Bipolar Disorder Counselling in Stepney, London

Photo of Florian-Jack Stewart, Counsellor in Stepney, London, England
Florian-Jack Stewart
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Stepney, London E1
I am a qualified person-centred therapist. I work with individuals who are straight, gay, queer, bi, asexual, questioning and all genders including cis, trans, intersex, non-binary, genderqueer and gender questioning people. There are no issues I cannot support you with. I have experience of a wide variety of different problems such as; anxiety, low mood, end of life, chronic illness, disability, parenting, break up, trauma, sexual abuse, addictions, low self esteem and relationship issues. The people I have helped have had feelings that range from mild upset or worry, through intense levels of distress and despair. 
I am a qualified person-centred therapist. I work with individuals who are straight, gay, queer, bi, asexual, questioning and all genders including cis, trans, intersex, non-binary, genderqueer and gender questioning people. There are no issues I cannot support you with. I have experience of a wide variety of different problems such as; anxiety, low mood, end of life, chronic illness, disability, parenting, break up, trauma, sexual abuse, addictions, low self esteem and relationship issues. The people I have helped have had feelings that range from mild upset or worry, through intense levels of distress and despair. 
020 8059 2257 View 020 8059 2257
Photo of Gordon Wax, Psychotherapist in Stepney, London, England
Gordon Wax
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
Stepney, London E14
Hi, my name is Gordon. Welcome! I’m an experienced counsellor based in East London, working both online and in person. I was born and raised in London. Personal therapy helped me to untangle my relationship with myself and my emotions. The world alone is a chaotic place to manage our own unknowns, anxieties, and traumas. I understand that everyone experiences the world in different ways, so unique problems require bespoke responses. Our lives are constantly changing, so it’s natural to feel emotions strongly, think differently and respond atypically. I help clients explore all spheres of their life to help build hope and cope
Hi, my name is Gordon. Welcome! I’m an experienced counsellor based in East London, working both online and in person. I was born and raised in London. Personal therapy helped me to untangle my relationship with myself and my emotions. The world alone is a chaotic place to manage our own unknowns, anxieties, and traumas. I understand that everyone experiences the world in different ways, so unique problems require bespoke responses. Our lives are constantly changing, so it’s natural to feel emotions strongly, think differently and respond atypically. I help clients explore all spheres of their life to help build hope and cope
020 3871 8210 View 020 3871 8210
Photo of NeuroAffective-CBT, Psychotherapist in Stepney, London, England
NeuroAffective-CBT
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBABCP
Verified Verified
Stepney, London E1
Sarah is a successful paralegal in the City who struggled with shameful feelings and self-disgust most of her life. Typically as Christmas was approaching and lots of parties invitations started to arrive on her desk, she would surrender into procrastination and self-criticism, in order to avoid a situation she felt likely to fail, supported by an exaggerated set of predictions about social embarrassment or other social disasters. Sarah struggles to improve her confidence and esteem - in spite of a successful academic and professional life. Her efforts are genuine but exhausting and she often is trapped by episodes of depression.
Sarah is a successful paralegal in the City who struggled with shameful feelings and self-disgust most of her life. Typically as Christmas was approaching and lots of parties invitations started to arrive on her desk, she would surrender into procrastination and self-criticism, in order to avoid a situation she felt likely to fail, supported by an exaggerated set of predictions about social embarrassment or other social disasters. Sarah struggles to improve her confidence and esteem - in spite of a successful academic and professional life. Her efforts are genuine but exhausting and she often is trapped by episodes of depression.
07479 276083 View 07479 276083
Photo of Dr Aishwarya Sambath, Psychologist in Stepney, London, England
Dr Aishwarya Sambath
Psychologist, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Stepney, London E1
I am a Chartered Counselling Psychologist based in Central London. I work with a wide range of emotional difficulties and aim to work towards making a positive change. I appreciate the challenges and stresses life can bring and will aim to work with you by creating a safe, warm and non-judgmental space, whilst using evidenced-based psychological interventions to make sense of your difficulties, reducing your pain and increasing your wellbeing. With 9 years’ experience of counselling and mental health work within the NHS, private and charity sector, I have gained extensive knowledge and skills working with multiple difficulties
I am a Chartered Counselling Psychologist based in Central London. I work with a wide range of emotional difficulties and aim to work towards making a positive change. I appreciate the challenges and stresses life can bring and will aim to work with you by creating a safe, warm and non-judgmental space, whilst using evidenced-based psychological interventions to make sense of your difficulties, reducing your pain and increasing your wellbeing. With 9 years’ experience of counselling and mental health work within the NHS, private and charity sector, I have gained extensive knowledge and skills working with multiple difficulties
07495 728991 View 07495 728991
Photo of Jane Zoega, Psychotherapist in Stepney, London, England
Jane Zoega
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Stepney, London E1
Thank you for taking a look at my page. You are probably here because you are struggling with something life has thrown at you. I hope I can help. It is important when embarking on a therapeutic journey that you feel comfortable working with your therapist of choice. I offer a free initial consultation so you can get a feel for how I work and if I am the right therapist for you. I work with individuals, couples and I run groups. I tend to start by working weekly but am flexible depending on your needs. Some clients are looking for long-term counselling, others might only need a few sessions.
Thank you for taking a look at my page. You are probably here because you are struggling with something life has thrown at you. I hope I can help. It is important when embarking on a therapeutic journey that you feel comfortable working with your therapist of choice. I offer a free initial consultation so you can get a feel for how I work and if I am the right therapist for you. I work with individuals, couples and I run groups. I tend to start by working weekly but am flexible depending on your needs. Some clients are looking for long-term counselling, others might only need a few sessions.
023 8235 7301 View 023 8235 7301
Photo of Dr Elvis Langley, Psychologist in Stepney, London, England
Dr Elvis Langley
Psychologist, DCounsPsych, CPsychol
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Stepney, London E1
I am a UKCP qualified Integrative Psychotherapist (UKCP) and Chartered Counselling Psychologist (DCPsych, CPsychol.). Everyone deserves to have someone in their lives who can listen compassionately and hold a space of non-judgemental understanding. I try to offer that space, first and foremost. While doing this, I seek to understand where things may have been difficult and hold in mind your potential for growth and change. The underlying core of my approach is based on respecting your needs and safety, as well as helping you bring out your innate wisdom and strengths.
I am a UKCP qualified Integrative Psychotherapist (UKCP) and Chartered Counselling Psychologist (DCPsych, CPsychol.). Everyone deserves to have someone in their lives who can listen compassionately and hold a space of non-judgemental understanding. I try to offer that space, first and foremost. While doing this, I seek to understand where things may have been difficult and hold in mind your potential for growth and change. The underlying core of my approach is based on respecting your needs and safety, as well as helping you bring out your innate wisdom and strengths.
020 3984 9270 View 020 3984 9270
Photo of Lisa Michelle Harvey, Psychologist in Stepney, London, England
Lisa Michelle Harvey
Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Stepney, London E1
I have been lucky enough in my career to date to work with some incredibly inspiring and brave individuals who have been at a crossroads in their life. Sometimes making change felt frightening or impossible due to past beliefs, stuck patterns of behaviour or limiting thought processes. Others were struggling to move on after devastation, illness, loss or identity crisis. I believe it is a privilege to be able to guide those in need at these times due to the courage and vulnerability they show. They are asking from the heart for a new beginning - to break from the past, not feel scared by the future and live truly in the present.
I have been lucky enough in my career to date to work with some incredibly inspiring and brave individuals who have been at a crossroads in their life. Sometimes making change felt frightening or impossible due to past beliefs, stuck patterns of behaviour or limiting thought processes. Others were struggling to move on after devastation, illness, loss or identity crisis. I believe it is a privilege to be able to guide those in need at these times due to the courage and vulnerability they show. They are asking from the heart for a new beginning - to break from the past, not feel scared by the future and live truly in the present.
01798 305084 View 01798 305084
Photo of Sue Wilders, Psychotherapist in Stepney, London, England
Sue Wilders
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
Stepney, London E1  (Online Only)
Thank you for looking at my profile. I am experienced with 30 years experience as a Person Centred therapist. Person centred therapy is non judgemental. I offer a space where you can safely and confidentially explore anything that you want to talk about. No issue is too difficult or too small. It all matters. Together we can find ways for you to feel happier, resolve issues, and live a more satisfying life. I have a wide range of experience of all different issues and will meet you with total acceptance.
Thank you for looking at my profile. I am experienced with 30 years experience as a Person Centred therapist. Person centred therapy is non judgemental. I offer a space where you can safely and confidentially explore anything that you want to talk about. No issue is too difficult or too small. It all matters. Together we can find ways for you to feel happier, resolve issues, and live a more satisfying life. I have a wide range of experience of all different issues and will meet you with total acceptance.
023 8214 6487 View 023 8214 6487
Photo of Dr Jon-Paul Marshall, Psychologist in Stepney, London, England
Dr Jon-Paul Marshall
Psychologist, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
Stepney, London E1
Typically, I work with people struggling with anxiety, despair, anger, and shame; who wrestle with guilt, mistrust, addiction, and dissociation; who are self-critical, self-destructive, and trapped in repeated patterns of hurting self/others. Such feelings, behaviours, and patterns of relating often stem from multiple and complex life events and circumstances, including past/present abusive and neglectful relationships, discrimination, bereavement, trauma, gender expectations, parenthood, study/work/financial pressures, and more existential challenges such as one's relationship to meaning, responsibility, authenticity, and death.
Typically, I work with people struggling with anxiety, despair, anger, and shame; who wrestle with guilt, mistrust, addiction, and dissociation; who are self-critical, self-destructive, and trapped in repeated patterns of hurting self/others. Such feelings, behaviours, and patterns of relating often stem from multiple and complex life events and circumstances, including past/present abusive and neglectful relationships, discrimination, bereavement, trauma, gender expectations, parenthood, study/work/financial pressures, and more existential challenges such as one's relationship to meaning, responsibility, authenticity, and death.
020 3870 2591 View 020 3870 2591
Photo of 89a Long Lane, London Bridge Therapy Rooms in Stepney, London, England
89a Long Lane, London Bridge Therapy Rooms
Verified Verified
Stepney, London E1
YOU are our ideal client, if: You are a therapist or provide face-to-face (or online) appointments for private clients. You are looking for a CENTRAL LONDON location that is AFFORDABLE and PROFESSIONALLY DESIGNED. What we offer: Four modern talking-therapy rooms, a short walk (4 to 6 minutes) away from LONDON BRIDGE and BOROUGH Underground Stations. Professionally designed as therapy rooms which you can BOOK ONLINE. Check our website for special discounts: £14 per hour, but it goes down to *£10 per hour* for long-term booking for 4 hours a week!
YOU are our ideal client, if: You are a therapist or provide face-to-face (or online) appointments for private clients. You are looking for a CENTRAL LONDON location that is AFFORDABLE and PROFESSIONALLY DESIGNED. What we offer: Four modern talking-therapy rooms, a short walk (4 to 6 minutes) away from LONDON BRIDGE and BOROUGH Underground Stations. Professionally designed as therapy rooms which you can BOOK ONLINE. Check our website for special discounts: £14 per hour, but it goes down to *£10 per hour* for long-term booking for 4 hours a week!
020 3917 4471 View 020 3917 4471
Photo of Daniel Oppioli, Psychotherapist in Stepney, London, England
Daniel Oppioli
Psychotherapist, MSc, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Stepney, London E1
Hello my name is Daniele Oppioli and I am fully qualified Clinical Psychotherapist and Counsellor. I offer counselling and psychotherapy in a non-judgmental, highly confidential, safe, accepting and affirmative environment where you will be fully supported in exploring your challenges at your own pace, getting to the sources of your concerns, doubts, anxieties and insecurities and allowing you to develop a reparative awareness of those patterns that were not available to you before. I work with LGBTQ, heterosexual and cysgender individuals of different age, gender identity, sexual orientation, origins, culture, profession etc.
Hello my name is Daniele Oppioli and I am fully qualified Clinical Psychotherapist and Counsellor. I offer counselling and psychotherapy in a non-judgmental, highly confidential, safe, accepting and affirmative environment where you will be fully supported in exploring your challenges at your own pace, getting to the sources of your concerns, doubts, anxieties and insecurities and allowing you to develop a reparative awareness of those patterns that were not available to you before. I work with LGBTQ, heterosexual and cysgender individuals of different age, gender identity, sexual orientation, origins, culture, profession etc.
01748 901507 View 01748 901507
Photo of Nakita Jangra, Counsellor in Stepney, London, England
Nakita Jangra
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Stepney, London E1
Whatever may be troubling you, I can help. Our lives are impacted by our history, culture, social circumstances, friendships and a whole host of other factors. These aspects condition us to respond and interact with people and situations in our lives in very particular ways. My work with you would be to understand your life from your unique perspective and help you get in touch with a more resourced part of yourself, which is beyond the psychological and social conditioning, to help you overcome any difficulties or challenges you may be facing.
Whatever may be troubling you, I can help. Our lives are impacted by our history, culture, social circumstances, friendships and a whole host of other factors. These aspects condition us to respond and interact with people and situations in our lives in very particular ways. My work with you would be to understand your life from your unique perspective and help you get in touch with a more resourced part of yourself, which is beyond the psychological and social conditioning, to help you overcome any difficulties or challenges you may be facing.
020 3871 8591 View 020 3871 8591
Photo of Martyn Bignold, Psychologist in Stepney, London, England
Martyn Bignold
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Stepney, London E1
As a doctor of psychology, I provide a safe space where you can explore what is troubling you and start to make sense of your thoughts and feelings. I offer short-term and long-term therapy, using psychological models with a proven track record, to address anxiety, low mood, relationship issues, workplace stresses, addictions, trauma and grief. Ultimately, our goal may be for you to become your own therapist. After all, you know the client better than anyone.
As a doctor of psychology, I provide a safe space where you can explore what is troubling you and start to make sense of your thoughts and feelings. I offer short-term and long-term therapy, using psychological models with a proven track record, to address anxiety, low mood, relationship issues, workplace stresses, addictions, trauma and grief. Ultimately, our goal may be for you to become your own therapist. After all, you know the client better than anyone.
020 3984 7533 View 020 3984 7533
Photo of Zaneta Masionis, Counsellor in Stepney, London, England
Zaneta Masionis
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Stepney, London E1
My main aim as a therapist is to provide a safe and non-judgemental environment in which you as a client feel safe to explore and build trust. I offer a welcoming, confidential space for you to talk and explore any problems or challenges in your life that may be causing you to experience psychological and emotional pain in a safe setting at a pace that works for you. It doesn’t matter how problematic your life is or what form, or size the problems or challenges in your life take, if they are causing you to be unhappy then I can help you.
My main aim as a therapist is to provide a safe and non-judgemental environment in which you as a client feel safe to explore and build trust. I offer a welcoming, confidential space for you to talk and explore any problems or challenges in your life that may be causing you to experience psychological and emotional pain in a safe setting at a pace that works for you. It doesn’t matter how problematic your life is or what form, or size the problems or challenges in your life take, if they are causing you to be unhappy then I can help you.
020 3984 9708 View 020 3984 9708
Photo of Dr Clive Sherlock, Psychologist in Stepney, London, England
Dr Clive Sherlock
Psychologist
Verified Verified
Stepney, London E1
Whatever is wrong, what you want to change about yourself, how you feel, and how your moods and feelings affect you, depends on the emotion in you. To change your moods and feelings and how they affect your behaviour you need to work with the underlying emotion. Adaptation Practice is designed to do this. It is a safe and effective treatment for all emotional (that is, emotion-based) difficulties and problems.
Whatever is wrong, what you want to change about yourself, how you feel, and how your moods and feelings affect you, depends on the emotion in you. To change your moods and feelings and how they affect your behaviour you need to work with the underlying emotion. Adaptation Practice is designed to do this. It is a safe and effective treatment for all emotional (that is, emotion-based) difficulties and problems.
01865 953366 View 01865 953366
Photo of Carlotta Castiglioni, Psychotherapist in Stepney, London, England
Carlotta Castiglioni
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Stepney, London E1
I have always been fascinated by the complexity of human beings, their darkness and their lights. I consider the therapeutic room not only as a space for self-reflection and exploration of what feels difficult to process on your own, but also a place to speak the unspeakable. Therapy can provide an opportunity to challenge behaviours that may appear unchangeable or automatic. As a practitioner I am interested in the integration of cultural and gender studies and have experience working with depression, isolation, sexual identity, existential difficulties, relational dilemmas and bereavement.
I have always been fascinated by the complexity of human beings, their darkness and their lights. I consider the therapeutic room not only as a space for self-reflection and exploration of what feels difficult to process on your own, but also a place to speak the unspeakable. Therapy can provide an opportunity to challenge behaviours that may appear unchangeable or automatic. As a practitioner I am interested in the integration of cultural and gender studies and have experience working with depression, isolation, sexual identity, existential difficulties, relational dilemmas and bereavement.
020 3962 0733 View 020 3962 0733
Photo of Heather Page, Psychotherapist in Stepney, London, England
Heather Page
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
Stepney, London E1
You may come to therapy to speak about issues that make you angry, afraid or unhappy or that simply don't make sense. Understanding that we are all unique, with our own strengths, qualities and interests, as well as challenges, is hugely important for our well-being. We also know that through having a balanced view of ourselves, we can feel better equipped to cope with difficult emotional and psychological experiences and make positive connections with others. In our sessions, we will have the chance to explore whatever is troubling you to help you identify and confront such issues and feel more confident about yourself.
You may come to therapy to speak about issues that make you angry, afraid or unhappy or that simply don't make sense. Understanding that we are all unique, with our own strengths, qualities and interests, as well as challenges, is hugely important for our well-being. We also know that through having a balanced view of ourselves, we can feel better equipped to cope with difficult emotional and psychological experiences and make positive connections with others. In our sessions, we will have the chance to explore whatever is troubling you to help you identify and confront such issues and feel more confident about yourself.
020 3870 4185 View 020 3870 4185

Online Therapists

Photo of Eve Janes, Counsellor in Stepney, London, England
Eve Janes
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
London E5  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I also specialise in neurodivergence which includes; ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, epilepsy, bipolar, OCD, tourette's, epilepsy, anxiety and depression amongst others.
Hello and welcome! My name is Eve, I am a neurodivergent support specialist & person-centred therapist. As a therapist, I always aim to be a compassionate facilitator, listening and acknowledging the client's experience without shifting the conversation in another direction, and by being open to experience; being trusting and trustworthy, being curious, creative, and compassionate. I feel this is vital in helping clients feel accepted and better understand their feelings. This approach can help clients reconnect with their inner values and sense of self-worth by enabling them to find their way to move forward and progress.
I also specialise in neurodivergence which includes; ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, epilepsy, bipolar, OCD, tourette's, epilepsy, anxiety and depression amongst others.
Hello and welcome! My name is Eve, I am a neurodivergent support specialist & person-centred therapist. As a therapist, I always aim to be a compassionate facilitator, listening and acknowledging the client's experience without shifting the conversation in another direction, and by being open to experience; being trusting and trustworthy, being curious, creative, and compassionate. I feel this is vital in helping clients feel accepted and better understand their feelings. This approach can help clients reconnect with their inner values and sense of self-worth by enabling them to find their way to move forward and progress.
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Photo of Justin David Duwe Bsc Ma Sac Dip Mbacp (Accred), Psychologist in Stepney, London, England
Justin David Duwe Bsc Ma Sac Dip Dip Mbacp (Accred)
Psychologist, MA, GMBPsS
Verified Verified
London WC1X  (Online Only)
Abuse, Addictions, Alcoholism, Anger management, Anxiety Disorders, Personality Disorders, Bereavement, Body Image issues, Bipolar disorder/Manic depression, Body dysmorphic disorder, Depression, Eating disorders, Family issues, HIV/AIDS issues, Hoarding, Low self-esteem, Phobias, Relationship issues, Self-harm, Separation and divorce, Sex addiction, Sex problems, Sexual abuse, Sexuality, Stress, Trauma,.
My name is Justin Duwe, I am an award winning Psychologist, Sexologist, Columnist and Author working in private practice in Central London. I offer practical, tailored online counselling and psychotherapy for individuals, couples and groups. The main body of my work is in the areas of Addiction treatment, Sex/Relationship Matters, Chemsex, Self-Esteem, Body Image, Anxiety disorders, Depression, Existential issues and more.
Abuse, Addictions, Alcoholism, Anger management, Anxiety Disorders, Personality Disorders, Bereavement, Body Image issues, Bipolar disorder/Manic depression, Body dysmorphic disorder, Depression, Eating disorders, Family issues, HIV/AIDS issues, Hoarding, Low self-esteem, Phobias, Relationship issues, Self-harm, Separation and divorce, Sex addiction, Sex problems, Sexual abuse, Sexuality, Stress, Trauma,.
My name is Justin Duwe, I am an award winning Psychologist, Sexologist, Columnist and Author working in private practice in Central London. I offer practical, tailored online counselling and psychotherapy for individuals, couples and groups. The main body of my work is in the areas of Addiction treatment, Sex/Relationship Matters, Chemsex, Self-Esteem, Body Image, Anxiety disorders, Depression, Existential issues and more.
020 3962 0374 View 020 3962 0374
Photo of Bettina Salzmann, Psychotherapist in Stepney, London, England
Bettina Salzmann
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
London SW14
I have worked with individuals presenting with anxiety, General anxiety disorders, depression, stress,OCD, panic attacks, phobias, trauma, PTSD,childhood abuse, domestic violence, autism, agraphobia,bereavement,loss,sudden/ traumatic death,relationship issues,suicide,addiction, eating disorders, bipolar and personality disorder using DBT amongst others.
I am an experienced CBT therapist and integrative counsellor/psychotherapist working in private practice for Anxiety, Trauma, Personality Disorder, Depression, family mediation.I use mindfulness with my clients to help them to become more aware of the present moment and in acknowledging feelings and thoughts as they come and go.It’s been accepted as a useful therapy for anxiety and depression for years, and research suggests it's effective when practising reflection on yourself, switching off your auto pilot in order to discover your real feelings, and this can have an positive influence on our well being.
I have worked with individuals presenting with anxiety, General anxiety disorders, depression, stress,OCD, panic attacks, phobias, trauma, PTSD,childhood abuse, domestic violence, autism, agraphobia,bereavement,loss,sudden/ traumatic death,relationship issues,suicide,addiction, eating disorders, bipolar and personality disorder using DBT amongst others.
I am an experienced CBT therapist and integrative counsellor/psychotherapist working in private practice for Anxiety, Trauma, Personality Disorder, Depression, family mediation.I use mindfulness with my clients to help them to become more aware of the present moment and in acknowledging feelings and thoughts as they come and go.It’s been accepted as a useful therapy for anxiety and depression for years, and research suggests it's effective when practising reflection on yourself, switching off your auto pilot in order to discover your real feelings, and this can have an positive influence on our well being.
01748 900742 View 01748 900742
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.