Photo of John Michael Murray, Marriage & Family Therapist in 77515, TX
John Michael Murray
Marriage & Family Therapist, JD, MS, LMFT, LPC
Verified Verified
Angleton, TX 77515
I therefore specialize in individual as well as relationship counseling to address issues arrising out of: - Depression, anxiety, stress, grief and loss; divorce; parenting; stepfamiles; adolesents; self-esteem; abuse; bipolar; anger; ad/hd.
You are one-of-a-kind. And so, beginning with our first meeting, I will be sure that I clearly understand you and your unique needs. Then, as your therapist, I will work to help you establish and achieve the goals that are immportant to you. Effective psychotherapy supports the emotional healing that leads to wellbeing. My approach includes what I call "relational reflective listening and speaking". It's a process that developes and nurtures the deep respect I have for my patients. In our conversations you and I together will discover new possibilities, new hope that heals the heart.
I therefore specialize in individual as well as relationship counseling to address issues arrising out of: - Depression, anxiety, stress, grief and loss; divorce; parenting; stepfamiles; adolesents; self-esteem; abuse; bipolar; anger; ad/hd.
You are one-of-a-kind. And so, beginning with our first meeting, I will be sure that I clearly understand you and your unique needs. Then, as your therapist, I will work to help you establish and achieve the goals that are immportant to you. Effective psychotherapy supports the emotional healing that leads to wellbeing. My approach includes what I call "relational reflective listening and speaking". It's a process that developes and nurtures the deep respect I have for my patients. In our conversations you and I together will discover new possibilities, new hope that heals the heart.
(832) 463-5602 View (832) 463-5602
Photo of Steve Sutherland, Licensed Professional Counselor in 77515, TX
Steve Sutherland
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Angleton, TX 77515
As a professional counselor licensed in 2001 and in private practice since 2003, I have enjoyed working with clients seeking healthy changes in their lives. I find that many clients already know the answers to their own questions and benefit most from collaboration on breaking through limiting beliefs and behaviors. While the decision to seek counseling can be difficult and stressful, many report that my practical, down-to-earth approach to therapy is very comforting. I provide services to adolescents and adults in individual, couples, or family settings. I will also be offering anger management group therapy in the near future.
As a professional counselor licensed in 2001 and in private practice since 2003, I have enjoyed working with clients seeking healthy changes in their lives. I find that many clients already know the answers to their own questions and benefit most from collaboration on breaking through limiting beliefs and behaviors. While the decision to seek counseling can be difficult and stressful, many report that my practical, down-to-earth approach to therapy is very comforting. I provide services to adolescents and adults in individual, couples, or family settings. I will also be offering anger management group therapy in the near future.
(281) 394-0427 View (281) 394-0427
Bipolar Disorder Therapists

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.