Bipolar Disorder Therapists in Kirkland, WA
![Photo of Else Trygstad-Burke - Traverse Therapy Services, LMHCA, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/87e1aea4-aac4-486d-b2f5-26ecd94e1173/1/320x400.jpeg)
We're accepting new clients! My name is Else Trygstad-Burke, and I am a mental health therapist who works with children, teens, adults, families, and couples. I provide an open and non-judgmental space for clients of all backgrounds and identities, and I approach therapy from a collaborative and strengths-based perspective. I have experience working with a broad range of mental health concerns, including child behavioral issues, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorders, personality disorders, and disordered eating. As an athlete and former professional cellist, I also enjoy working with clients on issues of sport and performance.
We're accepting new clients! My name is Else Trygstad-Burke, and I am a mental health therapist who works with children, teens, adults, families, and couples. I provide an open and non-judgmental space for clients of all backgrounds and identities, and I approach therapy from a collaborative and strengths-based perspective. I have experience working with a broad range of mental health concerns, including child behavioral issues, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorders, personality disorders, and disordered eating. As an athlete and former professional cellist, I also enjoy working with clients on issues of sport and performance.
![Photo of Priscilla Bey - Priscilla Bey, MSW, LSWAIC, MSW, LSWAIC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/abeb72d5-d00e-475a-b6d4-df818290d438/1/320x400.jpeg)
Priscilla Bey, MSW, LSWAIC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LSWAIC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kirkland, WA 98033 (Online Only)
My specialties include service to all adults, elders, LGBTQ+, families, and teens who are struggling with anxiety, depression, PTSD, agoraphobia, substance use, and bipolar I and II.
The ability to communicate and reason are the attributes that set us apart from other species. Active listening is key to understanding and reaching a resolution to the personal barriers that render us as individuals and make us unique.
My specialties include service to all adults, elders, LGBTQ+, families, and teens who are struggling with anxiety, depression, PTSD, agoraphobia, substance use, and bipolar I and II.
The ability to communicate and reason are the attributes that set us apart from other species. Active listening is key to understanding and reaching a resolution to the personal barriers that render us as individuals and make us unique.
![Photo of Misty DeClark, MS, LMFT, CMHS, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c908819-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/7/320x400.jpeg)
As a marriage and family therapist, I use behavioral, narrative and bowenian techniques as I work with adults, children, and adolescents dealing with issues including codependency, marital/family conflict, ADHD, bipolar, depression, oppositional defiant disorder, and anxiety.
Are you struggling with chaos, family conflict, anxiety, depression, or feelings that you have no way to get control of your life back? Are you looking for a way to begin moving forward again? You deserve a life without the of cycle of problems, reactions, and pain. I would love to help you find that life. I believe that therapy is a collaborative process that respects and involves the client, adapting techniques to the needs of the individual. Whether you are dealing with divorce, mental illness, or a rough patch in your life, I believe we can overcome it.
As a marriage and family therapist, I use behavioral, narrative and bowenian techniques as I work with adults, children, and adolescents dealing with issues including codependency, marital/family conflict, ADHD, bipolar, depression, oppositional defiant disorder, and anxiety.
Are you struggling with chaos, family conflict, anxiety, depression, or feelings that you have no way to get control of your life back? Are you looking for a way to begin moving forward again? You deserve a life without the of cycle of problems, reactions, and pain. I would love to help you find that life. I believe that therapy is a collaborative process that respects and involves the client, adapting techniques to the needs of the individual. Whether you are dealing with divorce, mental illness, or a rough patch in your life, I believe we can overcome it.
![Photo of Cheryl Stolz, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3de0da2a-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a Licensed Psychologist in the State of Washington. I have considerable experience working with many issues, in both brief and long-term therapy, including life transitions, stress, depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, abuse and trauma, disordered eating and body image, family and relationship issues, personality disorders, alcohol and drug issues, and thought disorders/schizophrenia. I have worked with people from diverse cultures and backgrounds including LGBTQ individuals.
I am a Licensed Psychologist in the State of Washington. I have considerable experience working with many issues, in both brief and long-term therapy, including life transitions, stress, depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, abuse and trauma, disordered eating and body image, family and relationship issues, personality disorders, alcohol and drug issues, and thought disorders/schizophrenia. I have worked with people from diverse cultures and backgrounds including LGBTQ individuals.
![Photo of Daniel Marks Salzer - Daniel M. Salzer, Ph.D., PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/42c2ab6c-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Daniel M. Salzer, Ph.D.
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kirkland, WA 98034
Waitlist for new clients
I specialize in assessment and solution-oriented psychological consultations with children, adolescents, and adults. My work is active, directive, pragmatic, & collaborative, focusing on meaningful and measurable behavioral change, clinical relevance, social validity, client satisfaction, and cost-effectiveness. I have expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorders & related conditions, behavioral challenges, Autism spectrum disorders & neurodiversity, bipolar spectrum disorders, depression and anxiety spectrum disorders, OCD, shyness, relational difficulties, and life transition challenges.
I specialize in assessment and solution-oriented psychological consultations with children, adolescents, and adults. My work is active, directive, pragmatic, & collaborative, focusing on meaningful and measurable behavioral change, clinical relevance, social validity, client satisfaction, and cost-effectiveness. I have expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorders & related conditions, behavioral challenges, Autism spectrum disorders & neurodiversity, bipolar spectrum disorders, depression and anxiety spectrum disorders, OCD, shyness, relational difficulties, and life transition challenges.
![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 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
Kirkland, WA 98033 (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 Jean Weng, MD, MA, LMHC, MS, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4c170657-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Jean Weng
Counselor, MD, MA, LMHC, MS
Verified Verified
Kirkland, WA 98033 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I have been practicing psychotherapy in the Seattle area in the past 20 years, provided service to clients who have anxiety, depression, bipolar, schizoaffective disorder and other conditions such as social difficulties, parenting skills, and stress management. I am a WS state approved supervisor, training MA level counselor toward their LMHC license. 我善长焦虑,忧郁,创伤治疗,也帮助顾客解决人际关系,工作压力,夫妻关系,亲子关系相关的问题。 综合我的学历,专业知识结构,临床经验,人生阅历,我相信如果有华语顾客需要心理咨询,我将是你们的最佳人选。 我会用我的专业知识和素养,为您提供优质服务。
I have been practicing psychotherapy in the Seattle area in the past 20 years, provided service to clients who have anxiety, depression, bipolar, schizoaffective disorder and other conditions such as social difficulties, parenting skills, and stress management. I am a WS state approved supervisor, training MA level counselor toward their LMHC license. 我善长焦虑,忧郁,创伤治疗,也帮助顾客解决人际关系,工作压力,夫妻关系,亲子关系相关的问题。 综合我的学历,专业知识结构,临床经验,人生阅历,我相信如果有华语顾客需要心理咨询,我将是你们的最佳人选。 我会用我的专业知识和素养,为您提供优质服务。
![Photo of Elizabeth Silva, LSWAIC, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/05229781-895b-4f92-a326-768add959535/1/320x400.jpeg)
Elizabeth Silva
Pre-Licensed Professional, LSWAIC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kirkland, WA 98033 (Online Only)
What we control in life is limited to our own inner world. While trying to process and reconstruct the inner world, there are coping strategies that can help you through the process. We do influence those around us, but how we do is not up to us. Resilience is the top predictor of a contented and peaceful existence, in spite of the influence of past experiences, current situational factors, and real future prospects. I want to help people find and build their inner core. When we feel grounded, balanced, and aware of the human chemistry around us, we can feel more confident navigating that space.
What we control in life is limited to our own inner world. While trying to process and reconstruct the inner world, there are coping strategies that can help you through the process. We do influence those around us, but how we do is not up to us. Resilience is the top predictor of a contented and peaceful existence, in spite of the influence of past experiences, current situational factors, and real future prospects. I want to help people find and build their inner core. When we feel grounded, balanced, and aware of the human chemistry around us, we can feel more confident navigating that space.
![Photo of Tanisha Harris, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bcde51c2-7261-4d81-bcc5-da7784fa49fa/2/320x400.png)
Tanisha Harris
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Kirkland, WA 98034 (Online Only)
I am very passionate and committed to helping others overcome the hardships of life. During these times, changes are hard, uncomfortable, overwhelming, and stressful. Let me be real, I am no stranger to feeling stuck, lost, alone, and sad. Which is why I am here to show you how resilient you are, and you can and will persevere. I welcome you to a place where we work collaboratively to be in the present moment, fully committed to developing skills to improve symptoms related to life struggles. If you’ve experienced similar hardships, I would be delighted to help you in learning tips/tricks to understanding and managing your symptoms.
I am very passionate and committed to helping others overcome the hardships of life. During these times, changes are hard, uncomfortable, overwhelming, and stressful. Let me be real, I am no stranger to feeling stuck, lost, alone, and sad. Which is why I am here to show you how resilient you are, and you can and will persevere. I welcome you to a place where we work collaboratively to be in the present moment, fully committed to developing skills to improve symptoms related to life struggles. If you’ve experienced similar hardships, I would be delighted to help you in learning tips/tricks to understanding and managing your symptoms.
![Photo of Mary Palarino, LICSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6ada1c85-11e1-498f-abc4-145cb00fac05/2/320x400.jpeg)
I collaborate with clients to overcome the disabling symptoms and behavior patterns caused by trauma and to reclaim a sense of safety, security, self-worth and serenity. Together we work through the issues causing deep pain and holding you back from a healthy, happy, hopeful life. Trauma survivors often have symptoms - depression, irritability, insomnia, mistrust, chronic pain, compulsive behavior, loss of sense of self - rather than memories. For the person suffering from trauma, just being is an act of bravery. Working toward healing is a courageous step.
I collaborate with clients to overcome the disabling symptoms and behavior patterns caused by trauma and to reclaim a sense of safety, security, self-worth and serenity. Together we work through the issues causing deep pain and holding you back from a healthy, happy, hopeful life. Trauma survivors often have symptoms - depression, irritability, insomnia, mistrust, chronic pain, compulsive behavior, loss of sense of self - rather than memories. For the person suffering from trauma, just being is an act of bravery. Working toward healing is a courageous step.
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![Photo of Meghan A Juretic, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/28f3f992-fb5d-4a21-8a6e-680fcd2b2585/3/320x400.jpeg)
I provide individual therapy to adolescents and adults to address a variety of concerns and stressors. I believe in the importance of building a warm, therapeutic relationship in which you feel supported, understood, and challenged. I use a positive, interactive style of therapy to help you build on your strengths, improve coping skills, and make lasting change. I have specialized training working with anxiety disorders, PTSD, and recovery from trauma. I also enjoy working with clients to improve issues of depression, chronic pain/health concerns, stress, and relationship conflict.
I provide individual therapy to adolescents and adults to address a variety of concerns and stressors. I believe in the importance of building a warm, therapeutic relationship in which you feel supported, understood, and challenged. I use a positive, interactive style of therapy to help you build on your strengths, improve coping skills, and make lasting change. I have specialized training working with anxiety disorders, PTSD, and recovery from trauma. I also enjoy working with clients to improve issues of depression, chronic pain/health concerns, stress, and relationship conflict.
![Photo of Julian Chavez-Gamez, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6bbb0039-4de1-4c49-93a9-daf5df3978b1/1/320x400.jpeg)
Julian Chavez-Gamez
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kirkland, WA 98034 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Individual therapy with me always begins by learning how to check-in with our nervous system to ensure we are creating a neutral and/or safe space that's required to begin to take a deeper look at what's underneath some of the challenging situations you may be responding to. Therapy is an insight-oriented process where we'll improve our ability to self-regulate and connect with others. I work from a polyvagal informed approach which is also known as the science of safety and connection. It's through this approach that we will begin to understand how your nervous system responds to cues of safety and danger.
Individual therapy with me always begins by learning how to check-in with our nervous system to ensure we are creating a neutral and/or safe space that's required to begin to take a deeper look at what's underneath some of the challenging situations you may be responding to. Therapy is an insight-oriented process where we'll improve our ability to self-regulate and connect with others. I work from a polyvagal informed approach which is also known as the science of safety and connection. It's through this approach that we will begin to understand how your nervous system responds to cues of safety and danger.
![Photo of Pamela Bryan, MS, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4c955629-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
Pamela Bryan is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Washington State and a Qualified Alcoholism Counselor. She graduated from Seattle Pacific University in 1989, with a Master's of Science in Counseling. Pam is a seasoned therapist, having worked with trauma survivors for over 25 years.
Pamela Bryan is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Washington State and a Qualified Alcoholism Counselor. She graduated from Seattle Pacific University in 1989, with a Master's of Science in Counseling. Pam is a seasoned therapist, having worked with trauma survivors for over 25 years.
![Photo of Vanessa Fulford - Fulford Innovative Counseling/Clinical supervisor , MA, LMHC, LMFTA, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/14ce6030-accc-4b40-83d6-3c6716810199/1/320x400.jpeg)
Fulford Innovative Counseling/Clinical supervisor
Counselor, MA, LMHC, LMFTA
Verified Verified
Kirkland, WA 98033
Many individuals may see you as the person that has it all together, but on the inside you feel very different. The emotional disregulation you are experiencing is becoming to much. You are your own worst critic and feel defeated in life. Feeling lonely and isolated even when around others. No one knows or understands the perpetual anxiety and depression that continues during your daily living. Your loosing sleep because of the racing thoughts that just won't leave. Going through life constantly thinking that there is something wrong with you is leading to destructive and suicidal thoughts. Your at the point of giving up.
Many individuals may see you as the person that has it all together, but on the inside you feel very different. The emotional disregulation you are experiencing is becoming to much. You are your own worst critic and feel defeated in life. Feeling lonely and isolated even when around others. No one knows or understands the perpetual anxiety and depression that continues during your daily living. Your loosing sleep because of the racing thoughts that just won't leave. Going through life constantly thinking that there is something wrong with you is leading to destructive and suicidal thoughts. Your at the point of giving up.
![Photo of Dr. Savannah Bukant, ND, BCB](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2ef861d0-d78b-4b7d-a6be-aa6355bbb7eb/2/320x400.jpeg)
Now accepting new clients! If you're curious about whole-person healing through nervous system regulation, stress resiliency, and investigating root causes of symptoms, we may be a good fit. I'm Dr. Savannah, Naturopathic Physician & Mindbody Coach. I teach clients how to become self-healers through inquisitive body awareness, intuitive eating, trauma-sensitive mindfulness, and other modalities. I'm curious about what is getting in the way of your healing - physiological, environmental, relational, psychoemotional, spiritual, & even energetic factors. Together we dig deep to unravel what's in the way of your innate inner healer.
Now accepting new clients! If you're curious about whole-person healing through nervous system regulation, stress resiliency, and investigating root causes of symptoms, we may be a good fit. I'm Dr. Savannah, Naturopathic Physician & Mindbody Coach. I teach clients how to become self-healers through inquisitive body awareness, intuitive eating, trauma-sensitive mindfulness, and other modalities. I'm curious about what is getting in the way of your healing - physiological, environmental, relational, psychoemotional, spiritual, & even energetic factors. Together we dig deep to unravel what's in the way of your innate inner healer.
![Photo of Emma Eaton Taylor, MA, LMFTA, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c13d92cb-72ef-4340-82bc-b893fc329732/2/320x400.jpeg)
Emma Eaton Taylor
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, LMFTA
Verified Verified
Kirkland, WA 98034
Two Sliding Scale Spots Now Available, $75-$100 per session! Are you ready to embark on a path of relieving your individual and relational traumas, stresses, and conflicts? We all carry the burden of unresolved pain from our past: from our family of origin, from societal and cultural expectations, from ways in which we were taught to compromise our nature, the list goes on. With guidance, presence with feeling, and creating new meaning we can let go of the past so that we can open to the present.
Two Sliding Scale Spots Now Available, $75-$100 per session! Are you ready to embark on a path of relieving your individual and relational traumas, stresses, and conflicts? We all carry the burden of unresolved pain from our past: from our family of origin, from societal and cultural expectations, from ways in which we were taught to compromise our nature, the list goes on. With guidance, presence with feeling, and creating new meaning we can let go of the past so that we can open to the present.
![Photo of Oksana Thompson - Inner Wellness Counseling PLLC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ca5b8895-fe13-4b41-97a1-b38ae8360f08/1/320x400.png)
Wellness is a journey, and reaching out for help is the first step to healing. At Inner Wellness Counseling, we have a passion for helping people get back to things that matter most to them. Our practice has a diverse group of therapists who specialize in working with youth and adults across multiple backgrounds, challenges, and life transitions. We believe in empowering clients to regain a sense of hope, courage, and self-worth.
Wellness is a journey, and reaching out for help is the first step to healing. At Inner Wellness Counseling, we have a passion for helping people get back to things that matter most to them. Our practice has a diverse group of therapists who specialize in working with youth and adults across multiple backgrounds, challenges, and life transitions. We believe in empowering clients to regain a sense of hope, courage, and self-worth.
![Photo of Lisa Coll, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e8f11e21-9ce2-4ab3-a2d8-5fe03af4d117/3/320x400.jpeg)
Life comes with joy and pain, love and anger, accomplishments and mess-ups, and sometimes confusion. The times when we struggle and feel stuck or confused as individuals, as couples & as parents are often signals that it’s time to grow. I work collaboratively with my clients and have great success utilizing techniques from Internal Family Systems (IFS) as well as Narrative and Psychodynamic therapy to treat trauma, anxiety, panic, depression, grief and eating disorders. I also work with individuals, couples and families facing every day parenting, life and relationship challenges.
Life comes with joy and pain, love and anger, accomplishments and mess-ups, and sometimes confusion. The times when we struggle and feel stuck or confused as individuals, as couples & as parents are often signals that it’s time to grow. I work collaboratively with my clients and have great success utilizing techniques from Internal Family Systems (IFS) as well as Narrative and Psychodynamic therapy to treat trauma, anxiety, panic, depression, grief and eating disorders. I also work with individuals, couples and families facing every day parenting, life and relationship challenges.
![Photo of Linden Griffith, MA, LMHCA, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/feea38a4-3fdd-4e43-a4fe-32537b00bf29/1/320x400.jpeg)
Hello, I'm Linden Griffith, and I'm here to help you find answers to the big question: "Who am I?" As a counselor, I specialize in guiding people through identity crises, life transitions (breakups, career changes, sickness, etc.), and spiritual exploration. I understand how confusing and overwhelming it can be to figure out your place in the world. That's why I've committed to creating a safe and supportive space where you can freely explore your thoughts and feelings about how you want to live YOUR life.
Hello, I'm Linden Griffith, and I'm here to help you find answers to the big question: "Who am I?" As a counselor, I specialize in guiding people through identity crises, life transitions (breakups, career changes, sickness, etc.), and spiritual exploration. I understand how confusing and overwhelming it can be to figure out your place in the world. That's why I've committed to creating a safe and supportive space where you can freely explore your thoughts and feelings about how you want to live YOUR life.
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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.