Photo of Debbie King Mabray, Marriage & Family Therapist in Belton, TX
Debbie King Mabray
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT, LPC
Verified Verified
Belton, TX 76513
I specialize in ptsd, depression, anxiety, bipolar, trauma resolution.
Nightmares? Flashbacks? Anger? Relationship conflicts? Let us help you out of this misery, showing you hope and happiness.We are located three miles from the Ft. Hood (TX) airport; over 80% of our clients are Soldiers. Many heroes are left with a debilitating "souveneir" of their honorable profession even after transitioning to a civilian lifestyle. Experiences stay with us, forever changing us, our relationships, our lives, our behaviors. Let us help you out of this misery, finding your happiness and light.. Our therapists are published authors, speakers, active in the community and ready to assist you however we may.
I specialize in ptsd, depression, anxiety, bipolar, trauma resolution.
Nightmares? Flashbacks? Anger? Relationship conflicts? Let us help you out of this misery, showing you hope and happiness.We are located three miles from the Ft. Hood (TX) airport; over 80% of our clients are Soldiers. Many heroes are left with a debilitating "souveneir" of their honorable profession even after transitioning to a civilian lifestyle. Experiences stay with us, forever changing us, our relationships, our lives, our behaviors. Let us help you out of this misery, finding your happiness and light.. Our therapists are published authors, speakers, active in the community and ready to assist you however we may.
(254) 217-8409 View (254) 217-8409
Photo of Catherine Klingler, Licensed Professional Counselor in Belton, TX
Catherine Klingler
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, LCDC, C-DBT, CCTP-I
Verified Verified
Belton, TX 76513
I believe in the power of a strong therapeutic alliance and provide a stong client centered approach and meet clients where they are in life. I use a combination of CBT, DBT, and Trauma Informed approach that fosters healing, growth, and change from within.
I believe in the power of a strong therapeutic alliance and provide a stong client centered approach and meet clients where they are in life. I use a combination of CBT, DBT, and Trauma Informed approach that fosters healing, growth, and change from within.
(254) 252-3633 View (254) 252-3633
Photo of Teresa L. Adcock, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Belton, TX
Teresa L. Adcock
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Belton, TX 76513
My family and I have lived in the Central Texas area for many years. I am familiar with the local area, and coming from a military family, I was raised all over the country. I earned my Masters of Science in Social Work from The University of Texas at Austin. I specialized in infant, child and adolescent mental health as well as clinical assessment. I have worked in many areas with varying populations such as: the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Evaluation Services at Fort Hood, Scott and White Hospital, Dialysis Clinics, and Veteran's Administration Hospital.
My family and I have lived in the Central Texas area for many years. I am familiar with the local area, and coming from a military family, I was raised all over the country. I earned my Masters of Science in Social Work from The University of Texas at Austin. I specialized in infant, child and adolescent mental health as well as clinical assessment. I have worked in many areas with varying populations such as: the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Evaluation Services at Fort Hood, Scott and White Hospital, Dialysis Clinics, and Veteran's Administration Hospital.
(254) 870-1538 View (254) 870-1538
Photo of Terri Oldham, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Belton, TX
Terri Oldham
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-S
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Belton, TX 76513
I have had the honor and privilege of working with individuals and families for more than 15 years and really love what I do! My areas of specialty include anxiety, depression, mood disorders, grief, loss, and trauma, as well as women's issues. I recognize that the client is the expert on his or her life, and brings strengths to the therapy process. I position myself to be walk alongside clients and assist in facilitating areas of change that have been identified in therapy--all the while building on identified strengths.
I have had the honor and privilege of working with individuals and families for more than 15 years and really love what I do! My areas of specialty include anxiety, depression, mood disorders, grief, loss, and trauma, as well as women's issues. I recognize that the client is the expert on his or her life, and brings strengths to the therapy process. I position myself to be walk alongside clients and assist in facilitating areas of change that have been identified in therapy--all the while building on identified strengths.
(254) 239-0965 View (254) 239-0965
Photo of Emily Ellis, Licensed Professional Counselor in Belton, TX
Emily Ellis
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, LMFT, RPT
Verified Verified
Belton, TX 76513
Not accepting new clients
I specialize in working with children/adolescents with a variety of presenting symptoms. I understand that children must be counseled in the context of their family system and incorporate family therapy in my treatment processes. I have experience working with sexually and physically abused children, adolescents, and adults and those struggling with trauma reminders. I also work with individuals struggling with depression or behavior changes following a change in relationship dynamics such as divorce or military deployment. I offer sessions with and without my therapy dog-in-training, a sweet Bernedoodle named Sullivan.
I specialize in working with children/adolescents with a variety of presenting symptoms. I understand that children must be counseled in the context of their family system and incorporate family therapy in my treatment processes. I have experience working with sexually and physically abused children, adolescents, and adults and those struggling with trauma reminders. I also work with individuals struggling with depression or behavior changes following a change in relationship dynamics such as divorce or military deployment. I offer sessions with and without my therapy dog-in-training, a sweet Bernedoodle named Sullivan.
(254) 870-4363 View (254) 870-4363

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Evelyn Dillman Counseling/True Path LLC, Marriage & Family Therapist in Belton, TX
Evelyn Dillman Counseling/True Path LLC
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LPC, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Temple, TX 76502
Everyone experiences life differently and from their experiences, gain strengths. My goal is to help build on your strengths along your mental wellness journey . I work with high-conflict couples, individuals, adolescents, and families. The focus of my practice is relational wellness, anger management issues, couple conflict, affair recovery/infidelity, PTSD, anxiety, depression, spiritual issues, OCD and addictions. I have an integrative therapeutic approach that includes Client Centered, Solution Focused, Emotionally Focused and Cognitive Behavioral Therapies, as well as Dialectical Behavioral Therapy with high conflict issues.
Everyone experiences life differently and from their experiences, gain strengths. My goal is to help build on your strengths along your mental wellness journey . I work with high-conflict couples, individuals, adolescents, and families. The focus of my practice is relational wellness, anger management issues, couple conflict, affair recovery/infidelity, PTSD, anxiety, depression, spiritual issues, OCD and addictions. I have an integrative therapeutic approach that includes Client Centered, Solution Focused, Emotionally Focused and Cognitive Behavioral Therapies, as well as Dialectical Behavioral Therapy with high conflict issues.
(903) 201-1283 View (903) 201-1283
Photo of Valerie J Vineyard, Licensed Professional Counselor in Belton, TX
Valerie J Vineyard
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC-S
Verified Verified
Temple, TX 76502  (Online Only)
If you feel stuck, overwhelmed, confused, powerless, helpless to control life issues, a healthy first step toward realizing positive change in your life, is to invest in therapy. By discovering your strengths, gifts, and unique perception, we can begin utilizing these attributes toward effective thoughtful problem solving and decision making behaviors.
If you feel stuck, overwhelmed, confused, powerless, helpless to control life issues, a healthy first step toward realizing positive change in your life, is to invest in therapy. By discovering your strengths, gifts, and unique perception, we can begin utilizing these attributes toward effective thoughtful problem solving and decision making behaviors.
(210) 879-6713 View (210) 879-6713
Photo of Cynthia Bloore, Marriage & Family Therapist in Belton, TX
Cynthia Bloore
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Harker Heights, TX 76548
Not accepting new clients
I provide psychotherapy and counseling for individuals struggling with anxiety and depression; substance use, abuse, and addiction; relationship difficulties; past trauma; and the effects of dysfunctional family relationships. If you are struggling in your personal or work relationships, if you are finding it hard to adjust to loss or trauma, or if you are finding it difficult to cope with the demands of everyday life, I can offer help in dealing with today's struggles--and hope for facing future challenges. I will work alongside you as you learn new ways to find success and happiness.
I provide psychotherapy and counseling for individuals struggling with anxiety and depression; substance use, abuse, and addiction; relationship difficulties; past trauma; and the effects of dysfunctional family relationships. If you are struggling in your personal or work relationships, if you are finding it hard to adjust to loss or trauma, or if you are finding it difficult to cope with the demands of everyday life, I can offer help in dealing with today's struggles--and hope for facing future challenges. I will work alongside you as you learn new ways to find success and happiness.
(805) 576-7551 View (805) 576-7551

Online Therapists

Photo of Tiffany Begley, Licensed Professional Counselor in Belton, TX
Tiffany Begley
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78717
Anxiety is annoying. Depression is annoying. It doesn't have to be. Trauma is overwhelming. You can learn to lessen and live with these struggles. Take control. The power is in your hands. It's a journey... or any other cliche saying that works in therapy. It's all welcome here. I work with clients diagnosed with a variety of mental health disorders including psychosis, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. I specialize in military and military family struggles. I also have experience working with law enforcement and other first responders.
Anxiety is annoying. Depression is annoying. It doesn't have to be. Trauma is overwhelming. You can learn to lessen and live with these struggles. Take control. The power is in your hands. It's a journey... or any other cliche saying that works in therapy. It's all welcome here. I work with clients diagnosed with a variety of mental health disorders including psychosis, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. I specialize in military and military family struggles. I also have experience working with law enforcement and other first responders.
(512) 877-7587 View (512) 877-7587
Photo of Vicki Ray, Licensed Professional Counselor in Belton, TX
Vicki Ray
Licensed Professional Counselor, MBA, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78759
My specialties include Dual Diagnosis (co-occurring addiction & mental health issues); support for family and friends of those with addiction and/or mental health issues; Anxiety; Bipolar; Trauma and PTSD; career challenges; major life transitions; and corporate, military, missionary and internationally mobile individuals (global nomads or TCKs).
I believe the best counseling is done in a safe, confidential and collaborative environment. It can be difficult to reach out, so it is important to find a counselor with whom you feel comfortable.
My specialties include Dual Diagnosis (co-occurring addiction & mental health issues); support for family and friends of those with addiction and/or mental health issues; Anxiety; Bipolar; Trauma and PTSD; career challenges; major life transitions; and corporate, military, missionary and internationally mobile individuals (global nomads or TCKs).
I believe the best counseling is done in a safe, confidential and collaborative environment. It can be difficult to reach out, so it is important to find a counselor with whom you feel comfortable.
(512) 663-6368 View (512) 663-6368
Photo of Stephanie Pinson, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Belton, TX
Stephanie Pinson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Kyle, TX 78640
Waitlist for new clients
I have experience working with individuals with a variety of life struggles including anxiety, depression, increased stress, PTSD and trauma, bipolar disorder, and grief and loss.
Perhaps you've been struggling with painful emotions, communicating in your relationships, managing stress and anxiety, or working through previous painful experiences. I know how difficult life can feel and I believe in providing a supportive and nonjudgmental therapeutic environment in which we can collaboratively work to solve problems, improve coping skills, and find you the support you need. I also offer specialized treatment for individuals who experience painful emotions related to adverse life experiences through EMDR.
I have experience working with individuals with a variety of life struggles including anxiety, depression, increased stress, PTSD and trauma, bipolar disorder, and grief and loss.
Perhaps you've been struggling with painful emotions, communicating in your relationships, managing stress and anxiety, or working through previous painful experiences. I know how difficult life can feel and I believe in providing a supportive and nonjudgmental therapeutic environment in which we can collaboratively work to solve problems, improve coping skills, and find you the support you need. I also offer specialized treatment for individuals who experience painful emotions related to adverse life experiences through EMDR.
(512) 862-7515 View (512) 862-7515
Photo of Caitlin Coyner, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Belton, TX
Caitlin Coyner
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-S
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78759  (Online Only)
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over a decade of experience working with Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar, Self Esteem problems, Domestic and Sexual Abuse, Schizophrenia, and other major mental health challenges. I work mostly with adults and am particularly passionate about working with Geriatric/Elderly populations and those in the LGBTQ communities. My primary types of therapy are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused, and Strengths-Based, although I pull from many areas depending on my client’s needs.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over a decade of experience working with Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar, Self Esteem problems, Domestic and Sexual Abuse, Schizophrenia, and other major mental health challenges. I work mostly with adults and am particularly passionate about working with Geriatric/Elderly populations and those in the LGBTQ communities. My primary types of therapy are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused, and Strengths-Based, although I pull from many areas depending on my client’s needs.
(512) 714-3403 View (512) 714-3403
Photo of Tony Vitela, LCSW, SAP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Belton, TX
Tony Vitela, LCSW, SAP
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, SAP
Verified Verified
Wimberley, TX 78676
I work with clients on a spectrum of issues including ADD/ADHD/ODD, Alcohol & Drugs, Anger Management, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorders, Conduct Disorders, Depression, Eating Disorders, Grief & Bereveavement, Life Transitions, Military Life Issues, OCD, Panic Atttacks, Parenting, Phobias, Psychotic Disorders, PTSD, Relationships, and Work-related Issues.
Licensed since 1993 and in private practice since 1999. Previous work-related experience includes working at a residential treatment center, youth shelter, juvenile detention center, chemical dependency unit, adolescent and adult in-patient hospital, Employee Assistance Program, crisis intervention, in-take assessments, and intensive out-patient programming. Over the past two decades, I have served individuals, couples, families, children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly. I am a certified and approved DOT Substance Abuse Professional.
I work with clients on a spectrum of issues including ADD/ADHD/ODD, Alcohol & Drugs, Anger Management, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorders, Conduct Disorders, Depression, Eating Disorders, Grief & Bereveavement, Life Transitions, Military Life Issues, OCD, Panic Atttacks, Parenting, Phobias, Psychotic Disorders, PTSD, Relationships, and Work-related Issues.
Licensed since 1993 and in private practice since 1999. Previous work-related experience includes working at a residential treatment center, youth shelter, juvenile detention center, chemical dependency unit, adolescent and adult in-patient hospital, Employee Assistance Program, crisis intervention, in-take assessments, and intensive out-patient programming. Over the past two decades, I have served individuals, couples, families, children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly. I am a certified and approved DOT Substance Abuse Professional.
(210) 941-2132 View (210) 941-2132
Photo of Anne Marie Jennings, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Belton, TX
Anne Marie Jennings
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78746
My specialties include depression, anxiety, marital counseling, parent-child relationships, families, bipolar disorder, and anger management.
I approach therapy as a partnership with my clients in which you are the ultimate decision maker and I work with you to clear away obstacles and identify opportunities. My clients have successfully overcome or managed depression, anxiety, OCD, trauma, marital stress, parent-child difficulties, domestic violence, substance abuse, bipolar disorder, and anger issues.
My specialties include depression, anxiety, marital counseling, parent-child relationships, families, bipolar disorder, and anger management.
I approach therapy as a partnership with my clients in which you are the ultimate decision maker and I work with you to clear away obstacles and identify opportunities. My clients have successfully overcome or managed depression, anxiety, OCD, trauma, marital stress, parent-child difficulties, domestic violence, substance abuse, bipolar disorder, and anger issues.
(512) 430-4524 View (512) 430-4524
Photo of Joann Martillotti-Cartwright, Licensed Professional Counselor in Belton, TX
Joann Martillotti-Cartwright
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC-S
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cedar Park, TX 78613
My specialties are: family struggles around recovery/addiction/mental health issues; substance abuse/addictions; anger management, healthy relationships, and challenging personalities/relationship behaviors; and trauma, depression/bipolar disorder, and anxiety.
My clients’ success has made space for you! Move from stuck to empowered! If you want to change - your relationships, your relationship to alcohol/drugs/food/sex/social media, your anxiety or depression, the way you react under stress - then call me today. You can have the life you desire and deserve. I want to help you develop new tools and resources to be who you want to be, get the relationships you want, and reach exceptional goals. You don't have to go it alone. Let's work together to break through! Now offering several therapy packages - Enhancing Sobriety, Transforming Relationships, and Breaking Free of Trauma. Call today!
My specialties are: family struggles around recovery/addiction/mental health issues; substance abuse/addictions; anger management, healthy relationships, and challenging personalities/relationship behaviors; and trauma, depression/bipolar disorder, and anxiety.
My clients’ success has made space for you! Move from stuck to empowered! If you want to change - your relationships, your relationship to alcohol/drugs/food/sex/social media, your anxiety or depression, the way you react under stress - then call me today. You can have the life you desire and deserve. I want to help you develop new tools and resources to be who you want to be, get the relationships you want, and reach exceptional goals. You don't have to go it alone. Let's work together to break through! Now offering several therapy packages - Enhancing Sobriety, Transforming Relationships, and Breaking Free of Trauma. Call today!
(512) 355-7320 View (512) 355-7320
Photo of Theresa J. Reinhart Redbud Therapy Llc, Licensed Professional Counselor in Belton, TX
Theresa J. Reinhart Redbud Therapy Llc
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA , LPC
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78701  (Online Only)
My experience includes working with anxiety, depression, grief, complex trauma, bipolar disorder, family of origin issues, parenting concerns, and relationship challenges.
Therapy offers a safe welcoming space where an individual, couple, or family can explore and process their unique narratives without judgment or blame. I believe that empathy and trust are fundamental components to a healthy therapeutic relationship. In my practice I strive to meet people where they are on their healing journey. My therapeutic stance is grounded in compassion and a firm belief in the mind, body, spirit connection.
My experience includes working with anxiety, depression, grief, complex trauma, bipolar disorder, family of origin issues, parenting concerns, and relationship challenges.
Therapy offers a safe welcoming space where an individual, couple, or family can explore and process their unique narratives without judgment or blame. I believe that empathy and trust are fundamental components to a healthy therapeutic relationship. In my practice I strive to meet people where they are on their healing journey. My therapeutic stance is grounded in compassion and a firm belief in the mind, body, spirit connection.
(737) 520-4620 View (737) 520-4620
Photo of Shanaz Ikonne, Licensed Professional Counselor in Belton, TX
Shanaz Ikonne
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC, RPT, BSP
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Hutto, TX 78634  (Online Only)
Are you riddled with anxiety, stuck in recurring, unhelpful patterns within your relationships? Is the grip of fear, anxiety, and depression leading you into a shame-induced spiral, hindering your ability to engage with life and connect with others? Perhaps you're grappling with uncertainty, unsure of your thoughts, needs, or the path forward. Trauma can cast a long shadow, leaving us feeling despondent, drained, and isolated. It can push us towards negative coping mechanisms, prompting us to shut the world out. In some moments, you might feel like you've lost a part of yourself, but you are not alone. You deserve to be truly seen.
Are you riddled with anxiety, stuck in recurring, unhelpful patterns within your relationships? Is the grip of fear, anxiety, and depression leading you into a shame-induced spiral, hindering your ability to engage with life and connect with others? Perhaps you're grappling with uncertainty, unsure of your thoughts, needs, or the path forward. Trauma can cast a long shadow, leaving us feeling despondent, drained, and isolated. It can push us towards negative coping mechanisms, prompting us to shut the world out. In some moments, you might feel like you've lost a part of yourself, but you are not alone. You deserve to be truly seen.
(512) 890-0682 View (512) 890-0682
Photo of Jennifer Williams Buffalo, Licensed Professional Counselor in Belton, TX
Jennifer Williams Buffalo
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC-S, LMFT, NCC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78723
Does it sometimes feel like you just can't get it together? Does it feel like no one can help? I am glad you're here - I am skilled in working with people who have been to therapy previously and may not have had the best experience. I enjoy offering a corrective therapeutic experience aimed at helping you live a more connected life. I have many years of experience working with complex trauma and I am an EMDR certified clinician. Clients who have struggled with other therapists' styles often find my practice and begin to make noticeable changes pretty quickly. I am an engaged therapist with a knack for tracking patterns.
Does it sometimes feel like you just can't get it together? Does it feel like no one can help? I am glad you're here - I am skilled in working with people who have been to therapy previously and may not have had the best experience. I enjoy offering a corrective therapeutic experience aimed at helping you live a more connected life. I have many years of experience working with complex trauma and I am an EMDR certified clinician. Clients who have struggled with other therapists' styles often find my practice and begin to make noticeable changes pretty quickly. I am an engaged therapist with a knack for tracking patterns.
(512) 400-2079 View (512) 400-2079
Photo of Olga Simons, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Belton, TX
Olga Simons, LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78723
I believe the counseling process needs to be tailored to the needs of each individual and the client-counselor relationship is very important in effectively addressing life situations and emotional pain. My education and experience has prepared me to counsel individuals, couples, and families. I have spent several years gaining expertise providing mindfulness based counseling (Hakomi) to clients interested in this person-centered approach. EMDR and PACT (Psychobiological Approach to Couples Therapy - Stan Tatkin's work) trained. Certified mediator.
I believe the counseling process needs to be tailored to the needs of each individual and the client-counselor relationship is very important in effectively addressing life situations and emotional pain. My education and experience has prepared me to counsel individuals, couples, and families. I have spent several years gaining expertise providing mindfulness based counseling (Hakomi) to clients interested in this person-centered approach. EMDR and PACT (Psychobiological Approach to Couples Therapy - Stan Tatkin's work) trained. Certified mediator.
(512) 829-7418 View (512) 829-7418
Photo of Sara Sloan, Marriage & Family Therapist in Belton, TX
Sara Sloan
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CST, AASECT, IRT, MFA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Austin, TX 78750
I believe relationships define each of us and form the foundation for our life. I work from a systemic perspective with couples, individuals, and families to create relationships that define not only who we are, but also who we desire to become. I help clients with their relationships, intimacy, connection, communication, and sexual compatibility. I work with a lot of women who have suffered from Narcissistic abuse in relationships and family of origin. I also help those who are confused in their current relationships. I enjoy helping those who have autoimmune disease and cancer redefine their sexuality, relationships and desire.
I believe relationships define each of us and form the foundation for our life. I work from a systemic perspective with couples, individuals, and families to create relationships that define not only who we are, but also who we desire to become. I help clients with their relationships, intimacy, connection, communication, and sexual compatibility. I work with a lot of women who have suffered from Narcissistic abuse in relationships and family of origin. I also help those who are confused in their current relationships. I enjoy helping those who have autoimmune disease and cancer redefine their sexuality, relationships and desire.
(512) 982-9836 View (512) 982-9836

See more therapy options for Belton

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.