Therapists in Kaufman County, TX
Samantha Allison-Evans
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Forney, TX 75126 (Online Only)
Allison Evans Counseling & Consulting, PLLC , our mission is to heal, empower, and transform lives through compassionate counseling services. We strive to empower individuals to reach their full potential and make positive changes in their lives. My name is Samantha Allison- Evans and I am the owner of Allison Evans Counseling and Consulting, PLLC. I am a licensed mental health therapist .Our ultimate goal is to help clients achieve personal growth, overcome challenges, and find lasting happiness and fulfillment.
Allison Evans Counseling & Consulting, PLLC , our mission is to heal, empower, and transform lives through compassionate counseling services. We strive to empower individuals to reach their full potential and make positive changes in their lives. My name is Samantha Allison- Evans and I am the owner of Allison Evans Counseling and Consulting, PLLC. I am a licensed mental health therapist .Our ultimate goal is to help clients achieve personal growth, overcome challenges, and find lasting happiness and fulfillment.
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.
Randall E Kitchen
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Forney, TX 75126 (Online Only)
I'm an Adlerian therapist who is trained in Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (A beautiful & effective model of therapy) and have specialized in helping couples for the last 15 years. You'll find I make therapy safe, good, and productive. I use a collaborative approach where you and I work as a team to decrease and eliminate your symptoms and issues so you can achieve your goals and live a happier and successful life. Many of my clients come to me seeking help with addiction related problems. My work is rooted in over 25 years, and I help them create their unique personal solution to the challenges they are facing in their lives.
I'm an Adlerian therapist who is trained in Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (A beautiful & effective model of therapy) and have specialized in helping couples for the last 15 years. You'll find I make therapy safe, good, and productive. I use a collaborative approach where you and I work as a team to decrease and eliminate your symptoms and issues so you can achieve your goals and live a happier and successful life. Many of my clients come to me seeking help with addiction related problems. My work is rooted in over 25 years, and I help them create their unique personal solution to the challenges they are facing in their lives.
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.
Jacob P Byrom
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Terrell, TX 75160
Sometimes our experiences cause us to question ourselves. We often feel stuck, hopeless and alone. It is possible to move from hopeless to hopeful, from stuck to motivated, and from lonely to connected. The potential to make significant changes in our lives is inside each and every one of us. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, addiction or relationship conflicts, choosing counseling is a demonstration of your personal power. My experience and interest is in working with adults, couples, children and adolescents in areas such as addiction, anxiety, depression, behavioral issues and relationship conflict.
Sometimes our experiences cause us to question ourselves. We often feel stuck, hopeless and alone. It is possible to move from hopeless to hopeful, from stuck to motivated, and from lonely to connected. The potential to make significant changes in our lives is inside each and every one of us. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, addiction or relationship conflicts, choosing counseling is a demonstration of your personal power. My experience and interest is in working with adults, couples, children and adolescents in areas such as addiction, anxiety, depression, behavioral issues and relationship conflict.
Andrea L. Powell
Licensed Master Social Worker, LMSW
Verified Verified
Forney, TX 75126 (Online Only)
I am a licensed social worker and have worked in the field of social work for over 18 years. I am a woman with lived experience surrounding neglect, trauma, divorce, motherhood, grief, failure, triumph, hiccups, mistakes, self-doubt, anxiety, depression, you name it. I am a true believer in giving grace to yourself and meeting yourself where you are. I am a Christian and will incorporate biblical principles in sessions if clients ask me to do so, however this is not the case for most of my clients. I am here to provide a judgement free space to support my clients as they walk through the challenges they are faced with.
I am a licensed social worker and have worked in the field of social work for over 18 years. I am a woman with lived experience surrounding neglect, trauma, divorce, motherhood, grief, failure, triumph, hiccups, mistakes, self-doubt, anxiety, depression, you name it. I am a true believer in giving grace to yourself and meeting yourself where you are. I am a Christian and will incorporate biblical principles in sessions if clients ask me to do so, however this is not the case for most of my clients. I am here to provide a judgement free space to support my clients as they walk through the challenges they are faced with.
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
Manuel Vicente
LPC Associate, MEd
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Colleyville, TX 76034
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate under the supervision of Heidi Johanson, LPC-S. I graduated with a MEd in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lamar University. I have had experience in working with clients who have depression, anxiety, ADHD, PTSD/Trauma, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, Domestic violent relationships, substance use disorders and life adjustment stressors. My goal as a counselor is to find a tailored approach to meeting each client's specific needs to help uncover their strength. The years of experience I have in the behavioral health field has helped shaped me to be non judgmental.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate under the supervision of Heidi Johanson, LPC-S. I graduated with a MEd in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lamar University. I have had experience in working with clients who have depression, anxiety, ADHD, PTSD/Trauma, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, Domestic violent relationships, substance use disorders and life adjustment stressors. My goal as a counselor is to find a tailored approach to meeting each client's specific needs to help uncover their strength. The years of experience I have in the behavioral health field has helped shaped me to be non judgmental.
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.
Bryan Gray
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, LPC-A, MA
Verified Verified
Garland, TX 75043
Hello, I'm Bryan Gray. I understand that you are looking for someone who can offer high-quality services, is relatable, and truly understands your needs. I have a wealth of experience working with diverse individuals and tackling a wide range of issues. I'm here to provide support and guidance, regardless of the mental health challenges you're encountering. Whether it's anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, or any other condition, please know that you don't have to face it alone. I offer a safe and inclusive environment where you can feel welcome.
Hello, I'm Bryan Gray. I understand that you are looking for someone who can offer high-quality services, is relatable, and truly understands your needs. I have a wealth of experience working with diverse individuals and tackling a wide range of issues. I'm here to provide support and guidance, regardless of the mental health challenges you're encountering. Whether it's anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, or any other condition, please know that you don't have to face it alone. I offer a safe and inclusive environment where you can feel welcome.
Amy Ann Porras
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Dallas, TX 75206
My goal for my clients is to guide them from a place of pain and suffering toward growth and healing. I am a LPC who specializes in helping clients navigate challenges of pre and post divorce, infidelity recovery, couples seeking healing, understanding, and intimacy. I also support individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma/complex trauma, codependency, anger management, bipolar disorder, self-harm behaviors, and lack of assertiveness by helping them develop a healthier self-concept. I am EMDR trained and work with first responders.
My goal for my clients is to guide them from a place of pain and suffering toward growth and healing. I am a LPC who specializes in helping clients navigate challenges of pre and post divorce, infidelity recovery, couples seeking healing, understanding, and intimacy. I also support individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma/complex trauma, codependency, anger management, bipolar disorder, self-harm behaviors, and lack of assertiveness by helping them develop a healthier self-concept. I am EMDR trained and work with first responders.
Chris Epstein
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC-S
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Dallas, TX 75230
I have special interests in working with those struggling with anxiety and depressive disorders, dual diagnosis, spiritual issues, substance use disorders, boundary issues, conflict resolution, interpersonal skill-building and bipolar disorder.
Being a Licensed Professional Counselor in Texas for many years, I have enjoyed a type of therapy that allows an individual to find freedom through acceptance of their issues rather than running from the reality of their existence. As we come to understand our past and how it has shaped us, we can then begin the practice of choosing differently for ourselves in the present and for our future. This search is a sacred process where therapist and client join together, rather than a therapy done 'to' you as a client. I would like to join in that process with you!
I have special interests in working with those struggling with anxiety and depressive disorders, dual diagnosis, spiritual issues, substance use disorders, boundary issues, conflict resolution, interpersonal skill-building and bipolar disorder.
Being a Licensed Professional Counselor in Texas for many years, I have enjoyed a type of therapy that allows an individual to find freedom through acceptance of their issues rather than running from the reality of their existence. As we come to understand our past and how it has shaped us, we can then begin the practice of choosing differently for ourselves in the present and for our future. This search is a sacred process where therapist and client join together, rather than a therapy done 'to' you as a client. I would like to join in that process with you!
Paul R. Cuppett, PsyD, Licensed Psychologist
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Mansfield, TX 76063
When needed, psychological testing is conducted for diagnosing and treating learning difficulties, behavior and mood problems, depression, bipolar disorder and other psychiatric difficulties.
People generally don't seek out therapy when life or circumstances are going as they hoped or expected. For over 25 years, the practice of psychology has been my chosen profession. I consider it an honor to assist people in better understanding their circumstances and in identifying a path that can lead to growth and healing.
When needed, psychological testing is conducted for diagnosing and treating learning difficulties, behavior and mood problems, depression, bipolar disorder and other psychiatric difficulties.
People generally don't seek out therapy when life or circumstances are going as they hoped or expected. For over 25 years, the practice of psychology has been my chosen profession. I consider it an honor to assist people in better understanding their circumstances and in identifying a path that can lead to growth and healing.
Natalie Cole
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
McKinney, TX 75070
Natalie Cole has been a practicing Licensed Professional Counselor since 2002. Natalie takes great pride in her work and customizes therapy to best meet the needs of each client. Natalie has significant experience in working with adolescents through adults and couples. Natalie is a Texas Family Law Mediator and works with high conflict families, couples, and even parents and teens to help them navigate the difficulties that can arise through troubled relationships. Natalie has significant experience in working with issues such as depression, anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, trauma, grief/loss, infertility, teen issues, and divorce.
Natalie Cole has been a practicing Licensed Professional Counselor since 2002. Natalie takes great pride in her work and customizes therapy to best meet the needs of each client. Natalie has significant experience in working with adolescents through adults and couples. Natalie is a Texas Family Law Mediator and works with high conflict families, couples, and even parents and teens to help them navigate the difficulties that can arise through troubled relationships. Natalie has significant experience in working with issues such as depression, anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, trauma, grief/loss, infertility, teen issues, and divorce.
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.
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.
Wade Christian Peterson
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Justin, TX 76247
I specialize in the treatment of Complex Psychological Trauma including relational trauma from abusive relationships, PTSD, and all forms of addiction including sex and other process addictions (such as pornography, gambling, and food). I have a great deal of experience working with Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Depression, and Bipolar Disorder. I assist individuals in establishing skills to set and maintain appropriate boundaries, identify codependency, address denial, and improve conflict management tools.
I specialize in the treatment of Complex Psychological Trauma including relational trauma from abusive relationships, PTSD, and all forms of addiction including sex and other process addictions (such as pornography, gambling, and food). I have a great deal of experience working with Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Depression, and Bipolar Disorder. I assist individuals in establishing skills to set and maintain appropriate boundaries, identify codependency, address denial, and improve conflict management tools.
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.