Bipolar Disorder Therapists in Powhatan, VA
![Photo of Wendy Couch, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d90af90-53ba-4554-a68a-ca43b69e4db1/2/320x400.jpeg)
Wendy Couch is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who has over 8 years of clinical experience. She works with young adults, adults, and geriatrics and has experience working in a variety of clinical settings including community mental health and the VA Department of Corrections. Wendy has worked with individuals who have depression, bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety, substance, and alcohol use disorders. She also has experience working with individuals experiencing major life transitions including divorce, occupational changes, grief, and stress.
Wendy Couch is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who has over 8 years of clinical experience. She works with young adults, adults, and geriatrics and has experience working in a variety of clinical settings including community mental health and the VA Department of Corrections. Wendy has worked with individuals who have depression, bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety, substance, and alcohol use disorders. She also has experience working with individuals experiencing major life transitions including divorce, occupational changes, grief, and stress.
![Photo of Alyssa Shadbolt, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2a29542a-9886-454a-b742-27ad5ac3999e/1/320x400.jpeg)
Alyssa Shadbolt is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Virginia who has been practicing since 2018. She has a Masters in Clinical Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University. Alyssa provides strengths-based therapy based on positive psychology to assist clientele with identifying concerns and working as a team to find solutions. Alyssa's favorite thing is spending time with family (including pets), watching TV, doing arts and crafts, and relaxing.
Alyssa Shadbolt is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Virginia who has been practicing since 2018. She has a Masters in Clinical Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University. Alyssa provides strengths-based therapy based on positive psychology to assist clientele with identifying concerns and working as a team to find solutions. Alyssa's favorite thing is spending time with family (including pets), watching TV, doing arts and crafts, and relaxing.
![Photo of Tiera Stevens, MSW, LMSW](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6f557e70-667c-4c42-8ccd-3b226c143898/1/320x400.jpeg)
Tiera Stevens, Supervisee in Clinical Social Work (SCSW), is a dedicated and supportive behavioral health provider specializing in adolescent and adult mental health. Tiera’s clinical passion lies in providing compassionate, personalized counseling services to individuals of all ages; moreover, Tiera is deeply invested in supporting and helping clients navigate through their mental health journeys. She believes in the transformative power of therapeutic relationships and is dedicated to "Graciously Healing Generations," and striving to deliver the highest quality of care to every individual.
Tiera Stevens, Supervisee in Clinical Social Work (SCSW), is a dedicated and supportive behavioral health provider specializing in adolescent and adult mental health. Tiera’s clinical passion lies in providing compassionate, personalized counseling services to individuals of all ages; moreover, Tiera is deeply invested in supporting and helping clients navigate through their mental health journeys. She believes in the transformative power of therapeutic relationships and is dedicated to "Graciously Healing Generations," and striving to deliver the highest quality of care to every individual.
![Photo of Jane Kudlas, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/face7d1d-d607-46a5-bc0c-3a21b19cfbb2/2/320x400.png)
Jane Kudlas, Ph.D. is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in the State of Virginia and a Member of the American Psychological Association. Dr. Kudlas has over 25 years of experience working as a mental health provider in inpatient, school-based, and outpatient settings. She completed her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University following a clinical internship at the Medical University of South Carolina.
Jane Kudlas, Ph.D. is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in the State of Virginia and a Member of the American Psychological Association. Dr. Kudlas has over 25 years of experience working as a mental health provider in inpatient, school-based, and outpatient settings. She completed her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University following a clinical internship at the Medical University of South Carolina.
![Photo of Shelia Williams, MDiv, LPC, LSATP, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0c2847b2-1eb9-48b6-8f8a-cd6c0c7ce10c/1/320x400.jpeg)
Shelia Williams
Licensed Professional Counselor, MDiv, LPC, LSATP
Verified Verified
Powhatan, VA 23139
Shelia E. Williams is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Substance Abuse Professional, who has been practicing since 2005. She graduated from Liberty University with a Master of Arts degree in Professional Counseling. Shelia believes in an eclectic approach which meets a person where they are. In addition she believes in understanding each client as a unique person with their own particular problems and then selecting research-based techniques from across different types of therapy in order to help that client grow in a personally meaningful way.
Shelia E. Williams is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Substance Abuse Professional, who has been practicing since 2005. She graduated from Liberty University with a Master of Arts degree in Professional Counseling. Shelia believes in an eclectic approach which meets a person where they are. In addition she believes in understanding each client as a unique person with their own particular problems and then selecting research-based techniques from across different types of therapy in order to help that client grow in a personally meaningful way.
![Photo of Kimberly Warner, LCSW, CSAC-S, ADHDCCP, EMDRIA, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/564fa371-8db7-4353-a20b-69cdef9325d1/2/320x400.jpeg)
Kimberly Warner
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CSAC-S, ADHDCCP, EMDRIA
Verified Verified
Powhatan, VA 23139
Kimberly Warner is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker-Supervisory and a Credentialed Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC)-Supervisory, in the states: Virginia and New York. She has 13+ years of experience as a mental health, trauma, and chemical dependency therapist, and 6 years of Clinical Supervision & Director experience. Kim is credentialed in various evidence based therapeutic modules related to those dealing with trauma/adversities.
Kimberly Warner is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker-Supervisory and a Credentialed Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC)-Supervisory, in the states: Virginia and New York. She has 13+ years of experience as a mental health, trauma, and chemical dependency therapist, and 6 years of Clinical Supervision & Director experience. Kim is credentialed in various evidence based therapeutic modules related to those dealing with trauma/adversities.
![Photo of Earl W Allen - Family and Children Counseling , MA, MDiv, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9a9733b1-1383-4061-840c-6537eb18055a/4/320x400.jpeg)
Family and Children Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, MDiv
Verified Verified
Powhatan, VA 23139
You, your family, and your children matter to many people. Sometimes in our lives, it’s remarkable the happenings that we can't comprehend. This is why counseling can help anyone and everyone get a better understanding of their situation by receiving the correct type of treatment in order to move on with their lives. Mentalities do not have to hold us back for the rest of our lives. With the right tools and understanding of how to use them, and with God’s help, you can overcome all obstacles. My sole purpose is to help people get back into loving and caring relationships with one another and, with self-care, have fun and enjoy life!
You, your family, and your children matter to many people. Sometimes in our lives, it’s remarkable the happenings that we can't comprehend. This is why counseling can help anyone and everyone get a better understanding of their situation by receiving the correct type of treatment in order to move on with their lives. Mentalities do not have to hold us back for the rest of our lives. With the right tools and understanding of how to use them, and with God’s help, you can overcome all obstacles. My sole purpose is to help people get back into loving and caring relationships with one another and, with self-care, have fun and enjoy life!
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Alix Price, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/52c06898-3d19-4b04-b2b6-e6f9ca276f19/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Alexandra ("Alix") Price is a clinical psychologist who has more than 16 years of experience assessing and treating various mental health diagnoses. She believes in holistic recovery and is particularly passionate about the importance of connection within the therapy relationship. Dr. Price works with adults who are struggling with adjustment disorders, depression, bipolar disorders, anxiety disorders, borderline personality disorder, grief, life transition problems, women's issues, stress management, and much more.
Dr. Alexandra ("Alix") Price is a clinical psychologist who has more than 16 years of experience assessing and treating various mental health diagnoses. She believes in holistic recovery and is particularly passionate about the importance of connection within the therapy relationship. Dr. Price works with adults who are struggling with adjustment disorders, depression, bipolar disorders, anxiety disorders, borderline personality disorder, grief, life transition problems, women's issues, stress management, and much more.
![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 Thea Green, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8c5e11f1-97f9-44aa-b91d-25f22986d4d5/3/320x400.jpeg)
Thea Green is a Licensed Professional Counselor with almost 20 years of experience, specializing in depression, anxiety, spiritual issues, cultural issues, LGBTQ, and trauma-informed care. She works well with teenagers, parents, women, women of color (women’s issues), and members of the LGBTQ community. Thea received a Master of Arts in Counseling from Michigan State University and a Ph.D. in Pastoral Counseling from Loyola University, Maryland.
Thea Green is a Licensed Professional Counselor with almost 20 years of experience, specializing in depression, anxiety, spiritual issues, cultural issues, LGBTQ, and trauma-informed care. She works well with teenagers, parents, women, women of color (women’s issues), and members of the LGBTQ community. Thea received a Master of Arts in Counseling from Michigan State University and a Ph.D. in Pastoral Counseling from Loyola University, Maryland.
![Photo of Lainie Hinnant, MSSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c1b480b-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/5/320x400.jpeg)
Lainie Hinnant
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Midlothian, VA 23113 (Online Only)
My practice offers a safe and supportive environment in which to work through life's challenging issues, shift thoughts, feelings, behaviors and resolve relationship difficulties. It can be difficult to reach out for help, whether for anxiety, depression, relationships, addictions, sexual issues/trauma, and difficult life transitions. I will help you gain the knowledge, insight and tools you need to reclaim your life, your relationships and reach your full potential. Our work together will facilitate your personal growth, increase your self-esteem, and set you on a path to reach your personal goals, deepen relationships, and come into the fullness of your life.
My practice offers a safe and supportive environment in which to work through life's challenging issues, shift thoughts, feelings, behaviors and resolve relationship difficulties. It can be difficult to reach out for help, whether for anxiety, depression, relationships, addictions, sexual issues/trauma, and difficult life transitions. I will help you gain the knowledge, insight and tools you need to reclaim your life, your relationships and reach your full potential. Our work together will facilitate your personal growth, increase your self-esteem, and set you on a path to reach your personal goals, deepen relationships, and come into the fullness of your life.
![Photo of Shannon Fowler, LCP, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/48c9127a-ec9e-4ee4-9122-734e736bf1c8/1/320x400.png)
I am Shannon Fowler. I have a PhD in clinical psychology. I try to approach therapy as a collaborative process with each person. I also try to create an environment that is safe and respectful. I have experience entreating many different types of mental health concerns like depression, anxiety, trauma, and eating disorders. I also have experience helping with behavior change around medical issues like diabetes, obesity, chronic pain, etc.
I am Shannon Fowler. I have a PhD in clinical psychology. I try to approach therapy as a collaborative process with each person. I also try to create an environment that is safe and respectful. I have experience entreating many different types of mental health concerns like depression, anxiety, trauma, and eating disorders. I also have experience helping with behavior change around medical issues like diabetes, obesity, chronic pain, etc.
![Photo of Lara Sharp Finnie, LPC, MA, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d6663fe9-6f52-4cee-9900-3eb9c9afe4bf/1/320x400.jpeg)
Lara Sharp Finnie
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MA, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Goochland, VA 23063
"Worried Well" describes those who are dealing with life the best they can in spite of anxious thoughts, depressed moods, overwhelming stress, or grieving. Juggling demands of work and home, struggling with relationships or divorce or a loved one's addiction, or experiencing significant losses can make anyone doubt life will get better. Some feel guilty or selfish for experiencing these thoughts and feelings. Many question God or harbor anger and resentment toward others. Some are simply numb and can no longer find joy in the journey. You are not alone!
"Worried Well" describes those who are dealing with life the best they can in spite of anxious thoughts, depressed moods, overwhelming stress, or grieving. Juggling demands of work and home, struggling with relationships or divorce or a loved one's addiction, or experiencing significant losses can make anyone doubt life will get better. Some feel guilty or selfish for experiencing these thoughts and feelings. Many question God or harbor anger and resentment toward others. Some are simply numb and can no longer find joy in the journey. You are not alone!
Online Therapists
![Photo of Tredella Hall, LPC, NCC, LSATP, CCATP, CCTP, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/aac6d2b7-c7b9-49db-95b1-ee298ec71179/1/320x400.png)
Tredella Hall
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC, LSATP, CCATP, CCTP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chesapeake, VA 23321
My areas of specialty include: depression, anxiety, behavioral problems, healthy relationships, life transitions, stress management, substance abuse, trauma, and bipolar disorder.
As a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Substance Abuse Treatment Provider, my goal is to assist you in enhancing your overall ability to cope with stressors, increase self-awareness, and enhance resiliency. By utilizing an integrated approach we will work together as I aide you in establishing and maintaining relationships, utilizing refusal and coping skills in an effort to elicit behavioral change. "The secret to change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new". -Dan Millman
My areas of specialty include: depression, anxiety, behavioral problems, healthy relationships, life transitions, stress management, substance abuse, trauma, and bipolar disorder.
As a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Substance Abuse Treatment Provider, my goal is to assist you in enhancing your overall ability to cope with stressors, increase self-awareness, and enhance resiliency. By utilizing an integrated approach we will work together as I aide you in establishing and maintaining relationships, utilizing refusal and coping skills in an effort to elicit behavioral change. "The secret to change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new". -Dan Millman
![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 Sally Jane Glowicki, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e34452fb-c260-40fe-b6ac-a66fa2d53c39/1/320x400.jpeg)
Sally has been practicing as a licensed therapist and has worked in the mental health field for 25+ years. She has a wide range of experience and has treated a broad spectrum of populations in counseling groups, individuals and couples. Her areas of practice include working with individuals that have bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, PTSD, OCD, borderline personality disorder. Sally specializes in dialectical behavior therapy, and also incorporates interpersonal and cognitive behavioral therapies into treatment.
Sally has been practicing as a licensed therapist and has worked in the mental health field for 25+ years. She has a wide range of experience and has treated a broad spectrum of populations in counseling groups, individuals and couples. Her areas of practice include working with individuals that have bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, PTSD, OCD, borderline personality disorder. Sally specializes in dialectical behavior therapy, and also incorporates interpersonal and cognitive behavioral therapies into treatment.
![Photo of Adrienne Harding - Adrienne Harding, MA, LPC — Optimal Wellness, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/66900496-5d59-4e7c-9e3f-c069b0b4724a/1/320x400.png)
Adrienne Harding, MA, LPC — Optimal Wellness
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Alexandria, VA 22314
Are you stuck? Do you or your teenager need support recovering from addiction? Are depression, anxiety, or poor self-image keeping you stuck in life? Have you been diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder (BPD), schizophrenia, or other mental health challenges? Have you experienced traumatic events in childhood or in your adult life? In therapy, we will draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and other treatment modalities to support you in developing effective coping skills. We can work on resolving trauma and defusing other factors that may be powering your difficulties. Contact me today. I am looking forward to hearing your story.
Are you stuck? Do you or your teenager need support recovering from addiction? Are depression, anxiety, or poor self-image keeping you stuck in life? Have you been diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder (BPD), schizophrenia, or other mental health challenges? Have you experienced traumatic events in childhood or in your adult life? In therapy, we will draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and other treatment modalities to support you in developing effective coping skills. We can work on resolving trauma and defusing other factors that may be powering your difficulties. Contact me today. I am looking forward to hearing your story.
![Photo of Amir Cotton, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c5a3fcfe-0b55-4a10-95eb-a1b3ec856931/2/320x400.png)
Hello there,My name is Amir Cotton, and I’m one of the counselors at Breakthrough Counselling LLC. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Licensed Substance Abuse Treatment Practitioner in the state of Virginia. I am also a National Certified Counselor, a Certified Clinical Mental Counselor, and a Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor. I also have a Master’s Degree in Professional Counseling and over 12 years of experience working in the mental health field. I have experience treating depression, anxiety, PTSD, trauma, addiction, bipolar, and adjustment disorders.
Hello there,My name is Amir Cotton, and I’m one of the counselors at Breakthrough Counselling LLC. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Licensed Substance Abuse Treatment Practitioner in the state of Virginia. I am also a National Certified Counselor, a Certified Clinical Mental Counselor, and a Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor. I also have a Master’s Degree in Professional Counseling and over 12 years of experience working in the mental health field. I have experience treating depression, anxiety, PTSD, trauma, addiction, bipolar, and adjustment disorders.
![Photo of Derrick Stevens, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/527c1c06-7d86-46d0-ba2c-c7dc8e163e1b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Derrick Stevens
Licensed Professional Counselor
Verified Verified
Alexandria, VA 22304 (Online Only)
mental health diagnoses such as PTSD, bipolar, depression and anxiety.
I have had the pleasure to assist many individuals and families find the happiness and harmony they are seeking. I have also had the honor to provide guidance and support to clients navigating some of the hardest experiences in their lives. Greetings, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 30 years of experience working with individuals, couples and families. I frequently assist people navigating complex life situations, couples counseling, separation and divorce, blended family issues and major
mental health diagnoses such as PTSD, bipolar, depression and anxiety.
I have had the pleasure to assist many individuals and families find the happiness and harmony they are seeking. I have also had the honor to provide guidance and support to clients navigating some of the hardest experiences in their lives. Greetings, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 30 years of experience working with individuals, couples and families. I frequently assist people navigating complex life situations, couples counseling, separation and divorce, blended family issues and major
![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.
See more therapy options for Powhatan
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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.