Photo of Julien Fortier, Registered Social Worker in Mississauga, ON
Julien Fortier
Registered Social Worker, MSW, BMT, RSW
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Mississauga, ON L4V  (Online Only)
Specializing in complex mental health issues like substance use, bipolar disorder, and more, I offer a holistic approach with mindfulness, motivational interviewing and CBT.
I specialize in supporting clients with mental health challenges—depression, anxiety, PTSD, intellectual disabilities, substance use, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. Ideal clients seek holistic care, combining mindfulness, CBT, music therapy, and empathy. They desire equitable, barrier-free support for stability and a healthier mindset. They value tailored strategies and a collaborative ally skilled in advocacy and communication. Ultimately, they seek understanding and holistic healing in a safe, empathetic space.
Specializing in complex mental health issues like substance use, bipolar disorder, and more, I offer a holistic approach with mindfulness, motivational interviewing and CBT.
I specialize in supporting clients with mental health challenges—depression, anxiety, PTSD, intellectual disabilities, substance use, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. Ideal clients seek holistic care, combining mindfulness, CBT, music therapy, and empathy. They desire equitable, barrier-free support for stability and a healthier mindset. They value tailored strategies and a collaborative ally skilled in advocacy and communication. Ultimately, they seek understanding and holistic healing in a safe, empathetic space.
(647) 492-5144 View (647) 492-5144
Photo of Somia Aslam Registered Psychotherapist, Registered Psychotherapist in Mississauga, ON
Somia Aslam Registered Psychotherapist
Registered Psychotherapist, MSc, PMH-C
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Mississauga, ON L4T  (Online Only)
Additionally,I have specialized training to treat individuals struggling with pregnancy and postpartum anxiety, depression, OCD and bipolar disorder.
Are you experiencing anxious thoughts, depressed mood, or finding it hard to adjust to major life transitions? Do unwanted and intrusive thoughts and feelings hinder your ability to fully engage in a meaningful life? Are you finding it challenging to cope with uncertainty in your life? Are you currently facing emotional challenges related to pregnancy or postpartum experience? We'll take time to discover your strengths and work towards your journey.
Additionally,I have specialized training to treat individuals struggling with pregnancy and postpartum anxiety, depression, OCD and bipolar disorder.
Are you experiencing anxious thoughts, depressed mood, or finding it hard to adjust to major life transitions? Do unwanted and intrusive thoughts and feelings hinder your ability to fully engage in a meaningful life? Are you finding it challenging to cope with uncertainty in your life? Are you currently facing emotional challenges related to pregnancy or postpartum experience? We'll take time to discover your strengths and work towards your journey.
(289) 236-1280 View (289) 236-1280
Photo of Celine Williams-Tracey, Registered Social Worker in Mississauga, ON
Celine Williams-Tracey
Registered Social Worker, HBSW, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Mississauga, ON L5B  (Online Only)
I specialize in trauma informed counselling, intimate partner violence, mental health(depression, anxiety and bipolar).
Are you feeling alone? Are you feeling emotionally stuck? Are you feeling as if you are coasting and not reaching your goals? Are you feeling uncertain about your life journey? Are you wanting to heal from trauma and struggles that have continued to impact your daily life? Do you feel emotionally and mentally debilitated? What are your ultimate internal life goal(s)? Awakening Counselling offers a safe and relaxing space to process and delve deep into the inner workings of the self and to ultimately achieve peace of mind. Give us a call or message us for more information.
I specialize in trauma informed counselling, intimate partner violence, mental health(depression, anxiety and bipolar).
Are you feeling alone? Are you feeling emotionally stuck? Are you feeling as if you are coasting and not reaching your goals? Are you feeling uncertain about your life journey? Are you wanting to heal from trauma and struggles that have continued to impact your daily life? Do you feel emotionally and mentally debilitated? What are your ultimate internal life goal(s)? Awakening Counselling offers a safe and relaxing space to process and delve deep into the inner workings of the self and to ultimately achieve peace of mind. Give us a call or message us for more information.
(844) 329-7484 View (844) 329-7484
Photo of Marci Gray -Social Worker Emdr Psychotherapist, Registered Social Worker in Mississauga, ON
Marci Gray -Social Worker Emdr Psychotherapist
Registered Social Worker, BA, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Mississauga, ON L4W
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 Arzu Ferguson, Psychologist in Mississauga, ON
Arzu Ferguson
Psychologist, MSc, CPsych
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Mississauga, ON L5B
I am a licensed Clinical Psychologist in Ontario and Newfoundland with more than 25 years of experience. Connecting with people is the best part of my job. I thrive to provide a safe, caring, and nonjudgmental environment. I believe change and self-growth is possible at any point in life. Some of the conditions I treat and assess are Depression, Anxiety disorders (Panic attacks, Health Anxiety), Eating disorders, Adult ADHD and Autism. I provide psychological counselling for Grief, postpartum health and workplace stress. I also work with Canadian Veterans, Canadian Armed Forces, and First Responders.
I am a licensed Clinical Psychologist in Ontario and Newfoundland with more than 25 years of experience. Connecting with people is the best part of my job. I thrive to provide a safe, caring, and nonjudgmental environment. I believe change and self-growth is possible at any point in life. Some of the conditions I treat and assess are Depression, Anxiety disorders (Panic attacks, Health Anxiety), Eating disorders, Adult ADHD and Autism. I provide psychological counselling for Grief, postpartum health and workplace stress. I also work with Canadian Veterans, Canadian Armed Forces, and First Responders.
(289) 302-5824 View (289) 302-5824
Photo of FVB Psychologists, Psychologist in Mississauga, ON
FVB Psychologists
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Mississauga, ON L5G
Our assessment and therapy services are conducted by an experienced team of clinicians who joined Fleming Vigna Balmer after gaining many years of valuable experience in the public sector; for example, working in hospitals, universities, rehabilitation centres, social service agencies, and community-based clinics. As a team, we are able to offer a rich, experience-based range of clinical services. All of our clinicians are psychologists or psychological associates registered with the College of Psychologists of Ontario. This means we are independent practitioners licenced to assess, diagnose, and treat the full range of psychological disorders ranging from problems in living to serious mental health issues. In addition, we are consulting psychologists to the pilot recruitment programmes of a number of airlines including Air Canada, Jazz Aviation LP, and Sky Regional Airlines. At Fleming Vigna Balmer services are provided in English, French, Italian, Vietnamese, and Afrikaans.
Our assessment and therapy services are conducted by an experienced team of clinicians who joined Fleming Vigna Balmer after gaining many years of valuable experience in the public sector; for example, working in hospitals, universities, rehabilitation centres, social service agencies, and community-based clinics. As a team, we are able to offer a rich, experience-based range of clinical services. All of our clinicians are psychologists or psychological associates registered with the College of Psychologists of Ontario. This means we are independent practitioners licenced to assess, diagnose, and treat the full range of psychological disorders ranging from problems in living to serious mental health issues. In addition, we are consulting psychologists to the pilot recruitment programmes of a number of airlines including Air Canada, Jazz Aviation LP, and Sky Regional Airlines. At Fleming Vigna Balmer services are provided in English, French, Italian, Vietnamese, and Afrikaans.
(844) 245-7821 x1 View (844) 245-7821 x1
Photo of Peel Psychology & Therapy Centre, Psychologist in Mississauga, ON
Peel Psychology & Therapy Centre
Psychologist, PsyD, CPsych
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Mississauga, ON L4Z
We believe that all persons are inherently good. When provided with the right support and encouragement, all persons seek to develop relationships and lead lives that are supportive and caring of others. Change is a continual process that is part of living. If we take the time to examine our lives, we can learn from our experiences and make changes that result in improved quality of life and relationships.
We believe that all persons are inherently good. When provided with the right support and encouragement, all persons seek to develop relationships and lead lives that are supportive and caring of others. Change is a continual process that is part of living. If we take the time to examine our lives, we can learn from our experiences and make changes that result in improved quality of life and relationships.
(289) 207-6373 View (289) 207-6373
Photo of Anxiety And Trauma Therapist Christine El-Dairy, Registered Psychotherapist in Mississauga, ON
Anxiety And Trauma Therapist Christine El-Dairy
Registered Psychotherapist, MACP, RP
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Mississauga, ON L5V  (Online Only)
Do you worry about the future? Are you experiencing relational difficulties & frustrations, and do you feel triggered by important others in your life? Do you cope by shutting down or avoidance, and end up feeling drained? Do you sometimes 'people please' or to achieve to feel a sense of self-worth and safety, and to avoid your feelings? Do you procrastinate and have difficulties focusing? Have you experienced losses or failures that have impacted your confidence and sense of self. If you are interested in self-exploration, coping better, managing anxiety, perfectionism, trauma, ADHD or depression, we can help.
Do you worry about the future? Are you experiencing relational difficulties & frustrations, and do you feel triggered by important others in your life? Do you cope by shutting down or avoidance, and end up feeling drained? Do you sometimes 'people please' or to achieve to feel a sense of self-worth and safety, and to avoid your feelings? Do you procrastinate and have difficulties focusing? Have you experienced losses or failures that have impacted your confidence and sense of self. If you are interested in self-exploration, coping better, managing anxiety, perfectionism, trauma, ADHD or depression, we can help.
(647) 797-0703 View (647) 797-0703
Photo of Angel Enrique Pacheco, Psychologist in Mississauga, ON
Angel Enrique Pacheco
Psychologist, PhD, CPsych
Verified Verified
Mississauga, ON L4W  (Online Only)
I am a Humanistic Behavioral Clinical Psychologist with over four decades of professional experience, specialized in behavior therapy and behavioral medicine. I am dedicated to helping people function and feel better by providing them with individual, couples, and family psychotherapy. I work with persons of all ages and groups of reference; with persons of both sexes presenting sexual disorders, and with all couples in their interaction and intimacy problems, and specialized in performing individualized clinical assessments of children, youth, and adults. My goal as a professional is to help people... Learn to Live Better ®.
I am a Humanistic Behavioral Clinical Psychologist with over four decades of professional experience, specialized in behavior therapy and behavioral medicine. I am dedicated to helping people function and feel better by providing them with individual, couples, and family psychotherapy. I work with persons of all ages and groups of reference; with persons of both sexes presenting sexual disorders, and with all couples in their interaction and intimacy problems, and specialized in performing individualized clinical assessments of children, youth, and adults. My goal as a professional is to help people... Learn to Live Better ®.
(289) 312-1765 View (289) 312-1765
Photo of Ermilio De Lisa, Counsellor in Mississauga, ON
Ermilio De Lisa
Counsellor, MPsy, CCPCP-R, CCPA, CHyp
Verified Verified
Mississauga, ON L5M
I offer a holistic form of therapy that is inclusive of both evidence based clinical and traditional healing modalities that best meet the unique needs of each individual. If you are struggling to cope with overwhelming thoughts and emotions or having a hard time moving on after a traumatic situation, you might benefit from clinical therapy services with an experienced and professionally trained therapist. I will help you to gain a better understanding of your personal issues in making quality decisions and gain a clearer perspective on everyday problems.
I offer a holistic form of therapy that is inclusive of both evidence based clinical and traditional healing modalities that best meet the unique needs of each individual. If you are struggling to cope with overwhelming thoughts and emotions or having a hard time moving on after a traumatic situation, you might benefit from clinical therapy services with an experienced and professionally trained therapist. I will help you to gain a better understanding of your personal issues in making quality decisions and gain a clearer perspective on everyday problems.
(365) 800-6740 View (365) 800-6740
Photo of Rocheny Alexandre, MSW,RSW Social Worker, Psychoth, Registered Social Worker in Mississauga, ON
Rocheny Alexandre, MSW,RSW Social Worker, Psychoth
Registered Social Worker, MSW, BSW, RSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Mississauga, ON L5G  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
As a mental health therapist, I help people experiencing distress enhance their sense of personal wellbeing and overall happiness. Over the years I have worked with adults, youth and families experiencing struggles with anxiety, depression, suicidal ideations, stress, relationship conflict, divorce and unresolved family issues.
As a mental health therapist, I help people experiencing distress enhance their sense of personal wellbeing and overall happiness. Over the years I have worked with adults, youth and families experiencing struggles with anxiety, depression, suicidal ideations, stress, relationship conflict, divorce and unresolved family issues.
(289) 272-7331 View (289) 272-7331
Photo of Andrew Youssef (Phd Candidate), Pastoral Counsellor in Mississauga, ON
Andrew Youssef (Phd Candidate)
Pastoral Counsellor, MTS
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Mississauga, ON L4Z
**See our website for other therapists accepting new clients** I am mental health therapist as well as a multi-faith spiritual and religious care provider (also known as a chaplain). My strength is working with anyone's faith and spirituality to help them with their mental health and spiritual journey. I work with all faiths and religious. In my practice, I see each client as a complex and unique person with stories, worldviews, and challenges. My goal is to aid you in accessing your inner resources such as the experiences you cultivate from your stories and the beliefs that find root in your worldviews to cope with challenges.
**See our website for other therapists accepting new clients** I am mental health therapist as well as a multi-faith spiritual and religious care provider (also known as a chaplain). My strength is working with anyone's faith and spirituality to help them with their mental health and spiritual journey. I work with all faiths and religious. In my practice, I see each client as a complex and unique person with stories, worldviews, and challenges. My goal is to aid you in accessing your inner resources such as the experiences you cultivate from your stories and the beliefs that find root in your worldviews to cope with challenges.
(289) 207-6729 View (289) 207-6729
Photo of Rachael Goodman, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) in Mississauga, ON
Rachael Goodman
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), RP-Q
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Mississauga, ON L5N
Accepting NEW clients. Anxiety, depression, loneliness, isolation, burnout, loss of intimacy and other personal struggles are all real emotions and feelings that have an impact on our day to day functioning. I work with individuals, couples and families to understand and manage through these difficult struggles.
Accepting NEW clients. Anxiety, depression, loneliness, isolation, burnout, loss of intimacy and other personal struggles are all real emotions and feelings that have an impact on our day to day functioning. I work with individuals, couples and families to understand and manage through these difficult struggles.
(289) 206-9094 View (289) 206-9094
Photo of Building Bridges Psychotherapy, Registered Psychotherapist in Mississauga, 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) 210-5106 View (289) 210-5106
Photo of Spring Psychology and Wellness Centre , Psychologist in Mississauga, ON
Spring Psychology and Wellness Centre
Psychologist, PsyD, CPsych
Verified Verified
Mississauga, ON L4T  (Online Only)
As the words “Spring” and “Wellness” suggest we at Spring Psychology and Wellness Centre aim to install hope, motivation and optimism when working with you. We work collaboratively with you when providing assessment, treatment and consultation services. At Spring Psychology and Wellness Centre we embrace inclusion and diversity and offer services in confidence with a warm, nonjudgmental, empathic approach that is also holistic. We welcome learning more about you, your experiences and perspectives and invite you to reach out to continue your journey of wellness and resilience.
As the words “Spring” and “Wellness” suggest we at Spring Psychology and Wellness Centre aim to install hope, motivation and optimism when working with you. We work collaboratively with you when providing assessment, treatment and consultation services. At Spring Psychology and Wellness Centre we embrace inclusion and diversity and offer services in confidence with a warm, nonjudgmental, empathic approach that is also holistic. We welcome learning more about you, your experiences and perspectives and invite you to reach out to continue your journey of wellness and resilience.
(289) 273-9670 View (289) 273-9670
Photo of Nadia Perruzza, Occupational Therapist in Mississauga, ON
Nadia Perruzza
Occupational Therapist, MScOT , Reg , (Ont)
Verified Verified
Mississauga, ON L5M
As an Occupational Therapist I empower clients with the knowledge, strategies & tools they require to reach their mental health goals. I assist clients in making realistic, positive and sustainable changes in their life. My focus is to help individuals heal, energize, and become aware of their inner strengths. I achieve this by providing a neutral safe space, listening to your concerns, and customizing a treatment plan. I am here for you every step of your journey. My goal is to help you grow from your struggles, heal from your pain, and move forward to where you want to be in your life.
As an Occupational Therapist I empower clients with the knowledge, strategies & tools they require to reach their mental health goals. I assist clients in making realistic, positive and sustainable changes in their life. My focus is to help individuals heal, energize, and become aware of their inner strengths. I achieve this by providing a neutral safe space, listening to your concerns, and customizing a treatment plan. I am here for you every step of your journey. My goal is to help you grow from your struggles, heal from your pain, and move forward to where you want to be in your life.
(289) 814-3279 View (289) 814-3279
Photo of Bhargavi Patel, Registered Social Worker in Mississauga, ON
Bhargavi Patel
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Mississauga, ON L5R
If you are experiencing distress that has impacted your life in some capacity, I will support you in processing and working through your areas of concern.
If you are experiencing distress that has impacted your life in some capacity, I will support you in processing and working through your areas of concern.
(877) 335-7195 View (877) 335-7195
Photo of Rabia Ikram, Registered Psychotherapist in Mississauga, ON
Rabia Ikram
Registered Psychotherapist, MSc, RP
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Mississauga, ON L4Y  (Online Only)
I am culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and client-centered Clinician. De-stigmatizing and normalizing support for mental health is important to me. We all share the need to feel ‘understood’ and ‘validated’ by our family, circle of care. Our voices in not being heard, silenced can often lead us to feel resentful, sad, lonely, frustrated, and even angry. This void makes us act distant, judge ourselves, and suffer emotionally. Also, cause us to have conflict in our relationship with ourselves, others, and society. They say; “Stories have to be told or they die, and when they die, we can’t remember who we are or why we are here.”
I am culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and client-centered Clinician. De-stigmatizing and normalizing support for mental health is important to me. We all share the need to feel ‘understood’ and ‘validated’ by our family, circle of care. Our voices in not being heard, silenced can often lead us to feel resentful, sad, lonely, frustrated, and even angry. This void makes us act distant, judge ourselves, and suffer emotionally. Also, cause us to have conflict in our relationship with ourselves, others, and society. They say; “Stories have to be told or they die, and when they die, we can’t remember who we are or why we are here.”
(289) 207-7662 View (289) 207-7662
Photo of Healing Roots Therapy, Registered Psychotherapist in Mississauga, ON
Healing Roots Therapy
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Mississauga, ON L5R
****ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS****Are you battling feelings of disconnection and discontent? Do your needs often take a backseat in your life? Do you ponder if life could be more fulfilling and happier? In today's demanding world, many are grappling with anxiety, overwhelm, and uncertainty in managing relationships, careers, and lives overall. Neglecting your needs and lacking self-care can lead to prolonged mental and physical concerns. We firmly believe life shouldn't be this tough. Healing Roots Therapy (HRT) is a dedicated clinic, blending evidence-based healing methods with traditional psychotherapy for comprehensive care.
****ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS****Are you battling feelings of disconnection and discontent? Do your needs often take a backseat in your life? Do you ponder if life could be more fulfilling and happier? In today's demanding world, many are grappling with anxiety, overwhelm, and uncertainty in managing relationships, careers, and lives overall. Neglecting your needs and lacking self-care can lead to prolonged mental and physical concerns. We firmly believe life shouldn't be this tough. Healing Roots Therapy (HRT) is a dedicated clinic, blending evidence-based healing methods with traditional psychotherapy for comprehensive care.
(647) 694-6883 x00 View (647) 694-6883 x00
Photo of Vikas Keshri, Registered Social Worker in Mississauga, ON
Vikas Keshri
Registered Social Worker, BSc, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Mississauga, ON L5B
You are confused, angry, frustrated or keep blaming yourself. Your sleep is disturbed or your brain is working non-stop. You feel exhausted and you have difficulty staying focused. You have isolated yourself, find yourself crying frequently, don't feel happy, avoid certain situations, keep getting into arguments, get angry, or end up sabotaging relationships. You are stressed from work or school. You are experiencing conflicts in your relationship. You may have suicidal thoughts. I have vast experience working and supporting people experiencing depression, anxiety, guilt, anger, low self-esteem, grief & bereavement, stress, relationship issues and mental health challenges.
You are confused, angry, frustrated or keep blaming yourself. Your sleep is disturbed or your brain is working non-stop. You feel exhausted and you have difficulty staying focused. You have isolated yourself, find yourself crying frequently, don't feel happy, avoid certain situations, keep getting into arguments, get angry, or end up sabotaging relationships. You are stressed from work or school. You are experiencing conflicts in your relationship. You may have suicidal thoughts. I have vast experience working and supporting people experiencing depression, anxiety, guilt, anger, low self-esteem, grief & bereavement, stress, relationship issues and mental health challenges.
(289) 302-8313 View (289) 302-8313

See more therapy options for Mississauga

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.