Therapists in Seattle, WA
![Photo of Tracy Jordan Adams, MA, LMHC, NCC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4aab680b-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Tracy Jordan Adams
Counselor, MA, LMHC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98103
Waitlist for new clients
I work with individuals who identify as LGBTQ, I also specialize in Bipolar Disorder and anxiety.
It takes courage to ask for help. Life seems to throw us one challenge after another and we can feel weighed down by the stress of daily living. Sometimes we can lose sight of what makes us feel special and valued. I am here to work with your individual needs. Feelings of anxiety, depression, anger, and loneliness can leave us feeling disconnected from others. If we do not take the time to understand where these feelings stem from and how they affect us, we cannot begin to heal and feel whole again. I value you as an individual and want to understand your unique experiences. I want to help you to feel safe and accepted at all times.
I work with individuals who identify as LGBTQ, I also specialize in Bipolar Disorder and anxiety.
It takes courage to ask for help. Life seems to throw us one challenge after another and we can feel weighed down by the stress of daily living. Sometimes we can lose sight of what makes us feel special and valued. I am here to work with your individual needs. Feelings of anxiety, depression, anger, and loneliness can leave us feeling disconnected from others. If we do not take the time to understand where these feelings stem from and how they affect us, we cannot begin to heal and feel whole again. I value you as an individual and want to understand your unique experiences. I want to help you to feel safe and accepted at all times.
![Photo of Patricia A Carlisle, Patrici, Carlisl, LSWAIC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c2f5f107-060e-4bd4-a2ec-8a1af7e929be/1/320x400.png)
Patricia A Carlisle
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, Patrici, Carlisl, LSWAIC
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98119 (Online Only)
Some are depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorders, and eating disorders.
I offer an integrative approach to therapy bringing tools and techniques from various modalities, including CBT, solutions-focused, acceptance, and commitment therapy. I encourage self-reflection, homework, and openness to experimenting with different perspectives. You are the drive of your success. I specialize in the most common mental health problems I treat, but not limited to Mood, Anxiety, Depression, and Family and Group therapy. I strive to implement psychotherapeutic methods during each appointment. My approach is informal. This includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), behavior therapy, mindfulness and holistic.
Some are depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorders, and eating disorders.
I offer an integrative approach to therapy bringing tools and techniques from various modalities, including CBT, solutions-focused, acceptance, and commitment therapy. I encourage self-reflection, homework, and openness to experimenting with different perspectives. You are the drive of your success. I specialize in the most common mental health problems I treat, but not limited to Mood, Anxiety, Depression, and Family and Group therapy. I strive to implement psychotherapeutic methods during each appointment. My approach is informal. This includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), behavior therapy, mindfulness and holistic.
![Photo of Dwayne Robert Stone, MS, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7930f65f-81fb-4dac-88e2-a7d3482b8d52/2/320x400.jpeg)
I have expertise in addressing schizophrenia, bipolar, psychosis, and major depressive disorder.
I have been in the behavioral health field for 35 years. I have experience as a counselor, case manager, supervisor in community mental health programs in Oregon, Missouri and Washington. I developed and taught a post-divorce and parenting program. I have spoken to thousands of individuals throughout my career via workshops and seminars on parenting, relationships, and crisis intervention. I have taught Mental Health First Aid courses in Washington and in Hawaii. I believe in the Japanese proverb “Fall seven times, Stand up eight” and strive to keep you standing through difficult situations.
I have expertise in addressing schizophrenia, bipolar, psychosis, and major depressive disorder.
I have been in the behavioral health field for 35 years. I have experience as a counselor, case manager, supervisor in community mental health programs in Oregon, Missouri and Washington. I developed and taught a post-divorce and parenting program. I have spoken to thousands of individuals throughout my career via workshops and seminars on parenting, relationships, and crisis intervention. I have taught Mental Health First Aid courses in Washington and in Hawaii. I believe in the Japanese proverb “Fall seven times, Stand up eight” and strive to keep you standing through difficult situations.
![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 Carla Jo Hilderbrand, LICSWA, MHP, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/729b85f4-e87c-442f-bbb3-499336d36f86/1/320x400.jpeg)
I have extensive training and experience in mood disorders (BiPolar and Schizoaffective), personality disorders and trauma therapy.
What if therapy was helpful AND FUN!?! I enjoy working with people from diverse backgrounds, with multi layered problems. Too often, mental health professionals shy away from certain diagnoses and concerns. However, I believe in de stigmatizing all mental health concerns and hope to help people with concerns ranging from depression and anxiety to personality disorders and mood disorders. The more complicated and confusing your feelings are, the more I want to help you grow and reach for your goals.
I have extensive training and experience in mood disorders (BiPolar and Schizoaffective), personality disorders and trauma therapy.
What if therapy was helpful AND FUN!?! I enjoy working with people from diverse backgrounds, with multi layered problems. Too often, mental health professionals shy away from certain diagnoses and concerns. However, I believe in de stigmatizing all mental health concerns and hope to help people with concerns ranging from depression and anxiety to personality disorders and mood disorders. The more complicated and confusing your feelings are, the more I want to help you grow and reach for your goals.
![Photo of Danielle Parks, MA, LMHC, LPCC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c0c4aca7-41f0-4565-a06b-139f41c71724/3/320x400.jpeg)
That being said, I have worked alongside many people - from severely mentally ill to major anxiety, bipolar and borderline.
I ask that you are ready to make a commitment, to yourself, first. I consider this the first step of the journey - I am here ready to make the commitment alongside you. Think of it as the beginning of falling in love with yourself...your relationships, and ultimately your life. If you are reading this I hope you answer the call, to yourself...it is the beginning of the type of change you have dreamt of, meeting your best self, meeting your soul.
That being said, I have worked alongside many people - from severely mentally ill to major anxiety, bipolar and borderline.
I ask that you are ready to make a commitment, to yourself, first. I consider this the first step of the journey - I am here ready to make the commitment alongside you. Think of it as the beginning of falling in love with yourself...your relationships, and ultimately your life. If you are reading this I hope you answer the call, to yourself...it is the beginning of the type of change you have dreamt of, meeting your best self, meeting your soul.
![Photo of Lujane Helwani, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6352b77a-40eb-427f-b2cd-b16f67c015a2/1/320x400.jpeg)
Lujane Helwani
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98136 (Online Only)
I enjoy and am qualified to help individuals, couples, or families navigate life's challenges, whether personal, with a partner, family, or peers. You will find that I am respectful, personable, open, knowledgeable, and humorous in my sessions. All faiths, or lack thereof, are welcome. I am experienced with grief, loss, trauma, PTSD, depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, bipolar, schizophrenia, autism, ODD, and OCD. My therapeutic approach involves collaborating with clients to identify and enlist their strengths or resources to improve their quality of life.
I enjoy and am qualified to help individuals, couples, or families navigate life's challenges, whether personal, with a partner, family, or peers. You will find that I am respectful, personable, open, knowledgeable, and humorous in my sessions. All faiths, or lack thereof, are welcome. I am experienced with grief, loss, trauma, PTSD, depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, bipolar, schizophrenia, autism, ODD, and OCD. My therapeutic approach involves collaborating with clients to identify and enlist their strengths or resources to improve their quality of life.
![Photo of Tera Hadassah Gold, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0a81ffef-0723-4465-a978-ec567fb83246/1/320x400.jpeg)
Tera Hadassah Gold
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98101 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I have experience and training in CPTSD, Dissociative Disorders, Ruminating types of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, ADHD, ASD, and Bipolar Disorder, and Personality Disorders.
My ideal client is someone who is committed to changing their lives for the better. I like to work with people who want to make a difference in the world in their own unique way. True healing and change is always a door we can walk through. Together, we can find out what works so that you can feel better about yourself, express yourself, and share your unique self or selves with the world.
I have experience and training in CPTSD, Dissociative Disorders, Ruminating types of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, ADHD, ASD, and Bipolar Disorder, and Personality Disorders.
My ideal client is someone who is committed to changing their lives for the better. I like to work with people who want to make a difference in the world in their own unique way. True healing and change is always a door we can walk through. Together, we can find out what works so that you can feel better about yourself, express yourself, and share your unique self or selves with the world.
![Photo of Erica Ashby-Johnson, BS, MA, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c1f22b1a-d27e-44de-830d-62edb5f817eb/1/320x400.jpeg)
Walking with people through life's difficulties and struggles is a privilege, honor, and part of my purpose in life. I commit my life to helping people find their way back to the right paths that THEY should and WANT to be on in order to live out their own PURPOSE.
Walking with people through life's difficulties and struggles is a privilege, honor, and part of my purpose in life. I commit my life to helping people find their way back to the right paths that THEY should and WANT to be on in order to live out their own PURPOSE.
![Photo of Cristina Mullen - Columbia City MIndfulness and DBT, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/23a3df5b-b1da-417f-95ba-3f9e8b962b20/2/320x400.jpeg)
Columbia City MIndfulness and DBT
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98118 (Online Only)
I welcome people who are facing any number of challenges including life transitions such as divorce, job loss, illness, death of a loved one; all shifting the ground beneath us in dramatic ways. What worked no longer works. My trMy training as a Mindfulness Meditation Teacher complements training and practice in psychotherapy addressing a dysregulated emotion system resulting in various symptoms such as anxiety, panic, depression, and identity disturbance and sometimes even a desire to die or hurt oneself. There can be a painful sense of isolation and feeling unmoored. There is a way out; first understanding, then tools to heal.
I welcome people who are facing any number of challenges including life transitions such as divorce, job loss, illness, death of a loved one; all shifting the ground beneath us in dramatic ways. What worked no longer works. My trMy training as a Mindfulness Meditation Teacher complements training and practice in psychotherapy addressing a dysregulated emotion system resulting in various symptoms such as anxiety, panic, depression, and identity disturbance and sometimes even a desire to die or hurt oneself. There can be a painful sense of isolation and feeling unmoored. There is a way out; first understanding, then tools to heal.
![Photo of Heather N Gaines, MA, LMHC, CMHS, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/95fa58bf-8a32-422a-a6eb-da4cc1f2bd5f/2/320x400.jpeg)
Hello and welcome! I am a Licensed Mental Health Therapist (LMHC), as well as being credentialed as a Child Mental Health Specialist, in Washington State. I work with both adults and adolescents, primarily specializing in patients who struggle with anxiety and mood disorders. My approach to counseling is one of collaboration. I use a wholistic approach to my clients; encouraging them to take the lead in their therapy wants, needs, concerns, etc. and maintain their personal autonomy.
Hello and welcome! I am a Licensed Mental Health Therapist (LMHC), as well as being credentialed as a Child Mental Health Specialist, in Washington State. I work with both adults and adolescents, primarily specializing in patients who struggle with anxiety and mood disorders. My approach to counseling is one of collaboration. I use a wholistic approach to my clients; encouraging them to take the lead in their therapy wants, needs, concerns, etc. and maintain their personal autonomy.
15 Second Videos
Tera Hadassah Gold
Erica Ashby-Johnson
Tom Eggert Counseling
Therapy Lab Seattle
Imei Hsu (Seattle Direct Counseling and Coaching)
Olajumoke M. Iyiola
Zane W DeWitz
A Skillful Life
Erin McKee PsyD PLLC
Dr. Carroll & Associates - Actualize Psylutions
Weston Joshu Taussig
Donetta D. Quinones
Margot Charkow-Ross
Sound Resilience Health
![Photo of Jeffery J Goff, MA, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3df292d1-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I work with those who struggle with anger. Often times the anger is brought on by unmet expectations and merely a symptom of deeper issues under the surface. It's my job to metaphorically stand in a place you can not see, and point you in the right direction as to the cause of what is contributing to the anger. By doing so, you can receive insight that will enrich your life and change it for the better.
I work with those who struggle with anger. Often times the anger is brought on by unmet expectations and merely a symptom of deeper issues under the surface. It's my job to metaphorically stand in a place you can not see, and point you in the right direction as to the cause of what is contributing to the anger. By doing so, you can receive insight that will enrich your life and change it for the better.
![Photo of Amal Muammar-Hastings, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c717222-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Through my training and experience I developed an expertise in helping people of various back grounds move through life transitions. I believe our present is highly influenced by our past experiences, therefore understanding our life experiences and taking the responsibility to change our present is the ultimate goal in therapy.
Through my training and experience I developed an expertise in helping people of various back grounds move through life transitions. I believe our present is highly influenced by our past experiences, therefore understanding our life experiences and taking the responsibility to change our present is the ultimate goal in therapy.
![Photo of Norma Ortiz de Zarate, MA, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4447f012-6dc0-44dc-976d-d5422e908984/2/320x400.jpeg)
Norma Ortiz de Zarate
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98104 (Online Only)
The therapist-client relationship is like nothing else in the world. It is meant to be unconditional, non-judgemental, safe and heavily boundaried. As a therapist, I take a very direct and honest approach to this work. The relief and change you are looking for is going to require you to deeply invest in this process. It might be overwhelming and it might also be painful at times.
The therapist-client relationship is like nothing else in the world. It is meant to be unconditional, non-judgemental, safe and heavily boundaried. As a therapist, I take a very direct and honest approach to this work. The relief and change you are looking for is going to require you to deeply invest in this process. It might be overwhelming and it might also be painful at times.
![Photo of David Carlile, MSW, CSWA, LSWAIC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0940e76c-f0fa-436d-a0e9-baf3cda6d408/2/320x400.jpeg)
David Carlile
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, CSWA, LSWAIC
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98115 (Online Only)
My ideal client is a person looking to improve their communication and mental health. They may have issues with accurately understanding and responding to other people, engaging with other people, or effectively analyzing and utilizing language commuinicaton skills. Their needs include efficient and accurate mental health, as well as the ability to integrate their coping skills capabilities into their existing systems and workflows. Their goals include improved satisfaction, increased productivity and efficiency, and the ability to make decisions. They want a reliable therapist to help empower them to grow.
My ideal client is a person looking to improve their communication and mental health. They may have issues with accurately understanding and responding to other people, engaging with other people, or effectively analyzing and utilizing language commuinicaton skills. Their needs include efficient and accurate mental health, as well as the ability to integrate their coping skills capabilities into their existing systems and workflows. Their goals include improved satisfaction, increased productivity and efficiency, and the ability to make decisions. They want a reliable therapist to help empower them to grow.
![Photo of Patrick James Hart, PsyD, LMHC, MHP, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3b6b7fe9-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/7/320x400.jpeg)
Mental Health Counseling in Seattle | Psychotherapy Private Practice: Psychotherapist and counselor for problems of depression and anxiety. Therapy for panic disorder, generalized anxiety, post traumatic stress, simple phobia, anger management, stress reduction, social anxiety, phobias and avoidance. I help people by providing skills based therapy to assure you effectively manage your moods, emotions and behavior. I'll help you learn the competencies to resolve unwanted life defeating habits. Cognitive Behavior Therapy: Learn effective personal solutions from anxiety and panic to sex & pornography addiction - lasting behavior change. Thanks for your interest in my practice! I'm just a phone call away!
Mental Health Counseling in Seattle | Psychotherapy Private Practice: Psychotherapist and counselor for problems of depression and anxiety. Therapy for panic disorder, generalized anxiety, post traumatic stress, simple phobia, anger management, stress reduction, social anxiety, phobias and avoidance. I help people by providing skills based therapy to assure you effectively manage your moods, emotions and behavior. I'll help you learn the competencies to resolve unwanted life defeating habits. Cognitive Behavior Therapy: Learn effective personal solutions from anxiety and panic to sex & pornography addiction - lasting behavior change. Thanks for your interest in my practice! I'm just a phone call away!
![Photo of Renee Jones - Whole Beings Counseling & Consultation LLC, MA, CDP, LMHCA, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c1b9dcf1-d752-4f5a-9b5f-4697f91a55a1/1/320x400.jpeg)
Whole Beings Counseling & Consultation LLC
Counselor, MA, CDP, LMHCA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98109 (Online Only)
Welcome to counseling; to be helpful lets regain access to inner wisdom for self advocacy through review of your strength base building practices by use of expressive arts therapy (life has been your stage), explore dreams (Adlerian therapies), explore play& traumas to connect with your inner child/teen or find your inner parent, track sensations with the mind, body and spirit for grounding purposes in our sessions. Welcome and thank you for adding me to your search!
Welcome to counseling; to be helpful lets regain access to inner wisdom for self advocacy through review of your strength base building practices by use of expressive arts therapy (life has been your stage), explore dreams (Adlerian therapies), explore play& traumas to connect with your inner child/teen or find your inner parent, track sensations with the mind, body and spirit for grounding purposes in our sessions. Welcome and thank you for adding me to your search!
![Photo of Francesca Licciardi, MA, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/72254468-cb98-42b2-a0ae-dc90e2bcb3b5/2/320x400.jpeg)
This time has been isolating and life alternating to say the least. Many of us are left with a feeling of overwhelm as we are separated from one another and cannot participate in the lifestyle routines that once helped us to feel grounded. I have been working with many clients this year to find a source of balance and inner peace when so much of the world has shut down and become unavailable to us. From anxiety, depression and Pandemic PTSD to low motivation and deflation. Feelings of isolation, loneliness and despondency are a few of the many issues I work with in my clients at the moment. Let me help you build your new world!
This time has been isolating and life alternating to say the least. Many of us are left with a feeling of overwhelm as we are separated from one another and cannot participate in the lifestyle routines that once helped us to feel grounded. I have been working with many clients this year to find a source of balance and inner peace when so much of the world has shut down and become unavailable to us. From anxiety, depression and Pandemic PTSD to low motivation and deflation. Feelings of isolation, loneliness and despondency are a few of the many issues I work with in my clients at the moment. Let me help you build your new world!
![Photo of Magnolia Counseling Services - Magnolia C. Services, Psychometric Evaluations, MS, PS Degr](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4c51517e-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Ph.D. student & Lifestyle Coach, I'm here to support you, if you are challenge with some form of behavioral issues or need to change your personal life goals, we will work together to assess your needs by discovering solutions that work for you. We know change is not easy and we all are challenged by CHANGE, but you are not alone in this conflict. We will work together as a team to address those issues that tend to get in the way of your life goals. No matter what you are going through know that working together throughout the TRANSITION process the changes you seek will be rewarding and fulfilling towards the goals you meet.
Ph.D. student & Lifestyle Coach, I'm here to support you, if you are challenge with some form of behavioral issues or need to change your personal life goals, we will work together to assess your needs by discovering solutions that work for you. We know change is not easy and we all are challenged by CHANGE, but you are not alone in this conflict. We will work together as a team to address those issues that tend to get in the way of your life goals. No matter what you are going through know that working together throughout the TRANSITION process the changes you seek will be rewarding and fulfilling towards the goals you meet.
![Photo of Michelle Phillips, LMHCA, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/de7b392f-b087-4d95-a6af-ed0bc9d96c27/1/320x400.jpeg)
Welcome. It's time. You've been thinking about therapy for a minute. You tried it once or twice, were scared or triggered, and lost the inclination. You've been leaving messages with no response and lost the heart or time to circle back. Meanwhile, you keep finding yourself in relationships with the same people doing the same things. A pattern's purpose is to persist, confuse, and make you forget. A series of patterns led you to the burnout, stuck-ness, and relationship issues you face time and time again. Together, we can uncover and break patterns, cycles, and unconscious contracts and walk toward liberation.
Welcome. It's time. You've been thinking about therapy for a minute. You tried it once or twice, were scared or triggered, and lost the inclination. You've been leaving messages with no response and lost the heart or time to circle back. Meanwhile, you keep finding yourself in relationships with the same people doing the same things. A pattern's purpose is to persist, confuse, and make you forget. A series of patterns led you to the burnout, stuck-ness, and relationship issues you face time and time again. Together, we can uncover and break patterns, cycles, and unconscious contracts and walk toward liberation.
See more therapy options for Seattle
Nearby Bipolar Disorder Therapists Searches for Seattle
- Bainbridge Island
- Bellevue
- Burien
- Kenmore
- Kirkland
- Lake Forest Park
- Lynnwood
- Medina
- Mercer Island
- Seatac
- Shoreline
- Tukwila
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.