Therapists in Chicago, IL
Watkins is well versed in medication management of Major Depression, Bipolar Disorder and Schizophrenia & related disorders.
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.
Watkins is well versed in medication management of Major Depression, Bipolar Disorder and Schizophrenia & related disorders.
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.
Kristen Blocker, MA (she/her), is a psychotherapist with a Master's in Clinical Psychology and is currently in her fourth year of pursuing a doctoral degree in clinical psychology. She has experience supporting individuals facing a range of challenges, including trauma, anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, eating concerns, and issues related to behavior, life transitions, relationships, and intimate partner violence. Kristen utilizes a collaborative and holistic approach, tailoring treatment to meet the specific needs and goals of each client.
Kristen Blocker, MA (she/her), is a psychotherapist with a Master's in Clinical Psychology and is currently in her fourth year of pursuing a doctoral degree in clinical psychology. She has experience supporting individuals facing a range of challenges, including trauma, anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, eating concerns, and issues related to behavior, life transitions, relationships, and intimate partner violence. Kristen utilizes a collaborative and holistic approach, tailoring treatment to meet the specific needs and goals of each client.
Chicago Relational Therapy & Jana Fuchs Coaching
Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60614
My clinical training and expertise include the treatment of depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, relationship issues, grief and loss, parenting struggles, and difficult life transitions.
Finding a therapist can feel overwhelming. You probably sense that it’s finally time to reach out for help, but feel unsure of where to begin. Perhaps you feel uncertain if there is anyone out there who can understand, let alone help. I believe that the strength of the therapeutic relationship directly impacts an individual’s capacity for change. So my first priority is to cultivate a safe, open, and compassionate relationship with each of my clients. My style of therapy is supportive, lively, and direct. My goal is to help you learn to trust yourself and feel less weighed down by self doubt.
My clinical training and expertise include the treatment of depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, relationship issues, grief and loss, parenting struggles, and difficult life transitions.
Finding a therapist can feel overwhelming. You probably sense that it’s finally time to reach out for help, but feel unsure of where to begin. Perhaps you feel uncertain if there is anyone out there who can understand, let alone help. I believe that the strength of the therapeutic relationship directly impacts an individual’s capacity for change. So my first priority is to cultivate a safe, open, and compassionate relationship with each of my clients. My style of therapy is supportive, lively, and direct. My goal is to help you learn to trust yourself and feel less weighed down by self doubt.
Celina Huerta
Counselor, LCPC, CCTP, CSTIP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60613 (Online Only)
I am passionate about supporting clients who have experienced trauma, as well as those managing symptoms of depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and borderline personality disorder.
As a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Certified Trauma Professional, & Certified Sex Therapy Informed Professional with a decade of experience, I have had the privilege of supporting adults in overcoming the obstacles that life’s challenges present. I also provide therapy for fellow clinicians, offering a safe and supportive environment where they can express their authentic selves. My work with Latinx and Black communities has been especially meaningful, as it allows me the opportunity to give back to the communities I am deeply connected to and passionate about supporting.
I am passionate about supporting clients who have experienced trauma, as well as those managing symptoms of depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and borderline personality disorder.
As a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Certified Trauma Professional, & Certified Sex Therapy Informed Professional with a decade of experience, I have had the privilege of supporting adults in overcoming the obstacles that life’s challenges present. I also provide therapy for fellow clinicians, offering a safe and supportive environment where they can express their authentic selves. My work with Latinx and Black communities has been especially meaningful, as it allows me the opportunity to give back to the communities I am deeply connected to and passionate about supporting.
It can be difficult to ask for help in today's society, and even more difficult to find the best fit in a therapist. As a trauma-informed queer biracial therapist, I strive to create a therapeutic environment that is safe, compassionate, and non-judgmental. My clinical background includes work with individuals managing co-occurring disorders, difficulties related to identity (e.g. racial, cultural, gender, spirituality), Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar, ADHD, Autism, Trauma, PTSD, and grief. I work with individuals and couples at any point in their lifespan, though my background has primarily focused on young adults and families.
It can be difficult to ask for help in today's society, and even more difficult to find the best fit in a therapist. As a trauma-informed queer biracial therapist, I strive to create a therapeutic environment that is safe, compassionate, and non-judgmental. My clinical background includes work with individuals managing co-occurring disorders, difficulties related to identity (e.g. racial, cultural, gender, spirituality), Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar, ADHD, Autism, Trauma, PTSD, and grief. I work with individuals and couples at any point in their lifespan, though my background has primarily focused on young adults and families.
Our specialty areas include depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, general mood disorders, selective mutism and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Thank you for checking our profile! We love our work and we are very committed to providing services that promote dignity, and respect. We are very intentional about creating a space where all parts of you (your ancestors, the systems that shaped you, your otherness) are welcomed and seen. 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.
Thank you for checking our profile! We love our work and we are very committed to providing services that promote dignity, and respect. We are very intentional about creating a space where all parts of you (your ancestors, the systems that shaped you, your otherness) are welcomed and seen. 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....
I'm currently not 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 not 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.
Ruri (Nuri) Kim
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC, LSW, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60601 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
My clinical approach is authentic and integrative, resulting in a collaborative treatment plan based on client’s culture and values, the best available clinical research, and clinical expertise for my clients to thrive in their lives. I enjoy working with children, adolescents and adults in individual, family and group settings. I specialize in the treatment of anxiety, ADHD, OCD, Executive Functioning (EF) skills, complex trauma/PTSD, bipolar disorder, depression, racial/cultural identities, academic performance, family conflicts, relationship issues, grief, life transitions, stress and other life concerns. I also speak Korean.
My clinical approach is authentic and integrative, resulting in a collaborative treatment plan based on client’s culture and values, the best available clinical research, and clinical expertise for my clients to thrive in their lives. I enjoy working with children, adolescents and adults in individual, family and group settings. I specialize in the treatment of anxiety, ADHD, OCD, Executive Functioning (EF) skills, complex trauma/PTSD, bipolar disorder, depression, racial/cultural identities, academic performance, family conflicts, relationship issues, grief, life transitions, stress and other life concerns. I also speak Korean.
Myrna Abdel-Aziz
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC, MA
Verified Verified
4 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.
My specialty is treating depression, anxiety, trauma, and bipolar.
My goal is to offer my client's unwavering support and convey that we are a team and they are not alone. I believe that clients are looking for a listening ear along with someone to help them understand their problems better. I am very direct with clients while normalizing client's issues and taking a candid approach. I communicate to clients that this is a collaborative experience where we will work together to reach their goals.
My specialty is treating depression, anxiety, trauma, and bipolar.
My goal is to offer my client's unwavering support and convey that we are a team and they are not alone. I believe that clients are looking for a listening ear along with someone to help them understand their problems better. I am very direct with clients while normalizing client's issues and taking a candid approach. I communicate to clients that this is a collaborative experience where we will work together to reach their goals.
Center for Effective Artistry
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC, NCC, MA
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60640
Do you find yourself overwhelmed in a world that's not designed for you? Stop designing your life around the world. Design your life around you. The Center for Effective Artistry specializes in working with clients exploring neurodivergence, ADHD, ASD, AuDHD, anxiety, depression, bipolar, trauma, queerness, gender, race, religion, climate grief, and substance use. Our clients are tired of having therapists give them an "answer" that doesn't work. We offer an approach that is unique to each of our fantastic clients. As leaders in the neurodiversity movement, we think outside of the box, and aim to improve the field of mental health.
Do you find yourself overwhelmed in a world that's not designed for you? Stop designing your life around the world. Design your life around you. The Center for Effective Artistry specializes in working with clients exploring neurodivergence, ADHD, ASD, AuDHD, anxiety, depression, bipolar, trauma, queerness, gender, race, religion, climate grief, and substance use. Our clients are tired of having therapists give them an "answer" that doesn't work. We offer an approach that is unique to each of our fantastic clients. As leaders in the neurodiversity movement, we think outside of the box, and aim to improve the field of mental health.
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Dr.Waseberg is therapist and professor of counseling psychology. He helps individuals struggle with relationships, trauma, depression, anxiety, PTSD, eating disorders, grief, abandonment, anger, OCD, social anxiety, phobia, agoraphobia, bipolar/borderline, alcohol/drugs, addiction,etc.He digs deep into the roots of your underlying issues in a safe non-judgmental space with empathy.The drive of his clinical experience comes not only from longtime practicing counseling in private practice and inpatient residential's, but also from his experience as a former clinical director of Partial Hospitalization-PHP and Intensive Outpatient-IOP.
Dr.Waseberg is therapist and professor of counseling psychology. He helps individuals struggle with relationships, trauma, depression, anxiety, PTSD, eating disorders, grief, abandonment, anger, OCD, social anxiety, phobia, agoraphobia, bipolar/borderline, alcohol/drugs, addiction,etc.He digs deep into the roots of your underlying issues in a safe non-judgmental space with empathy.The drive of his clinical experience comes not only from longtime practicing counseling in private practice and inpatient residential's, but also from his experience as a former clinical director of Partial Hospitalization-PHP and Intensive Outpatient-IOP.
I have experience working with various treatment areas including treating both Survivors and Perpetrators of Abuse, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Dissociation, DID, and various types of Traumatic Experiences.
I believe that a client-focused, relational, and accepting therapeutic relationship encourages meaningful change and spiritual development. Further, I have found that maintaining an openness to the exploration and integration of faith and spirituality can be transformational for many individuals. I primarily use an existential framework to conceptualize my clients and incorporate techniques from cognitive-behavioral therapy, emotion-focused therapy, and solution-focused therapy.
I have experience working with various treatment areas including treating both Survivors and Perpetrators of Abuse, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Dissociation, DID, and various types of Traumatic Experiences.
I believe that a client-focused, relational, and accepting therapeutic relationship encourages meaningful change and spiritual development. Further, I have found that maintaining an openness to the exploration and integration of faith and spirituality can be transformational for many individuals. I primarily use an existential framework to conceptualize my clients and incorporate techniques from cognitive-behavioral therapy, emotion-focused therapy, and solution-focused therapy.
Jennifer Bedoy
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60614
I also offer a lot of knowledge and expertise in bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
Have you ever felt like no matter who you talk to, you never feel heard? Often times we talk to our families, friends, partners, etc, and never actually feel seen or heard by anyone. This could be a very lonely feeling for anyone which can lead to more symptoms of depression, anxiety, or other life challenges. Being the flashlight in someone's life is my job. I like to make my clients feel seen, heard and validated! My ideal clients are adults, teens and children.
I also offer a lot of knowledge and expertise in bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
Have you ever felt like no matter who you talk to, you never feel heard? Often times we talk to our families, friends, partners, etc, and never actually feel seen or heard by anyone. This could be a very lonely feeling for anyone which can lead to more symptoms of depression, anxiety, or other life challenges. Being the flashlight in someone's life is my job. I like to make my clients feel seen, heard and validated! My ideal clients are adults, teens and children.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and I completed my graduate education at the University of Chicago where I attained my Master’s in Clinical Social Work. I completed my training at University of Chicago Medicine and at Mercy Hospital. My areas of specialization include anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and bipolar disorders. I enjoy caring for clients from all walks of life, and I am passionate about working with POC, LGBTQ, people with chronic diseases, and young adults entering the work force. I also feel strongly about working with people who are experiencing immigration and/or generational trauma.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and I completed my graduate education at the University of Chicago where I attained my Master’s in Clinical Social Work. I completed my training at University of Chicago Medicine and at Mercy Hospital. My areas of specialization include anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and bipolar disorders. I enjoy caring for clients from all walks of life, and I am passionate about working with POC, LGBTQ, people with chronic diseases, and young adults entering the work force. I also feel strongly about working with people who are experiencing immigration and/or generational trauma.
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."
Daisy Franco
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60606 (Online Only)
Hi there! My name is Daisy Franco, and I am a seasoned bilingual LCSW based in Illinois with over a decade of experience. I provide individual therapy for BIPOC adolescents, young adults, and grown adults with emotional support in life transitions, women's issues, dealing with work-life balance, depression, anxiety, self-esteem, body image, and c-PTSD. I also have a strong foundation background in working with adult clients with chronic mental illness and dual-integrated co-occurring disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar I, and II. I'm also trained to complete various immigration evaluations, such as asylum seekers.
Hi there! My name is Daisy Franco, and I am a seasoned bilingual LCSW based in Illinois with over a decade of experience. I provide individual therapy for BIPOC adolescents, young adults, and grown adults with emotional support in life transitions, women's issues, dealing with work-life balance, depression, anxiety, self-esteem, body image, and c-PTSD. I also have a strong foundation background in working with adult clients with chronic mental illness and dual-integrated co-occurring disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar I, and II. I'm also trained to complete various immigration evaluations, such as asylum seekers.
I frequently help people work through anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, familial difficulties, identity-related disturbances, stress, sleep difficulties, bipolar, and substance use.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with extensive experience working with individuals across the lifespan. I have worked with children, adolescents, and adults. We all experience moments in life when we become stuck in unhelpful patterns and have a difficult time seeing the direction to move forward. One of my goals is to help you identify areas that you are stuck in and help you navigate in a direction that aligns with your values and helps meet your goals. To me therapy is a collaborative endeavor, and it is my goal to understand your needs, values, and aspects of your culture in our work together.
I frequently help people work through anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, familial difficulties, identity-related disturbances, stress, sleep difficulties, bipolar, and substance use.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with extensive experience working with individuals across the lifespan. I have worked with children, adolescents, and adults. We all experience moments in life when we become stuck in unhelpful patterns and have a difficult time seeing the direction to move forward. One of my goals is to help you identify areas that you are stuck in and help you navigate in a direction that aligns with your values and helps meet your goals. To me therapy is a collaborative endeavor, and it is my goal to understand your needs, values, and aspects of your culture in our work together.
Innovative Counseling Partners, PLLC
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LPC, MAATC
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60657
We have been trained to work with a variety of issues-Depression, Anger, Anxiety (group and individual formats), Bipolar disorder, Trauma, Child and Adolescent work (males and females), Sexual Abuse, Play Therapy, Family therapy, Cultural issues (adapting to the western culture), and Gay/Lesbian family issues.
Our life's work is helping clients achieve a better sense of self and happiness...more recently we've recognized that without good mental health providers, finding this balance in life can be more difficult and stressful. As a result, we tend toward an Integrative approach and help our clients transform into the people they want to be. We see each client as an individual with many parts to their identity. Utilizing a holistic and systemic approach we help clients reintegrate the parts of themselves to function better as individuals and within their systems. Our focus tends toward a systems based approach using behavior methods.
We have been trained to work with a variety of issues-Depression, Anger, Anxiety (group and individual formats), Bipolar disorder, Trauma, Child and Adolescent work (males and females), Sexual Abuse, Play Therapy, Family therapy, Cultural issues (adapting to the western culture), and Gay/Lesbian family issues.
Our life's work is helping clients achieve a better sense of self and happiness...more recently we've recognized that without good mental health providers, finding this balance in life can be more difficult and stressful. As a result, we tend toward an Integrative approach and help our clients transform into the people they want to be. We see each client as an individual with many parts to their identity. Utilizing a holistic and systemic approach we help clients reintegrate the parts of themselves to function better as individuals and within their systems. Our focus tends toward a systems based approach using behavior methods.
Innovative Counseling Partners, PLLC
Counselor, MA, LPC, LSW, LCPC, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60657
We have been trained to work with a variety of issues-Depression, Anger, Anxiety (group and individual formats), Bipolar disorder, Trauma, Child and Adolescent work (males and females), Sexual Abuse, Play Therapy, Family therapy, Cultural issues (adapting to the western culture), and Gay/Lesbian family issues.
Our life's work is helping clients achieve a better sense of self and happiness...more recently we've recognized that without good mental health providers finding this balance in life can be more difficult and stressful. As a result, we tend toward and Integrative approach and have our clients transform into the people they want to be. We see each client as an individual with many parts to their identity. Utilizing a holistic and systemic approach we help clients reintegrate the parts of themselves to function better as individuals and within their systems. Our focus tends toward a systems based approach using behavior methods.
We have been trained to work with a variety of issues-Depression, Anger, Anxiety (group and individual formats), Bipolar disorder, Trauma, Child and Adolescent work (males and females), Sexual Abuse, Play Therapy, Family therapy, Cultural issues (adapting to the western culture), and Gay/Lesbian family issues.
Our life's work is helping clients achieve a better sense of self and happiness...more recently we've recognized that without good mental health providers finding this balance in life can be more difficult and stressful. As a result, we tend toward and Integrative approach and have our clients transform into the people they want to be. We see each client as an individual with many parts to their identity. Utilizing a holistic and systemic approach we help clients reintegrate the parts of themselves to function better as individuals and within their systems. Our focus tends toward a systems based approach using behavior methods.
See more therapy options for Chicago
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.