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Online Therapists

Photo of Connie M. Siciliano Avila, Psychologist in Clarksville, TX
Connie M. Siciliano Avila
Psychologist, PhD, LP, LPC-S
Verified Verified
Rockwall, TX 75087
My focus is on trauma, addiction, and relationships. Do you want to get control of your life, emotions or lack of emotions, stop problem behaviors, improve self-esteem, improve relationships, cope, and stop harmful thoughts? I have extensive experience in clinical and nonclinical settings with issues, such as abuse, relationships, addictions, depression, anxiety, dissociation, PTSD, alcohol abuse, and bipolar disorders. Also, past client concerns included: personality disorders, grief, anger, divorce, parenting, codependency, GLBTQ, multicultural, spiritual, DID, and men/women issues. Call for a free consultation.
My focus is on trauma, addiction, and relationships. Do you want to get control of your life, emotions or lack of emotions, stop problem behaviors, improve self-esteem, improve relationships, cope, and stop harmful thoughts? I have extensive experience in clinical and nonclinical settings with issues, such as abuse, relationships, addictions, depression, anxiety, dissociation, PTSD, alcohol abuse, and bipolar disorders. Also, past client concerns included: personality disorders, grief, anger, divorce, parenting, codependency, GLBTQ, multicultural, spiritual, DID, and men/women issues. Call for a free consultation.
(214) 830-9879 View (214) 830-9879
Photo of Monica (Love The Beach) Ferraro, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Clarksville, TX
Monica (Love The Beach) Ferraro
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, CA AMFT, MA/EMDR, DV/P&V, IFS, NP, TX LPCA
Verified Verified
McKinney, TX 75071  (Online Only)
Welcome Couples and young adults ready to make the "shifts" in life to find THE thing that you're missing. First step, awareness; then reflection and finally forward thinking options. It's scary, but let's examine what is and tackle the fear; THIS is where the biggest growth begins! Neuroplasticity is the tool; you have it. I work with trauma, anxiety, bipolar, depression, grief, sexual abuse/rape, addiction, nonstop thoughts, low self esteem and nightmares. Is peace worth seeking? Let's get after it CA and Texas!
Welcome Couples and young adults ready to make the "shifts" in life to find THE thing that you're missing. First step, awareness; then reflection and finally forward thinking options. It's scary, but let's examine what is and tackle the fear; THIS is where the biggest growth begins! Neuroplasticity is the tool; you have it. I work with trauma, anxiety, bipolar, depression, grief, sexual abuse/rape, addiction, nonstop thoughts, low self esteem and nightmares. Is peace worth seeking? Let's get after it CA and Texas!
(619) 259-6498 View (619) 259-6498
Photo of Krystal Wurm, Licensed Professional Counselor in Clarksville, TX
Krystal Wurm
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, PhD-C
Verified Verified
McKinney, TX 75071
I identify as a cis female identifying as non-binary that prefers the pronouns she/they born in the United States. 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 depression, anxiety, OCD, trauma, marital stress, parent-child difficulties, domestic violence, substance abuse, bipolar disorder, and anger issues. My specialties include working with the lgbtqia2s+ community and working with teens!
I identify as a cis female identifying as non-binary that prefers the pronouns she/they born in the United States. 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 depression, anxiety, OCD, trauma, marital stress, parent-child difficulties, domestic violence, substance abuse, bipolar disorder, and anger issues. My specialties include working with the lgbtqia2s+ community and working with teens!
(469) 551-8346 View (469) 551-8346
Photo of Jennifer Sparks, Licensed Professional Counselor in Clarksville, TX
Jennifer Sparks
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC, CSAT, SEP
Verified Verified
Rockwall, TX 75087
In life, we will experience pain. I am passionate about helping people recover from, and resolve, the various traumas of life. Together, we reduce the stress surrounding, and find relief from, unresolved trauma, often held in the mind AND the body. I work alongside clients who are struggling with the various manifestations of Trauma, Complex Trauma, PTSD, and early Developmental Trauma. I enjoy working with those suffering from symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder, Dissociative Identity Disorder, Anxiety, Panic, Impulsivity, Dissociation, Mood Disorders, Attachment Wounds, Betryal, Sex & Love Addiction, and Somatic concerns.
In life, we will experience pain. I am passionate about helping people recover from, and resolve, the various traumas of life. Together, we reduce the stress surrounding, and find relief from, unresolved trauma, often held in the mind AND the body. I work alongside clients who are struggling with the various manifestations of Trauma, Complex Trauma, PTSD, and early Developmental Trauma. I enjoy working with those suffering from symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder, Dissociative Identity Disorder, Anxiety, Panic, Impulsivity, Dissociation, Mood Disorders, Attachment Wounds, Betryal, Sex & Love Addiction, and Somatic concerns.
(972) 853-8317 View (972) 853-8317
Photo of Lauren Parlow, Licensed Professional Counselor in Clarksville, TX
Lauren Parlow
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Longview, TX 75605
Often times we find ourselves going through the motions in life and not feeling "alive". We can't seem to pinpoint what it is that’s creating that disconnect, but we know we want to feel better. I'd love to help you with a guided self-discovery, an understanding of exactly what those obstacles are, and how to move past them to help you live the life you've imagined!
Often times we find ourselves going through the motions in life and not feeling "alive". We can't seem to pinpoint what it is that’s creating that disconnect, but we know we want to feel better. I'd love to help you with a guided self-discovery, an understanding of exactly what those obstacles are, and how to move past them to help you live the life you've imagined!
(903) 345-3048 View (903) 345-3048
Photo of ADULTs & COUPLEs @ Embrace New Life, Licensed Professional Counselor in Clarksville, TX
ADULTs & COUPLEs @ Embrace New Life
Licensed Professional Counselor, DSW, PsyD, LPC, LCSW
Verified Verified
Heath, TX 75032
🅐🅒🅒🅔🅟🅣🅘🅝🅖 New Adult & Couple Clients! We are 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞 & 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐬 with 𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓 15 𝒚𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒊𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒛𝒆𝒅 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆. We treat individuals & couples for anxiety, stress, depression, anger, fear, substance abuse, family relational conflict, postpartum, self-esteem, and more. Therapy at 𝙀𝙢𝙗𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙚 𝓝𝓮𝔀 𝓛𝓲𝓯𝓮 is a collaborative process that starts with providing you skills from our first session together. We help you 𝑚𝑜𝑣𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑚𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑠 in your life & 𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑜𝑛𝑔 𝑜𝑛 ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑙𝑡ℎ𝑦 𝑔𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑. ➳ #𝗟𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘀 ✞
🅐🅒🅒🅔🅟🅣🅘🅝🅖 New Adult & Couple Clients! We are 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞 & 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐬 with 𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓 15 𝒚𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒊𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒛𝒆𝒅 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆. We treat individuals & couples for anxiety, stress, depression, anger, fear, substance abuse, family relational conflict, postpartum, self-esteem, and more. Therapy at 𝙀𝙢𝙗𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙚 𝓝𝓮𝔀 𝓛𝓲𝓯𝓮 is a collaborative process that starts with providing you skills from our first session together. We help you 𝑚𝑜𝑣𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑚𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑠 in your life & 𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑜𝑛𝑔 𝑜𝑛 ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑙𝑡ℎ𝑦 𝑔𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑. ➳ #𝗟𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘀 ✞
(469) 273-1765 View (469) 273-1765
Photo of Denise Dalgarn, Marriage & Family Therapist in Clarksville, TX
Denise Dalgarn
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
McKinney, TX 75071  (Online Only)
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with almost 18 years of experience. Are you struggling in your work or family life? Is it impacting your relationships? Most of us go through life events that leave us battered and bruised but there are some things that we might go through that stay with us and impact our ability to navigate our daily lives. Many of us have experienced that and there is a way to walk through it and come out on the other side leaving the pain behind but keeping any meaningful lessons safely with us. If you have experienced this kind of incident, it would be a privilege to walk that journey to healing with you.
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with almost 18 years of experience. Are you struggling in your work or family life? Is it impacting your relationships? Most of us go through life events that leave us battered and bruised but there are some things that we might go through that stay with us and impact our ability to navigate our daily lives. Many of us have experienced that and there is a way to walk through it and come out on the other side leaving the pain behind but keeping any meaningful lessons safely with us. If you have experienced this kind of incident, it would be a privilege to walk that journey to healing with you.
(972) 645-2341 View (972) 645-2341
Photo of Jeanette Haynes Chivvis Lpc-A Supervised By Tiffany Ashenfelter Lpc-S, LPC Associate in Clarksville, TX
Jeanette Haynes Chivvis Lpc-A Supervised By Tiffany Ashenfelter Lpc-S
LPC Associate, LPC-A
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Rockwall, TX 75087
I have a passion for supporting teenage girls and women in understanding and addressing the unique challenges they may face. My goal is to create a safe and inclusive space where clients can openly explore their emotions, build resilience, and develop effective coping strategies. In addition to working with teens and women, I also have experience in couples and blended family therapy. I believe that healthy relationships are built on positive and effective communication. I work closely with couples to provide them with the tools and guidance they need to enhance their connection, resolve conflicts, and foster a deeper understanding
I have a passion for supporting teenage girls and women in understanding and addressing the unique challenges they may face. My goal is to create a safe and inclusive space where clients can openly explore their emotions, build resilience, and develop effective coping strategies. In addition to working with teens and women, I also have experience in couples and blended family therapy. I believe that healthy relationships are built on positive and effective communication. I work closely with couples to provide them with the tools and guidance they need to enhance their connection, resolve conflicts, and foster a deeper understanding
(972) 764-8305 View (972) 764-8305
Photo of Lauren Gross Rumpel, Licensed Professional Counselor in Clarksville, TX
Lauren Gross Rumpel
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
McKinney, TX 75069
You can get your life back! You don't have to stay stuck! We can use eye movements and voluntary image replacement to keep the facts but erase the negative feelings using ART! I have a passion for helping divorced clients, military personnel along with their families, and couples struggling in their marriage. I help people who are Christian and non-Christian alike find hope and healing!
You can get your life back! You don't have to stay stuck! We can use eye movements and voluntary image replacement to keep the facts but erase the negative feelings using ART! I have a passion for helping divorced clients, military personnel along with their families, and couples struggling in their marriage. I help people who are Christian and non-Christian alike find hope and healing!
(469) 278-7902 View (469) 278-7902
Photo of Jennifer Durham, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Clarksville, TX
Jennifer Durham
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Paris, TX 75460
When life feels frustrating and out of control it can be helpful to talk with someone who understands what you are going through. I offer an environment of acceptance and commitment to healing. I work with individuals, children, teens,couples, and families. Your treatment would be specific to your needs and goals. My approach to counseling is primarily cognitive behavioral therapy, holistic, and trauma focused. I would like to offer you an opportunity for treatments that change problematic thought and behavior patterns, while building on your particular strengths. I would be honored to walk with you through this time in your life.
When life feels frustrating and out of control it can be helpful to talk with someone who understands what you are going through. I offer an environment of acceptance and commitment to healing. I work with individuals, children, teens,couples, and families. Your treatment would be specific to your needs and goals. My approach to counseling is primarily cognitive behavioral therapy, holistic, and trauma focused. I would like to offer you an opportunity for treatments that change problematic thought and behavior patterns, while building on your particular strengths. I would be honored to walk with you through this time in your life.
(903) 401-8189 View (903) 401-8189
Photo of Maggie Roney, Licensed Professional Counselor in Clarksville, TX
Maggie Roney
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, NCC, LPC, ICP, AFMC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Wylie, TX 75098
I know that experiencing a major life event such as trauma, a medical diagnosis, relationship conflict or parenting concern can turn the world you know upside down. I believe that as a person we can heal and recover whether this is mentally, physically or both. I have a holistic practice that not only helps your mental wellbeing but can address your physical health as well. I am Licensed Professional Counselor and Functional Medicine Practitioner. I can address your overall wellbeing not just your mental health. I am a certified EMDR (eye movement, desensitization and reprocessing) therapist and use other types of therapy to help.
I know that experiencing a major life event such as trauma, a medical diagnosis, relationship conflict or parenting concern can turn the world you know upside down. I believe that as a person we can heal and recover whether this is mentally, physically or both. I have a holistic practice that not only helps your mental wellbeing but can address your physical health as well. I am Licensed Professional Counselor and Functional Medicine Practitioner. I can address your overall wellbeing not just your mental health. I am a certified EMDR (eye movement, desensitization and reprocessing) therapist and use other types of therapy to help.
(469) 844-4921 View (469) 844-4921
Photo of Sabrina Denise Henderson, Licensed Professional Counselor Associate in Clarksville, TX
Sabrina Denise Henderson
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, PhD(c), LPC-A, NCC
Verified Verified
McKinney, TX 75069
Waitlist for new clients
Mental illness lives. Anxiety lives. OCD lives. Addiction lives. Depression lives. Imagine millions of people around the universe waking up with the same dark, aching places you promised you’d never talk about. I’ve noticed how quick we are, as human beings, to push aside the most meaningful parts of our lives. Let’s not push aside the things that need to be talked about. Let’s bring mental illness to the light. The worst thing we can do is ignore it. It exists and it easily consumes. So if you’re struggling right now my role is to listen, discern your strengths and vulnerabilities, and invite growth as you place trust in my care.
Mental illness lives. Anxiety lives. OCD lives. Addiction lives. Depression lives. Imagine millions of people around the universe waking up with the same dark, aching places you promised you’d never talk about. I’ve noticed how quick we are, as human beings, to push aside the most meaningful parts of our lives. Let’s not push aside the things that need to be talked about. Let’s bring mental illness to the light. The worst thing we can do is ignore it. It exists and it easily consumes. So if you’re struggling right now my role is to listen, discern your strengths and vulnerabilities, and invite growth as you place trust in my care.
(469) 425-8848 View (469) 425-8848
Photo of Audra Joy Funk, Licensed Professional Counselor in Clarksville, TX
Audra Joy Funk
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC-S
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Rockwall, TX 75087
Do you feel stuck, lost, anxious, depressed, afraid, or angry? Of course, we all feel strong emotions at times. Some of us are frozen by these emotions, have panic attacks, depression, rage, or fears that affect every aspect of our lives. Others describe having a “mental block” that interferes with achieving goals, or performance enhancement. Maybe you've been to counseling and don’t feel like it helped or worked for you. I specialize in working with clients that have tried counseling and given up, feel hopeless, helpless, and desperate for someone to meet them where they are and guide them to the best version of themselves!
Do you feel stuck, lost, anxious, depressed, afraid, or angry? Of course, we all feel strong emotions at times. Some of us are frozen by these emotions, have panic attacks, depression, rage, or fears that affect every aspect of our lives. Others describe having a “mental block” that interferes with achieving goals, or performance enhancement. Maybe you've been to counseling and don’t feel like it helped or worked for you. I specialize in working with clients that have tried counseling and given up, feel hopeless, helpless, and desperate for someone to meet them where they are and guide them to the best version of themselves!
(469) 391-0210 View (469) 391-0210
Photo of Reece Counseling & Consulting, LLC, Licensed Professional Counselor in Clarksville, TX
Reece Counseling & Consulting, LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, MBA, LPC, LCDC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Tyler, TX 75702
I am an experienced therapist with a genuine heart and passion for helping individuals and couples find their “Happy place!
I am an experienced therapist with a genuine heart and passion for helping individuals and couples find their “Happy place!
(430) 218-2216 View (430) 218-2216
Photo of Megan Novak in Clarksville, TX
Megan Novak
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Allen, TX 75002
Finding the right fitting counselor, someone you click with can be challenging. Break away from the usual counseling approach with a neurodivergent, person-centered, and LGBTQ-affirming counselor. With a blend of professional expertise and personal understanding, I specialize in autistic adults, ADHD, trauma, and dissociation (DID/OSDD). Learn to navigate your goals, responsibilities, and relationships with newfound confidence and joy as we celebrate your authentic self and empower you to advocate for your needs.
Finding the right fitting counselor, someone you click with can be challenging. Break away from the usual counseling approach with a neurodivergent, person-centered, and LGBTQ-affirming counselor. With a blend of professional expertise and personal understanding, I specialize in autistic adults, ADHD, trauma, and dissociation (DID/OSDD). Learn to navigate your goals, responsibilities, and relationships with newfound confidence and joy as we celebrate your authentic self and empower you to advocate for your needs.
(469) 871-7206 View (469) 871-7206
Photo of Victoria Mercado, Licensed Professional Counselor in Clarksville, TX
Victoria Mercado
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC-S, RYT-200
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
McKinney, TX 75069
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor in the state of Texas. I have a Masters Degree in Counseling from St. Edwards University. I have experience in treating trauma, PTSD, depression, anxiety, women's issues, life adjustment issues, gender/identity, and grief. Throughout my career I have used life experiences and tailored treatment plans uniquely to each individual client. I strive to bear witness and guide each person through his or her personal journey to reach their goals.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor in the state of Texas. I have a Masters Degree in Counseling from St. Edwards University. I have experience in treating trauma, PTSD, depression, anxiety, women's issues, life adjustment issues, gender/identity, and grief. Throughout my career I have used life experiences and tailored treatment plans uniquely to each individual client. I strive to bear witness and guide each person through his or her personal journey to reach their goals.
(469) 207-1959 View (469) 207-1959
Photo of Valor Therapy, PLLC, Licensed Professional Counselor in Clarksville, TX
Valor Therapy, PLLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, NCC, LPC, LCDC, CCTP
Verified Verified
Wills Point, TX 75169  (Online Only)
My name is Roberto "Robert" Guerrero, I am a bilingual Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor in Texas, and CCTP, National Certified Counselor (NCC) and BC-TMH provider. I have over nine years of experience in the field of mental health and chemical dependency, and currently operate a private counseling practice exclusively online near Dallas, Texas. I primarily work with young adults and adults who are struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, PTSD, grief, career issues, relationship and marriage problems, and other life challenges. I also offer consulting services for business professionals.
My name is Roberto "Robert" Guerrero, I am a bilingual Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor in Texas, and CCTP, National Certified Counselor (NCC) and BC-TMH provider. I have over nine years of experience in the field of mental health and chemical dependency, and currently operate a private counseling practice exclusively online near Dallas, Texas. I primarily work with young adults and adults who are struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, PTSD, grief, career issues, relationship and marriage problems, and other life challenges. I also offer consulting services for business professionals.
(214) 833-8162 View (214) 833-8162
Photo of April Smith - Thrive Counseling and Life Coaching, Licensed Professional Counselor in Clarksville, TX
April Smith - Thrive Counseling and Life Coaching
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, CADC II, LMHC, SUDP
Verified Verified
Lindale, TX 75771
Providing over 20 years of experience. Services offered include Individual, Marriage, Premarital, Couples, Teens, Families, and Substance Abuse. Utilizing a Solution Focused, Cognitive approach, working with negative, fearful, and traumatic thoughts and perceptions and renewing and/or replacing them with enabling and productive thoughts. I provide help for individuals, families & or couples to gain coping skills to help manage or decrease problematic symptoms. The initial session begins with exchanging background and history to gain information to formalize a treatment plan. Accepting clients for days, evenings, & Saturday appts.
Providing over 20 years of experience. Services offered include Individual, Marriage, Premarital, Couples, Teens, Families, and Substance Abuse. Utilizing a Solution Focused, Cognitive approach, working with negative, fearful, and traumatic thoughts and perceptions and renewing and/or replacing them with enabling and productive thoughts. I provide help for individuals, families & or couples to gain coping skills to help manage or decrease problematic symptoms. The initial session begins with exchanging background and history to gain information to formalize a treatment plan. Accepting clients for days, evenings, & Saturday appts.
(903) 201-7727 View (903) 201-7727
Photo of Andrea Andes, Marriage & Family Therapist in Clarksville, TX
Andrea Andes
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Rockwall, TX 75087
Being human isn't always easy, and when life gets complicated and becomes challenging, therapy can help offer tools to navigate through a crisis while providing you a deeper exploration of yourself. Problems in relationships often come from old ways of coping that served you in the past, but now may be keeping you from feeling fulfilled and satisfied with your life. I believe our most challenging times can also be our greatest opportunity for change. Healing is possible, and therapy is a journey towards self-discovery where you get to explore the landscape of your own mind.
Being human isn't always easy, and when life gets complicated and becomes challenging, therapy can help offer tools to navigate through a crisis while providing you a deeper exploration of yourself. Problems in relationships often come from old ways of coping that served you in the past, but now may be keeping you from feeling fulfilled and satisfied with your life. I believe our most challenging times can also be our greatest opportunity for change. Healing is possible, and therapy is a journey towards self-discovery where you get to explore the landscape of your own mind.
(310) 773-5497 View (310) 773-5497
Photo of Jennifer Gregory, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Clarksville, TX
Jennifer Gregory
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-S, EMDR, TBRI, RPE
Verified Verified
Tyler, TX 75701
My goal is to help my clients find health and healing through introspection and understanding of their history and making active change in their lives.
My goal is to help my clients find health and healing through introspection and understanding of their history and making active change in their lives.
(903) 459-5100 View (903) 459-5100
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.