Bipolar Disorder Therapists in Bellevue, WA
![Photo of Mary West Brandenburg, MA, LMHC, NCC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/42aba3b8-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Mary West Brandenburg
Counselor, MA, LMHC, NCC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Bellevue, WA 98005 (Online Only)
I am well acquainted with the issues of depression/bipolar, anxieties and fears, obsessive compulsive disorder, sexual abuse, healthy sexuality, LGBTQ issues, empty nest, life transitions, grief and loss, recovery, addiction and the brain, codependency, cancer (survivor!), inner child work, conflict and communication issues, divorce, blended and intact families.
When I was a girl there was no one to tell my deepest darkest secrets. My life's work is to be a trusted, healing person to those in pain. My therapy room is many things: a confessional, a delivery room, a crucible, a place of radical honesty with a whole lot of grace. Most of all it is a safe place for you to tell your story, to find strength and hope, to cry, and to heal. I embrace a holistic approach which considers your spirit, mind, body, & community.
I am well acquainted with the issues of depression/bipolar, anxieties and fears, obsessive compulsive disorder, sexual abuse, healthy sexuality, LGBTQ issues, empty nest, life transitions, grief and loss, recovery, addiction and the brain, codependency, cancer (survivor!), inner child work, conflict and communication issues, divorce, blended and intact families.
When I was a girl there was no one to tell my deepest darkest secrets. My life's work is to be a trusted, healing person to those in pain. My therapy room is many things: a confessional, a delivery room, a crucible, a place of radical honesty with a whole lot of grace. Most of all it is a safe place for you to tell your story, to find strength and hope, to cry, and to heal. I embrace a holistic approach which considers your spirit, mind, body, & community.
![Photo of Shar Kunovsky, JD, MA, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/87100376-c605-480d-8cc4-2bae353e6635/2/320x400.jpeg)
Using clear, measurable goals along with practical skills development, I diagnose and treat an array of issues: Life Transitions, Anxiety, Depression, Grief and Loss, Bipolar I & II, Mood Swings, Perfectionism, PTSD, Relationship issues, Career/Job issues, Work/Life Balance, Self Esteem, Stress and Stress-Related issues, and Trauma.
**NEW CLIENTS - Please email me** No one deserves to live in pain. For therapy to work, you need three things: curiosity about yourself and your interactions with others, an authentic connection with your therapist, and concrete, practical tools and skills to promote real and lasting change. My job is to facilitate an understanding of what is causing you pain and getting in your way of creating your best life. As your therapist, I don’t “just listen.” I use an integrative approach, combining several modalities to create the most effective treatment for each client. I practice remote therapy with individual adults.
Using clear, measurable goals along with practical skills development, I diagnose and treat an array of issues: Life Transitions, Anxiety, Depression, Grief and Loss, Bipolar I & II, Mood Swings, Perfectionism, PTSD, Relationship issues, Career/Job issues, Work/Life Balance, Self Esteem, Stress and Stress-Related issues, and Trauma.
**NEW CLIENTS - Please email me** No one deserves to live in pain. For therapy to work, you need three things: curiosity about yourself and your interactions with others, an authentic connection with your therapist, and concrete, practical tools and skills to promote real and lasting change. My job is to facilitate an understanding of what is causing you pain and getting in your way of creating your best life. As your therapist, I don’t “just listen.” I use an integrative approach, combining several modalities to create the most effective treatment for each client. I practice remote therapy with individual adults.
![Photo of Niloufar Amirmoezi, LMFTA, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5947806f-9cd6-494e-9dcb-851dd646424d/2/320x400.jpeg)
Niloufar Amirmoezi
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, LMFTA, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bellevue, WA 98004
My areas of expertise include: family conflicts, anxiety, depression, OCD,PTSD,Bipolar Disorder, TS(transgender),LGBT,Women's issues and childhood traumas.
My interest for this job stems from my spiritual artistic insight and the love of helping human beings. I hope to give my clients a comfort environment by being culturally respectful and providing a non-judgmental atmosphere in which you can examine and clarify the issues that concern you in your life.
My areas of expertise include: family conflicts, anxiety, depression, OCD,PTSD,Bipolar Disorder, TS(transgender),LGBT,Women's issues and childhood traumas.
My interest for this job stems from my spiritual artistic insight and the love of helping human beings. I hope to give my clients a comfort environment by being culturally respectful and providing a non-judgmental atmosphere in which you can examine and clarify the issues that concern you in your life.
![Photo of Whitnee Chavez, MA, LMHC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9c44f914-e1e2-4159-b552-92478e1187c7/3/320x400.jpeg)
Whitnee Chavez
Licensed Mental Health Counselor , MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
Bellevue, WA 98004 (Online Only)
Changing your life for the better is rewarding and possible! You most likely came here looking for emotional and practical support and tools. I am here to work with you. Together, we can work on your individual wants and needs, life transitions, and social dynamics. I work with adults, teens 15+, and diverse and fluid families. My focus is mainly anxiety, depression, bipolar 1 & 2, ADHD, and PTSD/ trauma.
Changing your life for the better is rewarding and possible! You most likely came here looking for emotional and practical support and tools. I am here to work with you. Together, we can work on your individual wants and needs, life transitions, and social dynamics. I work with adults, teens 15+, and diverse and fluid families. My focus is mainly anxiety, depression, bipolar 1 & 2, ADHD, and PTSD/ trauma.
![Photo of Steven Kubacki, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4ba573cb-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I have been providing psychotherapy and consulting services since 1993 for adults, adolescents, children, couples, and families. My practice is quite diverse and involves the following services: (1) Treatment of PTSD, trauma, bereavement, relationship issues, depression, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, borderline disorder, ADHD, bipolar, conduct disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and Asperger’s. (2) Treatment of chronic pain, quality of life issues, and psychology problems due to debilitating or acute illnesses, such as cancer and auto-immune diseases. (3) Personal growth, spiritual development, and wellness counseling. (4) Sports psychology to improve performance and motivation. (5) Cognitive, personality, learning, and pre-surgical assessments.
I have been providing psychotherapy and consulting services since 1993 for adults, adolescents, children, couples, and families. My practice is quite diverse and involves the following services: (1) Treatment of PTSD, trauma, bereavement, relationship issues, depression, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, borderline disorder, ADHD, bipolar, conduct disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and Asperger’s. (2) Treatment of chronic pain, quality of life issues, and psychology problems due to debilitating or acute illnesses, such as cancer and auto-immune diseases. (3) Personal growth, spiritual development, and wellness counseling. (4) Sports psychology to improve performance and motivation. (5) Cognitive, personality, learning, and pre-surgical assessments.
![Photo of Belen Martinez (Enlighten Psychology), PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/001811a2-864f-4051-b691-17f8036f60b8/2/320x400.jpeg)
Belen Martinez (Enlighten Psychology)
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Bellevue, WA 98006 (Online Only)
Clinical areas of interests include depression, anxiety, relationship issues, maternal mental health, bipolar disorder, self-esteem issues, trauma and abuse, stress, life transitions, and grief/loss.
Belen Martinez, Psy.D. is a licensed clinical psychologist who has extensive experience providing English and Spanish individual psychotherapy to adolescents and adults of all ages. She works with individuals from diverse populations and cultures, with a wide range of concerns. Dr. Martinez’ approach to therapy is collaborative, authentic, empathic, active and caring. She integrates empirically driven methods, including dynamic psychotherapy, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) , cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and relational frameworks, with a highly personalized approach.
Clinical areas of interests include depression, anxiety, relationship issues, maternal mental health, bipolar disorder, self-esteem issues, trauma and abuse, stress, life transitions, and grief/loss.
Belen Martinez, Psy.D. is a licensed clinical psychologist who has extensive experience providing English and Spanish individual psychotherapy to adolescents and adults of all ages. She works with individuals from diverse populations and cultures, with a wide range of concerns. Dr. Martinez’ approach to therapy is collaborative, authentic, empathic, active and caring. She integrates empirically driven methods, including dynamic psychotherapy, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) , cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and relational frameworks, with a highly personalized approach.
![Photo of Vicki Skelton - Centered Mind Counseling Services, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ac2e3843-9b3a-42bb-ba74-c90171304258/2/320x400.jpeg)
Vicki Skelton - Centered Mind Counseling Services
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Bellevue, WA 98005 (Online Only)
I enjoy working with adolescents, teens and adults and couples struggling with depression, bipolar, anxiety, disordered eating, relationship issues, and adjustment to life transitions. I’ve worked in the middle and high-school settings, helping adolescents and teens address issues of low self-esteem, stress and anxiety, lack of academic motivation, bullying, peer pressure, anger management, and family problems. Having had personal experience with infertility, I have a passion for working with those struggling in this area, helping them with the feelings of frustration, stress, loss and relationship challenges.
I enjoy working with adolescents, teens and adults and couples struggling with depression, bipolar, anxiety, disordered eating, relationship issues, and adjustment to life transitions. I’ve worked in the middle and high-school settings, helping adolescents and teens address issues of low self-esteem, stress and anxiety, lack of academic motivation, bullying, peer pressure, anger management, and family problems. Having had personal experience with infertility, I have a passion for working with those struggling in this area, helping them with the feelings of frustration, stress, loss and relationship challenges.
![Photo of Carly Claney - Relational Psych, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d517a02-8105-4dfc-bfda-b64e7cd4ef2a/1/320x400.png)
Our clients are high achieving millennials, identity-developing gen-zers, people in transition, and people who think deeply about themselves and their growth. Our clients are asking: Why do my emotions feel so out of hand? How do I understand my relational patterns? How is my experience of trauma showing up in my every day life? Do I have ADHD? Do I have bipolar? Am I on the right medication? Should I take a break from work? How do I manage difficult relationships?
Our clients are high achieving millennials, identity-developing gen-zers, people in transition, and people who think deeply about themselves and their growth. Our clients are asking: Why do my emotions feel so out of hand? How do I understand my relational patterns? How is my experience of trauma showing up in my every day life? Do I have ADHD? Do I have bipolar? Am I on the right medication? Should I take a break from work? How do I manage difficult relationships?
![Photo of Jenn Hornbeck, MSW, LSWAIC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bb9da5c4-b1ef-4027-b7d1-63720cb41e82/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jenn Hornbeck
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LSWAIC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bellevue, WA 98005 (Online Only)
I also have experience in helping individuals address a wide array of issues and concerns including depression, anxiety, trauma including PTSD, bipolar disorder, stress management, and relationship conflicts.
Your needs and challenges are unique to you and I am here to help support you in finding a pathway to healing. My approach to therapy is strengths-based and maintains that each person is the expert on their own lives. I use a trauma-informed approach to assess the individual needs of each person I work with. Additionally, I utilize the person-in-environment theory, which emphasizes that one’s environment plays a crucial role in their mental health and overall wellbeing. I will share with you the tools you need to succeed and provide you with support along the way.
I also have experience in helping individuals address a wide array of issues and concerns including depression, anxiety, trauma including PTSD, bipolar disorder, stress management, and relationship conflicts.
Your needs and challenges are unique to you and I am here to help support you in finding a pathway to healing. My approach to therapy is strengths-based and maintains that each person is the expert on their own lives. I use a trauma-informed approach to assess the individual needs of each person I work with. Additionally, I utilize the person-in-environment theory, which emphasizes that one’s environment plays a crucial role in their mental health and overall wellbeing. I will share with you the tools you need to succeed and provide you with support along the way.
![Photo of Swati Gupta, MS, LMHC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8203a737-fd51-4773-838e-23d04a78df89/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a licensed mental health clinician with over 4 years of experience, I specialize in working with teens and adults. I am a bilingual therapist who had the privilege to work with clients from diverse cultures and backgrounds. Currently, I offer virtual therapy and support for a wide range of mental health challenges, including but not limited to anxiety, depression, identity crisis, OCD, trauma, personality disorders, mood disorders, bipolar disorder, and more. By providing a safe and non-judgmental space, I strive to meet my clients where they are in the present moment, allowing us to work collaboratively towards their goals.
I am a licensed mental health clinician with over 4 years of experience, I specialize in working with teens and adults. I am a bilingual therapist who had the privilege to work with clients from diverse cultures and backgrounds. Currently, I offer virtual therapy and support for a wide range of mental health challenges, including but not limited to anxiety, depression, identity crisis, OCD, trauma, personality disorders, mood disorders, bipolar disorder, and more. By providing a safe and non-judgmental space, I strive to meet my clients where they are in the present moment, allowing us to work collaboratively towards their goals.
![Photo of Ellie Lucas, MA, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f98b340b-0697-44f2-9efe-e656946b92f6/2/320x400.jpeg)
Ellie Lucas
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, LICSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Bellevue, WA 98004 (Online Only)
I believe that each person strives to feel contentment and become the best version of themselves. This can mean something different to each person, which is why I enjoy the diversity that each individual brings to therapy. It is exciting to watch the growth that individuals experience with some guidance and support. I specialize working with mood disorders & trauma. Trauma is any experience that has overwhelmed your ability to cope and has impacted how you now perceive yourself and the world around you. We can work together to heal and grow past previous experiences so that you can be the best version of yourself
I believe that each person strives to feel contentment and become the best version of themselves. This can mean something different to each person, which is why I enjoy the diversity that each individual brings to therapy. It is exciting to watch the growth that individuals experience with some guidance and support. I specialize working with mood disorders & trauma. Trauma is any experience that has overwhelmed your ability to cope and has impacted how you now perceive yourself and the world around you. We can work together to heal and grow past previous experiences so that you can be the best version of yourself
15 Second Videos
Shar Kunovsky
Relational Psych
Jenn Hornbeck
Paley Burlin
Teona Amble
Kennedy Sanchez
Janette Allred Howarth
Blue Rose Cooperative Care, LLC
Emily Mashburn
Therapy Lab Seattle
Katelynn Saunders-Kosta
Amanda Kern
Imei Hsu (Seattle Direct Counseling and Coaching)
Carefrontations
Stephanie Lee
Taj Brayboy
Celeste Carolin
Dr. Mitch and Lisa Marriages/Couples Workshops
Katie Sparrow
Zane W DeWitz
Tiffany Alexis Leal
Eleonora Frick
Seattle Neurocounseling
Audria Jaggers Riverside Therapy Center
Victoria Venturella
Christina Yranela
Caitlin Bergman
![Photo of Earline Lynn Anderson, MPH, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4c53e06f-63f8-4ba7-a2bc-84feadd492fd/2/320x400.jpeg)
Hi! Welcome! As a licensed psychologist I have had the opportunity to work with a very diversified group of clients. I believe there are unique strengths, aspirations, vulnerabilities, tendernesses, joys and heartbreaks in every person's life. It is my privilege to help people know and accept their authentic selves and become more mindful, loving, compassionate and nurturing toward themselves and others. I work with clients with more acute issues (anxiety, depression, life transitions) as well as long standing trauma, emotional pain or mental health concerns. I want clients to leave my office feeling understood and hopeful.
Hi! Welcome! As a licensed psychologist I have had the opportunity to work with a very diversified group of clients. I believe there are unique strengths, aspirations, vulnerabilities, tendernesses, joys and heartbreaks in every person's life. It is my privilege to help people know and accept their authentic selves and become more mindful, loving, compassionate and nurturing toward themselves and others. I work with clients with more acute issues (anxiety, depression, life transitions) as well as long standing trauma, emotional pain or mental health concerns. I want clients to leave my office feeling understood and hopeful.
![Photo of Skye Macrae, EdM, MA, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/baec81be-4e05-4b2a-a238-444f2251f8b5/2/320x400.jpeg)
I’m a systems-savvy, person-centered, radically affirming provider who excels at the intersection where clinical mental health disorders meet cultural and identity issues. I love to explore gender, sexuality, socioeconomic status, race, and everything else that makes you, YOU! I form deep therapy relationships with clients, and love to collaborate on a transparent, personal level. When I challenge you to grow, you’ll know I come from an earnest base of compassion, commitment, and care... I want to help individuals to feel fun, outrageous, and free, and to develop key understandings into their own psychology, preferences, and needs.
I’m a systems-savvy, person-centered, radically affirming provider who excels at the intersection where clinical mental health disorders meet cultural and identity issues. I love to explore gender, sexuality, socioeconomic status, race, and everything else that makes you, YOU! I form deep therapy relationships with clients, and love to collaborate on a transparent, personal level. When I challenge you to grow, you’ll know I come from an earnest base of compassion, commitment, and care... I want to help individuals to feel fun, outrageous, and free, and to develop key understandings into their own psychology, preferences, and needs.
![Photo of Chanel Ryssel, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/15c479fa-aa66-4f32-8e59-60ad46b53028/1/320x400.jpeg)
Chanel Ryssel
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bellevue, WA 98004 (Online Only)
I believe that healing begins with being heard. The therapeutic relationship allows me to witness and attune to your experiences with acceptance and positive regard. Together in practice, we can foster internal exploration that leads to supported change. My therapeutic approach is guided by a feminist, person-in-the-environment perspective. Real wellness is grounded by insight into one's personal story, and how the language, habits, and our personal reactions influence our well-being and internal state.
I believe that healing begins with being heard. The therapeutic relationship allows me to witness and attune to your experiences with acceptance and positive regard. Together in practice, we can foster internal exploration that leads to supported change. My therapeutic approach is guided by a feminist, person-in-the-environment perspective. Real wellness is grounded by insight into one's personal story, and how the language, habits, and our personal reactions influence our well-being and internal state.
![Photo of Meredith L Gilbert, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3ff6bf89-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
I work with adults age 25 and older who have issues related to binge eating, compulsive overeating, body image, and weight. Many of my patients are also experiencing depression and anxiety. We work together to identify and prioritize the problems you are experiencing and work toward finding realistic solutions. I consider myself a partner in your recovery.
I work with adults age 25 and older who have issues related to binge eating, compulsive overeating, body image, and weight. Many of my patients are also experiencing depression and anxiety. We work together to identify and prioritize the problems you are experiencing and work toward finding realistic solutions. I consider myself a partner in your recovery.
![Photo of Mamuna N Fuad, MCRC, MSHM, LMHCA](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/46320a06-2f89-40f7-a4a1-18618cbabba7/2/320x400.jpeg)
Mamuna N Fuad
Mental Health Counselor Associate, MCRC, MSHM, LMHCA
Verified Verified
Bellevue, WA 98004 (Online Only)
Welcome to my space, where the intricate tapestry of human existence unfolds. I'm deeply passionate about guiding individuals through the labyrinth of their inner world, helping them navigate challenges, and unraveling the hidden meanings within. With empathy as my guiding light and a holistic approach to therapy, I am committed to accompanying you on your journey of self-discovery and transformation. Together, we'll weave the threads of your life into a tapestry of resilience, wisdom, and authenticity.
Welcome to my space, where the intricate tapestry of human existence unfolds. I'm deeply passionate about guiding individuals through the labyrinth of their inner world, helping them navigate challenges, and unraveling the hidden meanings within. With empathy as my guiding light and a holistic approach to therapy, I am committed to accompanying you on your journey of self-discovery and transformation. Together, we'll weave the threads of your life into a tapestry of resilience, wisdom, and authenticity.
![Photo of Hannah Khablein - Traverse Therapy Services, MEd, LMHC, MHP, CMHS](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c860439d-1002-40e1-a253-06102fed7485/1/320x400.jpeg)
Traverse Therapy Services
Mental Health Counselor, MEd, LMHC, MHP, CMHS
Verified Verified
Bellevue, WA 98005
We are accepting new clients. My name is Hannah Khablein and I am a licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Washington. My clinical experience has consisted of folks across the life-span; working with individuals as well as family systems as they focus on anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and folks in general seeking space to explore their life and improve their overall wellness. At the core of my professional practice I believe that the client is the expert of their own life and I aim to take a holistic approach in meeting clients where they are at in their healing process.
We are accepting new clients. My name is Hannah Khablein and I am a licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Washington. My clinical experience has consisted of folks across the life-span; working with individuals as well as family systems as they focus on anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and folks in general seeking space to explore their life and improve their overall wellness. At the core of my professional practice I believe that the client is the expert of their own life and I aim to take a holistic approach in meeting clients where they are at in their healing process.
![Photo of Annabelle Ketchum, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a159bb18-4eca-498b-8884-41188c307631/2/320x400.jpeg)
*I am not currently taking new clients* My goal as a therapist is to help you understand the patterns of behavior and thinking that contribute to your overall mental health. Often, this starts with learning how to show kindness to yourself. With my clients I am warm, understanding, and celebratory of their accomplishments. Together, we will work to help define and achieve your goals.
*I am not currently taking new clients* My goal as a therapist is to help you understand the patterns of behavior and thinking that contribute to your overall mental health. Often, this starts with learning how to show kindness to yourself. With my clients I am warm, understanding, and celebratory of their accomplishments. Together, we will work to help define and achieve your goals.
![Photo of Paley Burlin, MA, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/74ae9ba4-f079-465f-9e1b-3b2eb0a89e04/2/320x400.png)
I specialize in helping men who struggle with isolation, feelings of anxiety and depression, blocks to intimacy, addiction to pornography, lack of male friends, a feeling of being lost or without a deep sense of purpose, or feeling numb and disconnected from life. As men, we are socialized to keep everything to ourselves, which makes it hard for us to admit when we're lonely and hurting and in need of support. Many of us grew up with fathers that were either absent, abusive, or detached from us emotionally, leaving us without a respectable model of masculinity and without much inspiration or direction in our lives.
I specialize in helping men who struggle with isolation, feelings of anxiety and depression, blocks to intimacy, addiction to pornography, lack of male friends, a feeling of being lost or without a deep sense of purpose, or feeling numb and disconnected from life. As men, we are socialized to keep everything to ourselves, which makes it hard for us to admit when we're lonely and hurting and in need of support. Many of us grew up with fathers that were either absent, abusive, or detached from us emotionally, leaving us without a respectable model of masculinity and without much inspiration or direction in our lives.
![Photo of Antonio Zuniga, LMHCA, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b6a9faf4-efc2-48c5-a7c7-2f5df4698408/3/320x400.jpeg)
We all find ourselves in stuck places in life. Whether it is an issue of grief, loss, addiction, anxiety, trauma, or other challenges I am here as a resource to help and care for individual adults looking for support. Individual therapy can help you understand your feelings and my role as a therapist is to support your goals in creating the life you want. Together we can determine the best tools for you in that journey.
We all find ourselves in stuck places in life. Whether it is an issue of grief, loss, addiction, anxiety, trauma, or other challenges I am here as a resource to help and care for individual adults looking for support. Individual therapy can help you understand your feelings and my role as a therapist is to support your goals in creating the life you want. Together we can determine the best tools for you in that journey.
See more therapy options for Bellevue
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.