Bipolar Disorder Therapists in Randleman, NC

Photo of Litha Charles - Litha Charles, Asheboro Counseling and Wellness, MEd, LCMHCS, Licensed Professional Counselor
Litha Charles, Asheboro Counseling and Wellness
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LCMHCS
Verified Verified
Randleman, NC 27317
I am a North Carolina Board Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervisor. Prior to working in Asheboro, I have worked in public school and university settings and have ten years experience working with children, adolescents, and adults with a variety of concerns. I offer individual counseling for adults, adolescents, and children, as well as marital/premarital and family counseling. I am equipped and interested in integrating one's spiritual values and beliefs into the counseling process to the extent the client allows them to be.
I am a North Carolina Board Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervisor. Prior to working in Asheboro, I have worked in public school and university settings and have ten years experience working with children, adolescents, and adults with a variety of concerns. I offer individual counseling for adults, adolescents, and children, as well as marital/premarital and family counseling. I am equipped and interested in integrating one's spiritual values and beliefs into the counseling process to the extent the client allows them to be.
(336) 656-2639 View (336) 656-2639
Photo of Tiffany Blake, MSW, LCSW, CFSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Tiffany Blake
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, CFSW
Verified Verified
Randleman, NC 27317
An ideal client for me is someone is is willing and ready to make lasting and impactful changes in their lives. An individuals goals can be fluid and changing and I enjoy assisting clients in exploring what their goals for therapy, life, and the future are.
An ideal client for me is someone is is willing and ready to make lasting and impactful changes in their lives. An individuals goals can be fluid and changing and I enjoy assisting clients in exploring what their goals for therapy, life, and the future are.
(336) 390-4921 View (336) 390-4921

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Sherille Denise Barber, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Sherille Denise Barber
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Franklinville, NC 27248
My typical client focus is adults, couples, and families who are struggling with relationship issues that typically revolve around communication styles, adults struggling with depressive symptoms as well as anxiety symptoms and other adult disorders commonly seen, such as bipolar disorder and trauma-related disorders.
Hello, my name is Dr. Sherille Barber, and I am a licensed clinical counselor in the states of North and South Carolina. I have worked in the mental health field for over 35 years and primarily utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to aid clients in reaching their optimum potential in life. I primarily work with those battling depression and anxiety as well as those dealing with trauma-related issues.
My typical client focus is adults, couples, and families who are struggling with relationship issues that typically revolve around communication styles, adults struggling with depressive symptoms as well as anxiety symptoms and other adult disorders commonly seen, such as bipolar disorder and trauma-related disorders.
Hello, my name is Dr. Sherille Barber, and I am a licensed clinical counselor in the states of North and South Carolina. I have worked in the mental health field for over 35 years and primarily utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to aid clients in reaching their optimum potential in life. I primarily work with those battling depression and anxiety as well as those dealing with trauma-related issues.
(704) 389-9716 View (704) 389-9716
Photo of Karin Connelly, PhD, Psychologist
Karin Connelly
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Asheboro, NC 27203  (Online Only)
Hello! I’m Karin Connelly, PhD. I’d like to offer you a way to relax, better trust yourself and feel empowered in your life. Do the habitual feelings and beliefs about yourself and your potential keep interfering with your making the changes you want in your life? Do the same interpersonal dynamics keep playing out in your relationships, even when that still small voice inside you clearly points in a better direction? Is it hard to slow down and trust yourself enough to live more freely—to simply be relaxed and openhearted, experiencing life directly and in alignment with your purpose?
Hello! I’m Karin Connelly, PhD. I’d like to offer you a way to relax, better trust yourself and feel empowered in your life. Do the habitual feelings and beliefs about yourself and your potential keep interfering with your making the changes you want in your life? Do the same interpersonal dynamics keep playing out in your relationships, even when that still small voice inside you clearly points in a better direction? Is it hard to slow down and trust yourself enough to live more freely—to simply be relaxed and openhearted, experiencing life directly and in alignment with your purpose?
(845) 379-2002 View (845) 379-2002
Photo of Cynthia Arnold, MS, NCC, LCMHC, EMDR-C, CFRC
Cynthia Arnold
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MS, NCC, LCMHC, EMDR-C, CFRC
Verified Verified
Asheboro, NC 27203
Life’s challenges can be overwhelming. Professional counseling can help. I successfully guide people to overcome issues such as anxiety, depression, grief and loss, PTSD, trauma, behavioral challenges, stress, and anger issues. I understand that these issues are often caused or worsened by abuse, divorce, death, critical illness, military combat, violent crime, discrimination, LGBTQ struggles, relationship issues, more. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with advanced training in trauma therapy as well as training in working with first responders. My goal is to assist you in putting the past behind you and moving on with life.
Life’s challenges can be overwhelming. Professional counseling can help. I successfully guide people to overcome issues such as anxiety, depression, grief and loss, PTSD, trauma, behavioral challenges, stress, and anger issues. I understand that these issues are often caused or worsened by abuse, divorce, death, critical illness, military combat, violent crime, discrimination, LGBTQ struggles, relationship issues, more. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with advanced training in trauma therapy as well as training in working with first responders. My goal is to assist you in putting the past behind you and moving on with life.
(336) 750-6415 View (336) 750-6415
Photo of Allyson Chavis, MEd, LCMHC, NCC
Allyson Chavis
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MEd, LCMHC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Asheboro, NC 27203
Welcome, and thank you for visiting my page! As a counselor, I believe that everyone has had unique experiences that have had a direct impact on them as individuals. I truly enjoy helping others learn to navigate through problems they may be experiencing, which prevent them from functioning in a healthy manner. I offer a holistic therapeutic approach designed to help individuals and families explore and find new solutions to issues they may be experiencing. Please contact me with any questions you may have or to schedule an appointment. Thanks!
Welcome, and thank you for visiting my page! As a counselor, I believe that everyone has had unique experiences that have had a direct impact on them as individuals. I truly enjoy helping others learn to navigate through problems they may be experiencing, which prevent them from functioning in a healthy manner. I offer a holistic therapeutic approach designed to help individuals and families explore and find new solutions to issues they may be experiencing. Please contact me with any questions you may have or to schedule an appointment. Thanks!
(336) 585-8332 View (336) 585-8332
Photo of Lydia Long, LCSW, LCAS, RYT, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Lydia Long
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LCAS, RYT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Asheboro, NC 27203
Being. Belonging. Becoming. Are you having trouble with people or situations in your life? Has your life become unrecognizable? Does it feel like you are in a rut, and nothing is changing? As the days go by, do you find yourself wondering if there is more to life? I can help you rediscover yourself and claim your life once again. Call and set up an consultation and get working on the life that you want. Take charge and create the future you have dreamed of!
Being. Belonging. Becoming. Are you having trouble with people or situations in your life? Has your life become unrecognizable? Does it feel like you are in a rut, and nothing is changing? As the days go by, do you find yourself wondering if there is more to life? I can help you rediscover yourself and claim your life once again. Call and set up an consultation and get working on the life that you want. Take charge and create the future you have dreamed of!
(336) 530-5572 View (336) 530-5572
Photo of Sarah Webber, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Sarah Webber
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Sophia, NC 27350
Life can bring waves of transition; many are excellent, and others are more complex. I enjoy partnering with older adults and their families to provide support and explore ways to improve the quality of life for all. Typical areas of exploration may include retirement, end of life, grief, loss of independence, caregiver stress, role reversal/confusion, depression, isolation, anxiety, and life inventory. I offer a holistic and client-centered approach embracing empowerment, narratives, and strengths to rebalance joy and fulfillment as life transitions.
Life can bring waves of transition; many are excellent, and others are more complex. I enjoy partnering with older adults and their families to provide support and explore ways to improve the quality of life for all. Typical areas of exploration may include retirement, end of life, grief, loss of independence, caregiver stress, role reversal/confusion, depression, isolation, anxiety, and life inventory. I offer a holistic and client-centered approach embracing empowerment, narratives, and strengths to rebalance joy and fulfillment as life transitions.
(980) 252-7953 View (980) 252-7953
Photo of Kasha Howard, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kasha Howard
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Climax, NC 27233
I specialize in adolescent issues, disruptive mood disorders, anger management, and depression and anxiety. I also treat children and adult survivors of childhood trauma through a DBT, psychodynamic, and CBT Trauma focus approach. I have a lot of experience and enjoy working with young adults with self-esteem problems, relationship issues, and difficulty finding direction in their lives. My goal is to help change the attitudes and perceptions of parents and adolescents, thus changing their behavior.
I specialize in adolescent issues, disruptive mood disorders, anger management, and depression and anxiety. I also treat children and adult survivors of childhood trauma through a DBT, psychodynamic, and CBT Trauma focus approach. I have a lot of experience and enjoy working with young adults with self-esteem problems, relationship issues, and difficulty finding direction in their lives. My goal is to help change the attitudes and perceptions of parents and adolescents, thus changing their behavior.
(984) 254-3828 View (984) 254-3828
Photo of Edward Lurey - Lurey Psychological, PhD, Psychologist
Lurey Psychological
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
High Point, NC 27263  (Online Only)
Oscar Wilde said "Wisdom comes with age, but sometimes, age comes alone". My name is Dr. Edward Lurey and my NC practicing psychologist licensed in numbered in the first 500 that were granted in this state. As I have worked many clinical hours, I believe I have acquired wisdom and knowledge over many decades of helping people with their psychological issues and problems. I have studied many methodologies over my career, as the science of psychology is constantly changing. I believe I can be of assistance in changing and helping you in maintaining a mentally health lifestyle.
Oscar Wilde said "Wisdom comes with age, but sometimes, age comes alone". My name is Dr. Edward Lurey and my NC practicing psychologist licensed in numbered in the first 500 that were granted in this state. As I have worked many clinical hours, I believe I have acquired wisdom and knowledge over many decades of helping people with their psychological issues and problems. I have studied many methodologies over my career, as the science of psychology is constantly changing. I believe I can be of assistance in changing and helping you in maintaining a mentally health lifestyle.
(336) 901-9136 View (336) 901-9136
Photo of Falencio L Thompson, MS, LCMHC
Falencio L Thompson
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MS, LCMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Greensboro, NC 27406  (Online Only)
In many settings and conversations mental health is a hot topic and now considered just as important as physical health. What’s even more fascinating to me is how celebrities like Bishop T. D. Jakes, Taraji P. Henson, Kanye West, Beyonce and so many others are shedding light on the importance of mental health. Now counselors are being called upon more than ever to provide treatment for individuals who are suffering from depression and anxiety. As a counselor I am thrilled to know that so many people are taking the time and addressing these issues. However, there are some people who are still struggling with asking for help.
In many settings and conversations mental health is a hot topic and now considered just as important as physical health. What’s even more fascinating to me is how celebrities like Bishop T. D. Jakes, Taraji P. Henson, Kanye West, Beyonce and so many others are shedding light on the importance of mental health. Now counselors are being called upon more than ever to provide treatment for individuals who are suffering from depression and anxiety. As a counselor I am thrilled to know that so many people are taking the time and addressing these issues. However, there are some people who are still struggling with asking for help.
(336) 872-2399 View (336) 872-2399
Photo of Lisa Hathaway - The Oaks Center for Counseling and Wellness, MBA, MA, LCMHCA, Counselor
The Oaks Center for Counseling and Wellness
Counselor, MBA, MA, LCMHCA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Greensboro, NC 27406
I'm here to walk alongside you on your journey towards healing. With specialized training in EMDR, I work with individuals—male and female, ages 8 and up—who have experienced trauma, depression, grief, anxiety, and everything in between. The Oaks is a practice like no other, blending evidence-based techniques with an approach that fosters both worth and wellness. When it's beneficial for clients, I enjoy incorporating a biblical worldview into our sessions, offering a holistic perspective that aligns with their values.
I'm here to walk alongside you on your journey towards healing. With specialized training in EMDR, I work with individuals—male and female, ages 8 and up—who have experienced trauma, depression, grief, anxiety, and everything in between. The Oaks is a practice like no other, blending evidence-based techniques with an approach that fosters both worth and wellness. When it's beneficial for clients, I enjoy incorporating a biblical worldview into our sessions, offering a holistic perspective that aligns with their values.
(336) 396-9002 View (336) 396-9002
Photo of Mary Cottam Keever, LCSW, CHC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Mary Cottam Keever
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CHC
Verified Verified
Archdale, NC 27263
Glad you found me here! I come from the medical system and am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Health Coach. As a social worker, I see you as the expert of yourself and am determined to help you get what you want. I would like to help you with whatever is getting in your way and nurture your connection to yourself-increasing awareness, trust in yourself and love for yourself so that you might feel more capable. I am passionate about working with graduate/college students, young adults and the LGBTQIA2S+ community. I am typically useful to parents, caregivers and partners of folks with substance use disorders.
Glad you found me here! I come from the medical system and am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Health Coach. As a social worker, I see you as the expert of yourself and am determined to help you get what you want. I would like to help you with whatever is getting in your way and nurture your connection to yourself-increasing awareness, trust in yourself and love for yourself so that you might feel more capable. I am passionate about working with graduate/college students, young adults and the LGBTQIA2S+ community. I am typically useful to parents, caregivers and partners of folks with substance use disorders.
(336) 916-9181 View (336) 916-9181
Photo of Elizabeth Simmons - The Oaks Center for Counseling and Wellness, LCMHCA, Counselor
The Oaks Center for Counseling and Wellness
Counselor, LCMHCA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pleasant Garden, NC 27313
I'm here to walk alongside you in your journey toward healing. Over the past 15 years, I have supported families through pregnancy and lactation as an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. This work inspired me to pursue a career in mental health, where I now have the privilege of working with children and adults ages 8 and up who have experienced trauma, depression, grief, anxiety, postpartum challenges, and more. At The Oaks, we blend evidence-based techniques with an approach that nurtures both worth and wellness.
I'm here to walk alongside you in your journey toward healing. Over the past 15 years, I have supported families through pregnancy and lactation as an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. This work inspired me to pursue a career in mental health, where I now have the privilege of working with children and adults ages 8 and up who have experienced trauma, depression, grief, anxiety, postpartum challenges, and more. At The Oaks, we blend evidence-based techniques with an approach that nurtures both worth and wellness.
(336) 438-8784 View (336) 438-8784

Online Therapists

Photo of Wake Counseling Mediation - Wake Counseling & Mediation, PLLC, MS, NCC, LPCS
Wake Counseling & Mediation, PLLC
Lic Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervisor, MS, NCC, LPCS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Cary, NC 27511
We have specialists who treat Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety, PTSD, OCD, ADD/ADHD, Trauma, Substance use/abuse and relationship issues.
Welcome to Wake Counseling & Mediation! We provide the professional guidance you need to resolve wide variety of life issues. Our therapists are experienced & well trained to listen, guide, and respectfully challenge you. We have a team of passionate clinicians who has the expertise in different areas related to mental health & family issues. We are guiding individuals, couples and families make needed lifestyle adjustments that resulted in healthier coping skills, improved communication, and happiness. We also couples & families with adjustment, parenting issues, marital issues and substance use/abuse related issues.
We have specialists who treat Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety, PTSD, OCD, ADD/ADHD, Trauma, Substance use/abuse and relationship issues.
Welcome to Wake Counseling & Mediation! We provide the professional guidance you need to resolve wide variety of life issues. Our therapists are experienced & well trained to listen, guide, and respectfully challenge you. We have a team of passionate clinicians who has the expertise in different areas related to mental health & family issues. We are guiding individuals, couples and families make needed lifestyle adjustments that resulted in healthier coping skills, improved communication, and happiness. We also couples & families with adjustment, parenting issues, marital issues and substance use/abuse related issues.
(919) 647-4600 x1 View (919) 647-4600 x1
Photo of Crystal R Currie - Compass Life Skills and Counseling, LCMHC, TF-CBT, BC-TMH, NCC, Counselor
Compass Life Skills and Counseling
Counselor, LCMHC, TF-CBT, BC-TMH, NCC
Verified Verified
Charlotte, NC 28269
We are proficient in treating mental health diagnosis from PTSD to Bipolar.
Life can be difficult for even the strongest person. We are an agency committed to helping you heal from devastating experiences and traumatic situations. Our therapists will help you identify, label and heal the emotional wounds that have developed. Our goal is for you to be your BEST SELF! No matter the situation, our non-judgemental approach creates a safe space for healing to take place.
We are proficient in treating mental health diagnosis from PTSD to Bipolar.
Life can be difficult for even the strongest person. We are an agency committed to helping you heal from devastating experiences and traumatic situations. Our therapists will help you identify, label and heal the emotional wounds that have developed. Our goal is for you to be your BEST SELF! No matter the situation, our non-judgemental approach creates a safe space for healing to take place.
(980) 277-3535 View (980) 277-3535
Photo of Celia Tatman, LCMHC, NCC
Celia Tatman
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, LCMHC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Matthews, NC 28105  (Online Only)
Specializing in trauma and bipolar disorders, I bring a wealth of experience and a commitment to evidence-based approaches.
Do you find yourself carrying the heavy weight of unresolved trauma, unsure of how to lighten the load? If so, painful past experiences cast shadows on your present life, and you may feel controlled by mood swings, anxiety, depression, or intrusive thoughts. If you're ready to untangle the complexities of your experiences, I'm here for you. Together, we can navigate the path to resolution. Common issues treated include anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, trauma, OCD, and life transition. All sessions are virtual, providing you with an affordable, accessible counseling experience from the comfort of your own home.
Specializing in trauma and bipolar disorders, I bring a wealth of experience and a commitment to evidence-based approaches.
Do you find yourself carrying the heavy weight of unresolved trauma, unsure of how to lighten the load? If so, painful past experiences cast shadows on your present life, and you may feel controlled by mood swings, anxiety, depression, or intrusive thoughts. If you're ready to untangle the complexities of your experiences, I'm here for you. Together, we can navigate the path to resolution. Common issues treated include anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, trauma, OCD, and life transition. All sessions are virtual, providing you with an affordable, accessible counseling experience from the comfort of your own home.
(704) 815-6692 View (704) 815-6692
Photo of Mary Mackenzie Almond, MA, LCMHC, CGP
Mary Mackenzie Almond
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MA, LCMHC, CGP
Verified Verified
Raleigh, NC 27615  (Online Only)
I have experience working with depression, anxiety, personality disorders, bipolar disorder, self-harm, trauma, addiction, and processing life's difficulties.
I am passionate about creating a safe space so that you don't have to walk this journey alone. No one should enter a therapy space with fear of judgement or fear of being "discarded" for being "too much." Nor should your story be dismissed, minimized, or invalidated. With me, you will be the expert in your story - your "lived expertise." I have worked for years with the spectrum of suicidality, with the focus being to bring a light to the darkness, working to prevent people from falling through the cracks. Whether this is something you struggle with or not, I would love to work with you.
I have experience working with depression, anxiety, personality disorders, bipolar disorder, self-harm, trauma, addiction, and processing life's difficulties.
I am passionate about creating a safe space so that you don't have to walk this journey alone. No one should enter a therapy space with fear of judgement or fear of being "discarded" for being "too much." Nor should your story be dismissed, minimized, or invalidated. With me, you will be the expert in your story - your "lived expertise." I have worked for years with the spectrum of suicidality, with the focus being to bring a light to the darkness, working to prevent people from falling through the cracks. Whether this is something you struggle with or not, I would love to work with you.
(984) 266-8099 View (984) 266-8099
Photo of Nosaba Naveed - Family Innovative Solutions LLC, MA, LCMHC
Family Innovative Solutions LLC
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MA, LCMHC
Verified Verified
High Point, NC 27265
I mostly work with families, adolescents and adults. People come in with variety of issues including Parenting, Couple issues, Abuse, ADHD, ADD, Depression, Anxiety, Panic, and Bipolar disorder. During my sessions people find an empathetic listener who can understand them, advocate for them and guide them to the recovery path with understanding of brain and emotions and that really brings their inner strengths to work. Nothing is more joyful than seeing people progressing and leading peaceful lives with the help of therapy.
I mostly work with families, adolescents and adults. People come in with variety of issues including Parenting, Couple issues, Abuse, ADHD, ADD, Depression, Anxiety, Panic, and Bipolar disorder. During my sessions people find an empathetic listener who can understand them, advocate for them and guide them to the recovery path with understanding of brain and emotions and that really brings their inner strengths to work. Nothing is more joyful than seeing people progressing and leading peaceful lives with the help of therapy.
(336) 863-3461 View (336) 863-3461
Photo of Tyler Kramer, LCMHC, Counselor
Tyler Kramer
Counselor, LCMHC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Huntersville, NC 28078
I work with individuals, couples, and families of all walks of life who are dealing with things such as anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, substance abuse, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, trauma/PTSD, as well as marital issues.
Have you ever felt as though everything that you’ve planned for in your life is falling apart piece by piece? Sometimes when this is happening we feel as though we are alone. What if the answer is right in front of us and we just can’t find it? Sometimes it helps to have a second person, someone to walk the journey along side you, someone who won’t judge you but will walk with you side by side to help guide you to find that missing piece. I want to work with you where you are at and help you achieve the goals you want to achieve. Together as a team we will work step by step to achieve a happier and healthier life.
I work with individuals, couples, and families of all walks of life who are dealing with things such as anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, substance abuse, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, trauma/PTSD, as well as marital issues.
Have you ever felt as though everything that you’ve planned for in your life is falling apart piece by piece? Sometimes when this is happening we feel as though we are alone. What if the answer is right in front of us and we just can’t find it? Sometimes it helps to have a second person, someone to walk the journey along side you, someone who won’t judge you but will walk with you side by side to help guide you to find that missing piece. I want to work with you where you are at and help you achieve the goals you want to achieve. Together as a team we will work step by step to achieve a happier and healthier life.
(980) 220-4639 View (980) 220-4639

See more therapy options for Randleman

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.