizophrenia. Treatment approaches include DBT, CBT, person centered and mindfulness.
With empathy and understanding, I can help my clients through life's challenges. I believe in the individual having the capacity for change within themselves and we can uncover that together. Mental Health diagnosis I have worked with include depression, anxiety, bipolar, PTSD, LGBTQIA, trauma treatment, personality disorders and schizophrenia. Treatment approaches include DBT, CBT, person centered and mindfulness.
![Photo of Victoria Marszalek, LCSW, MTS, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/44f02003-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Victoria Marszalek
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MTS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Herndon, VA 20170
This is a hard time. Sometimes we get stuck and need someone outside of our circle to help us figure things out. I help people to more deeply understand and change negative or addictive behaviors that are dramatically impacting their lives. Relationships can be so complicated, and trying to find different ways to communicate can feel like a mystery. I work with people struggling with all types of addictions, depression, anxiety, bipolar, and relationship issues. I provide a safe, nonjudgmental, compassionate environment where we will work together to explore areas that are causing pain, and we will find new ways to cope.
This is a hard time. Sometimes we get stuck and need someone outside of our circle to help us figure things out. I help people to more deeply understand and change negative or addictive behaviors that are dramatically impacting their lives. Relationships can be so complicated, and trying to find different ways to communicate can feel like a mystery. I work with people struggling with all types of addictions, depression, anxiety, bipolar, and relationship issues. I provide a safe, nonjudgmental, compassionate environment where we will work together to explore areas that are causing pain, and we will find new ways to cope.
![Photo of Robert Phillips, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2dfb5a62-9d79-4206-ba33-d25b0c9413e4/1/320x400.png)
My experiences are with adults suffering from substance use, anxiety disorders, bipolar, schizophrenia disorders, anger issues, children and adults suffering from ADHD, and autism spectrum.
My name is Robert Phillips. I hold an LPC license from the state of Virginia and am a Certified Substance Abuse Professional with CSAC - A certificate. My approach is to build a strong therapeutic relationship, stay focused on the client in the present moment without judgment, help people gain skills and tools for managing complicated situations, and encourage a spirit of openness, curiosity, and acceptance to help individuals understand they can choose to respond rationally and control behaviors
My experiences are with adults suffering from substance use, anxiety disorders, bipolar, schizophrenia disorders, anger issues, children and adults suffering from ADHD, and autism spectrum.
My name is Robert Phillips. I hold an LPC license from the state of Virginia and am a Certified Substance Abuse Professional with CSAC - A certificate. My approach is to build a strong therapeutic relationship, stay focused on the client in the present moment without judgment, help people gain skills and tools for managing complicated situations, and encourage a spirit of openness, curiosity, and acceptance to help individuals understand they can choose to respond rationally and control behaviors
![Photo of Alexandra Roth, LCSW, ACSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/43caf393-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Through over twenty-five years experience with diagnoses like bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, depression, and OCD I have developed a client-centered and collaborative style.
What I'm especially good at is helping people get clarity about their relationships and their boundaries. This means I work well with individuals in difficult marriages, children and parents trying to establish adult bonds, codependent people, and with anyone who wants warmer, happier, more peaceful interactions in their life. If you can't figure out why your relationships go off the rails, I can help. I like to work with adults, teens and parents, couples, minor-attracted persons (pedophiles), LGBTQ folks and people who don't know why they feel bad.
Through over twenty-five years experience with diagnoses like bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, depression, and OCD I have developed a client-centered and collaborative style.
What I'm especially good at is helping people get clarity about their relationships and their boundaries. This means I work well with individuals in difficult marriages, children and parents trying to establish adult bonds, codependent people, and with anyone who wants warmer, happier, more peaceful interactions in their life. If you can't figure out why your relationships go off the rails, I can help. I like to work with adults, teens and parents, couples, minor-attracted persons (pedophiles), LGBTQ folks and people who don't know why they feel bad.
See more therapy options for Fairfax County
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.