Photo of Jonette Phegley, LPC Associate in Granbury, TX
Jonette Phegley
LPC Associate, MA, LPC-A
Verified Verified
Granbury, TX 76048
Let's take a walk! Farmhouse Counseling blends therapy with the outdoors. Looking for professional, person-centered, compassionate counseling? Warmth and acceptance are key! Using an eclectic approach, I'll help you identify unwanted thoughts and behaviors to set and meet personal life goals. I work with kids, adolescents, and adults of all ages and often incorporate farm animals, crafts and the outdoors into counseling. Sitting on several restful acres in the heart of Glen Rose, Farmhouse Counseling strives to meet the needs of clients who want to grow and heal.
Let's take a walk! Farmhouse Counseling blends therapy with the outdoors. Looking for professional, person-centered, compassionate counseling? Warmth and acceptance are key! Using an eclectic approach, I'll help you identify unwanted thoughts and behaviors to set and meet personal life goals. I work with kids, adolescents, and adults of all ages and often incorporate farm animals, crafts and the outdoors into counseling. Sitting on several restful acres in the heart of Glen Rose, Farmhouse Counseling strives to meet the needs of clients who want to grow and heal.
(254) 276-3588 View (254) 276-3588

Online Therapists

Photo of Christian Hudson Wallis, Licensed Professional Counselor in Granbury, TX
Christian Hudson Wallis
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Fort Worth, TX 76104  (Online Only)
Christian Hudson-Wallis is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Texas with over 5 years of professional experience assisting clients of all ages to cope with the effects of anxiety, depression, anger, bipolar disorder, trauma, and PTSD. Christian earned her Master's degree in Family Psychology from Hardin-Simmons University. Christian is skilled in using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), humanistic techniques, Rogerian methods, existential therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), the Gottman Method, and acceptance and commitment (ACT) approaches.
Christian Hudson-Wallis is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Texas with over 5 years of professional experience assisting clients of all ages to cope with the effects of anxiety, depression, anger, bipolar disorder, trauma, and PTSD. Christian earned her Master's degree in Family Psychology from Hardin-Simmons University. Christian is skilled in using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), humanistic techniques, Rogerian methods, existential therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), the Gottman Method, and acceptance and commitment (ACT) approaches.
(817) 330-6831 View (817) 330-6831
Photo of Edward G Furst, Licensed Professional Counselor in Granbury, TX
Edward G Furst
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fort Worth, TX 76126  (Online Only)
Ed treats anxiety, PTSD, depression, bipolar, troubled relationships, Narcissistic Personality Disorder and abuse, couples, parent/child conflicts, addiction, grief, Bipolar, Life Adjustments, ADD, OCD, self-esteem, and dreams.
Ed's diverse background provides a rich blend of experience to his clients. He is dual licensed as a Professional Counselor and Marriage & Family Therapist. He is an expert with youth, families, and individuals, and a Clinical Supervisor/Mentor for inpatient care. Edward has counseled clients for 32 years as a Therapist, Sports Psychology Consultant (coaches/athletes), and Life Balance/Career Coach. He gladly sees people from all faiths and walks of life and provides wisdom for anyone who seeks it: individuals, families, youth, couples, parents, pastors, professionals, athletes, coaches, and performing artists.
Ed treats anxiety, PTSD, depression, bipolar, troubled relationships, Narcissistic Personality Disorder and abuse, couples, parent/child conflicts, addiction, grief, Bipolar, Life Adjustments, ADD, OCD, self-esteem, and dreams.
Ed's diverse background provides a rich blend of experience to his clients. He is dual licensed as a Professional Counselor and Marriage & Family Therapist. He is an expert with youth, families, and individuals, and a Clinical Supervisor/Mentor for inpatient care. Edward has counseled clients for 32 years as a Therapist, Sports Psychology Consultant (coaches/athletes), and Life Balance/Career Coach. He gladly sees people from all faiths and walks of life and provides wisdom for anyone who seeks it: individuals, families, youth, couples, parents, pastors, professionals, athletes, coaches, and performing artists.
(248) 988-9294 View (248) 988-9294
Photo of Yas Farrokh, Licensed Professional Counselor in Granbury, TX
Yas Farrokh
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
Carrollton, TX 75010
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and counselor supervisor with over 14 years of clinical experience. I work with adult individuals, adolescents, children, couples and families, using a variety of therapeutic techniques. I have vast experience working with issues related to trauma, depression, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, anger management, mood disorders, anxiety, employment and work place problems, and grief.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and counselor supervisor with over 14 years of clinical experience. I work with adult individuals, adolescents, children, couples and families, using a variety of therapeutic techniques. I have vast experience working with issues related to trauma, depression, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, anger management, mood disorders, anxiety, employment and work place problems, and grief.
(469) 294-8291 View (469) 294-8291
Photo of James S. Lowe, Licensed Professional Counselor in Granbury, TX
James S. Lowe
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC-S, LCDC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Weatherford, TX 76086
I also have experience working with depression, anxiety and bipolar disorders.
Are you struggling with depression and anxiety? Are you ready to be free from depression and anxiety? I have experience in treating substance abuse and mood disorders. Evening and weekends sessions are available Are these addictions destroying your marriage and significant relationships? Are you tired of living a secret life and are looking for real relief from the destruction of guilt and shame? If the answer to these questions is yes, I am a compassionate professional who​ would like to work with you to help you gain insight and awareness into your self defeating behaviors that create shame and limit your personal growth.
I also have experience working with depression, anxiety and bipolar disorders.
Are you struggling with depression and anxiety? Are you ready to be free from depression and anxiety? I have experience in treating substance abuse and mood disorders. Evening and weekends sessions are available Are these addictions destroying your marriage and significant relationships? Are you tired of living a secret life and are looking for real relief from the destruction of guilt and shame? If the answer to these questions is yes, I am a compassionate professional who​ would like to work with you to help you gain insight and awareness into your self defeating behaviors that create shame and limit your personal growth.
(817) 984-5466 View (817) 984-5466
Photo of Kay Fontenot, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Granbury, TX
Kay Fontenot
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-S, LCDC, BSP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Waxahachie, TX 75165
My professional goal is to provide connection, healing, and insight during each of our encounters, With a passion for attachment and relational models, I have training, expertise and experience in providing counseling and psychotherapy for the following types of concerns/struggles: Women's Concerns, Emerging Adults, Relationship Strain, Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Substance Use, Personality Traits and/or Disorders, Divorce, Infidelity, Boundaries, Grief and Loss, Career Concerns, Assertiveness Training, & Life Adjustments. I also offer individual, group and family intensives for connection, insight and deeper healing.
My professional goal is to provide connection, healing, and insight during each of our encounters, With a passion for attachment and relational models, I have training, expertise and experience in providing counseling and psychotherapy for the following types of concerns/struggles: Women's Concerns, Emerging Adults, Relationship Strain, Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Substance Use, Personality Traits and/or Disorders, Divorce, Infidelity, Boundaries, Grief and Loss, Career Concerns, Assertiveness Training, & Life Adjustments. I also offer individual, group and family intensives for connection, insight and deeper healing.
(469) 405-2856 View (469) 405-2856
Photo of Elite Style Counseling , Licensed Professional Counselor in Granbury, TX
Elite Style Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, LCDC
Verified Verified
Mansfield, TX 76063
I am passionate, motivated, and interested in happy others. I am ex-military, an ex-dual military, and a dependent wife with children. I have experience with helping with military issues, depression, parenting issues, marriage counseling, individual sessions, anxiety, grief, trauma, drug abuse, PTSD, bipolar, borderline personality, and other mental health disorders. I am doing Zoom and telecounseling at the time. This means I can serve all of Texas via telecounseling not just Mansfield. https://www.amazon.com/s?k=barbara+smith-Jordan&crid=YTT9FORJBQRC&sprefix=barbara+smith-jordan%2Caps%2C306&ref=nb_sb_noss
I am passionate, motivated, and interested in happy others. I am ex-military, an ex-dual military, and a dependent wife with children. I have experience with helping with military issues, depression, parenting issues, marriage counseling, individual sessions, anxiety, grief, trauma, drug abuse, PTSD, bipolar, borderline personality, and other mental health disorders. I am doing Zoom and telecounseling at the time. This means I can serve all of Texas via telecounseling not just Mansfield. https://www.amazon.com/s?k=barbara+smith-Jordan&crid=YTT9FORJBQRC&sprefix=barbara+smith-jordan%2Caps%2C306&ref=nb_sb_noss
(682) 243-8210 View (682) 243-8210
Photo of Samia Geraghty, Licensed Professional Counselor in Granbury, TX
Samia Geraghty
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Dallas, TX 75214
As a therapist with 20 years of experience, I offer support, empathy, guidance and a safe space to explore any problem you may bring, big or small. Together we can work to identify your goals and find solutions to any issues you are currently facing. I work with adults and adolescents with a wide range of issues including but not limited to anxiety, phobias, depression, bipolar disorder, LGBTQIA, personality disorders, chronic pain, sexual abuse, trauma, job stress and relationship difficulties.
As a therapist with 20 years of experience, I offer support, empathy, guidance and a safe space to explore any problem you may bring, big or small. Together we can work to identify your goals and find solutions to any issues you are currently facing. I work with adults and adolescents with a wide range of issues including but not limited to anxiety, phobias, depression, bipolar disorder, LGBTQIA, personality disorders, chronic pain, sexual abuse, trauma, job stress and relationship difficulties.
(469) 352-2304 View (469) 352-2304
Photo of Myrtle Hawkins, Licensed Professional Counselor in Granbury, TX
Myrtle Hawkins
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, LPHA
Verified Verified
Mesquite, TX 75149  (Online Only)
I have extensive volunteer/training working in local Inpatient hospitals with all populations dealing with Bipolar, Schizophrenia and Borderline Personality as the program manager dealing with the acute status to outpatient services.
Are you sad and confused? I can help you understand the thoughts and feelings that influence behaviors. You can get help through counseling. It is generally short-term and focused on helping you deal with a very specific problem; Virtual only (M,W,Thur 10 or 11), M-F (appointments after 5 pm CST), Saturdays (9-2p) "virtual appointments only". I am experienced in treating a wide range of disorders including: phobias, addictions, depression, and anxiety, couples issues, divorce issues and trauma.
I have extensive volunteer/training working in local Inpatient hospitals with all populations dealing with Bipolar, Schizophrenia and Borderline Personality as the program manager dealing with the acute status to outpatient services.
Are you sad and confused? I can help you understand the thoughts and feelings that influence behaviors. You can get help through counseling. It is generally short-term and focused on helping you deal with a very specific problem; Virtual only (M,W,Thur 10 or 11), M-F (appointments after 5 pm CST), Saturdays (9-2p) "virtual appointments only". I am experienced in treating a wide range of disorders including: phobias, addictions, depression, and anxiety, couples issues, divorce issues and trauma.
(972) 573-9733 View (972) 573-9733
Photo of Krystal Wurm, Licensed Professional Counselor in Granbury, 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 Dr. Jeff J. Rocker, Licensed Professional Counselor in Granbury, TX
Dr. Jeff J. Rocker
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, NCC, LPC, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Dallas, TX 75204
With 12 years of experience working with clients going through individual, relationship, and family issues, Celebrity Therapist Dr. Jeff Rocker has provided therapeutic services to clients nationwide. He is Licensed in 14 states and has served clients from all age groups. Over the years, Dr. Jeff has organized lectures and various events in the community, including excursions and retreats for couples to improve their communication and better understand each other. He has experience working with athletes in the NFL, NBA, and MLB. In addition, Dr. Jeff has also worked with clients in the Movie, Music, and Entertainment Industries.
With 12 years of experience working with clients going through individual, relationship, and family issues, Celebrity Therapist Dr. Jeff Rocker has provided therapeutic services to clients nationwide. He is Licensed in 14 states and has served clients from all age groups. Over the years, Dr. Jeff has organized lectures and various events in the community, including excursions and retreats for couples to improve their communication and better understand each other. He has experience working with athletes in the NFL, NBA, and MLB. In addition, Dr. Jeff has also worked with clients in the Movie, Music, and Entertainment Industries.
(281) 984-5276 View (281) 984-5276
Photo of Tiffany L Morish, Licensed Professional Counselor in Granbury, TX
Tiffany L Morish
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, CRC, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Dallas, TX 75217  (Online Only)
Welcome, Tiffany here! I appreciate you considering therapy and visiting my page. I primarily serve ages 12 into adulthood. I tailor my approach to all ages and provide support based on their needs. My clients mainly seek healing from critical life transitions, trauma, anxiety, people-pleasing behaviors, and identity challenges. I also enjoy serving those experiencing burnout, compassion fatigue, and those working in helping professions. My clients seek a comfortable way to decrease and manage difficult emotions and issues.
Welcome, Tiffany here! I appreciate you considering therapy and visiting my page. I primarily serve ages 12 into adulthood. I tailor my approach to all ages and provide support based on their needs. My clients mainly seek healing from critical life transitions, trauma, anxiety, people-pleasing behaviors, and identity challenges. I also enjoy serving those experiencing burnout, compassion fatigue, and those working in helping professions. My clients seek a comfortable way to decrease and manage difficult emotions and issues.
(817) 803-1009 View (817) 803-1009
Photo of Texas Online Counseling PLLC, Licensed Professional Counselor in Granbury, TX
Texas Online Counseling PLLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, LMFT, CHMC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lewisville, TX 75067  (Online Only)
We have a few therapists to choose from. Michelle Blank is a Licensed Professional Counselor specializing in Anxiety, Substance-Abuse, and Trauma. She works with adult individuals that are 18+. She has night and weekend hours available. Eric Rothe specializes in substance abuse and trauma. He works with 18+ individuals. Pat Keaton is bi-lingual in Spanish and English and works with individuals 18+ and couples. Pat specializes in trauma, substance abuse, and life transitions.
We have a few therapists to choose from. Michelle Blank is a Licensed Professional Counselor specializing in Anxiety, Substance-Abuse, and Trauma. She works with adult individuals that are 18+. She has night and weekend hours available. Eric Rothe specializes in substance abuse and trauma. He works with 18+ individuals. Pat Keaton is bi-lingual in Spanish and English and works with individuals 18+ and couples. Pat specializes in trauma, substance abuse, and life transitions.
(888) 317-7021 x725 View (888) 317-7021 x725
Photo of Laura Graham, Licensed Professional Counselor in Granbury, TX
Laura Graham
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fort Worth, TX 76109
My passion is working with trauma and anxiety. My goal is to help you find peace, comfort and confidence in your life, challenging the negative thoughts and fears. I will walk beside you in your journey, providing compassion and empathy, while discovering what triggers you may have, then developing a plan to overcome them.
My passion is working with trauma and anxiety. My goal is to help you find peace, comfort and confidence in your life, challenging the negative thoughts and fears. I will walk beside you in your journey, providing compassion and empathy, while discovering what triggers you may have, then developing a plan to overcome them.
(682) 243-7993 View (682) 243-7993
Photo of Connections Wellness Group, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Granbury, TX
Connections Wellness Group
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LPC, LMFT, PhD, MD
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Denton, TX 76210
We are a GROUP practice of psychiatrists and counselors with the goal of being (1) easily accessible, (2) affordable, and (3) profoundly competent. Our psychiatrists and therapists are accepting new clients and we can typically provide new patient appointments in a matter of hours, not weeks or months. Our team is made up of Harvard students, college professors, international speakers, and advanced trained fully licensed practitioners. We offer a profoundly talented team with over 150+ years of combined experience, without losing a single ounce of individualized compassion, care, and genuine love for what we do every day.
We are a GROUP practice of psychiatrists and counselors with the goal of being (1) easily accessible, (2) affordable, and (3) profoundly competent. Our psychiatrists and therapists are accepting new clients and we can typically provide new patient appointments in a matter of hours, not weeks or months. Our team is made up of Harvard students, college professors, international speakers, and advanced trained fully licensed practitioners. We offer a profoundly talented team with over 150+ years of combined experience, without losing a single ounce of individualized compassion, care, and genuine love for what we do every day.
(940) 220-3884 View (940) 220-3884
Photo of Damla Ricks, Licensed Professional Counselor in Granbury, TX
Damla Ricks
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
North Richland Hills, TX 76182
NOW ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS!!! Sometimes a past traumatic experience can resurface at a time that we are least expecting it. Finding friends and family members who are supportive can become difficult. We simply don't feel heard or understood. Life can also continue to throw unexpected situations in our way that we do not feel ready to face. I love working with clients who are trying to find themselves in different stages of their life. I have experience working with clients who have past trauma, divorce, martial disagreements and blended family conflict.
NOW ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS!!! Sometimes a past traumatic experience can resurface at a time that we are least expecting it. Finding friends and family members who are supportive can become difficult. We simply don't feel heard or understood. Life can also continue to throw unexpected situations in our way that we do not feel ready to face. I love working with clients who are trying to find themselves in different stages of their life. I have experience working with clients who have past trauma, divorce, martial disagreements and blended family conflict.
(817) 482-3397 View (817) 482-3397
Photo of Paul Cherry, Licensed Professional Counselor in Granbury, TX
Paul Cherry
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, LCDC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fort Worth, TX 76107
I work with adults who have grown cynical, hopeless, burned out, and tired of the never-ending cycle of addiction, distraction, malaise, and who have a restless desire to break free from the status quo. You may have almost given up, but you're holding onto hope that there's still a reason to keep trying to find another way out of this muck. If you're struggling with shame, regret, and life crises manifesting as depression, anxiety, or personal, relationship, and career problems, and you have found escape in destructive, repetitive patterns you'd like to stop, please reach out. I'd love to help you find a way to create something new.
I work with adults who have grown cynical, hopeless, burned out, and tired of the never-ending cycle of addiction, distraction, malaise, and who have a restless desire to break free from the status quo. You may have almost given up, but you're holding onto hope that there's still a reason to keep trying to find another way out of this muck. If you're struggling with shame, regret, and life crises manifesting as depression, anxiety, or personal, relationship, and career problems, and you have found escape in destructive, repetitive patterns you'd like to stop, please reach out. I'd love to help you find a way to create something new.
(682) 204-1986 View (682) 204-1986
Photo of Angela S. Taylor, Licensed Professional Counselor in Granbury, TX
Angela S. Taylor
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC-S
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Dallas, TX 75231
This is overwhelming, I know. Finding the right therapist is stressful and exhausting. With almost 20 years of experience, I've worked with people with numerous struggles effecting their lives, relationships, careers, and/or children. Life can be challenging, and I help my clients find what's standing in the way of achieving happiness, fulfillment, success, and well-being. In a warm, nonjudgemental environment, we explore practical issues, thoughts, ideas, and feelings while being offered honest, open feedback and challenges. We will identify your personal obstacles and barriers while developing an action plan to overcome them.
This is overwhelming, I know. Finding the right therapist is stressful and exhausting. With almost 20 years of experience, I've worked with people with numerous struggles effecting their lives, relationships, careers, and/or children. Life can be challenging, and I help my clients find what's standing in the way of achieving happiness, fulfillment, success, and well-being. In a warm, nonjudgemental environment, we explore practical issues, thoughts, ideas, and feelings while being offered honest, open feedback and challenges. We will identify your personal obstacles and barriers while developing an action plan to overcome them.
(214) 506-2626 View (214) 506-2626
Photo of Pete Bailey, Counselor in Granbury, TX
Pete Bailey
Counselor, MS, LPC, NCC, CCTP
Verified Verified
Frisco, TX 75036
Specializing in depression, anxiety, trauma and stress related disorders. I have a Master of Science in Counseling / Clinical Mental Health from Texas A&M University Commerce. I am a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional and have a research background from UT Southwestern Medical Center in the Center for Depression Research and Clinical Care, and 32 years of first responder experience. This background enables me to help those who have experienced trauma, or may be in crisis. I am here to help you understand why you feel the way you do, and provide the best and most therapeutic mental healthcare possible.
Specializing in depression, anxiety, trauma and stress related disorders. I have a Master of Science in Counseling / Clinical Mental Health from Texas A&M University Commerce. I am a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional and have a research background from UT Southwestern Medical Center in the Center for Depression Research and Clinical Care, and 32 years of first responder experience. This background enables me to help those who have experienced trauma, or may be in crisis. I am here to help you understand why you feel the way you do, and provide the best and most therapeutic mental healthcare possible.
(469) 697-2970 View (469) 697-2970
Photo of Jessica Schneider-Watson, Licensed Professional Counselor in Granbury, TX
Jessica Schneider-Watson
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Weatherford, TX 76087
Jessica Schneider-Watson is a Counselor in Parker County, Texas offering Psychotherapy and Christian Counseling services to all ages. She holds a Master of Arts in Psychology & Counseling and Theology from BH Carroll Theological Seminary. She is licensed in Texas as a LPC and enjoys working with individuals, marriages, teens and children. She is highly trained in working with those suffering from depression, anxiety, OCD, marital or relational conflict, high stress, co-parenting, teens and abusive relationships. While using an integrated theory approach, each client is treated based on their specific needs.
Jessica Schneider-Watson is a Counselor in Parker County, Texas offering Psychotherapy and Christian Counseling services to all ages. She holds a Master of Arts in Psychology & Counseling and Theology from BH Carroll Theological Seminary. She is licensed in Texas as a LPC and enjoys working with individuals, marriages, teens and children. She is highly trained in working with those suffering from depression, anxiety, OCD, marital or relational conflict, high stress, co-parenting, teens and abusive relationships. While using an integrated theory approach, each client is treated based on their specific needs.
(817) 760-2749 View (817) 760-2749

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.