Photo of Alan James Naughton, Psychotherapist in Lichfield, England
Alan James Naughton
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
Lichfield WS13
Life is not straightforward and sometimes overwhelming. Often we know what our difficulties are, sometimes we don't. I offer a friendly, supportive environment in which to talk about what matters most to you, and find ways to move forward. I am a psychotherapist working for Prohealth UK (www.prohealthuk.org) and privately. I have worked in varied settings, providing psychotherapy services for NHS patients, Staffordshire Fire & Police Service, Staffordshire County Council, East Staffs Borough Council, Salford Hospital and local charity.
Life is not straightforward and sometimes overwhelming. Often we know what our difficulties are, sometimes we don't. I offer a friendly, supportive environment in which to talk about what matters most to you, and find ways to move forward. I am a psychotherapist working for Prohealth UK (www.prohealthuk.org) and privately. I have worked in varied settings, providing psychotherapy services for NHS patients, Staffordshire Fire & Police Service, Staffordshire County Council, East Staffs Borough Council, Salford Hospital and local charity.
01543 399608 View 01543 399608
Photo of Prohealth Uk, Psychotherapist in Lichfield, England
Prohealth Uk
Psychotherapist, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Lichfield WS14
Welcome to ProhealthUK. We are a dedicated team of therapists, counsellors and coahes providing a wide range of services. Our mission is to help you to make changes, be self-empowered and feel more content.
Welcome to ProhealthUK. We are a dedicated team of therapists, counsellors and coahes providing a wide range of services. Our mission is to help you to make changes, be self-empowered and feel more content.
01543 398248 View 01543 398248
Photo of Joanna Baker, Psychotherapist in Lichfield, England
Joanna Baker
Psychotherapist, MHGI
Verified Verified
Lichfield WS13
Clients come to see me at The Well-Minded Practice when they want fast, effective new outcomes for depression, anxiety, trauma and to improve their sleep. With extensive experience working with all forms of emotional distress, I always strive to ensure that alongside specific work carried out during appointments, clients have a firm foundation of of understanding and a set of tools to continue to maintain their own emotional health proactively in the future. Using the most up-to-date psychotherapeutic understanding and techniques, I help clients move forward with their lives as swiftly and effectively as possible.
Clients come to see me at The Well-Minded Practice when they want fast, effective new outcomes for depression, anxiety, trauma and to improve their sleep. With extensive experience working with all forms of emotional distress, I always strive to ensure that alongside specific work carried out during appointments, clients have a firm foundation of of understanding and a set of tools to continue to maintain their own emotional health proactively in the future. Using the most up-to-date psychotherapeutic understanding and techniques, I help clients move forward with their lives as swiftly and effectively as possible.
01283 242346 View 01283 242346
Photo of CBT for Healthy Minds ( Caroline Bottrill ), Psychotherapist in Lichfield, England
CBT for Healthy Minds ( Caroline Bottrill )
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBABCP
Verified Verified
Lichfield WS13
I'm a professional and caring Psychotherapist with 15 years experience of helping my clients overcome depression, anxiety and trauma. If you are feeling anxious, fearful, low or alone, please do not suffer in silence, as my services can provide you with a helping hand. I treat all mental health problems. I have spent 15 years working with GP practices offering private therapy services to their patients . I provide alcohol and drug addiction rehabilitation programmes. I provide programmes for eating disorder recovery . I specialise in binge eating disorder and provide recovery programmes . I offer weight management programmes .
I'm a professional and caring Psychotherapist with 15 years experience of helping my clients overcome depression, anxiety and trauma. If you are feeling anxious, fearful, low or alone, please do not suffer in silence, as my services can provide you with a helping hand. I treat all mental health problems. I have spent 15 years working with GP practices offering private therapy services to their patients . I provide alcohol and drug addiction rehabilitation programmes. I provide programmes for eating disorder recovery . I specialise in binge eating disorder and provide recovery programmes . I offer weight management programmes .
0121 817 3868 View 0121 817 3868

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Peace of Mind Wellbeing, Psychotherapist in Lichfield, England
Peace of Mind Wellbeing
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBABCP
Verified Verified
Cannock WS12
Peace of Mind Wellbeing offers therapeutic support and mental health intervention to Children, Young People and Adults, presenting with psychological difficulties such as Depression, Anxiety, OCD, PTSD, Social Anxiety, Specific Phobias, Childhood Trauma, Relationship difficulties and Low Self Esteem. Peace of Mind Wellbeing also offers couples therapy and family therapy, alongside training packages to other professionals, family and friends, to support their understanding of different psychological difficulties, how they present and how they can appropriately offer their support.
Peace of Mind Wellbeing offers therapeutic support and mental health intervention to Children, Young People and Adults, presenting with psychological difficulties such as Depression, Anxiety, OCD, PTSD, Social Anxiety, Specific Phobias, Childhood Trauma, Relationship difficulties and Low Self Esteem. Peace of Mind Wellbeing also offers couples therapy and family therapy, alongside training packages to other professionals, family and friends, to support their understanding of different psychological difficulties, how they present and how they can appropriately offer their support.
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Photo of Raj Bassi, Psychotherapist in Lichfield, England
Raj Bassi
Psychotherapist, MBABCP
Verified Verified
Sutton Coldfield B75
I am an accredited Cognitive Behavioural Therapist (CBT) and have completed a degree in Psychology and primarily practice cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). I have over ten years experience of working within a range of NHS mental health services in London and the West Midlands in treating depression, anxiety disorders and trauma in adults and children by way of delivering effective treatment and providing evidence-based procedures.
I am an accredited Cognitive Behavioural Therapist (CBT) and have completed a degree in Psychology and primarily practice cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). I have over ten years experience of working within a range of NHS mental health services in London and the West Midlands in treating depression, anxiety disorders and trauma in adults and children by way of delivering effective treatment and providing evidence-based procedures.
0121 809 6158 View 0121 809 6158
Photo of Dr Donna Bella Gurney, Psychologist in Lichfield, England
Dr Donna Bella Gurney
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Sutton Coldfield B75
Are you suffering from an eating disorder? Are you constantly feeling not good enough? Are your anxieties stopping you from living the life that you want? Are you feeling stressed, overwhelmed or burnt out? Are you a perfectionist with unrelenting standards and highly self-critical? Do you find yourself sabotaging your relationships? Whatever your circumstances, I am here to help. ‘Tutum' is a latin word which means 'safe'.​ I founded Tutum Psychology to provide a safe space for people to talk. The scientific literature has shown that feeling safe in your therapeutic relationship is important in order for therapy to be a success.
Are you suffering from an eating disorder? Are you constantly feeling not good enough? Are your anxieties stopping you from living the life that you want? Are you feeling stressed, overwhelmed or burnt out? Are you a perfectionist with unrelenting standards and highly self-critical? Do you find yourself sabotaging your relationships? Whatever your circumstances, I am here to help. ‘Tutum' is a latin word which means 'safe'.​ I founded Tutum Psychology to provide a safe space for people to talk. The scientific literature has shown that feeling safe in your therapeutic relationship is important in order for therapy to be a success.
01922 664934 View 01922 664934
Photo of Louise Lalley, Counsellor in Lichfield, England
Louise Lalley
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Walsall WS4
Taking the first step towards counselling can be daunting, but my approach will be compassionate, friendly and supportive. We will work together to identify and resolve your issues in a safe and confidential environment, at a pace that is right for you. Through therapy I can help with a range of issues from anxiety to panic disorder, depression to anger management. As a member of the British Association of Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP), I will always work with you ethically and confidentially. So, if you are looking for a therapist in the Walsall or Wolverhampton (Willenhall) areas in the West Midlands, please get in touch.
Taking the first step towards counselling can be daunting, but my approach will be compassionate, friendly and supportive. We will work together to identify and resolve your issues in a safe and confidential environment, at a pace that is right for you. Through therapy I can help with a range of issues from anxiety to panic disorder, depression to anger management. As a member of the British Association of Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP), I will always work with you ethically and confidentially. So, if you are looking for a therapist in the Walsall or Wolverhampton (Willenhall) areas in the West Midlands, please get in touch.
07403 926054 View 07403 926054
Photo of JL Counselling, Counsellor in Lichfield, England
JL Counselling
Counsellor, MA, BACP
Verified Verified
Tamworth B77  (Online Only)
Hello, I am glad you have found me and made your first step towards therapy! An inspiring quote by Dalai Lama once said, “Calm minds bring inner peace and self-confidence, so that’s very important for good health”. This resonates with me because our mental health is incredibly important to our well-being and our perceptions of the world we live in. I know that searching for a counsellor can be unnerving especially when you may feel overawed with angst or tension; despondent, grieving or struggling with relationship disputes. I recognise how that feels and the complications that may follow.
Hello, I am glad you have found me and made your first step towards therapy! An inspiring quote by Dalai Lama once said, “Calm minds bring inner peace and self-confidence, so that’s very important for good health”. This resonates with me because our mental health is incredibly important to our well-being and our perceptions of the world we live in. I know that searching for a counsellor can be unnerving especially when you may feel overawed with angst or tension; despondent, grieving or struggling with relationship disputes. I recognise how that feels and the complications that may follow.
01283 387637 View 01283 387637
Photo of Healthy Minds Stafford Limited, Psychologist in Lichfield, England
Healthy Minds Stafford Limited
Psychologist, CPsychol
Verified Verified
Cannock WS11
With over 18 years experience working with individuals, couples and families, I can help you deal with issues in your daily life and provide you with the support/interventions to overcome them. Marriage Counselling, Relationship Counselling, Couples Counselling, Addictions, Anxiety Treatment, OCD Treatment, Stress, Counselling Anger Management, Family Therapy, Counselling For Depression, Gender issues. The therapy provided by Healthy Minds Stafford can: Help you talk about issues you find difficult to discuss with others. Give you the confidence to make changes to improve your life. Offer new insights into your issues from a fresh and impartial perspective.
With over 18 years experience working with individuals, couples and families, I can help you deal with issues in your daily life and provide you with the support/interventions to overcome them. Marriage Counselling, Relationship Counselling, Couples Counselling, Addictions, Anxiety Treatment, OCD Treatment, Stress, Counselling Anger Management, Family Therapy, Counselling For Depression, Gender issues. The therapy provided by Healthy Minds Stafford can: Help you talk about issues you find difficult to discuss with others. Give you the confidence to make changes to improve your life. Offer new insights into your issues from a fresh and impartial perspective.
01785 472435 View 01785 472435
Photo of psychlarity Consultancy, Psychotherapist in Lichfield, England
psychlarity Consultancy
Psychotherapist, MA, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Sutton Coldfield B74
Welcome to my profile. I am fortunate to have worked across a range of contexts as well as extensive experience with a numerous clients. As a consultant family and systemic psychotherapist with 25 years experience I specialise in parental alienation, reunification, complex trauma and ptsd, couple therapy, family therapy, eating disorders, child and adult mental health, relationship difficulties, addiction including porn, sex and betrayal. I provide therapy for child to parental violence and repair family systems. Alongside working with courts, solicitors, social care, individual clients I also provide coaching and supervision.
Welcome to my profile. I am fortunate to have worked across a range of contexts as well as extensive experience with a numerous clients. As a consultant family and systemic psychotherapist with 25 years experience I specialise in parental alienation, reunification, complex trauma and ptsd, couple therapy, family therapy, eating disorders, child and adult mental health, relationship difficulties, addiction including porn, sex and betrayal. I provide therapy for child to parental violence and repair family systems. Alongside working with courts, solicitors, social care, individual clients I also provide coaching and supervision.
01902 973074 View 01902 973074
Photo of Theresa Dubicka-Keen, Counsellor in Lichfield, England
Theresa Dubicka-Keen
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Sutton Coldfield B72
Providing psychotherapy is my passion and I cover a wide range of issues namely- All Abuse, ADD / ADHD, Addictions, AIDS/HIV, Anger management, Anxiety, Asperger syndrome, Bereavement, Cancer, Child related issues, Chronic fatigue syndrome / ME, Cultural issues, Depression, Disability, Eating disorders, Health related issues, Identity issues, Infertility, Loss, Men's issues, Obsessions, OCD, Phobias, Post-traumatic stress, Pregnancy related issues, Redundancy, Relationships, Self esteem, Self-harm, Sex-related issues, Sexual identity, Sexuality, Spirituality, Stress, Trauma, Women's issues, Work related issues.
Providing psychotherapy is my passion and I cover a wide range of issues namely- All Abuse, ADD / ADHD, Addictions, AIDS/HIV, Anger management, Anxiety, Asperger syndrome, Bereavement, Cancer, Child related issues, Chronic fatigue syndrome / ME, Cultural issues, Depression, Disability, Eating disorders, Health related issues, Identity issues, Infertility, Loss, Men's issues, Obsessions, OCD, Phobias, Post-traumatic stress, Pregnancy related issues, Redundancy, Relationships, Self esteem, Self-harm, Sex-related issues, Sexual identity, Sexuality, Spirituality, Stress, Trauma, Women's issues, Work related issues.
01827 214705 View 01827 214705
Photo of Laura Gwilt in Lichfield, England
Laura Gwilt
Not Verified Not Verified
Sutton Coldfield B74
Hi, I'm Laura! In a compassionate and authentic setting, my work involves empowering children, young people and adults. Individuals with whom I work with are able to explore their thoughts, feelings and behaviours in a safe environment, leading to improved psychological well-being. I have worked with children, young people and adults who have experienced trauma and abuse, whilst being trained in the treatment of anxiety, depression, and eating disorders. Authenticity and honesty are amongst my main priorities during treatment, ensuring clients leave therapy feeling informed and confident in managing their mental wellbeing.
Hi, I'm Laura! In a compassionate and authentic setting, my work involves empowering children, young people and adults. Individuals with whom I work with are able to explore their thoughts, feelings and behaviours in a safe environment, leading to improved psychological well-being. I have worked with children, young people and adults who have experienced trauma and abuse, whilst being trained in the treatment of anxiety, depression, and eating disorders. Authenticity and honesty are amongst my main priorities during treatment, ensuring clients leave therapy feeling informed and confident in managing their mental wellbeing.
01564 335976 View 01564 335976
Photo of The AoC Trust / The Arts of Change Trust, Counsellor in Lichfield, England
The AoC Trust / The Arts of Change Trust
Counsellor, HCPC-Drama Therap.
Verified Verified
Walsall WS1
Creative Arts Therapies & Traditional Talking Therapies. At The AoC Trust we really want to support families needing emotional help; couples trying to save their relationship or an individual looking for professional counselling/therapy in order to work through and heal psychological or social difficulties. If you cannot travel to us we can support you via telephone or video call. We are based in Central Dudley just a few minutes from the town centre and local bus station where we have our own lovely therapeutic rooms and training spaces and provide a fantastic team of registered and qualified therapeutic clinicians.
Creative Arts Therapies & Traditional Talking Therapies. At The AoC Trust we really want to support families needing emotional help; couples trying to save their relationship or an individual looking for professional counselling/therapy in order to work through and heal psychological or social difficulties. If you cannot travel to us we can support you via telephone or video call. We are based in Central Dudley just a few minutes from the town centre and local bus station where we have our own lovely therapeutic rooms and training spaces and provide a fantastic team of registered and qualified therapeutic clinicians.
01384 319264 View 01384 319264
Photo of Bridgewalk Counselling, Counsellor in Lichfield, England
Bridgewalk Counselling
Counsellor, BACP
Verified Verified
Birmingham B44
Well done for taking the first step to accessing support, alleviating some of the feelings of distress. This Is the hardest step and a daunting one, but hoping my profile encourages you to start your therapeutic journey. The integrative approach enables me to be responsive to your needs, to tailor the therapy to suit your specific concern. I am experienced in providing therapy to clients - suffering from complex and enduring mental health issues in difficult situations at times. I am well practiced in a wide range of skills, techniques and interventions to facilitate change, growth and to strengthen where there may be distress.
Well done for taking the first step to accessing support, alleviating some of the feelings of distress. This Is the hardest step and a daunting one, but hoping my profile encourages you to start your therapeutic journey. The integrative approach enables me to be responsive to your needs, to tailor the therapy to suit your specific concern. I am experienced in providing therapy to clients - suffering from complex and enduring mental health issues in difficult situations at times. I am well practiced in a wide range of skills, techniques and interventions to facilitate change, growth and to strengthen where there may be distress.
0121 752 2915 View 0121 752 2915
Photo of Stewart Kunaka, Psychologist in Lichfield, England
Stewart Kunaka
Psychologist, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
Walsall WS5
Distress in life can bring about: confusion, pain, self-blame, anger, self-blame, isolation, loneliness, negative coping mechanism and many other symptoms. It is important to know that anyone of us can experience mental distress and there are several reasons why this may happen, including: trauma, difficult life events, early life experiences and biological basis. My job is to people make sense of their concerns, and find balance during these difficult times so that they can get to their optimum level of functioning again.
Distress in life can bring about: confusion, pain, self-blame, anger, self-blame, isolation, loneliness, negative coping mechanism and many other symptoms. It is important to know that anyone of us can experience mental distress and there are several reasons why this may happen, including: trauma, difficult life events, early life experiences and biological basis. My job is to people make sense of their concerns, and find balance during these difficult times so that they can get to their optimum level of functioning again.
0121 827 1237 View 0121 827 1237

Online Therapists

Photo of Melissa Steyn, Counsellor in Lichfield, England
Melissa Steyn
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Abergavenny NP7  (Online Only)
I have experience in working with eating disorders, ADHD, autism, Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), Bipolar Disorder, addictions, self-abuse, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, stress, anxiety, low self-esteem, bullying, social anxiety, grief and loss, bullying, childhood sexual abuse, narcissistic abuse, domestic abuse and rape.
I work from a Humanistic stance and integrate the following approaches: Person-centred Therapy, Transactional Analysis, Gestalt, Existential Psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Polyvagal Theory, Mindfulness Meditation, Motivational Interviewing, Solution Focused Approach, Inner Child Healing, Creative Therapies and Compassionate Mind Training. Moreover, I work holistically thus exploring the mind-body connection; alongside helping clients to gain a better understanding of the automatic nervous system (ANS) and more importantly to learn how to regulate their nervous system.
I have experience in working with eating disorders, ADHD, autism, Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), Bipolar Disorder, addictions, self-abuse, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, stress, anxiety, low self-esteem, bullying, social anxiety, grief and loss, bullying, childhood sexual abuse, narcissistic abuse, domestic abuse and rape.
I work from a Humanistic stance and integrate the following approaches: Person-centred Therapy, Transactional Analysis, Gestalt, Existential Psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Polyvagal Theory, Mindfulness Meditation, Motivational Interviewing, Solution Focused Approach, Inner Child Healing, Creative Therapies and Compassionate Mind Training. Moreover, I work holistically thus exploring the mind-body connection; alongside helping clients to gain a better understanding of the automatic nervous system (ANS) and more importantly to learn how to regulate their nervous system.
01642 065522 View 01642 065522
Photo of Time4me-therapy , Counsellor in Lichfield, England
Time4me-therapy
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Pinner HA5
Age 18+ with different background Long or Short Therapy Therapy for Individuals who experiences : Anxiety Depression Low – Self esteem Traumatic Experience ,Addictions Complex Mentally Health Illness like : Schizophrenia, Bipolar , Complex Personality Disorder, Eating Disorder I also work with Neurodivergent clients who have very individual needs .
I am a qualified Integrative Therapist. I have been working in the charity sector for more than 15 years . My life experiences with Mental Health Illness have made me value how important it is to share those experiences and to be guided on how to face those fears. I also realized how Mental Health Illness can effect day to day life: Stigma , Pressure , Lack of understanding of different aspects of culture , Backgrounds and Gender can contribute to how we can cope or not cope with all those challenges . Life can be full of difficulties but also full of surprises. It is about how we can recognize those experiences to move forward.
Age 18+ with different background Long or Short Therapy Therapy for Individuals who experiences : Anxiety Depression Low – Self esteem Traumatic Experience ,Addictions Complex Mentally Health Illness like : Schizophrenia, Bipolar , Complex Personality Disorder, Eating Disorder I also work with Neurodivergent clients who have very individual needs .
I am a qualified Integrative Therapist. I have been working in the charity sector for more than 15 years . My life experiences with Mental Health Illness have made me value how important it is to share those experiences and to be guided on how to face those fears. I also realized how Mental Health Illness can effect day to day life: Stigma , Pressure , Lack of understanding of different aspects of culture , Backgrounds and Gender can contribute to how we can cope or not cope with all those challenges . Life can be full of difficulties but also full of surprises. It is about how we can recognize those experiences to move forward.
020 3974 2586 View 020 3974 2586
Photo of Tim Walker, Psychologist in Lichfield, England
Tim Walker
Psychologist, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
Marlow SL7
He has experience working with clients presenting with a wide range of psychological issues including depression, anxiety, trauma, phobias, identity issues, grief, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, self-esteem issues, relationship problems and many more.
Dr Tim Walker is a BPS Chartered & HCPC Registered Counselling Psychologist. Drawing from senior NHS clinical experience, he runs a successful private practice operating both in central London and in Marlow, Buckinghamshire. Accredited with major healthcare insurance providers, Tim is an experienced clinician with specialist skills in delivering evidence-based psychological interventions using a wide range of proven therapies including CBT, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness and Schema-focused Therapy, but always maintains a focus on the client’s individual needs and goals.
He has experience working with clients presenting with a wide range of psychological issues including depression, anxiety, trauma, phobias, identity issues, grief, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, self-esteem issues, relationship problems and many more.
Dr Tim Walker is a BPS Chartered & HCPC Registered Counselling Psychologist. Drawing from senior NHS clinical experience, he runs a successful private practice operating both in central London and in Marlow, Buckinghamshire. Accredited with major healthcare insurance providers, Tim is an experienced clinician with specialist skills in delivering evidence-based psychological interventions using a wide range of proven therapies including CBT, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness and Schema-focused Therapy, but always maintains a focus on the client’s individual needs and goals.
01628 951201 View 01628 951201
Photo of Claudia Meresca, Psychotherapist in Lichfield, England
Claudia Meresca
Psychotherapist, MSc, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Windsor SL4
I can help you with a wide range of difficulties such as: depression; anxiety; bereavement; trauma and post-traumatic stress; self-harm; low self-esteem; autism, bipolar issues; substance abuse and relationship problems.
I am experienced Psychologist, Counsellor and Psychotherapist, fully registered and acccredited by UKCP (UK Council for Psychotherapy). As we all know, life is certainly a journey that is not always easy to travel on alone. Most of my clients describe me as being warm and empathic and consider that the process of therapy and my non-judgemental attitude has helped them get a deeper understanding of themselves and their experiences.
I can help you with a wide range of difficulties such as: depression; anxiety; bereavement; trauma and post-traumatic stress; self-harm; low self-esteem; autism, bipolar issues; substance abuse and relationship problems.
I am experienced Psychologist, Counsellor and Psychotherapist, fully registered and acccredited by UKCP (UK Council for Psychotherapy). As we all know, life is certainly a journey that is not always easy to travel on alone. Most of my clients describe me as being warm and empathic and consider that the process of therapy and my non-judgemental attitude has helped them get a deeper understanding of themselves and their experiences.
01753 396287 View 01753 396287

See more therapy options for Lichfield

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.