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Online Therapists

Photo of Nikita Yeryomenko, Psychologist in Lucan, ON
Nikita Yeryomenko
Psychologist, PhD, CPsych
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Windsor, ON N9K
I offer evidence-based therapies for PTSD (Written Exposure, Prolonged Exposure, Cognitive Processing), depression & bipolar disorders (CBT and IPSRT), psychosis (CBT-P), eating disorders (CBT-T), borderline personality disorder (General Psychiatric Management for BPD).
I am a clinical psychologist at Golden Sun Wellness & Counselling. Our clinic works with a range of issues, from daily worries and temporary life stressors to disabling psychiatric disorders. My training and experience in counselling and clinical psychology allows me to navigate these problems and help us find the best approach for your particular situation. I can help you figure out what might be wrong; learn how to think more clearly when it matters the most; how to get along with your feelings and emotions; and how to build new habits, keep them, and take effective action to achieve your goals and live your values.
I offer evidence-based therapies for PTSD (Written Exposure, Prolonged Exposure, Cognitive Processing), depression & bipolar disorders (CBT and IPSRT), psychosis (CBT-P), eating disorders (CBT-T), borderline personality disorder (General Psychiatric Management for BPD).
I am a clinical psychologist at Golden Sun Wellness & Counselling. Our clinic works with a range of issues, from daily worries and temporary life stressors to disabling psychiatric disorders. My training and experience in counselling and clinical psychology allows me to navigate these problems and help us find the best approach for your particular situation. I can help you figure out what might be wrong; learn how to think more clearly when it matters the most; how to get along with your feelings and emotions; and how to build new habits, keep them, and take effective action to achieve your goals and live your values.
(226) 457-3547 View (226) 457-3547
Photo of Waterloo CBT Clinic, Psychologist in Lucan, ON
Waterloo CBT Clinic
Psychologist, PhD, CPsych
Verified Verified
Waterloo, ON N2K
Welcome to the Waterloo CBT Clinic! Our therapists and psychologists provide you with compassion and understanding, while at the same time teaching you the skills you need to achieve your treatment goals. We provide diagnostic assessment and treatment to children, adolescents, adults and couples experiencing a wide range of mental health difficulties. Our areas of expertise include generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety, phobias, health anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, depression, bipolar disorder, stress, insomnia, post-traumatic stress, and chronic pain.
Welcome to the Waterloo CBT Clinic! Our therapists and psychologists provide you with compassion and understanding, while at the same time teaching you the skills you need to achieve your treatment goals. We provide diagnostic assessment and treatment to children, adolescents, adults and couples experiencing a wide range of mental health difficulties. Our areas of expertise include generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety, phobias, health anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, depression, bipolar disorder, stress, insomnia, post-traumatic stress, and chronic pain.
(226) 798-4758 View (226) 798-4758
Photo of Cindy Steffy, Registered Social Worker in Lucan, ON
Cindy Steffy
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW, RP
Verified Verified
London, ON N6H
She developed and facilitated Cognitive Behavioural Therapy treatments for Depression, Bipolar, Social Anxiety, Panic Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorders and Obsessive Compulsive Disorders and developed and facilitated Dialectical Behavioural Therapy programs used to treat Borderline Personality Disorders.
Life is filled with many challenges. We all use coping mechanisms that appear to make sense for these challenges. Sometimes these coping mechanisms stop working or cause us other difficulties when they are used for longer periods of time. I provide a safe and comfortable environment in which we can work together to develop skills and strategies that lead to change that can be maintained over the long-term. I am trained to offer Jon Kabat-Zinn's Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction and Mindfulness Based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and have facilitated many treatment groups using these techniques. Mindfulness groups currently on hold.
She developed and facilitated Cognitive Behavioural Therapy treatments for Depression, Bipolar, Social Anxiety, Panic Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorders and Obsessive Compulsive Disorders and developed and facilitated Dialectical Behavioural Therapy programs used to treat Borderline Personality Disorders.
Life is filled with many challenges. We all use coping mechanisms that appear to make sense for these challenges. Sometimes these coping mechanisms stop working or cause us other difficulties when they are used for longer periods of time. I provide a safe and comfortable environment in which we can work together to develop skills and strategies that lead to change that can be maintained over the long-term. I am trained to offer Jon Kabat-Zinn's Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction and Mindfulness Based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and have facilitated many treatment groups using these techniques. Mindfulness groups currently on hold.
(226) 782-0743 View (226) 782-0743
Photo of Dundas Counselling & Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Registered Social Worker in Lucan, ON
Dundas Counselling & Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Registered Social Worker, PhD, MSW, RSW, RP
Verified Verified
Dundas, ON L9H
Are you struggling with your mood, anxiety or other personal or life problems? We provide treatment for depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, PTSD, grief, relationship conflicts and other interpersonal problems.
Dundas Counselling & CBT provides counselling and psychotherapy services that are tailored to your unique needs and have been shown to be effective in clinical research. By taking a collaborative approach, we can help you identify the sources of your stress or your problems, and move towards strengthening coping skills and finding successful solutions.
Are you struggling with your mood, anxiety or other personal or life problems? We provide treatment for depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, PTSD, grief, relationship conflicts and other interpersonal problems.
Dundas Counselling & CBT provides counselling and psychotherapy services that are tailored to your unique needs and have been shown to be effective in clinical research. By taking a collaborative approach, we can help you identify the sources of your stress or your problems, and move towards strengthening coping skills and finding successful solutions.
(289) 684-3581 View (289) 684-3581
Photo of Marci Gray -Social Worker Emdr Psychotherapist, Registered Social Worker in Lucan, ON
Marci Gray -Social Worker Emdr Psychotherapist
Registered Social Worker, BA, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Brampton, ON L6V
What are you going through? Let’s work together to sort it out, make steps towards recovery, & come to resolution and healing. In a safe and non-judgemental space we focus on your challenges, symptoms and needs. Whether you are seeking individual, couple, or family therapy we can engage in the most appropriate therapeutic solutions for you. I have 20 years experience in the field and have specialized training in treatment for anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, OCD, PTSD, & trauma in addition to couples therapy. I’m trained in EMDR, CBT, DBT, EFT etc. I am also the therapist for therapists.
What are you going through? Let’s work together to sort it out, make steps towards recovery, & come to resolution and healing. In a safe and non-judgemental space we focus on your challenges, symptoms and needs. Whether you are seeking individual, couple, or family therapy we can engage in the most appropriate therapeutic solutions for you. I have 20 years experience in the field and have specialized training in treatment for anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, OCD, PTSD, & trauma in addition to couples therapy. I’m trained in EMDR, CBT, DBT, EFT etc. I am also the therapist for therapists.
(647) 360-2175 View (647) 360-2175
Photo of Building Bridges Psychotherapy, Registered Psychotherapist in Lucan, ON
Building Bridges Psychotherapy
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, MSc, RP
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Mississauga, ON L4Z
***ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS: IN-PERSON & PHONE/VIDEO*** We believe that there is good in every person, and hope in every situation. We have helped individuals, couples, and families heal, grow, and connect. As relational therapists, we appreciate the impact that our relationships have on our well-being. We do not see clients as having something wrong with their minds that necessarily needs to be fixed. Rather, we see our clients as unique individuals, each with their own stories and perspectives, embedded in important relationships and contexts that impact them. We see strengths and we see hope, even when it feels like there is none.
***ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS: IN-PERSON & PHONE/VIDEO*** We believe that there is good in every person, and hope in every situation. We have helped individuals, couples, and families heal, grow, and connect. As relational therapists, we appreciate the impact that our relationships have on our well-being. We do not see clients as having something wrong with their minds that necessarily needs to be fixed. Rather, we see our clients as unique individuals, each with their own stories and perspectives, embedded in important relationships and contexts that impact them. We see strengths and we see hope, even when it feels like there is none.
(289) 207-6240 View (289) 207-6240
Photo of Amanda Rowe, Registered Psychotherapist in Lucan, ON
Amanda Rowe
Registered Psychotherapist, OT Reg, (Ont), RP
Verified Verified
London, ON N5W
Relationship Success: Couples and individuals can overcome relationship challenges and deepen the connection within yourself and to each other. Joy and happiness depends on building positive connection. It is foundational to personal and relationship fulfillment. The more we understand ourselves and the people that matter to us, the more we can live up to our full potential. I help you to find your personal truth and transform your relationships with others and yourself. When we are truly ourselves, we say yes to life and naturally let go of what no longer serves us.
Relationship Success: Couples and individuals can overcome relationship challenges and deepen the connection within yourself and to each other. Joy and happiness depends on building positive connection. It is foundational to personal and relationship fulfillment. The more we understand ourselves and the people that matter to us, the more we can live up to our full potential. I help you to find your personal truth and transform your relationships with others and yourself. When we are truly ourselves, we say yes to life and naturally let go of what no longer serves us.
(226) 210-0421 View (226) 210-0421
Photo of Alan Choi, Registered Social Worker in Lucan, ON
Alan Choi
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Etobicoke, ON M8X
NIHB funding approved. Now accepting remote and in-person clients in Toronto at Islington and Bloor! Also offering in-home sessions and canine assisted counselling. I believe in building on the strengths my clients bring to me by improving their lives and removing barriers such as anxiety, depression and emotional conflict. I have family members who have experienced Schizophrenia, Tardive Dyskinesia, Depression and Anxiety. My clients have areas to improve upon and they are seeking better connections with friends, loved ones and family. I believe in personal growth and lifelong learning. Clinical supervision available as well.
NIHB funding approved. Now accepting remote and in-person clients in Toronto at Islington and Bloor! Also offering in-home sessions and canine assisted counselling. I believe in building on the strengths my clients bring to me by improving their lives and removing barriers such as anxiety, depression and emotional conflict. I have family members who have experienced Schizophrenia, Tardive Dyskinesia, Depression and Anxiety. My clients have areas to improve upon and they are seeking better connections with friends, loved ones and family. I believe in personal growth and lifelong learning. Clinical supervision available as well.
(289) 512-5100 View (289) 512-5100
Photo of Kristen Reinhardt, Psychologist in Lucan, ON
Kristen Reinhardt
Psychologist, PhD, CPsych
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Guelph, ON N1H
I am a clinical psychologist and work with teens and adults who have experienced trauma and highly stressful life events. I have significant experience working with people who have experienced sexual violence, interpersonal trauma, traumatic invalidation, healthcare-related traumas, military sexual trauma, and war/combat-related traumas. Largely, I work from a Dialectical Behaviour Therapy framework, teaching clients skills to change emotions, thoughts and behaviours, while at the same time helping clients accept and process life circumstances that they cannot change.
I am a clinical psychologist and work with teens and adults who have experienced trauma and highly stressful life events. I have significant experience working with people who have experienced sexual violence, interpersonal trauma, traumatic invalidation, healthcare-related traumas, military sexual trauma, and war/combat-related traumas. Largely, I work from a Dialectical Behaviour Therapy framework, teaching clients skills to change emotions, thoughts and behaviours, while at the same time helping clients accept and process life circumstances that they cannot change.
(226) 212-7649 View (226) 212-7649
Photo of Anders Dorbeck, Psychologist in Lucan, ON
Anders Dorbeck
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakville, ON L6M  (Online Only)
I work with people who have a wide variety of presenting concerns, sometimes including multiple complex difficulties, including depression, anxiety, panic, OCD, problems with interpersonal relationships and communication, chronic pain and other chronic health problems, trauma, occupational challenges, and low self esteem. I use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and other approaches to teach you to make lasting behavioural changes in your life.
I work with people who have a wide variety of presenting concerns, sometimes including multiple complex difficulties, including depression, anxiety, panic, OCD, problems with interpersonal relationships and communication, chronic pain and other chronic health problems, trauma, occupational challenges, and low self esteem. I use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and other approaches to teach you to make lasting behavioural changes in your life.
(289) 272-7153 View (289) 272-7153
Photo of Jane Aure, Registered Social Worker in Lucan, ON
Jane Aure
Registered Social Worker, RSW
Verified Verified
Mississauga, ON L5B
I’m a registered social worker with OCSWSSW and ACSW. I have worked with several private mental health clinics throughout my career. I have extensive training and experience in behaviour management and I specialize in trauma, depression, and anxiety. I currently practice and provide therapy to adults, adolescents, and the LGBTQ community.
I’m a registered social worker with OCSWSSW and ACSW. I have worked with several private mental health clinics throughout my career. I have extensive training and experience in behaviour management and I specialize in trauma, depression, and anxiety. I currently practice and provide therapy to adults, adolescents, and the LGBTQ community.
(289) 276-5982 View (289) 276-5982
Photo of Strength Counselling Services, Counsellor in Lucan, ON
Strength Counselling Services
Counsellor, MEd, RCC, CCC, RSW, RP
Verified Verified
Kitchener, ON N2E  (Online Only)
We are an online counselling agency so do not provide services in person. Strength Counselling Services has licensed, experienced therapists who use evidence-based practices, prioritize client needs, and maintain ethical standards. We offer culturally sensitive, affordable services in a supportive environment. We offer a comprehensive goals assessment, regularly assess progress, and collaborate with other professionals. We provide transparency in our fees and for thirteen years now have held a positive reputation of trust, and client success. Lastly, ensuring our clients' privacy and confidentiality are of utmost importance to us.
We are an online counselling agency so do not provide services in person. Strength Counselling Services has licensed, experienced therapists who use evidence-based practices, prioritize client needs, and maintain ethical standards. We offer culturally sensitive, affordable services in a supportive environment. We offer a comprehensive goals assessment, regularly assess progress, and collaborate with other professionals. We provide transparency in our fees and for thirteen years now have held a positive reputation of trust, and client success. Lastly, ensuring our clients' privacy and confidentiality are of utmost importance to us.
(437) 747-8880 View (437) 747-8880
Photo of LifeCycle Counselling, Registered Psychotherapist in Lucan, ON
LifeCycle Counselling
Registered Psychotherapist
Verified Verified
Etobicoke, ON M8X
Accepting New Clients - No Waitlist! When you feel stuck, we can help. At LifeCycle Counselling we recognize how difficult it is to take the first step towards therapy, speak about your difficulties and explore uncomfortable emotions. We are a BIPOC clinic in the GTA that is culturally sensitive. We use client-centered approaches as it is LifeCycles top priority to empower you for you! We understand that everyone has their own battles. We are a team of psychotherapists, who specialize in various areas and offer treatment using evidence-based approaches. You can read each of the therapist’s bio on our website lifecyclecounselling.ca
Accepting New Clients - No Waitlist! When you feel stuck, we can help. At LifeCycle Counselling we recognize how difficult it is to take the first step towards therapy, speak about your difficulties and explore uncomfortable emotions. We are a BIPOC clinic in the GTA that is culturally sensitive. We use client-centered approaches as it is LifeCycles top priority to empower you for you! We understand that everyone has their own battles. We are a team of psychotherapists, who specialize in various areas and offer treatment using evidence-based approaches. You can read each of the therapist’s bio on our website lifecyclecounselling.ca
(289) 207-7614 View (289) 207-7614
Photo of Storrie, Velikonja and Associates, Psychologist in Lucan, ON
Storrie, Velikonja and Associates
Psychologist, PhD, CPsych, CCAT(MB, CMLE(O)
Verified Verified
Burlington, ON L7R
Storrie, Velikonja and Associates provide psychological, neuropsychological, psychovocational, and psychoeducational assessment services. We offer treatment of mood difficulties, brain injury, learning disorders, communication, parenting issues, and PTSD in first responders. Our multidisciplinary clinics target concussion, dementia, and autism. We also work with a wide range of mood disorder and personality challenges across the life span.
Storrie, Velikonja and Associates provide psychological, neuropsychological, psychovocational, and psychoeducational assessment services. We offer treatment of mood difficulties, brain injury, learning disorders, communication, parenting issues, and PTSD in first responders. Our multidisciplinary clinics target concussion, dementia, and autism. We also work with a wide range of mood disorder and personality challenges across the life span.
(855) 627-3560 View (855) 627-3560
Photo of Michael Sa'd, Registered Social Worker in Lucan, ON
Michael Sa'd
Registered Social Worker, RSW, MSW, CSFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakville, ON L6J  (Online Only)
My name is Michael Sa'd M.S.W., R.S.W. I am an experienced Registered Social Worker specializing in individual, couples and family therapy. I am committed to providing compassion, understanding, and support to help you through difficult life transitions. In my practice, I utilize Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Counselling (SFT), and Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR). I am a Certified Solution-Focused Therapist (CSFT). I have experience in various professional settings such as post-secondary counselling centre, hospitals, and private mental health settings.
My name is Michael Sa'd M.S.W., R.S.W. I am an experienced Registered Social Worker specializing in individual, couples and family therapy. I am committed to providing compassion, understanding, and support to help you through difficult life transitions. In my practice, I utilize Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Counselling (SFT), and Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR). I am a Certified Solution-Focused Therapist (CSFT). I have experience in various professional settings such as post-secondary counselling centre, hospitals, and private mental health settings.
(647) 952-2187 View (647) 952-2187
Photo of Timothy Gordon, Registered Social Worker in Lucan, ON
Timothy Gordon
Registered Social Worker, BA, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Hamilton, ON L8V
I am collaborative, empathetic, understanding, and hopeful in my work with clients. I am interested in learning about new people and clients often comment that this shows. I am also an award winning author having authored five books on modern CBT, specifically ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy).
I am collaborative, empathetic, understanding, and hopeful in my work with clients. I am interested in learning about new people and clients often comment that this shows. I am also an award winning author having authored five books on modern CBT, specifically ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy).
(289) 210-6008 View (289) 210-6008
Photo of Nate Venema @ Psychotherapy for You, Registered Social Worker in Lucan, ON
Nate Venema @ Psychotherapy for You
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chatham, ON N7L  (Online Only)
I am a Registered Social Worker and a virtual counselor in Ontario. My educational background includes a Bachelor of Psychology, a Master of Education, and a Master of Social Work. I provide strength-based therapy services for children, young adults, individuals, couples, and families using an anti-oppressive, integrated approach tailored to the unique needs of each new client. There are so many changes that happen as families grow and develop with the passing years, and I’m here to help with these transitions. For over twenty years I have worked in a variety of settings with diverse clients, including both long-term and brief
I am a Registered Social Worker and a virtual counselor in Ontario. My educational background includes a Bachelor of Psychology, a Master of Education, and a Master of Social Work. I provide strength-based therapy services for children, young adults, individuals, couples, and families using an anti-oppressive, integrated approach tailored to the unique needs of each new client. There are so many changes that happen as families grow and develop with the passing years, and I’m here to help with these transitions. For over twenty years I have worked in a variety of settings with diverse clients, including both long-term and brief
(343) 805-0202 View (343) 805-0202
Photo of The Therapy Centre, Psychologist in Lucan, ON
The Therapy Centre
Psychologist
Verified Verified
Hamilton, ON L9A
The Therapy Centre is a full service psychology practice. We offer services to children, teens, adults, couples, and families. We offer psychological and neuropsychological assessment and treatment services for a wide variety of issues listed below. All of our clinicians are well trained in empirically validated treatment models, including: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), Relational Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and EMDR. Each of our clinicians has an area of expertise, such as: eating disorders, depression, anxiety, addictions, trauma, chronic pain, postpartum mood issues, and obsessive compulsive disorder. We tailor our treatment approach to suit the needs of each individual client.
The Therapy Centre is a full service psychology practice. We offer services to children, teens, adults, couples, and families. We offer psychological and neuropsychological assessment and treatment services for a wide variety of issues listed below. All of our clinicians are well trained in empirically validated treatment models, including: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), Relational Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and EMDR. Each of our clinicians has an area of expertise, such as: eating disorders, depression, anxiety, addictions, trauma, chronic pain, postpartum mood issues, and obsessive compulsive disorder. We tailor our treatment approach to suit the needs of each individual client.
(289) 274-3157 View (289) 274-3157
Photo of Laura Elise McCreery, Registered Social Worker in Lucan, ON
Laura Elise McCreery
Registered Social Worker, HBSW, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Woodstock, ON N4S
Seeking a trusting and safe therapeutic relationship to engage in healing in a vulnerable and brave way? Needs may include: mental health, life transitions, stress, trauma, general well-being, grief, self-improvement, and others. Clients of any age, gender, or sexual orientation.
Seeking a trusting and safe therapeutic relationship to engage in healing in a vulnerable and brave way? Needs may include: mental health, life transitions, stress, trauma, general well-being, grief, self-improvement, and others. Clients of any age, gender, or sexual orientation.
(548) 489-0567 View (548) 489-0567
Photo of Trish Soltysiak, Registered Social Worker in Lucan, ON
Trish Soltysiak
Registered Social Worker, RSW, MSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Milton, ON L9T
I am a Registered Social Worker with over 10 years of clinical experience supporting teens, young adults, and families. I specialize in treating anxiety, depression and various mood and personality disorders within the 14-24 year old population. I am passionate about helping my clients stabilize their mental health using mindfulness based stress reduction, expressive arts and creativity, physical activity, emotion focused therapy. I am also trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing.
I am a Registered Social Worker with over 10 years of clinical experience supporting teens, young adults, and families. I specialize in treating anxiety, depression and various mood and personality disorders within the 14-24 year old population. I am passionate about helping my clients stabilize their mental health using mindfulness based stress reduction, expressive arts and creativity, physical activity, emotion focused therapy. I am also trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing.
(289) 806-1168 View (289) 806-1168
Bipolar Disorder Counsellors

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.