Therapists in Elmendorf, TX
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Mindful Therapy with Lydia
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
San Antonio, TX 78264 (Online Only)
Lydia Friese is a Licensed Professional Counselor , 86941. Lydia earned her M.S. in Clinical Psychology with a specialization in Clinical Counseling. She specializes in relationship issues, Substance Abuse Disorders, ADHD, Borderline Personality Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, PTSD, Anxiety and Depression. She has 3 years of experience in working with children, adolescents, teens, couples, adults and families. Lydia’s goal is to provide clients a safe space for clients to move into awareness and gain self-trust. In turn seeing life's challenges as manageable.
Lydia Friese is a Licensed Professional Counselor , 86941. Lydia earned her M.S. in Clinical Psychology with a specialization in Clinical Counseling. She specializes in relationship issues, Substance Abuse Disorders, ADHD, Borderline Personality Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, PTSD, Anxiety and Depression. She has 3 years of experience in working with children, adolescents, teens, couples, adults and families. Lydia’s goal is to provide clients a safe space for clients to move into awareness and gain self-trust. In turn seeing life's challenges as manageable.
Jennifer R Iruegas
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
San Antonio, TX 78223 (Online Only)
I am a Licensed Clinical social worker, currently licensed in the state of Texas. I am a native Texan and live in the rural south. I have a passion for working with children and families. I worked for Child Protective Services for almost a decade and have since worked for various agencies targeting the mental health needs of children and adolescents. I have experience working with the Juvenile justice system as a detention officer and a therapist. I have experience with CPS court systems as well as working with victims of abuse and/or neglect.
I am a Licensed Clinical social worker, currently licensed in the state of Texas. I am a native Texan and live in the rural south. I have a passion for working with children and families. I worked for Child Protective Services for almost a decade and have since worked for various agencies targeting the mental health needs of children and adolescents. I have experience working with the Juvenile justice system as a detention officer and a therapist. I have experience with CPS court systems as well as working with victims of abuse and/or neglect.
Charles Jackson
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
San Antonio, TX 78223
Charlie sees himself as a partner to clients, helping to identify struggles that interfere with an individual's growth into the person he or she wishes to be. He tailors his interventions specifically to the client’s needs. He has experience working with individuals facing a variety of conditions including depression, anxiety, mania, trouble with interpersonal relationships, and workplace stress. He has extensive experience helping military personnel and their families.
Charlie sees himself as a partner to clients, helping to identify struggles that interfere with an individual's growth into the person he or she wishes to be. He tailors his interventions specifically to the client’s needs. He has experience working with individuals facing a variety of conditions including depression, anxiety, mania, trouble with interpersonal relationships, and workplace stress. He has extensive experience helping military personnel and their families.
Zainab Lailah Johnson
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
San Antonio, TX 78214 (Online Only)
Embracing Change, Cultivating Growth: Viktor E. Frankl famously remarked, "When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves." This quote echoes the essence of my journey into mental health therapy—a path that serendipitously unfolded before me. I'm thrilled you've found your way here! My own journey to becoming a mental health therapist was far from straightforward, but it consistently drew me back to this profound calling. There's an irresistible pull for me in walking alongside individuals as they navigate life's ups and downs. I didn't stumble into this career by accident it called out to
Embracing Change, Cultivating Growth: Viktor E. Frankl famously remarked, "When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves." This quote echoes the essence of my journey into mental health therapy—a path that serendipitously unfolded before me. I'm thrilled you've found your way here! My own journey to becoming a mental health therapist was far from straightforward, but it consistently drew me back to this profound calling. There's an irresistible pull for me in walking alongside individuals as they navigate life's ups and downs. I didn't stumble into this career by accident it called out to
Online Therapists
Maria Fishel
Psychologist, PhD, LSSP
Verified Verified
Lakeway, TX 78734
While I work on common issues, such as depression (bipolar and unipolar), anxiety, and life transitions, I also specialize in neurodiverse populations, such as Autism Spectrum Disorders (including Asperger's Syndrome) and ADD/ADHD.
Overwhelmed? Tired of the same old patterns in your life? Doubting yourself or your decisions? Lost hope? Feeling disconnected from others and your goals? Let me be your guide through life's intersections. I believe we all can benefit from professional support at some point in our lives. Why not start now? My approach is supportive, empathetic, direct, and collaborative. I tailor my counseling to your needs. I welcome traditional and nontraditional individuals, and anyone who feels marginalized, isolated, or undervalued. Together, we'll work on building connections and finding solutions, one step at a time.
While I work on common issues, such as depression (bipolar and unipolar), anxiety, and life transitions, I also specialize in neurodiverse populations, such as Autism Spectrum Disorders (including Asperger's Syndrome) and ADD/ADHD.
Overwhelmed? Tired of the same old patterns in your life? Doubting yourself or your decisions? Lost hope? Feeling disconnected from others and your goals? Let me be your guide through life's intersections. I believe we all can benefit from professional support at some point in our lives. Why not start now? My approach is supportive, empathetic, direct, and collaborative. I tailor my counseling to your needs. I welcome traditional and nontraditional individuals, and anyone who feels marginalized, isolated, or undervalued. Together, we'll work on building connections and finding solutions, one step at a time.
Boundless Journey LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC-S
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 73301 (Online Only)
My name is Jennifer Meyer and I've had a lifelong passion for helping individuals from a person-centered and trauma-informed approach. With over 20 years experience as a Licensed Professional Counselor within community mental health, I have worked extensively with individuals struggling with chronic mental health and substance use issues. This includes, but is not limited to: depression, anxiety, Bipolar, PTSD and other trauma-related issues, and psychosis. My work has also focused on providing crisis counseling support, particularly concentrated on suicidal behaviors and providing grief/loss support for suicide survivors.
My name is Jennifer Meyer and I've had a lifelong passion for helping individuals from a person-centered and trauma-informed approach. With over 20 years experience as a Licensed Professional Counselor within community mental health, I have worked extensively with individuals struggling with chronic mental health and substance use issues. This includes, but is not limited to: depression, anxiety, Bipolar, PTSD and other trauma-related issues, and psychosis. My work has also focused on providing crisis counseling support, particularly concentrated on suicidal behaviors and providing grief/loss support for suicide survivors.
Taryn Stilwell
LPC Associate, MA, LPC-A, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cedar Park, TX 78613
My areas of interest and specialization include trauma (including C-PTSD), EMDR, anxiety, adjustment disorders, grief and loss, bipolar disorder, panic attacks, gender exploration and affirmation, and LGBTQIA+ related concerns.
The journey of finding the right therapist can be daunting, but also incredibly rewarding! My name is Taryn, and I am highly dedicated and empathetic individual with a passion for helping people reach their full potential. My professional experience has given me a deep understanding of trauma, anxiety, grief and loss, and other various mental health obstacles. I am committed to using my knowledge and expertise to help individuals overcome these challenges and reach their full authentic potential. Whomever I am working with, I strive to create a compassionate environment where clients feel supported and empowered.
My areas of interest and specialization include trauma (including C-PTSD), EMDR, anxiety, adjustment disorders, grief and loss, bipolar disorder, panic attacks, gender exploration and affirmation, and LGBTQIA+ related concerns.
The journey of finding the right therapist can be daunting, but also incredibly rewarding! My name is Taryn, and I am highly dedicated and empathetic individual with a passion for helping people reach their full potential. My professional experience has given me a deep understanding of trauma, anxiety, grief and loss, and other various mental health obstacles. I am committed to using my knowledge and expertise to help individuals overcome these challenges and reach their full authentic potential. Whomever I am working with, I strive to create a compassionate environment where clients feel supported and empowered.
LaBre Roy
Pre-Licensed Professional, LPC, LMHCA, RMHC-I
Verified Verified
Converse, TX 78109 (Online Only)
Greetings! I’ve endured some wonderful and difficult experiences that have shaped who I am and how I help. My professional and personal journey has provided me with unique clinical knowledge that includes trauma, PTSD, anxiety, hopeless depression, cycles of substance abuse, and severe mental illnesses such as borderline personality disorder, bipolar, and schizophrenia.. By working with diverse (BIPOC) populations I have been successful in helping clients develop interpersonal communication skills, healthy coping strategies, and promoting optimal mental health.
Greetings! I’ve endured some wonderful and difficult experiences that have shaped who I am and how I help. My professional and personal journey has provided me with unique clinical knowledge that includes trauma, PTSD, anxiety, hopeless depression, cycles of substance abuse, and severe mental illnesses such as borderline personality disorder, bipolar, and schizophrenia.. By working with diverse (BIPOC) populations I have been successful in helping clients develop interpersonal communication skills, healthy coping strategies, and promoting optimal mental health.
Velma Perez
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-S, C-DBT
Verified Verified
San Antonio, TX 78232
My name is Velma, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker-Supervisor with over ten years' experience in the mental health field. My practice focus is with individuals, couples and teens looking for support. I specialize in helping individuals manage emotional challenges of trauma, bipolar, schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, child and adult ADHD, learning, academic, and work difficulties, self-esteem issues, chronic illness, and adjustment to change.
My name is Velma, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker-Supervisor with over ten years' experience in the mental health field. My practice focus is with individuals, couples and teens looking for support. I specialize in helping individuals manage emotional challenges of trauma, bipolar, schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, child and adult ADHD, learning, academic, and work difficulties, self-esteem issues, chronic illness, and adjustment to change.
Isamar Silva
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
Pflugerville, TX 78660
I have experience working with adolescents, college students, and adults with depression, anxiety, trauma, borderline, bipolar, ADHD, and addiction.
You may have always navigated difficult moments on your own and now it’s affecting your connection with your loved ones. Maybe you haven’t felt safe opening up to the people you thought you trusted and it’s created conflicts in your relationships. Is it hard to express your emotions because you’re used to minimizing your needs to please others? I want to help you stop the self-sabotaging and discard the narrative that you aren’t deserving of good things. My goal is to teach you skills that will assist you with adjusting negative thinking styles and behaviors, reduce unwanted feelings, and practice self-acceptance and reflection.
I have experience working with adolescents, college students, and adults with depression, anxiety, trauma, borderline, bipolar, ADHD, and addiction.
You may have always navigated difficult moments on your own and now it’s affecting your connection with your loved ones. Maybe you haven’t felt safe opening up to the people you thought you trusted and it’s created conflicts in your relationships. Is it hard to express your emotions because you’re used to minimizing your needs to please others? I want to help you stop the self-sabotaging and discard the narrative that you aren’t deserving of good things. My goal is to teach you skills that will assist you with adjusting negative thinking styles and behaviors, reduce unwanted feelings, and practice self-acceptance and reflection.
Susan Marks
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Bastrop, TX 78602 (Online Only)
Susan Marks is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor (LPC-S) with over 14 years of experience. She enjoys working with young children, adults, and the elderly, and specializes in treating issues related to addiction, adjustment-related issues, anxiety, attachment-based issues, bipolar disorder, depression, end-of-life issues, faith-based matters, grief, loss, bereavement, and more.
Susan Marks is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor (LPC-S) with over 14 years of experience. She enjoys working with young children, adults, and the elderly, and specializes in treating issues related to addiction, adjustment-related issues, anxiety, attachment-based issues, bipolar disorder, depression, end-of-life issues, faith-based matters, grief, loss, bereavement, and more.
Lindsay Clegg
LPC Associate, NCC, MA
Verified Verified
Round Rock, TX 78681
Specialties include: adult neurodiversity (ADHD, Autism +), bipolar, anxiety, depression, highly sensitive person, narcissist & borderline concerns, women in tech & STEM, body image, family dynamics & conflict, child-parent issues, underlying needs, communication, boundaries.
I help clients increase self-understanding, manage healthy relationships, & navigate career/societal challenges. I believe it’s important to feel proud of the things that make you unique & unlearn ideas that these traits are flaws. Self-acceptance begins when we take time to really notice who we are, the way we function most naturally, & how our identities have been infused with negative messages over time. Self-acceptance & self-compassion address issues at their root. With permission to be imperfect & by sustaining self-validating beliefs, we can relax.
Specialties include: adult neurodiversity (ADHD, Autism +), bipolar, anxiety, depression, highly sensitive person, narcissist & borderline concerns, women in tech & STEM, body image, family dynamics & conflict, child-parent issues, underlying needs, communication, boundaries.
I help clients increase self-understanding, manage healthy relationships, & navigate career/societal challenges. I believe it’s important to feel proud of the things that make you unique & unlearn ideas that these traits are flaws. Self-acceptance begins when we take time to really notice who we are, the way we function most naturally, & how our identities have been infused with negative messages over time. Self-acceptance & self-compassion address issues at their root. With permission to be imperfect & by sustaining self-validating beliefs, we can relax.
Maeve Larkin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78759
Maeve has worked with both adolescents and young adults coping with a wide array of mental health diagnoses: Depression, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, and Borderline Personality Disorder, in addition to Autism Spectrum Disorder and LGBTQ+ individuals.
Maeve Larkin (she/her) is a Licensed Master Social Worker. Born and raised in Boston, MA, Maeve received her Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work from Boston College, and a Bachelor’s in Human Services from Northeastern University. Maeve’s professional experience with dialectical behavioral therapy began while working as a clinical intern at The Victor School, a therapeutic high school in Acton, MA. While at the school, she created and facilitated a socio-emotional skills group that utilized techniques in mindfulness and emotional regulation in addition to offering one-on-one therapeutic services.
Maeve has worked with both adolescents and young adults coping with a wide array of mental health diagnoses: Depression, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, and Borderline Personality Disorder, in addition to Autism Spectrum Disorder and LGBTQ+ individuals.
Maeve Larkin (she/her) is a Licensed Master Social Worker. Born and raised in Boston, MA, Maeve received her Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work from Boston College, and a Bachelor’s in Human Services from Northeastern University. Maeve’s professional experience with dialectical behavioral therapy began while working as a clinical intern at The Victor School, a therapeutic high school in Acton, MA. While at the school, she created and facilitated a socio-emotional skills group that utilized techniques in mindfulness and emotional regulation in addition to offering one-on-one therapeutic services.
Stacey Lavoro Rexrode
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Cedar Park, TX 78613 (Online Only)
I offer individual and group psychotherapy, psychological assessments, and tele-psychology interventions for trauma (PTSD), mood disorders (Depression, Bipolar Disorder), anxiety disorders (OCD, Social phobia, Panic Disorder), anger management and self-esteem programs, programs for Insomnia and sleep disorders, and parenting help.
I take pride in my ability to relate to a large population, and I enjoy working with clients 12 years of age and up. My clients over the years have had: depression, anxiety disorders, adjustment difficulty, as well as teenagers with a variety of school, peer, family, and self-esteem issues. I work best with clients who are motivated for change, but also understand that teenagers often come to therapy at the urging of parents and may be resistant at first. I welcome women's issues, veteran's issues, LGBTQ issues, those who are just "stuck", going through a life transition or folks who have been in and out of therapy for years.
I offer individual and group psychotherapy, psychological assessments, and tele-psychology interventions for trauma (PTSD), mood disorders (Depression, Bipolar Disorder), anxiety disorders (OCD, Social phobia, Panic Disorder), anger management and self-esteem programs, programs for Insomnia and sleep disorders, and parenting help.
I take pride in my ability to relate to a large population, and I enjoy working with clients 12 years of age and up. My clients over the years have had: depression, anxiety disorders, adjustment difficulty, as well as teenagers with a variety of school, peer, family, and self-esteem issues. I work best with clients who are motivated for change, but also understand that teenagers often come to therapy at the urging of parents and may be resistant at first. I welcome women's issues, veteran's issues, LGBTQ issues, those who are just "stuck", going through a life transition or folks who have been in and out of therapy for years.
Stephanie Torres Rojas
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
San Antonio, TX 78216 (Online Only)
Her focus includes anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, grief, anger management, marital and family conflict, divorce, adjustment disorder, parenting skills, spirituality, coping skills, life transitions, acculturation, LGBTQ, existential concerns, bipolar disorders, racial minorities, chronic pain, and chronic illness.
Telehealth only. Dr. Stephanie Torres is a bilingual (Spanish) licensed psychologist who provides individual, couple, family, and group therapy. Her approach is inclusive, synergetic, and trauma-informed. She strives to create a safe, warm, and non-judgmental environment where everyone is treated with respect, uniqueness, egalitarianism, and anti-racism. She aims to help clients promote personal growth, overcome challenges, transitions, and difficulties in life, and facilitate the emotional and healing process.
Her focus includes anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, grief, anger management, marital and family conflict, divorce, adjustment disorder, parenting skills, spirituality, coping skills, life transitions, acculturation, LGBTQ, existential concerns, bipolar disorders, racial minorities, chronic pain, and chronic illness.
Telehealth only. Dr. Stephanie Torres is a bilingual (Spanish) licensed psychologist who provides individual, couple, family, and group therapy. Her approach is inclusive, synergetic, and trauma-informed. She strives to create a safe, warm, and non-judgmental environment where everyone is treated with respect, uniqueness, egalitarianism, and anti-racism. She aims to help clients promote personal growth, overcome challenges, transitions, and difficulties in life, and facilitate the emotional and healing process.
Jackie Hodges
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Antonio, TX 78240 (Online Only)
I work specifically with anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, anger management, bipolar disorder, grief and loss, anomalous experiences, religious trauma, pregnancy loss, infant loss, infertility, relationship struggles, active duty military, veterans, chronic illness, medical trauma, navigating divorce, and other areas of life that are overwhelming.
I’m a licensed counselor providing teletherapy to anyone looking for support from the comfort of their own home. We can work together to help make life feel a little better. I work with clients who may live in rural Texas, or clients who benefits from telehealth thearpy/virtual therapy. I have many years working with grief, loss, medical trauma, PTSD, anxiety, and depression. I like to get to know my clients and how they navigate their world so we can find practical skills to move through tough emotions. I look forward to meeting you!
I work specifically with anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, anger management, bipolar disorder, grief and loss, anomalous experiences, religious trauma, pregnancy loss, infant loss, infertility, relationship struggles, active duty military, veterans, chronic illness, medical trauma, navigating divorce, and other areas of life that are overwhelming.
I’m a licensed counselor providing teletherapy to anyone looking for support from the comfort of their own home. We can work together to help make life feel a little better. I work with clients who may live in rural Texas, or clients who benefits from telehealth thearpy/virtual therapy. I have many years working with grief, loss, medical trauma, PTSD, anxiety, and depression. I like to get to know my clients and how they navigate their world so we can find practical skills to move through tough emotions. I look forward to meeting you!
Gina Antonia Nepa
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LICSW, LMSW, CTP
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78705 (Online Only)
I'm honored to get to hold space with you. I am primarily offering ADHD assessments at this time. I’m passionate about working with clients to confirm or rule out ADHD, and offer subsequent treatment to support in ADHD management and/or the presence of anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, substance misuse, and trauma impact. I'm particularly passionate about working with LGBTQIA+-identified individuals, and believe that liberation of shame is imperative in a strong therapeutic partnership. I fundamentally believe that each of us is doing our best with the tools that we have.
I'm honored to get to hold space with you. I am primarily offering ADHD assessments at this time. I’m passionate about working with clients to confirm or rule out ADHD, and offer subsequent treatment to support in ADHD management and/or the presence of anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, substance misuse, and trauma impact. I'm particularly passionate about working with LGBTQIA+-identified individuals, and believe that liberation of shame is imperative in a strong therapeutic partnership. I fundamentally believe that each of us is doing our best with the tools that we have.
Jessica Martin
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, MS, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Antonio, TX 78229
I am an LPC Associate, supervised by Miranda Solis, LPC-S. I have worked with teens while they were hospitalized for self-harm or suicidal ideation, teens currently in the child welfare system in the group home setting, and children and families following an outcry of abuse. A big part of working with this population is working with their parents, so I could be a good fit if your child has experienced any of these problems. I also have experience with depression, anxiety, trauma, and bipolar disorder. My age range is from age 8-80.
I am an LPC Associate, supervised by Miranda Solis, LPC-S. I have worked with teens while they were hospitalized for self-harm or suicidal ideation, teens currently in the child welfare system in the group home setting, and children and families following an outcry of abuse. A big part of working with this population is working with their parents, so I could be a good fit if your child has experienced any of these problems. I also have experience with depression, anxiety, trauma, and bipolar disorder. My age range is from age 8-80.
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!
Arthur Gaylian Kirby II
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS MDIV, LPC(S)
Verified Verified
San Antonio, TX 78229
Life experience has taught me to understand mental illness, bipolar mood disorder, other mood disorders, personality disorders, abuse victims of multiple sources, attachment disorders, sick and healthy religion and spiritually.
My job is to help people live happier lives. My office is a continuing education service for all who enter. The goal for me, and hopefully for the person I am working with, is to learn from each other through the change agent of conversation. After 40 years of experience, my belief is that humans never really change until what they have done is working anymore, is broken, and/or gone. Thus change begins with loss, some small and some life ending. At these moments of transition, learning how to let go is the lesson, whether we like it or not. Whatever big change you are going through, positive or negative begins with an ending.
Life experience has taught me to understand mental illness, bipolar mood disorder, other mood disorders, personality disorders, abuse victims of multiple sources, attachment disorders, sick and healthy religion and spiritually.
My job is to help people live happier lives. My office is a continuing education service for all who enter. The goal for me, and hopefully for the person I am working with, is to learn from each other through the change agent of conversation. After 40 years of experience, my belief is that humans never really change until what they have done is working anymore, is broken, and/or gone. Thus change begins with loss, some small and some life ending. At these moments of transition, learning how to let go is the lesson, whether we like it or not. Whatever big change you are going through, positive or negative begins with an ending.
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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.