Therapists in Kaufman County, TX
Ruth Omorowa
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Forney, TX 75126 (Online Only)
You did it! You took the first step. Sometimes, life experiences often cause us to lose hope, direction and weigh down our hearts. We find ourselves in need of someone to help unravel our heart issues. As a licensed professional counselor, I have had the privilege of watching people rediscover unlimited possibilities to live a bolder and more fulfilling life. Having support does not mean you were not able to do it on your own, it means you recognized you do not have to do it on your own! I look forward to working with you to help you gain strength and continue life's journey.
You did it! You took the first step. Sometimes, life experiences often cause us to lose hope, direction and weigh down our hearts. We find ourselves in need of someone to help unravel our heart issues. As a licensed professional counselor, I have had the privilege of watching people rediscover unlimited possibilities to live a bolder and more fulfilling life. Having support does not mean you were not able to do it on your own, it means you recognized you do not have to do it on your own! I look forward to working with you to help you gain strength and continue life's journey.
Randi Bradfield
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Forney, TX 75126
I am a Solution Focused therapist with training in trauma and grief. Since I was a child, I have been passionate about helping others. I love bearing witness to the process of self-discovery and helping clients courageously explore the unknown. I bring my “whole” self to the session and have a compassion and training to process other’s trauma. I am honest, raw, and will give you tough love or embrace you when you need it. My style is warm and open. I offer a space to “just be” that is free from judgement and offers unconditional positive regard. I am here to help you navigate your journey to live the life you want!
I am a Solution Focused therapist with training in trauma and grief. Since I was a child, I have been passionate about helping others. I love bearing witness to the process of self-discovery and helping clients courageously explore the unknown. I bring my “whole” self to the session and have a compassion and training to process other’s trauma. I am honest, raw, and will give you tough love or embrace you when you need it. My style is warm and open. I offer a space to “just be” that is free from judgement and offers unconditional positive regard. I am here to help you navigate your journey to live the life you want!
Eric A. Ward
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Mabank, TX 75147
NOW OFFERING IN-PERSON OR ONLINE SESSIONS! Stress & past trauma can sneak up & have us feeling stuck. Chemical & sexual addictions can effect our work, our marriages, our relationships, & our lives. The weight is heavy, but there is hope. For almost twenty years, I've worked with adults, adolescents, couples, & families to help them overcome all manner of addictions & traumas, alleviate anxiety & depression, improve relationships, & reach their personal & relational potential. If needed, we can also connect you with someone to help you with medication management. You are not alone.
NOW OFFERING IN-PERSON OR ONLINE SESSIONS! Stress & past trauma can sneak up & have us feeling stuck. Chemical & sexual addictions can effect our work, our marriages, our relationships, & our lives. The weight is heavy, but there is hope. For almost twenty years, I've worked with adults, adolescents, couples, & families to help them overcome all manner of addictions & traumas, alleviate anxiety & depression, improve relationships, & reach their personal & relational potential. If needed, we can also connect you with someone to help you with medication management. You are not alone.
Dawn Waldron Nelson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-S, ACSW, SAP, CART
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Forney, TX 75126
I have 25 years of psychotherapy experience successfully helping people improve their lives. Talking about problems can be difficult, however, sharing concerns with an objective, professional therapist enables you to understand and overcome challenges. I treat you with respect, understanding, and confidentiality, and provide exceptional services in a comfortable and non-judgmental environment. I have a wide variety of professional experience with children, teens, and adults, in both short and long-term therapy, dealing with a broad spectrum of problems. In addition, I provide diagnostic assessments and consultations.
I have 25 years of psychotherapy experience successfully helping people improve their lives. Talking about problems can be difficult, however, sharing concerns with an objective, professional therapist enables you to understand and overcome challenges. I treat you with respect, understanding, and confidentiality, and provide exceptional services in a comfortable and non-judgmental environment. I have a wide variety of professional experience with children, teens, and adults, in both short and long-term therapy, dealing with a broad spectrum of problems. In addition, I provide diagnostic assessments and consultations.
Michelle Denise Williams
Licensed Professional Counselor, MMFT, HSCCRT, LPC, LCDC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Forney, TX 75126
Have you looked in the mirror and asked yourself, "How did I get here?" “Who can I trust?” “How did my life change so quickly that I can't even recognize myself anymore?" "Am I Crazy?" "I Want to be Happy?" Problems are just the tip of the iceberg. Real problems start and end with the mirror image we see daily. Often the mirror image is silent but dying to speak and live life again. Issues in life start with the inability to be heard, believed in, and understood. I believe the best way to find you again, is to find your voice.
Have you looked in the mirror and asked yourself, "How did I get here?" “Who can I trust?” “How did my life change so quickly that I can't even recognize myself anymore?" "Am I Crazy?" "I Want to be Happy?" Problems are just the tip of the iceberg. Real problems start and end with the mirror image we see daily. Often the mirror image is silent but dying to speak and live life again. Issues in life start with the inability to be heard, believed in, and understood. I believe the best way to find you again, is to find your voice.
ADULTs & COUPLEs @ Embrace New Life
Licensed Professional Counselor, DSW, PsyD, LPC, LCSW
Verified Verified
Forney, TX 75126
🅐🅒🅒🅔🅟🅣🅘🅝🅖 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 ✞
God Healer Of Hearts Counseling Center, PC
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LCDC, MMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Forney, TX 75126
God Healer of Hearts Counseling Center, P. C. strongly believes that people are imperfect. They are beautiful and spectacular but can also become stuck, unhappy, and unable to live a fulfilling life. That’s where we come in. As a corporation that was built due to Michelle's need to offer affordable counseling to those in the community, our open doors became your home away from home. During the pandemic, our company was available 20 hours a day to offer assistance to those who were so in need. We offer in the office and online sessions. We never closed our doors. The pandemic caused a lot of anxiety and depression around the world.
God Healer of Hearts Counseling Center, P. C. strongly believes that people are imperfect. They are beautiful and spectacular but can also become stuck, unhappy, and unable to live a fulfilling life. That’s where we come in. As a corporation that was built due to Michelle's need to offer affordable counseling to those in the community, our open doors became your home away from home. During the pandemic, our company was available 20 hours a day to offer assistance to those who were so in need. We offer in the office and online sessions. We never closed our doors. The pandemic caused a lot of anxiety and depression around the world.
Valor Therapy, PLLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, NCC, LPC, LCDC, CCTP
Verified Verified
Terrell, TX 75160 (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.
Online Therapists
Lifeworks Counseling Center, PLLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Addison, TX 75001
Lifeworks therapists work with most emotional/psychological disorders; such as, major depression, bipolar, anxiety/PTSD, anger/stress, grief & personality disorders.
Lifeworks Counseling Center, PLLC has been in business since 1992. We provide therapy for ages 4 and up. We have 9 therapists (LPC, LMFT, LCSW) who provide counseling for almost any emotional/mental/spiritual challenge people face in today's culture. We have therapists on most major insurance and EAP panels and also work with private pay clients as well.
Lifeworks therapists work with most emotional/psychological disorders; such as, major depression, bipolar, anxiety/PTSD, anger/stress, grief & personality disorders.
Lifeworks Counseling Center, PLLC has been in business since 1992. We provide therapy for ages 4 and up. We have 9 therapists (LPC, LMFT, LCSW) who provide counseling for almost any emotional/mental/spiritual challenge people face in today's culture. We have therapists on most major insurance and EAP panels and also work with private pay clients as well.
Casey Leamy
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LCDC, EMDR
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Dallas, TX 75252
My experience encompasses substance abuse, self-harm, domestic violence, trauma, adolescent behavioral issues, relational issues, family conflict, parenting, depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, Adjustment Disorders, Bipolar, Borderline, and ADHD.
Nothing in life is one size fits all; therapy is no exception. My first priority is to establish a trusting relationship with you, then together create goals tailored to your individual needs. As humans, we tend to shy away from uncomfortable, unwanted, or overwhelming feelings/thoughts. We all develop habits to cope; sometimes those habits may no longer be helpful. In a non-judgmental and safe environment, we will work together, unlock your potential and create the change you desire. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor and fully trained in EMDR in Texas.
My experience encompasses substance abuse, self-harm, domestic violence, trauma, adolescent behavioral issues, relational issues, family conflict, parenting, depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, Adjustment Disorders, Bipolar, Borderline, and ADHD.
Nothing in life is one size fits all; therapy is no exception. My first priority is to establish a trusting relationship with you, then together create goals tailored to your individual needs. As humans, we tend to shy away from uncomfortable, unwanted, or overwhelming feelings/thoughts. We all develop habits to cope; sometimes those habits may no longer be helpful. In a non-judgmental and safe environment, we will work together, unlock your potential and create the change you desire. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor and fully trained in EMDR in Texas.
Kristina McCray
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, LSSP
Verified Verified
Richardson, TX 75082
Kristina McCray is a licensed professional counselor with over 15 years of experience working as a mental health professional. She has experience with working with people of all ages, cultures, and backgrounds on a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, OCD, Bipolar, Schizophrenia, Autism Spectrum Disorder, personality disorders, substance addiction, identity problems, self-esteem problems, domestic, sexual abuse, ADHD, etc. Kristina also has helped many people who have experienced physical and emotional trauma. Moreover, Kristina is a School Psychologist.
Kristina McCray is a licensed professional counselor with over 15 years of experience working as a mental health professional. She has experience with working with people of all ages, cultures, and backgrounds on a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, OCD, Bipolar, Schizophrenia, Autism Spectrum Disorder, personality disorders, substance addiction, identity problems, self-esteem problems, domestic, sexual abuse, ADHD, etc. Kristina also has helped many people who have experienced physical and emotional trauma. Moreover, Kristina is a School Psychologist.
Paul D Myers
Counselor, MA, LPC-S
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Frisco, TX 75034
Counseling is my life's calling! I have a background in helping people with the following struggles: depression, anxiety, ADD, bipolar, past abuse, marital or family conflict, parenting issues, troubled teenagers, and career decisions.
I understand your pain, I've been there. I want to help you, your children and, your family make life transformations and create positive change. Imagine freedom from anxiety, the ability to break depression, and a new healthy direction for your life! I've seen great results in my clients and I want to you be the next person I serve to make a positive difference. I counsel from a faith based cognitive behavioral perspective to help you gain control over your thoughts and feelings and overcome the pain that life throws our way.
Counseling is my life's calling! I have a background in helping people with the following struggles: depression, anxiety, ADD, bipolar, past abuse, marital or family conflict, parenting issues, troubled teenagers, and career decisions.
I understand your pain, I've been there. I want to help you, your children and, your family make life transformations and create positive change. Imagine freedom from anxiety, the ability to break depression, and a new healthy direction for your life! I've seen great results in my clients and I want to you be the next person I serve to make a positive difference. I counsel from a faith based cognitive behavioral perspective to help you gain control over your thoughts and feelings and overcome the pain that life throws our way.
David L. Falkstein, Ph.D., & Associates
Psychologist, PhD, LSSP
Verified Verified
Allen, TX 75013
We have expertise in the areas of ADHD, depression, anxiety, Autism/Aspergers, dyslexia, learning disabilities, and emotional/behavioral disorders (anxiety, depression, Oppositional Defiant, and Bipolar Disorder).
Dr. Falkstein has worked in the mental health field since 1988 and has conducted several thousand evaluations over the past 25 years. Unlike most psychologists, Dr. Falkstein has experience and knowledge as a psychologist in private practice and as a school psychologist actually working in the schools. Dr. Falkstein has a clinical team that works with him that includes 6 other Psychologists and 4 Licensed Professional Counselors. We offer evaluation services and therapy services to children, adolescents, and adults.
We have expertise in the areas of ADHD, depression, anxiety, Autism/Aspergers, dyslexia, learning disabilities, and emotional/behavioral disorders (anxiety, depression, Oppositional Defiant, and Bipolar Disorder).
Dr. Falkstein has worked in the mental health field since 1988 and has conducted several thousand evaluations over the past 25 years. Unlike most psychologists, Dr. Falkstein has experience and knowledge as a psychologist in private practice and as a school psychologist actually working in the schools. Dr. Falkstein has a clinical team that works with him that includes 6 other Psychologists and 4 Licensed Professional Counselors. We offer evaluation services and therapy services to children, adolescents, and adults.
Rachel Gerbosi
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, LMFT, LCDC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Dallas, TX 75252 (Online Only)
My experience includes, substance abuse, self-harm, domestic violence, trauma, adolescent behavioral issues, relational issues, family conflict, parenting, depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, Adjustment Disorders, Bipolar, Borderline, and ADHD.
My first priority in the counseling process is to ensure a trusting therapeutic relationship between you and I. No two people are the same, and it is my mission for us to work together to establish goals that are personalized to fit your unique needs. We, as individuals, encounter challenges in life that cause us to feel overwhelmed. It is important for me to help you see your potential, finding meaning and direction in your life, through positive encouragement. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, and Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor, in the state of Texas.
My experience includes, substance abuse, self-harm, domestic violence, trauma, adolescent behavioral issues, relational issues, family conflict, parenting, depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, Adjustment Disorders, Bipolar, Borderline, and ADHD.
My first priority in the counseling process is to ensure a trusting therapeutic relationship between you and I. No two people are the same, and it is my mission for us to work together to establish goals that are personalized to fit your unique needs. We, as individuals, encounter challenges in life that cause us to feel overwhelmed. It is important for me to help you see your potential, finding meaning and direction in your life, through positive encouragement. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, and Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor, in the state of Texas.
Urban Counseling Clique
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, MS, LPC-S, CHT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Dallas, TX 75243 (Online Only)
Specializing in Depression, Bipolar disorder, Anxiety, and trauma.
Are you tired of traditional counseling and want to see real results in your situation? At Urban Counseling Clique we do not tell you what you want to hear. We tell you the truth. If you are seeking a counselor with a "real" approach on life you have come to the right place. We provide you with the tools to help you make significant changes in your life and see real progress.
Specializing in Depression, Bipolar disorder, Anxiety, and trauma.
Are you tired of traditional counseling and want to see real results in your situation? At Urban Counseling Clique we do not tell you what you want to hear. We tell you the truth. If you are seeking a counselor with a "real" approach on life you have come to the right place. We provide you with the tools to help you make significant changes in your life and see real progress.
Kelleigh Head
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Richardson, TX 75081
Casual, relaxed, & approachable therapeutic atmosphere to help clients with any issue they wish to discuss. Dr. Kelleigh Head (pronounced "Kelly") is a Psychologist in Richardson & Prosper TX. Since 2007, she has worked with a variety of clients and issues (anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and just life in general). She can utilize different orientations and styles as determined by need of client. Her primary focus is conducting psychological evaluations. These assessments are comprehensive and utilize industry standard measures.
Casual, relaxed, & approachable therapeutic atmosphere to help clients with any issue they wish to discuss. Dr. Kelleigh Head (pronounced "Kelly") is a Psychologist in Richardson & Prosper TX. Since 2007, she has worked with a variety of clients and issues (anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and just life in general). She can utilize different orientations and styles as determined by need of client. Her primary focus is conducting psychological evaluations. These assessments are comprehensive and utilize industry standard measures.
Krista Woods
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Dallas, TX 75243
Have you been struggling with feelings of sadness, anxiety or panic attacks? Or are you tired of people using you or struggling to get motivated? I provide compassionate care while providing the tools and information to help you heal. Other challenges like drugs/alcohol, bipolar disorder; or if you're not sure what the problem is but need help and support, I will work with you to help you live a better, healthier life. My extensive experience also includes helping children, teens and adults impacted by foster care, have been adopted, are birth parents, or who are adoptive/ foster parents.
Have you been struggling with feelings of sadness, anxiety or panic attacks? Or are you tired of people using you or struggling to get motivated? I provide compassionate care while providing the tools and information to help you heal. Other challenges like drugs/alcohol, bipolar disorder; or if you're not sure what the problem is but need help and support, I will work with you to help you live a better, healthier life. My extensive experience also includes helping children, teens and adults impacted by foster care, have been adopted, are birth parents, or who are adoptive/ foster parents.
Monique M Thompson
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, LPC-S
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Frisco, TX 75034
I also offer traditional general mental health counseling for depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder.
Same or Next Day Appointments Available. I am a Mental Health Expert in my 21st year as a psychotherapist.
I also offer traditional general mental health counseling for depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder.
Same or Next Day Appointments Available. I am a Mental Health Expert in my 21st year as a psychotherapist.
Desiree Frazier
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Flower Mound, TX 75022
I am a licensed psychologist who specializes in treatment for children and adolescents (including young adults up to age 25) and their families, especially regarding trauma, self-harm, suicidal ideation, and mood disorders. I have an extensive history of working with issues related to history of depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, OCD, and issues related to abuse, death, and divorce. My primary objective is to improve family functioning and overall quality of life. I am passionate about helping individuals and families work toward their vision of cohesion and happiness.
I am a licensed psychologist who specializes in treatment for children and adolescents (including young adults up to age 25) and their families, especially regarding trauma, self-harm, suicidal ideation, and mood disorders. I have an extensive history of working with issues related to history of depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, OCD, and issues related to abuse, death, and divorce. My primary objective is to improve family functioning and overall quality of life. I am passionate about helping individuals and families work toward their vision of cohesion and happiness.
Megan Rasmussen
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC-S
Verified Verified
Frisco, TX 75034
Amongst Megan’s areas of expertise are the treatment of Anxiety, Depression, Adjustment Disorder, Alcohol/ Chemical Dependency, Anger Management, Attachment Disorders, ADHD, Behavior Modification, Bipolar Disorder, Codependency, Domestic Violence, Disordered Eating, Gender Identity/ Sexuality, LGBTQIA+, Impulse Disorder, Mood Disorders, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Panic Disorder, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Psychotic Disorder, Self-harm, Suicide Ideation, Sleep Disorders, Stress Management, Trauma, and Women’s Issues. She enjoys working with teenagers, adults, couples, and families.
Amongst Megan’s areas of expertise are the treatment of Anxiety, Depression, Adjustment Disorder, Alcohol/ Chemical Dependency, Anger Management, Attachment Disorders, ADHD, Behavior Modification, Bipolar Disorder, Codependency, Domestic Violence, Disordered Eating, Gender Identity/ Sexuality, LGBTQIA+, Impulse Disorder, Mood Disorders, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Panic Disorder, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Psychotic Disorder, Self-harm, Suicide Ideation, Sleep Disorders, Stress Management, Trauma, and Women’s Issues. She enjoys working with teenagers, adults, couples, and families.
See more therapy options for Kaufman County
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.