Therapists in Chicago, IL
Emily Zibell
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60657 (Online Only)
I come from working many years in a behavioral health hospital, specializing in adults with mood disorders including: anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and adjustment disorders.
I am a firm believer that when undergoing life’s challenges, we owe it to ourselves to be our own best support person we can be. Sometimes that means asking for help. Whether it’s managing the stresses of everyday life, keeping up with ever changing and ongoing societal and systemic concerns, or managing serious mental health distress, I am excited and honored to work with you towards your therapy goals.
I come from working many years in a behavioral health hospital, specializing in adults with mood disorders including: anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and adjustment disorders.
I am a firm believer that when undergoing life’s challenges, we owe it to ourselves to be our own best support person we can be. Sometimes that means asking for help. Whether it’s managing the stresses of everyday life, keeping up with ever changing and ongoing societal and systemic concerns, or managing serious mental health distress, I am excited and honored to work with you towards your therapy goals.
Dr. Rae K. Watkins
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60613 (Online Only)
Dr. Watkins is a Clinical Psychologist who's profession experience includes psycho-diagnostic assessment and counseling of children, adolescents and adults in the areas of trauma, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, marital guidance, sexuality, juvenile delinquency and phase of life transitions. Dr. Watkins practices from a client-centered framework, focusing on genuineness and unconditional positive regard for clients, with the belief that all persons are capable of functioning at their full, yet personal, potential. Dr. Watkins has served as an Investigator on clinical trials in the areas of Depression, Bipolar Disorder and Schizophrenia.
Dr. Watkins is a Clinical Psychologist who's profession experience includes psycho-diagnostic assessment and counseling of children, adolescents and adults in the areas of trauma, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, marital guidance, sexuality, juvenile delinquency and phase of life transitions. Dr. Watkins practices from a client-centered framework, focusing on genuineness and unconditional positive regard for clients, with the belief that all persons are capable of functioning at their full, yet personal, potential. Dr. Watkins has served as an Investigator on clinical trials in the areas of Depression, Bipolar Disorder and Schizophrenia.
Sean McMenamin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60614
I have experience working with adults who struggled with anxiety, depression, grief, PTSD, substance use, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
Sharing one's thoughts and feelings with a complete stranger can seem awkward and bizarre. My goal early on in therapy is to make the experience feel as comfortable as possible by creating a space without judgement and aiming to understand you as a whole person, rather than simply a set of symptoms or a diagnosis. I believe that we all have the capacity to overcome life's many obstacles and live closer to our fullest potential. Although therapy is ultimately very serious, I use humor whenever possible so it doesn't feel like you're talking to a robot.
I have experience working with adults who struggled with anxiety, depression, grief, PTSD, substance use, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
Sharing one's thoughts and feelings with a complete stranger can seem awkward and bizarre. My goal early on in therapy is to make the experience feel as comfortable as possible by creating a space without judgement and aiming to understand you as a whole person, rather than simply a set of symptoms or a diagnosis. I believe that we all have the capacity to overcome life's many obstacles and live closer to our fullest potential. Although therapy is ultimately very serious, I use humor whenever possible so it doesn't feel like you're talking to a robot.
Barrett Kern
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60601 (Online Only)
My strengths as a therapist are in helping people who are experiencing difficulties related to mood (depression, bipolar disorder), traumatic events (past or recent), anxiety, or psychosis. My therapy style is warm, person-centered, and collaborative but also humorous and active. I am also LGBTQIA+ friendly, gender affirming, and body/sex positive. I enjoy working with members of the kink, BDSM, and ethical non-monogamy communities and strive to make therapy a safe space to explore topics relevant to their lives. I am neurodivergence affirming and competent and try to make accommodations whenever possible to make therapy accessible.
My strengths as a therapist are in helping people who are experiencing difficulties related to mood (depression, bipolar disorder), traumatic events (past or recent), anxiety, or psychosis. My therapy style is warm, person-centered, and collaborative but also humorous and active. I am also LGBTQIA+ friendly, gender affirming, and body/sex positive. I enjoy working with members of the kink, BDSM, and ethical non-monogamy communities and strive to make therapy a safe space to explore topics relevant to their lives. I am neurodivergence affirming and competent and try to make accommodations whenever possible to make therapy accessible.
Manya Treece
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60642
I have worked with many clients, including those who struggle with depression, bipolar disorder, suicidal ideation, anxiety, grief, relationship issues, domestic violence, drug and alcohol abuse, eating disorders, sexual and physical abuse, workplace issues, LGBTQ issues and issues surrounding chronic illness.
My name is Manya, and I am trained in psychodynamic, psychoanalytic psychotherapy. My approach is to form a relationship with each person I see, taking special care to note any patterns in a person's history or present that may be holding them back or causing unnecessary pain or conflict. I take great care to notice how the past is informing the present and to provide the insight needed to develop and maintain healthy relationships, behaviors and feelings.
I have worked with many clients, including those who struggle with depression, bipolar disorder, suicidal ideation, anxiety, grief, relationship issues, domestic violence, drug and alcohol abuse, eating disorders, sexual and physical abuse, workplace issues, LGBTQ issues and issues surrounding chronic illness.
My name is Manya, and I am trained in psychodynamic, psychoanalytic psychotherapy. My approach is to form a relationship with each person I see, taking special care to note any patterns in a person's history or present that may be holding them back or causing unnecessary pain or conflict. I take great care to notice how the past is informing the present and to provide the insight needed to develop and maintain healthy relationships, behaviors and feelings.
Myrna Abdel-Aziz
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC, MA
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60613
I've worked to help individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, bipolar disorder, relationship conflicts, life transitions, cultural, and self-esteem related issues.
Healing can be a daunting process and I believe no individual should have to go through it alone. The healing journey is unique to each person therefore I strive to create a warm, accepting, and collaborative environment through non-judgment and cultural humility. My main goal is to empower clients to recognize their own resilience despite the obstacles they face. Through a person-centered and diversity affirming lens, I work to create a positive dynamic with each client, meanwhile helping you recognize the impacts that your thoughts and behaviors have on your ability to lead a fulfilling life.
I've worked to help individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, bipolar disorder, relationship conflicts, life transitions, cultural, and self-esteem related issues.
Healing can be a daunting process and I believe no individual should have to go through it alone. The healing journey is unique to each person therefore I strive to create a warm, accepting, and collaborative environment through non-judgment and cultural humility. My main goal is to empower clients to recognize their own resilience despite the obstacles they face. Through a person-centered and diversity affirming lens, I work to create a positive dynamic with each client, meanwhile helping you recognize the impacts that your thoughts and behaviors have on your ability to lead a fulfilling life.
Essential Counseling Group
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60615
Essential Counseling Group (ECG) is a collective of mental health professionals whose goal is to heal clients through a psychodynamic framework. Our diverse experiences allow us to offer effective individual, family, and couples treatment. We treat a number of mental health challenges including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and trauma. ECG is here to help you be the best version of yourself.
Essential Counseling Group (ECG) is a collective of mental health professionals whose goal is to heal clients through a psychodynamic framework. Our diverse experiences allow us to offer effective individual, family, and couples treatment. We treat a number of mental health challenges including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and trauma. ECG is here to help you be the best version of yourself.
Stacy Rhoades
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60657
Waitlist for new clients
I have extensive experience working with clients who have Trauma, Depression, Anxiety, and/or Bipolar Disorders, and I enjoy working with clients from across the gender spectrum.
Please Note: I am currently taking a waitlist for new clients... Humans have an amazing capacity to cope with trauma, loss and extreme stress; however, sometimes events overwhelm all our capacities, and even when those events are over we struggle to get past them and feel fearful or hopeless about our future. Using both EMDR and talk therapy, we will work in the present to identify problems, patterns, and symptoms; trace those issues to the past events that source them; reprocess those events to alleviate the present issues; and build resources to foster hope in the future.
I have extensive experience working with clients who have Trauma, Depression, Anxiety, and/or Bipolar Disorders, and I enjoy working with clients from across the gender spectrum.
Please Note: I am currently taking a waitlist for new clients... Humans have an amazing capacity to cope with trauma, loss and extreme stress; however, sometimes events overwhelm all our capacities, and even when those events are over we struggle to get past them and feel fearful or hopeless about our future. Using both EMDR and talk therapy, we will work in the present to identify problems, patterns, and symptoms; trace those issues to the past events that source them; reprocess those events to alleviate the present issues; and build resources to foster hope in the future.
Paula Gonzalez
Counselor, MA, LPC, CIMHP, ADHD-SP
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60606 (Online Only)
I'm currently accepting new clients! Are you having difficulty focusing or concentrating? Do you have racing thoughts, feel anxious or difficulty sleeping? Are you having trouble managing your emotions? Do you feel fatigued and depressed? I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and a ADHD-Certified Clinical Service Provider. I provide individual therapy for adults experiencing symptoms of ADHD, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder social anxiety, life transitions and stress.
I'm currently accepting new clients! Are you having difficulty focusing or concentrating? Do you have racing thoughts, feel anxious or difficulty sleeping? Are you having trouble managing your emotions? Do you feel fatigued and depressed? I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and a ADHD-Certified Clinical Service Provider. I provide individual therapy for adults experiencing symptoms of ADHD, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder social anxiety, life transitions and stress.
Julleon Garrison
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60602 (Online Only)
My ideal client comes from many walks of life. They are children, teenagers, and adults and present with anxiety, depression, adjustment disorders, borderline personality disorder, bipolar disorder, relationship and family problems, Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), school problems, and oppositional-defiant disorder. They all share a common need to be heard, empowered, and guided on the path of recovery. I provide evidence-based treatments tailored to the needs of my clients. I focus on strengths and capabilities rather than "illness."
My ideal client comes from many walks of life. They are children, teenagers, and adults and present with anxiety, depression, adjustment disorders, borderline personality disorder, bipolar disorder, relationship and family problems, Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), school problems, and oppositional-defiant disorder. They all share a common need to be heard, empowered, and guided on the path of recovery. I provide evidence-based treatments tailored to the needs of my clients. I focus on strengths and capabilities rather than "illness."
Christie Gerken-Lopez
Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60601 (Online Only)
I am here to support you or you and your spouse/family in treating your symptoms of depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, life transitions, anger, ADHD, history of or current trauma/abuse, relationship/family relational issues, and parenting struggles.
It seems you are ready to take the next step if you have made it this far in your search. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor here to help you and/or your loved ones process your issues, make a change, or simply help you decide what you need. I provide counseling to people of all ages and backgrounds. I have experience in a variety of settings from private practice to emergency room services, so I am here to help with whatever needs you may have. I strongly believe that we all have different starting points and my job is to meet you wherever that is and start your journey there.
I am here to support you or you and your spouse/family in treating your symptoms of depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, life transitions, anger, ADHD, history of or current trauma/abuse, relationship/family relational issues, and parenting struggles.
It seems you are ready to take the next step if you have made it this far in your search. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor here to help you and/or your loved ones process your issues, make a change, or simply help you decide what you need. I provide counseling to people of all ages and backgrounds. I have experience in a variety of settings from private practice to emergency room services, so I am here to help with whatever needs you may have. I strongly believe that we all have different starting points and my job is to meet you wherever that is and start your journey there.
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Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60640
I utilize integrative therapy for people struggling with stress, anxiety, depression, bipolar, relationships, and other emotional struggles so that they may maximize their experience of emotional being.
I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with a lifelong mission of helping children and adults improve their social and emotional well-being. I am the co-founder of Formative Psychological Services, a family-run practice in Chicago. I have over 15 years of experience working in the schools and in private practice, and provide individual therapy, assessments, school consultation, and presentations.
I utilize integrative therapy for people struggling with stress, anxiety, depression, bipolar, relationships, and other emotional struggles so that they may maximize their experience of emotional being.
I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with a lifelong mission of helping children and adults improve their social and emotional well-being. I am the co-founder of Formative Psychological Services, a family-run practice in Chicago. I have over 15 years of experience working in the schools and in private practice, and provide individual therapy, assessments, school consultation, and presentations.
Cardenas Institute
Counselor, LCPC, MA, EMDR, CADC
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60612
Our specialty areas include depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, general mood disorders, selective mutism and post-traumatic stress disorder.
We love our work and we are very committed to be a part of the global community that strives to bring an effective blend of experience, expertise, and action to the counseling process in order to provide genuine healing and wholeness to children, young adults, adults, marriages, and families. Over the last eighteen years or so we have learned wonderful therapy approaches such as EMDR, somatic work, CBT, Sandtray, Theraplay, ACT, and others. We understand that each person needs to receive an individualized approach and this involves going beyond Western approaches... Our family legacies, our ancestors, our history matter....
Our specialty areas include depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, general mood disorders, selective mutism and post-traumatic stress disorder.
We love our work and we are very committed to be a part of the global community that strives to bring an effective blend of experience, expertise, and action to the counseling process in order to provide genuine healing and wholeness to children, young adults, adults, marriages, and families. Over the last eighteen years or so we have learned wonderful therapy approaches such as EMDR, somatic work, CBT, Sandtray, Theraplay, ACT, and others. We understand that each person needs to receive an individualized approach and this involves going beyond Western approaches... Our family legacies, our ancestors, our history matter....
Leticia Magana
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60614
Leticia Magana is a Licensed Social Worker in Illinois who has been practicing since 2020. She has a Bachelor's Degree from Northeastern Illinois University and a Master's Degree from Loyola University. Leticia has a range of experience working with adolescents and adults struggling with the most severe mental illnesses, PTSD, schizophrenia, bipolar Disorder, major depression, anxiety, and dual diagnosis. She draws from principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Exposure Therapy to help clients overcome challenges and accomplish goals.
Leticia Magana is a Licensed Social Worker in Illinois who has been practicing since 2020. She has a Bachelor's Degree from Northeastern Illinois University and a Master's Degree from Loyola University. Leticia has a range of experience working with adolescents and adults struggling with the most severe mental illnesses, PTSD, schizophrenia, bipolar Disorder, major depression, anxiety, and dual diagnosis. She draws from principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Exposure Therapy to help clients overcome challenges and accomplish goals.
Julia Kariotis
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60614
I am very passionate about working with children, adolescents, and adults to work through symptoms of depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, self esteem issues and more.
I love working with people to help empower them to overcome any obstacles life may throw at them and to work to reach their greatest potential. My clinical approach is collaborative, compassionate, and client-centered. I work from goals, with the overall goal of reducing symptoms and providing coping mechanisms my clients can use immediately and apply to their daily lives. It is my mission to create a safe, nonjudgemental space for my clients during sessions with me. I have experience working with all ages, ranging from working with children in an outpatient setting to adults struggling with a wide range of mental health symptoms.
I am very passionate about working with children, adolescents, and adults to work through symptoms of depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, self esteem issues and more.
I love working with people to help empower them to overcome any obstacles life may throw at them and to work to reach their greatest potential. My clinical approach is collaborative, compassionate, and client-centered. I work from goals, with the overall goal of reducing symptoms and providing coping mechanisms my clients can use immediately and apply to their daily lives. It is my mission to create a safe, nonjudgemental space for my clients during sessions with me. I have experience working with all ages, ranging from working with children in an outpatient setting to adults struggling with a wide range of mental health symptoms.
Jade Hull
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60640
I have solid experience working with adults who live with trauma, depression, bipolar, anxiety, disordered eating, obsessive-compulsive behaviors, stress, relationship issues, academic struggles, immigration difficulties, and grief.
Shopping around online for a human to trust and talk to can be a strange experience, and I understand that the beginning of this journey can feel overwhelming. I utilize humor, creativity, self-reflection, body-based interventions, and education to promote your growth. Your therapy will be individualized to who you are and your lived experiences. We’ll work as a team to explore, understand, and update the obstacles in your life. I believe knowledge is a transformative tool that can help us update how we relate to ourselves, others, and the world. Together, we'll look beyond diagnoses, and examine attachment and relationships.
I have solid experience working with adults who live with trauma, depression, bipolar, anxiety, disordered eating, obsessive-compulsive behaviors, stress, relationship issues, academic struggles, immigration difficulties, and grief.
Shopping around online for a human to trust and talk to can be a strange experience, and I understand that the beginning of this journey can feel overwhelming. I utilize humor, creativity, self-reflection, body-based interventions, and education to promote your growth. Your therapy will be individualized to who you are and your lived experiences. We’ll work as a team to explore, understand, and update the obstacles in your life. I believe knowledge is a transformative tool that can help us update how we relate to ourselves, others, and the world. Together, we'll look beyond diagnoses, and examine attachment and relationships.
Clayton Crozier
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Not Verified Not Verified
Chicago, IL 60614
He has experience in working with a wide variety of issues including Depression, Anxiety, Grief, Adjustment Issues, Relationship Issues, Family Issues, Substance Use, PTSD, Bipolar Disorder, Personality Disorders, and Schizophrenia.
Clayton Crozier is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Illinois. He is a graduate of the Eastern Illinois University Clinical Psychology Master's program and has experience working with a variety of populations including individuals spanning from adolescent to geriatric, substance use disorders, college students, couples, families, and older adults with severe mental health struggles. Clayton has worked in a variety of environments including private practice, adult inpatient substance use treatment, university counseling, and in group home settings.
He has experience in working with a wide variety of issues including Depression, Anxiety, Grief, Adjustment Issues, Relationship Issues, Family Issues, Substance Use, PTSD, Bipolar Disorder, Personality Disorders, and Schizophrenia.
Clayton Crozier is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Illinois. He is a graduate of the Eastern Illinois University Clinical Psychology Master's program and has experience working with a variety of populations including individuals spanning from adolescent to geriatric, substance use disorders, college students, couples, families, and older adults with severe mental health struggles. Clayton has worked in a variety of environments including private practice, adult inpatient substance use treatment, university counseling, and in group home settings.
Anne Radakovich
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Not Verified Not Verified
Chicago, IL 60614
Her specialties include: Life Transitions – Interpersonal, Relational and Family Distress – Trauma - Mood Disorders - Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder - Self-Harm, Suicidal Ideation - Eating Disorders – Chronic Illness – Religious counseling.
Anne Radakovich is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Illinois who offers individual, family and couple’s counseling. She offers compassionate, empathetic support while utilizing a direct communication style. Anne facilitates an environment that sets clients up for success in achieving their self-determined set of goals and allows room for those individuals to build healthy relationships with themselves and others. Anne creates unique support for each person she works with. Anne uses a combination of therapy approaches including: Person-Centered, Cognitive Behavioral, and Psychodynamic Therapy among others.
Her specialties include: Life Transitions – Interpersonal, Relational and Family Distress – Trauma - Mood Disorders - Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder - Self-Harm, Suicidal Ideation - Eating Disorders – Chronic Illness – Religious counseling.
Anne Radakovich is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Illinois who offers individual, family and couple’s counseling. She offers compassionate, empathetic support while utilizing a direct communication style. Anne facilitates an environment that sets clients up for success in achieving their self-determined set of goals and allows room for those individuals to build healthy relationships with themselves and others. Anne creates unique support for each person she works with. Anne uses a combination of therapy approaches including: Person-Centered, Cognitive Behavioral, and Psychodynamic Therapy among others.
Emma Bonanno
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC
Not Verified Not Verified
Chicago, IL 60614
If you are ready to discover a better version of yourself, let's talk. I believe therapy works best with collaboration, working together to find the most effective methods of meeting your self- established and recommended goals. My areas of expertise are within the LGBTQ community, including but not limited to gender identity, mood disorders, trauma and PTSD. I work with adults and adolescents confronting anxiety, depression, mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD, grief/loss, self- harm, and chronic stress.
If you are ready to discover a better version of yourself, let's talk. I believe therapy works best with collaboration, working together to find the most effective methods of meeting your self- established and recommended goals. My areas of expertise are within the LGBTQ community, including but not limited to gender identity, mood disorders, trauma and PTSD. I work with adults and adolescents confronting anxiety, depression, mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD, grief/loss, self- harm, and chronic stress.
Sara Bradley
Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60601 (Online Only)
I work with adults of all ages, adolescents, and couples. My clinical experience includes working with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, life transitions, trauma, relationship concerns, and identity development. I’m especially interested in and passionate about helping my clients navigate the impact trauma can have on various facets of their life. Understanding these influences can help with developing awareness and skills to integrate our past, present and hopes for our future in an intentional and empowering way. I also enjoy working with couples to achieve better communication and connection.
I work with adults of all ages, adolescents, and couples. My clinical experience includes working with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, life transitions, trauma, relationship concerns, and identity development. I’m especially interested in and passionate about helping my clients navigate the impact trauma can have on various facets of their life. Understanding these influences can help with developing awareness and skills to integrate our past, present and hopes for our future in an intentional and empowering way. I also enjoy working with couples to achieve better communication and connection.
See more therapy options for Chicago
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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.