Photo of Scholastica Asahchop - S A Counselling Services, Registered Social Worker in Strathroy, ON
Scholastica Asahchop - S A Counselling Services
Registered Social Worker, BSW, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Strathroy, ON N7G
Feeling overwhelmed, emotionally drained and not sure of what to do? You are not alone because most people experience psychological issues from time to time in life and need help in resolving these challenges. Seeking professional help is pertinent in attaining and maintaining optimal mental health. I utilize both long-term and brief interventions approach to meet clients’ unique needs. I perform comprehensive psychosocial assessments and develop individualized treatment plans tailored to clients' needs. I work from a strength based, trauma informed framework, evidence-based practices and committed to an anti-oppressive approach.
Feeling overwhelmed, emotionally drained and not sure of what to do? You are not alone because most people experience psychological issues from time to time in life and need help in resolving these challenges. Seeking professional help is pertinent in attaining and maintaining optimal mental health. I utilize both long-term and brief interventions approach to meet clients’ unique needs. I perform comprehensive psychosocial assessments and develop individualized treatment plans tailored to clients' needs. I work from a strength based, trauma informed framework, evidence-based practices and committed to an anti-oppressive approach.
(877) 959-3274 View (877) 959-3274

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Selena Buma - Be Still Counselling, Registered Social Worker in Strathroy, ON
Selena Buma - Be Still Counselling
Registered Social Worker, MSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Mount Brydges, ON N0L  (Online Only)
Hello, and welcome! We all know that life can be hard and bring many stressful, difficult, and painful situations. If you are feeling overwhelmed, sad, anxious, lost, alone, or unsure about your purpose and direction, I’m here to help. My counseling practice is founded on building relationships with clients, offering empathy and compassion, and providing a safe place for you to learn about yourself, heal, and grow. Together we can help you understand yourself and identify tools and strategies to help you support yourself through all the challenging circumstances life brings.
Hello, and welcome! We all know that life can be hard and bring many stressful, difficult, and painful situations. If you are feeling overwhelmed, sad, anxious, lost, alone, or unsure about your purpose and direction, I’m here to help. My counseling practice is founded on building relationships with clients, offering empathy and compassion, and providing a safe place for you to learn about yourself, heal, and grow. Together we can help you understand yourself and identify tools and strategies to help you support yourself through all the challenging circumstances life brings.
(226) 778-3624 View (226) 778-3624

Online Therapists

Photo of Koye Oyerinde, Registered Social Worker in Strathroy, ON
Koye Oyerinde
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
London, ON N6H  (Online Only)
I facilitated Cognitive Behavioural Therapy treatments for Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Social and Generalized Anxiety, Panic Disorder, and Obsessive Compulsive Disorders and also facilitated Dialectical Behavioural Therapy programs for Borderline Personality Disorders.
I enjoy working with individuals, families, and couples. This might be the first time you are seeking counselling or you may be seeking for a different counselling experience, picking the right counsellor for you is important. It is important to understand how we interpret our experiences and how they affects us. Our environments also have the ability to impact the way we interpret our experiences and interactions; it can be helpful to develop an awareness of the common miscommunication we experience based on our past experiences and in challenging ourselves to take steps towards wellness.
I facilitated Cognitive Behavioural Therapy treatments for Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Social and Generalized Anxiety, Panic Disorder, and Obsessive Compulsive Disorders and also facilitated Dialectical Behavioural Therapy programs for Borderline Personality Disorders.
I enjoy working with individuals, families, and couples. This might be the first time you are seeking counselling or you may be seeking for a different counselling experience, picking the right counsellor for you is important. It is important to understand how we interpret our experiences and how they affects us. Our environments also have the ability to impact the way we interpret our experiences and interactions; it can be helpful to develop an awareness of the common miscommunication we experience based on our past experiences and in challenging ourselves to take steps towards wellness.
(226) 400-6910 View (226) 400-6910
Photo of Esther Bulk, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Strathroy, ON
Esther Bulk
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hamilton, ON L0R
Maybe you or your child are dealing with a difficult life transition, a low mood, anxiety, or perhaps you need an ally, coping strategies, or a new approach with a loved one. Esther has extensive experience supporting children, youth and their families in a variety of ways; from managing various mental health concerns such as depression or anxiety, to supporting individuals with low self-worth, trauma, anger, or aggression. Esther can help with complex family dynamics that are interfering with an individual's functioning. Esther is also practiced in conducting risk assessments and safety planning.
Maybe you or your child are dealing with a difficult life transition, a low mood, anxiety, or perhaps you need an ally, coping strategies, or a new approach with a loved one. Esther has extensive experience supporting children, youth and their families in a variety of ways; from managing various mental health concerns such as depression or anxiety, to supporting individuals with low self-worth, trauma, anger, or aggression. Esther can help with complex family dynamics that are interfering with an individual's functioning. Esther is also practiced in conducting risk assessments and safety planning.
(289) 723-1571 View (289) 723-1571
Photo of Sonia Dillon, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) in Strathroy, ON
Sonia Dillon
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), BsC, MACP, EMDR
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Burlington, ON L7R  (Online Only)
Accepting new clients - Struggling with relationships can be overwhelming. Battling anxiety and low mood can be draining. Grief can be life changing. Stress and trauma can be paralyzing. You’re not alone and I am happy to help. I am here to listen and offer support in a space filled with comfort, knowledge, and without judgement. A space where we can work together, as a team, to overcome these challenges. I am committed to building a trusting and collaborative relationship with each person, where they not only feel heard, valued, and understood, while having something to take away from each session.
Accepting new clients - Struggling with relationships can be overwhelming. Battling anxiety and low mood can be draining. Grief can be life changing. Stress and trauma can be paralyzing. You’re not alone and I am happy to help. I am here to listen and offer support in a space filled with comfort, knowledge, and without judgement. A space where we can work together, as a team, to overcome these challenges. I am committed to building a trusting and collaborative relationship with each person, where they not only feel heard, valued, and understood, while having something to take away from each session.
(647) 901-3017 View (647) 901-3017
Photo of Carey Emmerson, Registered Psychotherapist in Strathroy, ON
Carey Emmerson
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, CCC, MTS
Verified Verified
Kitchener, ON N2E  (Online Only)
People come to therapy with the hope of enhancing their life story in a meaningful way, yet many find themselves held back due to painful emotions, relationship problems, and trauma. Psychotherapy can be the chapter in a person’s life where stuck circumstances finally start to change. Psychotherapy can be the chapter where a person grieves their losses, confronts their fears, heals deep-seated wounds, and finds within themselves the courage and strength to go forward with greater confidence, joy, and peace.
People come to therapy with the hope of enhancing their life story in a meaningful way, yet many find themselves held back due to painful emotions, relationship problems, and trauma. Psychotherapy can be the chapter in a person’s life where stuck circumstances finally start to change. Psychotherapy can be the chapter where a person grieves their losses, confronts their fears, heals deep-seated wounds, and finds within themselves the courage and strength to go forward with greater confidence, joy, and peace.
(548) 490-7326 View (548) 490-7326
Photo of Melissa Riewald | Spoken Shore Psychotherapy, Registered Psychotherapist in Strathroy, ON
Melissa Riewald | Spoken Shore Psychotherapy
Registered Psychotherapist, BA, BSW, MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Hamilton, ON L8S
Accepting new clients! - I’m so glad you’re here. Life can feel messy, confusing, and out of balance sometimes, and we all need someone to talk to. Whether you’re experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, a long-standing issue, or recent curve ball you didn’t see coming, I believe change is possible and that we all have within us resilience and an innate capacity to heal. I work from an evidence-based, mindfulness-based perspective and believe firmly that healing happens on the foundation of a trusting, authentic relationship. I’m confident that together we can find a new and hopeful way forward.
Accepting new clients! - I’m so glad you’re here. Life can feel messy, confusing, and out of balance sometimes, and we all need someone to talk to. Whether you’re experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, a long-standing issue, or recent curve ball you didn’t see coming, I believe change is possible and that we all have within us resilience and an innate capacity to heal. I work from an evidence-based, mindfulness-based perspective and believe firmly that healing happens on the foundation of a trusting, authentic relationship. I’m confident that together we can find a new and hopeful way forward.
(365) 607-5662 View (365) 607-5662
Photo of Trauma And Grief Specialist Kathy Dahmer, Registered Psychotherapist in Strathroy, ON
Trauma And Grief Specialist Kathy Dahmer
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, MDiv
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Windsor, ON N9E  (Online Only)
Life after trauma can be hard. Really really hard. You never quite go back to feeling like yourself. You experience the world differently- people, places and things can trigger feelings of unsafety. You may be feeling numb, detached or out of body. Other times, you can feel irritable and snap easily. Trauma will impact your ability to trust yourself & those around you. Maybe it's beginning to impact your relationships with yourself and/or others. Sometimes you’ve been living in survival mode for so long that you begin to feel hopeless. Unhealed trauma commonly manifests in the body chronically.
Life after trauma can be hard. Really really hard. You never quite go back to feeling like yourself. You experience the world differently- people, places and things can trigger feelings of unsafety. You may be feeling numb, detached or out of body. Other times, you can feel irritable and snap easily. Trauma will impact your ability to trust yourself & those around you. Maybe it's beginning to impact your relationships with yourself and/or others. Sometimes you’ve been living in survival mode for so long that you begin to feel hopeless. Unhealed trauma commonly manifests in the body chronically.
(249) 702-1622 View (249) 702-1622
Photo of Sarah Glinski, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) in Strathroy, ON
Sarah Glinski
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MA, RP(Q)
Verified Verified
Kitchener, ON N2H  (Online Only)
You are exhausted! You know that you could feel more fulfilled but you're not sure what to do next. You worry all the time, your energy is depleted, managing daily tasks feel impossible and you aren't feeling too great about yourself. You have a sense that your life should be different than this, that you should have a more meaningful purpose. Maybe you even know what that purpose is- but you're scared. Scared of being misunderstood, humiliated, rejected. Scared of failing. I know what that feels like. And if you're willing, I can help guide you through it.
You are exhausted! You know that you could feel more fulfilled but you're not sure what to do next. You worry all the time, your energy is depleted, managing daily tasks feel impossible and you aren't feeling too great about yourself. You have a sense that your life should be different than this, that you should have a more meaningful purpose. Maybe you even know what that purpose is- but you're scared. Scared of being misunderstood, humiliated, rejected. Scared of failing. I know what that feels like. And if you're willing, I can help guide you through it.
(548) 490-8774 View (548) 490-8774
Photo of Holt Counselling & Consulting Services, Registered Psychotherapist in Strathroy, ON
Holt Counselling & Consulting Services
Registered Psychotherapist, MEd, CCC, RP
Verified Verified
Belmont, ON N0L  (Online Only)
Over the past 24 years I have specialized in working with individuals (adults and youth, male and female) who have done something of a sexual nature that has gotten them into trouble, or have engaged in violent behaviour towards their intimate partner. I also support families with safety planning. I am a qualified expert in Criminal, Family, and Superior court to conduct risk assessments for individuals who have committed a sexual based offence, as well provide the courts with recommendations for treatment options for those individuals. I am also specialized in working with clients suffering with anger management issues.
Over the past 24 years I have specialized in working with individuals (adults and youth, male and female) who have done something of a sexual nature that has gotten them into trouble, or have engaged in violent behaviour towards their intimate partner. I also support families with safety planning. I am a qualified expert in Criminal, Family, and Superior court to conduct risk assessments for individuals who have committed a sexual based offence, as well provide the courts with recommendations for treatment options for those individuals. I am also specialized in working with clients suffering with anger management issues.
(519) 319-9491 View (519) 319-9491
Photo of Tanya de Reus, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) in Strathroy, ON
Tanya de Reus
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), BScN, MA, RP-Q
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
London, ON N5X
There’s a lot that holds us back from trying therapy. We may think we need a serious problem to see a therapist. But therapy is for everyone. Because, as humans, we experience sadness, stress, anxiety, and emotional dysregulation. The only qualification to go to therapy is to be human. You may ask, why not talk to a friend? Because friends aren’t properly trained to listen. As you attend therapy, patterns and insights begin to emerge, old wounds open up, and traumas are acknowledged. Going to therapy is a sign of sanity, a commitment to your mental health and a better future.
There’s a lot that holds us back from trying therapy. We may think we need a serious problem to see a therapist. But therapy is for everyone. Because, as humans, we experience sadness, stress, anxiety, and emotional dysregulation. The only qualification to go to therapy is to be human. You may ask, why not talk to a friend? Because friends aren’t properly trained to listen. As you attend therapy, patterns and insights begin to emerge, old wounds open up, and traumas are acknowledged. Going to therapy is a sign of sanity, a commitment to your mental health and a better future.
(548) 800-1967 View (548) 800-1967
Photo of LifeCycle Counselling, Registered Psychotherapist in Strathroy, ON
LifeCycle Counselling
Registered Psychotherapist
Verified Verified
Cambridge, ON N1R
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 Rey T. Singh, Registered Social Worker in Strathroy, ON
Rey T. Singh
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RCS, CHyp, RSW
Verified Verified
London, ON N6K
Thank you for reviewing my profile. I am currently accepting clients who are facing the challenges of mental health diagnoses and substance misuse. I provide evidence-based, specialized approaches to supporting people experiencing complex PTSD, anxiety, depression and other integrative challenges. If your goals include working with an experienced therapist to grow, expand, and gain the skills necessary to achieve your wellness, I will provide you effective support. My services are geared to assist the general public, as well as First Nations, and culturally diverse communities seeking support for healing, recovery and wellness.
Thank you for reviewing my profile. I am currently accepting clients who are facing the challenges of mental health diagnoses and substance misuse. I provide evidence-based, specialized approaches to supporting people experiencing complex PTSD, anxiety, depression and other integrative challenges. If your goals include working with an experienced therapist to grow, expand, and gain the skills necessary to achieve your wellness, I will provide you effective support. My services are geared to assist the general public, as well as First Nations, and culturally diverse communities seeking support for healing, recovery and wellness.
(855) 339-1666 View (855) 339-1666
Photo of Justin the Therapist, Registered Psychotherapist in Strathroy, ON
Justin the Therapist
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, MSc, RP, RMFT
Verified Verified
14 Endorsed
Guelph, ON N1H
***STILL OPEN FOR IN-PERSON GUELPH/MISSISSAUGA*** I believe that there is good in every person, and hope in every situation. I have helped hundreds of individuals, couples, and families heal, grow, and connect. As a relational therapist, I appreciate the impact that our relationships have on our well-being. I do not see clients as having something wrong with their minds that necessarily needs to be fixed. Rather, I see my clients as unique individuals, each with their own stories and perspectives, embedded in important relationships and contexts that impact them. I see strengths and I see hope, even when it feels like there is none.
***STILL OPEN FOR IN-PERSON GUELPH/MISSISSAUGA*** I believe that there is good in every person, and hope in every situation. I have helped hundreds of individuals, couples, and families heal, grow, and connect. As a relational therapist, I appreciate the impact that our relationships have on our well-being. I do not see clients as having something wrong with their minds that necessarily needs to be fixed. Rather, I see my clients as unique individuals, each with their own stories and perspectives, embedded in important relationships and contexts that impact them. I see strengths and I see hope, even when it feels like there is none.
(289) 274-8209 View (289) 274-8209
Photo of Amanda Rowe, Registered Psychotherapist in Strathroy, 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 Raquel (Sutherland) Jefferies, Registered Social Worker in Strathroy, ON
Raquel (Sutherland) Jefferies
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Waterloo, ON N2L
Making Moments Matter! If you've come across my biography, it's possible that the forces of the universe and the law of attraction are in motion. I genuinely believe, and my experiences have shown me, that there are moments in our lives when we are destined to cross paths and connect with a particular individual. For over a decade, I've had the privilege of being someone who establishes a unique counselling relationship right from day one. This foundation is built on trust, safety, and attunement, setting the stage for a collaborative healing journey. Sometimes we just need someone who “just gets it”.
Making Moments Matter! If you've come across my biography, it's possible that the forces of the universe and the law of attraction are in motion. I genuinely believe, and my experiences have shown me, that there are moments in our lives when we are destined to cross paths and connect with a particular individual. For over a decade, I've had the privilege of being someone who establishes a unique counselling relationship right from day one. This foundation is built on trust, safety, and attunement, setting the stage for a collaborative healing journey. Sometimes we just need someone who “just gets it”.
(226) 640-5045 View (226) 640-5045
Photo of Marc Blainey, Registered Psychotherapist in Strathroy, ON
Marc Blainey
Registered Psychotherapist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kitchener, ON N2H
Marc is a cultural anthropologist, psychotherapist, and chaplain who provides professional counseling for people of all faiths and people of no faith. Marc is ready to work with you in-person or online on the challenges of being human. Having earned a Ph.D. based on anthropological fieldwork across Europe, North America, and Latin America, Marc maintains respect for different cultural ways of knowing. He compassionately helps clients identity, explore, and address some of the most difficult problems of human existence, including issues of Meaning, Grief/Loss, Mood (anxiety, depression), Addiction, Eating Disorders, and Trauma.
Marc is a cultural anthropologist, psychotherapist, and chaplain who provides professional counseling for people of all faiths and people of no faith. Marc is ready to work with you in-person or online on the challenges of being human. Having earned a Ph.D. based on anthropological fieldwork across Europe, North America, and Latin America, Marc maintains respect for different cultural ways of knowing. He compassionately helps clients identity, explore, and address some of the most difficult problems of human existence, including issues of Meaning, Grief/Loss, Mood (anxiety, depression), Addiction, Eating Disorders, and Trauma.
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Photo of Susan Scott, Registered Social Worker in Strathroy, ON
Susan Scott
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
London, ON N6G  (Online Only)
Self-reflection is the gateway to inner peace. I believe you possess the courage and capacity to heal, grow, and achieve inner peace. Having the space to explore your experience with a skilled clinician will help you to develop the insight and skills you need to enhance your well-being. Feeling stuck can pave the way to making significant changes. I am passionate about using a mind-body approach to therapy and incorporate modalities including; Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and Mindfulness. I have an interest in empowering people with High Sensitivity (HSP).
Self-reflection is the gateway to inner peace. I believe you possess the courage and capacity to heal, grow, and achieve inner peace. Having the space to explore your experience with a skilled clinician will help you to develop the insight and skills you need to enhance your well-being. Feeling stuck can pave the way to making significant changes. I am passionate about using a mind-body approach to therapy and incorporate modalities including; Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and Mindfulness. I have an interest in empowering people with High Sensitivity (HSP).
(548) 482-5013 View (548) 482-5013
Photo of Esra Magsoud, Registered Social Worker in Strathroy, ON
Esra Magsoud
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
London, ON N6A
Have you been feeling overwhelmed & stressed? Experiencing difficulty in your relationships, school or work? Are you struggling with your emotions? Are you a parent with a child experiencing behavioural issues? Are you or your child struggling with thoughts of depression, self-harm & suicide? Are you experiencing anxiety & work/school related issues? Do you have low self esteem? You have come to the right place! I would be honoured to support you. Whether it be helping to process events, providing support or learning different coping skills through evidence-based interventions, myself & the team at CBT Wellness can help you!
Have you been feeling overwhelmed & stressed? Experiencing difficulty in your relationships, school or work? Are you struggling with your emotions? Are you a parent with a child experiencing behavioural issues? Are you or your child struggling with thoughts of depression, self-harm & suicide? Are you experiencing anxiety & work/school related issues? Do you have low self esteem? You have come to the right place! I would be honoured to support you. Whether it be helping to process events, providing support or learning different coping skills through evidence-based interventions, myself & the team at CBT Wellness can help you!
(226) 917-2740 View (226) 917-2740
Photo of Insight Counselling Therapy , Registered Psychotherapist in Strathroy, ON
Insight Counselling Therapy
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, RSSW
Verified Verified
Ancaster, ON L9K
My passion is to help people regain their inner peace and happiness to live a pleasurable fulfilled life. Life is full of ups, downs and challenges that we are often not prepared for. It does not matter how many times you get knocked down, but the what matters comes from how many times you get up. I believe the greatest accomplishment is who you become while picking yourself back up. Each new day gives you a fresh start to get back on track and to have the courage to rebuild yourself the way you desire. In therapy we would work collaboratively to address your needs and to determine how best to meet these needs.
My passion is to help people regain their inner peace and happiness to live a pleasurable fulfilled life. Life is full of ups, downs and challenges that we are often not prepared for. It does not matter how many times you get knocked down, but the what matters comes from how many times you get up. I believe the greatest accomplishment is who you become while picking yourself back up. Each new day gives you a fresh start to get back on track and to have the courage to rebuild yourself the way you desire. In therapy we would work collaboratively to address your needs and to determine how best to meet these needs.
(289) 217-9871 View (289) 217-9871

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Nearby Bipolar Disorder Counsellors Searches for Strathroy

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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.