Bipolar Disorder Therapists in Naples, NY

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More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Paige Gayle Blazak, LMHC, CASAC, NCC, Counselor
Paige Gayle Blazak
Counselor, LMHC, CASAC, NCC
Verified Verified
Canandaigua, NY 14424  (Online Only)
Whether you're struggling with a particular issue, or just can't shake the feeling that there should be more to life, counseling can help. Blazak Counseling provides a caring environment in which you can identify and explore those issues that may be getting in the way of a more rewarding home life, career, or relationship. My goal is to help provide you with the insights and coping strategies you need for growth and happiness. Through a combination of therapeutic techniques, I will help you create the best quality of life possible.
Whether you're struggling with a particular issue, or just can't shake the feeling that there should be more to life, counseling can help. Blazak Counseling provides a caring environment in which you can identify and explore those issues that may be getting in the way of a more rewarding home life, career, or relationship. My goal is to help provide you with the insights and coping strategies you need for growth and happiness. Through a combination of therapeutic techniques, I will help you create the best quality of life possible.
(585) 378-5751 View (585) 378-5751
Photo of Teresa Longo, LCMHC, Counselor
Teresa Longo
Counselor, LCMHC
Verified Verified
Prattsburg, NY 14873  (Online Only)
Life can be stressful offering various turns and detours that were quite unexpected. We can never underestimate the impact emotions have on our lives. My name is Teresa Longo and I am a LMHC with over 20 years of experience helping individuals navigate their life journey. I seek to offer a comfortable, safe place where you can heal while gaining more insight into the road behind and the one ahead. “To get through the hardest journey we need only to take one step at a time, but we must keep on stepping.” – Chinese Proverb
Life can be stressful offering various turns and detours that were quite unexpected. We can never underestimate the impact emotions have on our lives. My name is Teresa Longo and I am a LMHC with over 20 years of experience helping individuals navigate their life journey. I seek to offer a comfortable, safe place where you can heal while gaining more insight into the road behind and the one ahead. “To get through the hardest journey we need only to take one step at a time, but we must keep on stepping.” – Chinese Proverb
(347) 621-6553 View (347) 621-6553
Photo of Adam Abraham, LMHC, Counselor
Adam Abraham
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
Branchport, NY 14418  (Online Only)
Adam Abraham, 006553. My approach to therapy varies based on the needs of each client I work with. I most frequently use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, as both modalities help me, and the client build a shared understanding of their reality and allow us to work together to chart a path forward. My communication style is calm, accommodating, and personable. I want my clients to feel comfortable talking with me about anything, and I pride myself on my ability to listen without judgment.
Adam Abraham, 006553. My approach to therapy varies based on the needs of each client I work with. I most frequently use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, as both modalities help me, and the client build a shared understanding of their reality and allow us to work together to chart a path forward. My communication style is calm, accommodating, and personable. I want my clients to feel comfortable talking with me about anything, and I pride myself on my ability to listen without judgment.
(646) 798-6262 View (646) 798-6262

Online Therapists

Photo of Dr. Nicholas Holub, PsyD, MSW, Psychologist
Dr. Nicholas Holub
Psychologist, PsyD, MSW
Verified Verified
Rochester, NY 14612
I presently emphasize treatment for those struggling with life transitions, family of origin issues, identity development, crisis management, ADHD, ASD, anxiety type disorders, and mood disorders, for example, depression and bipolar disorder.
My theoretical orientation and practice combine current and research-based models that include Psychodynamic, Existential/ Humanistic, Family Systems, Behavioral, and Cognitive Behavioral foundations for case conceptualization, patient development, and the betterment of each person in their relation to others. My approach emphasizes a strength-based perspective that takes into consideration the biological, psychological, social, and spiritual factors that influence each patient and their relationships, as well as how the larger community or society impacts the presenting concern and situation.
I presently emphasize treatment for those struggling with life transitions, family of origin issues, identity development, crisis management, ADHD, ASD, anxiety type disorders, and mood disorders, for example, depression and bipolar disorder.
My theoretical orientation and practice combine current and research-based models that include Psychodynamic, Existential/ Humanistic, Family Systems, Behavioral, and Cognitive Behavioral foundations for case conceptualization, patient development, and the betterment of each person in their relation to others. My approach emphasizes a strength-based perspective that takes into consideration the biological, psychological, social, and spiritual factors that influence each patient and their relationships, as well as how the larger community or society impacts the presenting concern and situation.
(585) 577-7082 View (585) 577-7082
Photo of Emily Darbey, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Emily Darbey
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Liverpool, NY 13088
Waitlist for new clients
Hi there! I'm Emily and have been working with clients with diverse needs and goals for over 8 years. Some of the challenges I am familiar working with include generalized and social anxiety, depression, Bipolar Disorder, OCD, grief, stress management, life changes/transitions, relationship difficulties, and social skills.
Hi there! I'm Emily and have been working with clients with diverse needs and goals for over 8 years. Some of the challenges I am familiar working with include generalized and social anxiety, depression, Bipolar Disorder, OCD, grief, stress management, life changes/transitions, relationship difficulties, and social skills.
(315) 791-8352 View (315) 791-8352
Photo of Carol Lynn Ross, LCSWR, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Carol Lynn Ross
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSWR
Verified Verified
Lockport, NY 14094
Throughout life you may find yourself facing challenges & struggling with feelings of sadness, excessive worry, anxiety, adjusting to life changes, grief & loss, impact of trauma, impact of crime, other difficulties and a wide range of diagnosis & symptoms. Seeking therapy is a courageous step toward making a positive change. Your emotional health is just as important as your physical health. I have 30 years of experience. I have worked with adults and adolescents. I have provided individual and group therapy and have extensive experience with Trauma, Crime Victims, Depression, Anxiety, Grief & Loss, Bipolar, PTSD & Substance Use.
Throughout life you may find yourself facing challenges & struggling with feelings of sadness, excessive worry, anxiety, adjusting to life changes, grief & loss, impact of trauma, impact of crime, other difficulties and a wide range of diagnosis & symptoms. Seeking therapy is a courageous step toward making a positive change. Your emotional health is just as important as your physical health. I have 30 years of experience. I have worked with adults and adolescents. I have provided individual and group therapy and have extensive experience with Trauma, Crime Victims, Depression, Anxiety, Grief & Loss, Bipolar, PTSD & Substance Use.
(716) 356-4439 View (716) 356-4439
Photo of Jessica Gelfand, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jessica Gelfand
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Cortland, NY 13045  (Online Only)
Hello! I'm Jessica, I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) working in New York State. I specialize in working with adults with a range of concerns from serious mental health diagnoses to addiction, to anxiety and relationship concerns. I typically work with adults dealing with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, substance use disorders, and/or PTSD. I'm happy to discuss diagnoses and conditions not listed as well. I work with individuals of all gender identities, as well as everyone across the LGBTIQA+ spectrum.
Hello! I'm Jessica, I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) working in New York State. I specialize in working with adults with a range of concerns from serious mental health diagnoses to addiction, to anxiety and relationship concerns. I typically work with adults dealing with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, substance use disorders, and/or PTSD. I'm happy to discuss diagnoses and conditions not listed as well. I work with individuals of all gender identities, as well as everyone across the LGBTIQA+ spectrum.
(646) 718-0776 View (646) 718-0776
Photo of Erin M. Yudikaitis, LCSW-R, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Erin M. Yudikaitis
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-R
Verified Verified
Camillus, NY 13031  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
My specialties include but are not limited to working with people with complex trauma, anxiety, personality disorders, depression, ADHD, parenting, couples, work/life balance, Autistic individuals, bipolar and PTSD.
Hello, I’m Erin. Thank you for taking the time to visit my page. Sometimes taking the first step to start therapy can be hard. My goal is to make the process easy for you so that you can begin to focus on your goals. I know how difficult life can be and how hard it is to heal. I work along side you to help and support you with this. I take a strength based and solution focused approach.
My specialties include but are not limited to working with people with complex trauma, anxiety, personality disorders, depression, ADHD, parenting, couples, work/life balance, Autistic individuals, bipolar and PTSD.
Hello, I’m Erin. Thank you for taking the time to visit my page. Sometimes taking the first step to start therapy can be hard. My goal is to make the process easy for you so that you can begin to focus on your goals. I know how difficult life can be and how hard it is to heal. I work along side you to help and support you with this. I take a strength based and solution focused approach.
(315) 753-5447 View (315) 753-5447
Photo of Alana Winnert, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Alana Winnert
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
East Aurora, NY 14052
I specialize in working with Gen Z and Millennial women and teenagers, especially those struggling with burnout, compassion fatigue, imposter syndrome, depression, anxiety, bipolar, anger, relationship issues, chronic illness, unresolved trauma, boundary-setting, family dysfunction, as well as those questioning their relationship with alcohol/sober-curious.
My name is Alana and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I work from a trauma-informed lens, and aim to provide my clients a safe, non-judgmental, supportive, inclusive and confidential setting. I offer office-based therapy at my new office location at the Wellness Suites on Main in East Aurora, telehealth therapy, as well as walk-and-talk therapy typically within the Town of East Aurora.
I specialize in working with Gen Z and Millennial women and teenagers, especially those struggling with burnout, compassion fatigue, imposter syndrome, depression, anxiety, bipolar, anger, relationship issues, chronic illness, unresolved trauma, boundary-setting, family dysfunction, as well as those questioning their relationship with alcohol/sober-curious.
My name is Alana and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I work from a trauma-informed lens, and aim to provide my clients a safe, non-judgmental, supportive, inclusive and confidential setting. I offer office-based therapy at my new office location at the Wellness Suites on Main in East Aurora, telehealth therapy, as well as walk-and-talk therapy typically within the Town of East Aurora.
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Photo of Elizabeth Walker, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Elizabeth Walker
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
West Henrietta, NY 14586
Hi. How are you today? My name is Beth Walker. I am a licensed clinical social worker. I see counseling as a collaboration where I walk beside you on your healing journey, and I really appreciate client input, especially if I am missing the mark. My areas of practice include; depression, anxiety, OCD, emotion regulation, trauma, Bipolar disorder, Schizophrenia, addictions, and dissociation. Treatment interventions I am trained in include; Trauma Informed Care, CBT, DBT, Emotion Focused Couple therapy, EMDR, CPT, Ego State therapy, Internal Family Systems, and Schema therapy.
Hi. How are you today? My name is Beth Walker. I am a licensed clinical social worker. I see counseling as a collaboration where I walk beside you on your healing journey, and I really appreciate client input, especially if I am missing the mark. My areas of practice include; depression, anxiety, OCD, emotion regulation, trauma, Bipolar disorder, Schizophrenia, addictions, and dissociation. Treatment interventions I am trained in include; Trauma Informed Care, CBT, DBT, Emotion Focused Couple therapy, EMDR, CPT, Ego State therapy, Internal Family Systems, and Schema therapy.
(332) 378-1757 View (332) 378-1757
Photo of Robin Krupp, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Robin Krupp
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Fulton, NY 13069  (Online Only)
I have experience in treating co-occurring disorders, Anxiety Bipolar Disorder, PTSD, LGBTQ+, Addictions, Depression, and ADHD.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in Anxiety, Addiction, Depression, Drug Addiction & Abuse, and Post-traumatic stress disorder. I am also a Certified NYS School Social Worker and received training conducted by the Dept. of Veterans Affairs on therapy for handling disruptive behaviors, problem-solving, and depression. I currently offer telehealth therapy to Adolescents, Adults, Couples, and Seniors living in New York. I have experience in treating co-occurring disorders, Anxiety Bipolar Disorder, PTSD, LGBTQ+, Addictions, Depression, and ADHD.
I have experience in treating co-occurring disorders, Anxiety Bipolar Disorder, PTSD, LGBTQ+, Addictions, Depression, and ADHD.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in Anxiety, Addiction, Depression, Drug Addiction & Abuse, and Post-traumatic stress disorder. I am also a Certified NYS School Social Worker and received training conducted by the Dept. of Veterans Affairs on therapy for handling disruptive behaviors, problem-solving, and depression. I currently offer telehealth therapy to Adolescents, Adults, Couples, and Seniors living in New York. I have experience in treating co-occurring disorders, Anxiety Bipolar Disorder, PTSD, LGBTQ+, Addictions, Depression, and ADHD.
(646) 718-3050 View (646) 718-3050
Photo of Holly McCarty, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Holly McCarty
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Tonawanda, NY 14150
Hello, my name is Holly McCarty, and I am a clinically licensed social worker. I have a lot of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults as well! I specialize in mental health and behavioral health disorders such as depression, anxiety, bipolar, PTSD, ADHD, and oppositional defiant disorder, however, I have worked with individuals with a variety of other mental health needs also!
Hello, my name is Holly McCarty, and I am a clinically licensed social worker. I have a lot of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults as well! I specialize in mental health and behavioral health disorders such as depression, anxiety, bipolar, PTSD, ADHD, and oppositional defiant disorder, however, I have worked with individuals with a variety of other mental health needs also!
(716) 457-7975 View (716) 457-7975
Photo of Nathan Chau, LMHC, Counselor
Nathan Chau
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
Buffalo, NY 14223
Feeling overwhelmed, unheard or like you're barely keeping afloat? I offer clients a wide variety experience working with patients struggling through Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, Bipolar disorder and various forms of addiction. These concerns can be difficult to work through on our own, so I strive to create a safe and non-judgmental space where we can work on your goals at your own pace.
Feeling overwhelmed, unheard or like you're barely keeping afloat? I offer clients a wide variety experience working with patients struggling through Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, Bipolar disorder and various forms of addiction. These concerns can be difficult to work through on our own, so I strive to create a safe and non-judgmental space where we can work on your goals at your own pace.
(716) 899-5152 View (716) 899-5152
Photo of Elizabeth Walker, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Elizabeth Walker
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Cicero, NY 13039
Hi. How are you today? My name is Beth Walker. I am a licensed clinical social worker. I see counseling as a collaboration where I walk beside you on your healing journey, and I really appreciate client input, especially if I am missing the mark. My areas of practice include; depression, anxiety, OCD, emotion regulation, trauma, Bipolar disorder, Schizophrenia, addictions, and dissociation. Treatment interventions I am trained in include; Trauma Informed Care, CBT, DBT, Emotion Focused Couple therapy, EMDR, CPT, Ego State therapy, Internal Family Systems, and Schema therapy.
Hi. How are you today? My name is Beth Walker. I am a licensed clinical social worker. I see counseling as a collaboration where I walk beside you on your healing journey, and I really appreciate client input, especially if I am missing the mark. My areas of practice include; depression, anxiety, OCD, emotion regulation, trauma, Bipolar disorder, Schizophrenia, addictions, and dissociation. Treatment interventions I am trained in include; Trauma Informed Care, CBT, DBT, Emotion Focused Couple therapy, EMDR, CPT, Ego State therapy, Internal Family Systems, and Schema therapy.
(646) 466-6512 View (646) 466-6512
Photo of Tammy Lyn Davis - Tammy Lyn Davis, LMHC, PhD, LMHC, Counselor
Tammy Lyn Davis, LMHC
Counselor, PhD, LMHC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
West Seneca, NY 14224  (Online Only)
Common Topics: Grief and Loss; Depression; Anxiety; Bipolar Disorder; Divorce or Separation; Self-Esteem Building; Anger Management; Relationship Issues; Couples Counseling.
My approach includes being that "someone" that can assist you on your journey toward a happier and mentally healthier future; including realizing your own potential, coping with life's many stressors, and working productively toward contributing to relationships and your community. In a safe and respectful environment we can journey together to identify and work through past and present experiences that cause distress, irrational thinking, and unstable mood. Together we can work to develop awareness and insight to promote healing.
Common Topics: Grief and Loss; Depression; Anxiety; Bipolar Disorder; Divorce or Separation; Self-Esteem Building; Anger Management; Relationship Issues; Couples Counseling.
My approach includes being that "someone" that can assist you on your journey toward a happier and mentally healthier future; including realizing your own potential, coping with life's many stressors, and working productively toward contributing to relationships and your community. In a safe and respectful environment we can journey together to identify and work through past and present experiences that cause distress, irrational thinking, and unstable mood. Together we can work to develop awareness and insight to promote healing.
(716) 261-2413 View (716) 261-2413
Photo of Jessica Juergens, LMHC, Counselor
Jessica Juergens
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Buffalo, NY 14228
I have experience working with clients who have been diagnosed with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD and trauma related disorders.
Mental health issues do not define who you are. It is something any of us can experience at any point in our lives. Maybe you're feeling depressed or anxious and cannot seem to pinpoint why. Or you might feel like the daily stress of life is becoming too much to tackle on your own. Perhaps you are even here in hopes to help someone else in your life. Counseling creates a safe place to discuss any and all mental health issues whether big or small. Talking to someone can help you gain the necessary tools to take back control over your emotions and change your behaviors in a more positive direction.
I have experience working with clients who have been diagnosed with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD and trauma related disorders.
Mental health issues do not define who you are. It is something any of us can experience at any point in our lives. Maybe you're feeling depressed or anxious and cannot seem to pinpoint why. Or you might feel like the daily stress of life is becoming too much to tackle on your own. Perhaps you are even here in hopes to help someone else in your life. Counseling creates a safe place to discuss any and all mental health issues whether big or small. Talking to someone can help you gain the necessary tools to take back control over your emotions and change your behaviors in a more positive direction.
(716) 396-6292 View (716) 396-6292
Photo of Andrea Massabini, LCSW-R, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Andrea Massabini
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-R
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hamburg, NY 14075
I am a licensed clinical social worker that provides therapeutic counseling to adolescents, adults and families. I have over 15 years experience working with depression, anxiety, personality disorders, Bipolar disorder, OCD , trauma ,grief, and ADHD.
I am a licensed clinical social worker that provides therapeutic counseling to adolescents, adults and families. I have over 15 years experience working with depression, anxiety, personality disorders, Bipolar disorder, OCD , trauma ,grief, and ADHD.
(716) 215-2650 View (716) 215-2650
Photo of Dr. Kristin Keller - Kristin Keller, Mental Health Counseling, PLLC, PhD, LMHC, NCC, ACS
Kristin Keller, Mental Health Counseling, PLLC
PhD, LMHC, NCC, ACS
Verified Verified
Amherst, NY 14228
I treat individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, emotional dys-regulation, PTSD, mood disorder, interpersonal difficulty and DV.
Therapy is a tool to help a person become the best version of themselves. Trauma, stress, unhealthy relationships, poor coping skills, emotional dys-regulation are all factors that contribute to being unwell. Counseling allows a person to work through those barriers and improve the way that they manage stress, find healthy ways to express emotions, work through trauma that has caused you harm, build tools to have healthy, productive, relationships with others and ultimately find alternate ways to cope with distressing events within our lives. A counselor is not only a therapist, but a guide and facilitator of growth.
I treat individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, emotional dys-regulation, PTSD, mood disorder, interpersonal difficulty and DV.
Therapy is a tool to help a person become the best version of themselves. Trauma, stress, unhealthy relationships, poor coping skills, emotional dys-regulation are all factors that contribute to being unwell. Counseling allows a person to work through those barriers and improve the way that they manage stress, find healthy ways to express emotions, work through trauma that has caused you harm, build tools to have healthy, productive, relationships with others and ultimately find alternate ways to cope with distressing events within our lives. A counselor is not only a therapist, but a guide and facilitator of growth.
(716) 272-1282 View (716) 272-1282
Photo of Jeffrey S Young - Renew Hope and Healing - Henrietta, LCSW-R, PsyD, PhD, LCMH, PMHNP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Renew Hope and Healing - Henrietta
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-R, PsyD, PhD, LCMH, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Rochester, NY 14623
Clinicians specializing in: anxiety, depression, panic attacks, adjustment problems, controlling relationships, grief/loss, trauma, bipolar and more.
Immediate Openings! Get scheduled in 7 days. Most insurances accepted. We have over 60 clinicians with all different specialities so we are confident that we can find the right fit for you! "I have been referring patients to Jeff Young for more than a decade. He is professional, caring, and insightful. Patients comment back to me how much their time with Jeff has been both helpful and healing. He is a gifted therapist!" - Michael Brennan, Doctor Nurse Practitioner (DNP)
Clinicians specializing in: anxiety, depression, panic attacks, adjustment problems, controlling relationships, grief/loss, trauma, bipolar and more.
Immediate Openings! Get scheduled in 7 days. Most insurances accepted. We have over 60 clinicians with all different specialities so we are confident that we can find the right fit for you! "I have been referring patients to Jeff Young for more than a decade. He is professional, caring, and insightful. Patients comment back to me how much their time with Jeff has been both helpful and healing. He is a gifted therapist!" - Michael Brennan, Doctor Nurse Practitioner (DNP)
(607) 251-0242 x1 View (607) 251-0242 x1
Photo of Ryan Phillips, LMHC, Counselor
Ryan Phillips
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
Buffalo, NY 14213  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I have experience with trauma, depression, anxiety, bipolar, substance use, OCD and personality disorders.
Throughout the course of life, one is bound to combat various obstacles. With support and guidance, anyone can overcome these difficulties. Beginning the journey of therapy is a monumental step towards wellness. It requires true vulnerability to allow someone to listen to your experiences. This is one of the reasons I thoroughly enjoy providing therapy. My goal is to assist you in achieving wellness through a collaborative approach designed specifically for you.
I have experience with trauma, depression, anxiety, bipolar, substance use, OCD and personality disorders.
Throughout the course of life, one is bound to combat various obstacles. With support and guidance, anyone can overcome these difficulties. Beginning the journey of therapy is a monumental step towards wellness. It requires true vulnerability to allow someone to listen to your experiences. This is one of the reasons I thoroughly enjoy providing therapy. My goal is to assist you in achieving wellness through a collaborative approach designed specifically for you.
(716) 403-0996 View (716) 403-0996

See more therapy options for Naples

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.