Photo of Lynnell Moss, Marriage & Family Therapist in Miami, FL
Lynnell Moss
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Miami, FL 33126
I am a License Marriage and Family Therapist with over 10 years of clinical experience working with various individuals, couples, and families with Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Trauma, PTSD, Sexual Abuse, and Personality Disorders. I often utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Solution-focused Therapy, Trauma-focused therapy, and Gestalt techniques, but I also use other approaches. I believe in working adamantly to make a real difference, using an authentic and gentle style.
I am a License Marriage and Family Therapist with over 10 years of clinical experience working with various individuals, couples, and families with Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Trauma, PTSD, Sexual Abuse, and Personality Disorders. I often utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Solution-focused Therapy, Trauma-focused therapy, and Gestalt techniques, but I also use other approaches. I believe in working adamantly to make a real difference, using an authentic and gentle style.
(407) 449-8255 View (407) 449-8255
Photo of Ernesto Felipe-Cuervo, Counselor in Miami, FL
Ernesto Felipe-Cuervo
Counselor, MEd, S, LHMC, NBCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Miami, FL 33134
Overcoming limiting and painful thinking and feeling is as achievable as it is to reach your goals and have fulfilling relationships. I am a Rapid Resolution Therapist and a Nationally Certified Clinician. I specialize in relieving anxiety and trauma, Panic, Phobias, and PTSD. I have many years of experience helping children, adolescents and adults from diverse backgrounds overcome past hurdles and present obstacles often reflected through unmanageable anger, depression, and isolation. As I join in with you in individual, family or group sessions my patients become immersed in a liberating journey of empowerment and growth.
Overcoming limiting and painful thinking and feeling is as achievable as it is to reach your goals and have fulfilling relationships. I am a Rapid Resolution Therapist and a Nationally Certified Clinician. I specialize in relieving anxiety and trauma, Panic, Phobias, and PTSD. I have many years of experience helping children, adolescents and adults from diverse backgrounds overcome past hurdles and present obstacles often reflected through unmanageable anger, depression, and isolation. As I join in with you in individual, family or group sessions my patients become immersed in a liberating journey of empowerment and growth.
(305) 600-5490 View (305) 600-5490
Photo of Anna Marchenko in Miami, FL
Anna Marchenko
LMHC, MA, EdM, CCHt
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Miami, FL 33129
Anna Marchenko is a licensed mental health counselor with specialized training in trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), addiction, family counseling, and hypnotherapy. She earned her double Master's degree from Columbia University, New York. She continued her post-graduate education at International Institute of Interpersonal Hypnotherapy and worked at Mount Sinai Hospital and CSEDNY of NY before going into full-time private practice. She provides psychotherapy in a variety of areas, including stress, anxiety, mood disorders, trauma, adjustment, performance psychology, creative and work blocks, sexuality, and interpersonal issues.
Anna Marchenko is a licensed mental health counselor with specialized training in trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), addiction, family counseling, and hypnotherapy. She earned her double Master's degree from Columbia University, New York. She continued her post-graduate education at International Institute of Interpersonal Hypnotherapy and worked at Mount Sinai Hospital and CSEDNY of NY before going into full-time private practice. She provides psychotherapy in a variety of areas, including stress, anxiety, mood disorders, trauma, adjustment, performance psychology, creative and work blocks, sexuality, and interpersonal issues.
(305) 526-4405 View (305) 526-4405
Photo of Family Counseling and Coaching of Miami, Counselor in Miami, FL
Family Counseling and Coaching of Miami
Counselor, MS, MEd, LMHC, NBCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Miami, FL 33146
FCCM is a unique Mental Health Center that makes use of the expertise of a National Board Certified psychotherapist, Ernesto Felipe and a Life Coach, Lazara Felipe who are fluent in Spanish, Russian and English. We believe that people are not "broken", just stuck. By helping them tap into their God's given power to change, we guide them in overcoming these obstacles. While they access and embrace their innate resources they are freed to explore and confront their limitations and establish a balance between acceptance and growth. We have expertise working with individuals (children, adolescents & adults), couples, families, and groups.
FCCM is a unique Mental Health Center that makes use of the expertise of a National Board Certified psychotherapist, Ernesto Felipe and a Life Coach, Lazara Felipe who are fluent in Spanish, Russian and English. We believe that people are not "broken", just stuck. By helping them tap into their God's given power to change, we guide them in overcoming these obstacles. While they access and embrace their innate resources they are freed to explore and confront their limitations and establish a balance between acceptance and growth. We have expertise working with individuals (children, adolescents & adults), couples, families, and groups.
(786) 828-6757 View (786) 828-6757
Photo of Dr. Natalya Elna Therapy, Marriage & Family Therapist in Miami, FL
Dr. Natalya Elna Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, DBH, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Miami, FL 33109
Building and maintaining romantic relationships always comes with its own set of challenges; and no two relationships are exactly alike. Whether the relationship is new or more established, differences are inevitable and conflict will arise; everyone has their own baggage. Having been an MFT for 15+ years, I can offer couples (both as a unit and as individuals) guidance and support in navigating their relationships, from setting up healthy/realistic expectations from the outset, moving forward after adultery, goal-building, marital issues, trust building, blended families, divorce, etc. and more.
Building and maintaining romantic relationships always comes with its own set of challenges; and no two relationships are exactly alike. Whether the relationship is new or more established, differences are inevitable and conflict will arise; everyone has their own baggage. Having been an MFT for 15+ years, I can offer couples (both as a unit and as individuals) guidance and support in navigating their relationships, from setting up healthy/realistic expectations from the outset, moving forward after adultery, goal-building, marital issues, trust building, blended families, divorce, etc. and more.
(954) 210-5442 View (954) 210-5442
Photo of Rivia Mind in Miami, FL
Rivia Mind
Verified Verified
Miami, FL 33137
At Rivia Mind, we focus on both treatment and prevention. We believe in listening to each patient and creating a partnership to work on maintaining and improving lifelong health. We are a treatment center that offers up to date, evidence based treatment for a wide range of psychological struggles that get in the way of you living life to the fullest. A consultation begins with a comprehensive evaluation and a personalized treatment plan to help you reach your goals.
At Rivia Mind, we focus on both treatment and prevention. We believe in listening to each patient and creating a partnership to work on maintaining and improving lifelong health. We are a treatment center that offers up to date, evidence based treatment for a wide range of psychological struggles that get in the way of you living life to the fullest. A consultation begins with a comprehensive evaluation and a personalized treatment plan to help you reach your goals.
(646) 974-9837 View (646) 974-9837
Photo of Elina Malamud Lcsw Llc, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Miami, FL
Elina Malamud Lcsw Llc
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CCS
Verified Verified
Miami, FL 33129  (Online Only)
Do you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, like you are losing control, becoming easily frustrated and moody or having difficulty relaxing or quieting your mind? Are you finding yourself feeling unsure of how to deal with the increased anxiety, uncertainty, and isolation? Are you having a difficult time adjusting to a new life transition (e.g. becoming a parent; starting college; changing job/losing your job; becoming ill)? I would like to help you to improve your mood, build new coping skills, discover meaningful life goals and gain confidence to improve many aspects of your life.
Do you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, like you are losing control, becoming easily frustrated and moody or having difficulty relaxing or quieting your mind? Are you finding yourself feeling unsure of how to deal with the increased anxiety, uncertainty, and isolation? Are you having a difficult time adjusting to a new life transition (e.g. becoming a parent; starting college; changing job/losing your job; becoming ill)? I would like to help you to improve your mood, build new coping skills, discover meaningful life goals and gain confidence to improve many aspects of your life.
(848) 253-3664 View (848) 253-3664
Photo of Inessa Freylekhman, Marriage & Family Therapist in Miami, FL
Inessa Freylekhman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
Miami, FL 33141
Everyone has the ability to heal from the deepest of wounds and the most challenging of circumstances. There's a saying, "Healing is the application of love to the places inside that hurt." I'm here to fully support you in tending to those places. Together we will journey into understanding the major themes and patterns in your life and what they are trying to teach you. This increased level of awareness can help you access your strength and intuition, eliminate negative self talk and choose a more fulfilling relationship with yourself, others and life. I offer a 15 minute meet and greet to ensure we are a good fit.
Everyone has the ability to heal from the deepest of wounds and the most challenging of circumstances. There's a saying, "Healing is the application of love to the places inside that hurt." I'm here to fully support you in tending to those places. Together we will journey into understanding the major themes and patterns in your life and what they are trying to teach you. This increased level of awareness can help you access your strength and intuition, eliminate negative self talk and choose a more fulfilling relationship with yourself, others and life. I offer a 15 minute meet and greet to ensure we are a good fit.
(305) 842-2550 View (305) 842-2550

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Lyudmila Gonik, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Miami, FL
Lyudmila Gonik
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Miami Beach, FL 33139  (Online Only)
Currently, after 15 years of working at the city outpatient mental health clinic I am very excited to open my own private practice providing a high quality of care using telehealth platforms. I have experience helping clients of different age groups and with various mental health issues. My ideal client is someone who suffers from depression/ anxiety/ bipolar disorders, has relationships issues or difficulties to cope with work, school or life transitions stressors. Also, I like to help immigrants adjusting to living in the USA, especially clients from the former Soviet Union. I am fluent in English and Russian languages.
Currently, after 15 years of working at the city outpatient mental health clinic I am very excited to open my own private practice providing a high quality of care using telehealth platforms. I have experience helping clients of different age groups and with various mental health issues. My ideal client is someone who suffers from depression/ anxiety/ bipolar disorders, has relationships issues or difficulties to cope with work, school or life transitions stressors. Also, I like to help immigrants adjusting to living in the USA, especially clients from the former Soviet Union. I am fluent in English and Russian languages.
(718) 736-2721 View (718) 736-2721
Photo of Tatiana Vazquez De Miguel, Counselor in Miami, FL
Tatiana Vazquez De Miguel
Counselor, LMHC, LMFT, MS, MBA
Verified Verified
Miami Beach, FL 33141  (Online Only)
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 15 years of professional experience providing psychotherapy services. I work with adults, adolescents, children and couples. I provide my clients with a unique approach helping them to identify and achieve specific therapy goals in confidential, empathetic and trusting atmosphere. I speak English, Russian and Spanish.
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 15 years of professional experience providing psychotherapy services. I work with adults, adolescents, children and couples. I provide my clients with a unique approach helping them to identify and achieve specific therapy goals in confidential, empathetic and trusting atmosphere. I speak English, Russian and Spanish.
(786) 319-9033 View (786) 319-9033

Online Therapists

Photo of Counseling and Wellness Center of South Florida, Marriage & Family Therapist in Miami, FL
Counseling and Wellness Center of South Florida
Marriage & Family Therapist
Verified Verified
12 Endorsed
Hollywood, FL 33026
Если вы или ваши близкие чувствуете боль, страдаете, не знаете что делать, переживаете трудные времена и нуждаетесь в помощи - мы можем вам помочь! Мы консультируем детей, подростков, взрослых и пожилых людей. Мы предлагаем психотерапию для пар, семей и подростков, помогаем справиться с зависимостями от психоактивных веществ, используем EMDR, DBT, ACT, медицинскую семейную терапию и групповую психотерапию в поддерживающем, комфортном пространстве. Девиз Центра консультирования и велнесс Южной Флориды - Помощь есть там, где есть надежда! Мы здесь, чтобы помочь вам и вашим близким пережить это трудное время.
Если вы или ваши близкие чувствуете боль, страдаете, не знаете что делать, переживаете трудные времена и нуждаетесь в помощи - мы можем вам помочь! Мы консультируем детей, подростков, взрослых и пожилых людей. Мы предлагаем психотерапию для пар, семей и подростков, помогаем справиться с зависимостями от психоактивных веществ, используем EMDR, DBT, ACT, медицинскую семейную терапию и групповую психотерапию в поддерживающем, комфортном пространстве. Девиз Центра консультирования и велнесс Южной Флориды - Помощь есть там, где есть надежда! Мы здесь, чтобы помочь вам и вашим близким пережить это трудное время.
(954) 800-5063 View (954) 800-5063
Photo of Monocacy Therapy, LLC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Miami, FL
Monocacy Therapy, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33326  (Online Only)
I strive to help people manage distressing emotions so that they can live a fuller life. I am committed to providing quality mental health care in individual, family, and group settings. As a PhD-level anthropologist, I strive to learn as much as I can about your culture and worldview in order to tailor my therapeutic approach to your values, needs, and goals. I have effectively utilized cognitive behavioral, psychodynamic, play- and art-based, and trauma-informed approaches to support individuals living with a variety of conditions and problems, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
I strive to help people manage distressing emotions so that they can live a fuller life. I am committed to providing quality mental health care in individual, family, and group settings. As a PhD-level anthropologist, I strive to learn as much as I can about your culture and worldview in order to tailor my therapeutic approach to your values, needs, and goals. I have effectively utilized cognitive behavioral, psychodynamic, play- and art-based, and trauma-informed approaches to support individuals living with a variety of conditions and problems, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
(240) 283-5777 View (240) 283-5777
Photo of AvantGarde Behavioral Health Services PLLC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Miami, FL
AvantGarde Behavioral Health Services PLLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MS, LCSW-R
Verified Verified
North Miami Beach, FL 33160  (Online Only)
I am experienced in treating a wide array of mental health disorders and issues including: Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, Intimacy issues, Anger management, Bipolar and Personality disorders.
Hello. My name is Ludmilla Rubinov. I am the owner of a private psychotherapy practice, as well as a psychotherapist with 23 years experience. I have worked with variety of human struggles with emphasis on solution-focused, insight-oriented work designed to instill an expansive self-belief and effective means of dealing with emotional symptoms, relationship conflicts and work related stress. Described as warm, welcoming and emphatic, I partner with my clients to help them to understand themselves and in identifying obstacles that prevent them from leading more satisfying lives.
I am experienced in treating a wide array of mental health disorders and issues including: Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, Intimacy issues, Anger management, Bipolar and Personality disorders.
Hello. My name is Ludmilla Rubinov. I am the owner of a private psychotherapy practice, as well as a psychotherapist with 23 years experience. I have worked with variety of human struggles with emphasis on solution-focused, insight-oriented work designed to instill an expansive self-belief and effective means of dealing with emotional symptoms, relationship conflicts and work related stress. Described as warm, welcoming and emphatic, I partner with my clients to help them to understand themselves and in identifying obstacles that prevent them from leading more satisfying lives.
(929) 298-3964 View (929) 298-3964
Photo of Vera Mikhailova, Counselor in Miami, FL
Vera Mikhailova
Counselor, MS, LCMHC
Verified Verified
Hollywood, FL 33083
I have over 7 years of experience working with a variety of individuals, adolescents, families, and couples from different backgrounds with a diversity of concerns including depression, anxiety, trauma, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, family/relationship issues, self-esteem issues, self-harm, grief, homelessness, domestic violence and substance abuse.
I am a fully-licensed in VT, and as a telehealth provider in FL, I am here to help and support you. Each experience is unique and significant. I work collaboratively with every client to determine individual needs and to provide the best care possible. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where issues, problems, thoughts, and feelings can be discussed without fear of judgment. I am a person-centered counselor with a warm and compassionate style. I believe in treating others with respect and dignity. It is important to me that my clients feel understood, appreciated and their feelings are validated.
I have over 7 years of experience working with a variety of individuals, adolescents, families, and couples from different backgrounds with a diversity of concerns including depression, anxiety, trauma, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, family/relationship issues, self-esteem issues, self-harm, grief, homelessness, domestic violence and substance abuse.
I am a fully-licensed in VT, and as a telehealth provider in FL, I am here to help and support you. Each experience is unique and significant. I work collaboratively with every client to determine individual needs and to provide the best care possible. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where issues, problems, thoughts, and feelings can be discussed without fear of judgment. I am a person-centered counselor with a warm and compassionate style. I believe in treating others with respect and dignity. It is important to me that my clients feel understood, appreciated and their feelings are validated.
(802) 494-4476 View (802) 494-4476
Photo of Systemic Solutions Counseling Center, Marriage & Family Therapist in Miami, FL
Systemic Solutions Counseling Center
Marriage & Family Therapist
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Plantation, FL 33324
Accepting New Clients Immediately! Call us today to talk to someone who can help you find the right therapist for you. Systemic Solutions Counseling Center is comprised of a group of independent practitioners. Our clinicians have diverse backgrounds in terms of training, experience and interests. We want to ensure we can help you find who is best suited for your counseling needs. Life has many challenges. Facing those challenges often leads to depression, anxiety and anger which affect our relationships. We also offer Comprehensive Psychoeducational and Diagnostic Evaluations in English and Spanish.
Accepting New Clients Immediately! Call us today to talk to someone who can help you find the right therapist for you. Systemic Solutions Counseling Center is comprised of a group of independent practitioners. Our clinicians have diverse backgrounds in terms of training, experience and interests. We want to ensure we can help you find who is best suited for your counseling needs. Life has many challenges. Facing those challenges often leads to depression, anxiety and anger which affect our relationships. We also offer Comprehensive Psychoeducational and Diagnostic Evaluations in English and Spanish.
(954) 343-2170 View (954) 343-2170
Photo of Marina Oksengorn, Counselor in Miami, FL
Marina Oksengorn
Counselor, MS, LMHC, EMDR, QS
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Boca Raton, FL 33431
Are you looking to find direction, to clarify goals, or ready to dig deep and work on core issues? Often it is our family of origin issues, buried within, that drive today's unwanted behaviors. I enjoy working with those who are seeking solutions to problems that have been standing in the way and blocking you from achieving your full potential in life. I would like to be your partner on the journey to well-being.
Are you looking to find direction, to clarify goals, or ready to dig deep and work on core issues? Often it is our family of origin issues, buried within, that drive today's unwanted behaviors. I enjoy working with those who are seeking solutions to problems that have been standing in the way and blocking you from achieving your full potential in life. I would like to be your partner on the journey to well-being.
(561) 560-3705 View (561) 560-3705
Photo of Ksenia Kogan Trauma Therapist, Counselor in Miami, FL
Ksenia Kogan Trauma Therapist
Counselor, LMHC, EMDR, EFT, Tapping
Verified Verified
13 Endorsed
Aventura, FL 33180
If you struggle daily with anxiety, depressed mood, painful memories, sleep issues, and inability to relax, it is emotionally and physically draining. Being constantly on edge and expecting some unseen threat to strike is overwhelming. It’s like you’re permanently trapped in survival mode and have been ever since the painful events. You try to put the disturbing memories out of your head and ignore them. You plaster on a happy face and fake it through the day. But it’s not working. And the more you suppress these feelings, the stronger they get. It’s so hopeless and lonely to live like this, but you don’t know any other way.
If you struggle daily with anxiety, depressed mood, painful memories, sleep issues, and inability to relax, it is emotionally and physically draining. Being constantly on edge and expecting some unseen threat to strike is overwhelming. It’s like you’re permanently trapped in survival mode and have been ever since the painful events. You try to put the disturbing memories out of your head and ignore them. You plaster on a happy face and fake it through the day. But it’s not working. And the more you suppress these feelings, the stronger they get. It’s so hopeless and lonely to live like this, but you don’t know any other way.
(954) 945-7799 View (954) 945-7799
Photo of Liza Patchen, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Miami, FL
Liza Patchen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, EMDRC
Verified Verified
Jupiter, FL 33458
Our everyday lives are filled with events that we have no control over. Some go about their lives embracing this chaos, but for others this task may seem challenging and unattainable. I believe that with proper guidance one can accept life as spontaneous chain of events and feel comfortable throughout the process of change. Without purpose life loses its meaning, therefore in my sessions I stress the importance of finding and redefining one's purpose, life’s meaning, and increase overall satisfaction.
Our everyday lives are filled with events that we have no control over. Some go about their lives embracing this chaos, but for others this task may seem challenging and unattainable. I believe that with proper guidance one can accept life as spontaneous chain of events and feel comfortable throughout the process of change. Without purpose life loses its meaning, therefore in my sessions I stress the importance of finding and redefining one's purpose, life’s meaning, and increase overall satisfaction.
(561) 220-3071 View (561) 220-3071
Photo of Tetiana Sukach, Marriage & Family Therapist Intern in Miami, FL
Tetiana Sukach
Marriage & Family Therapist Intern, PhD
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Coconut Creek, FL 33073
If you notice the same conflicts replaying in your relationships, patterns that tend to sneak up in every relationship despite your efforts to change, feel "stuck" and desire change, therapy can help. I assist my clients in developing understanding of self within the context of their family of origin/cultural/racial and other lived experiences to help them untangle some of the ineffective dynamics and dysfunctional patterns. Through our work, we will aim to challenge patterns that no longer serve you and identify how to incorporate some changes that will help you feel more fulfilled in your life and relationships.
If you notice the same conflicts replaying in your relationships, patterns that tend to sneak up in every relationship despite your efforts to change, feel "stuck" and desire change, therapy can help. I assist my clients in developing understanding of self within the context of their family of origin/cultural/racial and other lived experiences to help them untangle some of the ineffective dynamics and dysfunctional patterns. Through our work, we will aim to challenge patterns that no longer serve you and identify how to incorporate some changes that will help you feel more fulfilled in your life and relationships.
(954) 287-2275 View (954) 287-2275
Photo of Linda Levina LMHC, Reimagine Recovery, Counselor in Miami, FL
Linda Levina LMHC, Reimagine Recovery
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
Pompano Beach, FL 33069
ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS | INSURANCE ACCEPTED | VIDEO & PHONE SESSIONS AVAILABLE | Together, we will work toward conquering anxiety, emotional pain, and the barriers blocking you from healthy relationships with yourself and others. We will help you build a life that feels whole and filled with purpose.
ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS | INSURANCE ACCEPTED | VIDEO & PHONE SESSIONS AVAILABLE | Together, we will work toward conquering anxiety, emotional pain, and the barriers blocking you from healthy relationships with yourself and others. We will help you build a life that feels whole and filled with purpose.
(929) 254-4878 View (929) 254-4878
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.