Photo of Acacia Jaimez, Licensed Professional Counselor in Live Oak, TX
Acacia Jaimez
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Live Oak, TX 78233  (Online Only)
Trauma, major life events, or even stressors often leave us feeling off balanced and discouraged. Discussing those difficult times with a professional is a step in the restoration process. I provide a safe, comfortable, and non-judgmental space where you can come and begin the healing process. During our sessions, goals will be set in order to help you get back to feeling balanced.
Trauma, major life events, or even stressors often leave us feeling off balanced and discouraged. Discussing those difficult times with a professional is a step in the restoration process. I provide a safe, comfortable, and non-judgmental space where you can come and begin the healing process. During our sessions, goals will be set in order to help you get back to feeling balanced.
(210) 750-6583 View (210) 750-6583
Photo of Rhapsody Counseling and Wellness Center, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Live Oak, TX
Rhapsody Counseling and Wellness Center
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Live Oak, TX 78233
Not convinced teletherapy is a good fit for you during COVID19? Are you tired for feeling overwhelmed, alone and unable to get out of bed? Well allow us at Rhapsody Counseling and Wellness Center to be a light of hope for you and your family during these difficult times. During a Pandemic the last thing you need is to do life alone, YOU DON'T HAVE TO! We are open, accepting new patients and here to help, call us today for your free 15 min free consultation, so you could assess if therapy is for you; and allow us to join you on your journey to complete wellness. We are offering virtual and in person sessions, Call (210) 286-9339.
Not convinced teletherapy is a good fit for you during COVID19? Are you tired for feeling overwhelmed, alone and unable to get out of bed? Well allow us at Rhapsody Counseling and Wellness Center to be a light of hope for you and your family during these difficult times. During a Pandemic the last thing you need is to do life alone, YOU DON'T HAVE TO! We are open, accepting new patients and here to help, call us today for your free 15 min free consultation, so you could assess if therapy is for you; and allow us to join you on your journey to complete wellness. We are offering virtual and in person sessions, Call (210) 286-9339.
(210) 801-9968 View (210) 801-9968
Photo of Febe S Fernandez, Licensed Professional Counselor in Live Oak, TX
Febe S Fernandez
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Live Oak, TX 78233
As a therapist, I like to build a strong non-judgmental relationship with patients in order to encourage safety and the comfort needed to explore and resolve the life struggles that have led you to counseling. I use cognitive behavioral therapy to pin down problem areas in thinking that ultimately affect our relationships, self-worth, and perspective in an unhealthy way. I work towards assisting individuals towards their own therapeutic goals in a structured manner that aims at efficiently providing tools and the knowledge necessary to overcome current and future life stressors.
As a therapist, I like to build a strong non-judgmental relationship with patients in order to encourage safety and the comfort needed to explore and resolve the life struggles that have led you to counseling. I use cognitive behavioral therapy to pin down problem areas in thinking that ultimately affect our relationships, self-worth, and perspective in an unhealthy way. I work towards assisting individuals towards their own therapeutic goals in a structured manner that aims at efficiently providing tools and the knowledge necessary to overcome current and future life stressors.
(210) 812-2613 View (210) 812-2613
Photo of Mary Walseth, Licensed Professional Counselor in Live Oak, TX
Mary Walseth
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Live Oak, TX 78233
Waitlist for new clients
SATURDAY appointments now available! Counseling can be a marvelous way to assist you or a loved one to do better and feel better. Sometimes our coping skills fall short of our needs, and feeling like there are no more options can absolutely feel like hitting rock bottom. But there is hope. Someone does care. I have, myself, had many challenges in life and have, from time to time, sought help in counseling. Needing help does not mean you are weak: it means you are ready to find answers.
SATURDAY appointments now available! Counseling can be a marvelous way to assist you or a loved one to do better and feel better. Sometimes our coping skills fall short of our needs, and feeling like there are no more options can absolutely feel like hitting rock bottom. But there is hope. Someone does care. I have, myself, had many challenges in life and have, from time to time, sought help in counseling. Needing help does not mean you are weak: it means you are ready to find answers.
(210) 343-2098 View (210) 343-2098
Photo of Jamey Hinman, Licensed Professional Counselor in Live Oak, TX
Jamey Hinman
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LCDC, EMDR
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Live Oak, TX 78233
I believe recovery and growth is a deeply personal individualized experience. I feel privileged being a part of each clients journey. Empathy, compassion, self-worth, vulnerability & relationships with yourself & others are areas that I can help you with on your journey to healing, growing and excelling. Finding the right counselor is paramount to achieving success. I’m an Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) & Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC). I received both my B.A. in Psychology & M.A. in Counseling and Guidance from Texas A&M. I’ve worked in various settings such as private practice, outpatient & residential.
I believe recovery and growth is a deeply personal individualized experience. I feel privileged being a part of each clients journey. Empathy, compassion, self-worth, vulnerability & relationships with yourself & others are areas that I can help you with on your journey to healing, growing and excelling. Finding the right counselor is paramount to achieving success. I’m an Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) & Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC). I received both my B.A. in Psychology & M.A. in Counseling and Guidance from Texas A&M. I’ve worked in various settings such as private practice, outpatient & residential.
(830) 310-6112 View (830) 310-6112
Photo of Kassandra Thompson Double T Counseling, PLLC , Licensed Professional Counselor in Live Oak, TX
Kassandra Thompson Double T Counseling, PLLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Live Oak, TX 78233
Please email if you are interested in services, I am better able to reply - I provide counseling to individuals, teens, and families in many areas, such as: depression, anxiety, anger, PTSD and trauma, self-esteem, and teen identity, as well as a variety of other life issues and disorders. I further have a passion for assisting with divorce and positive co-parenting relationships. If you need guidance through past or present, I can assist you in gaining insight and awareness, mindfulness, communication, and boundaries, among many other tools that help you navigate through challenging times.
Please email if you are interested in services, I am better able to reply - I provide counseling to individuals, teens, and families in many areas, such as: depression, anxiety, anger, PTSD and trauma, self-esteem, and teen identity, as well as a variety of other life issues and disorders. I further have a passion for assisting with divorce and positive co-parenting relationships. If you need guidance through past or present, I can assist you in gaining insight and awareness, mindfulness, communication, and boundaries, among many other tools that help you navigate through challenging times.
(210) 796-7680 View (210) 796-7680
Photo of Karen Christopher, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Live Oak, TX
Karen Christopher
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Live Oak, TX 78233  (Online Only)
Let's connect and begin working towards healing your heart, mind and soul. With the right person by your side healing is possible. I want to understand what you are experiencing and help you overcome those feelings. I'm confident we can work towards building your resiliency, strength, confidence and self worth for a more rewarding and fulfilling life.
Let's connect and begin working towards healing your heart, mind and soul. With the right person by your side healing is possible. I want to understand what you are experiencing and help you overcome those feelings. I'm confident we can work towards building your resiliency, strength, confidence and self worth for a more rewarding and fulfilling life.
(210) 775-2979 View (210) 775-2979

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Mary A Dom, Licensed Professional Counselor in Live Oak, TX
Mary A Dom
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Antonio, TX 78213  (Online Only)
I am very experienced in working with mood disorders, especially Bipolar Disorder.
Talking about your concerns can help clarify what you want and need in your life. Finding choices helps us to grow and change personally and emotionally. I am here to give you the knowledge, perspective and experience gained through working with people in therapy for over 30 years. As a licensed professional counselor with experience in providing preteen, teen, couples, and individual counseling, let me offer you a warm and accepting environment where being non-judgmental is necessary to make you feel comfortable. Please note I work by telehealth only and my hours are Sunday through Friday from 7am to 3pm.
I am very experienced in working with mood disorders, especially Bipolar Disorder.
Talking about your concerns can help clarify what you want and need in your life. Finding choices helps us to grow and change personally and emotionally. I am here to give you the knowledge, perspective and experience gained through working with people in therapy for over 30 years. As a licensed professional counselor with experience in providing preteen, teen, couples, and individual counseling, let me offer you a warm and accepting environment where being non-judgmental is necessary to make you feel comfortable. Please note I work by telehealth only and my hours are Sunday through Friday from 7am to 3pm.
(210) 978-0987 View (210) 978-0987
Photo of Velma Perez, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Live Oak, TX
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.
(210) 614-4990 View (210) 614-4990
Photo of Jim Toombs, Marriage & Family Therapist in Live Oak, TX
Jim Toombs
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, EMDR
Verified Verified
San Antonio, TX 78213
I have helped others with: depression, anxiety, physical or sex abuse, PTSD, bipolar depression, dissociative disorders, phobias, chronic pain, migraines, and performance anxiety.
Emotional pain ... sucks. I can help your pain. Flashbacks, nightmares and PTSD respond very well to EMDR, as do intrusive thoughts and disturbing memories. I have been using it since 1993, so early that Francine Shapiro, the creator of EMDR, trained me herself. In addition, my basic training is Marriage and Family so I excel in relationships. But memories cause most of our problems.
I have helped others with: depression, anxiety, physical or sex abuse, PTSD, bipolar depression, dissociative disorders, phobias, chronic pain, migraines, and performance anxiety.
Emotional pain ... sucks. I can help your pain. Flashbacks, nightmares and PTSD respond very well to EMDR, as do intrusive thoughts and disturbing memories. I have been using it since 1993, so early that Francine Shapiro, the creator of EMDR, trained me herself. In addition, my basic training is Marriage and Family so I excel in relationships. But memories cause most of our problems.
(210) 417-4687 View (210) 417-4687
Photo of Karisha Richards, Licensed Professional Counselor in Live Oak, TX
Karisha Richards
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC-S
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Antonio, TX 78209  (Online Only)
Welcome and thank you for visiting my profile, my name is Karisha and I am the owner of Delvon Behavioral Health! I am a fully Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor with 15 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults. I specialize in teaching my clients how to manage symptoms of anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, and grief. I also have experience with clients who wish to explore their gender identity, exhibit symptoms of schizophrenia/psychosis, and bipolar disorder.
Welcome and thank you for visiting my profile, my name is Karisha and I am the owner of Delvon Behavioral Health! I am a fully Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor with 15 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults. I specialize in teaching my clients how to manage symptoms of anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, and grief. I also have experience with clients who wish to explore their gender identity, exhibit symptoms of schizophrenia/psychosis, and bipolar disorder.
(903) 329-2946 View (903) 329-2946
Photo of Battling Minds, LLC , Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Live Oak, TX
Battling Minds, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Antonio, TX 78209
Tiffany Juarez is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Texas with 13 years of experience. She meets people with grace, empathy and her interpersonal skills allow her to connect and see people where they are. She creates a collaborative space of growth and self-development. Tiffany treats conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, addiction, bipolar, and many other conditions. Tiffany is sensitive to the uniqueness of each patient's situation and adapts treatment appropriately to accommodate individual needs and concerns.
Tiffany Juarez is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Texas with 13 years of experience. She meets people with grace, empathy and her interpersonal skills allow her to connect and see people where they are. She creates a collaborative space of growth and self-development. Tiffany treats conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, addiction, bipolar, and many other conditions. Tiffany is sensitive to the uniqueness of each patient's situation and adapts treatment appropriately to accommodate individual needs and concerns.
(210) 981-4168 View (210) 981-4168
Photo of Sabrena Montgomery, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Live Oak, TX
Sabrena Montgomery
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
Cibolo, TX 78108  (Online Only)
We work with individuals living with Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety, Relationship, Schizophrenia/Schizoaffective Disorders, Self-Esteem, Life, and Parenting/Teen issues and other issues.
YOUR HEALING BEGINS NOW! YOU DON'T HAVE TO SUFFER ALONE! We are here to support you. We believe in the ideals of building mental & emotional well-belling through self-empowerment of the mind, body, & spirit providing a relatable approach with realistic insight. We utilize a compassionate & innovative care approach in a non-judgmental environment. We are dedicated and enjoy providing mental health treatment to those that come for support and resolve in dealing with life issues. We are focused on providing services with the highest levels of customer satisfaction & we will do all we can to meet your expectations.
We work with individuals living with Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety, Relationship, Schizophrenia/Schizoaffective Disorders, Self-Esteem, Life, and Parenting/Teen issues and other issues.
YOUR HEALING BEGINS NOW! YOU DON'T HAVE TO SUFFER ALONE! We are here to support you. We believe in the ideals of building mental & emotional well-belling through self-empowerment of the mind, body, & spirit providing a relatable approach with realistic insight. We utilize a compassionate & innovative care approach in a non-judgmental environment. We are dedicated and enjoy providing mental health treatment to those that come for support and resolve in dealing with life issues. We are focused on providing services with the highest levels of customer satisfaction & we will do all we can to meet your expectations.
(210) 405-3793 View (210) 405-3793
Photo of Teresa Tribett, Licensed Professional Counselor in Live Oak, TX
Teresa Tribett
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
San Antonio, TX 78262
I have over 15 years of experience treating those struggling with depression, trauma disorders, anxiety related disorders, mood disorders to include bipolar disorder, relationship issues, self-esteem, and systematic family conflict to include parenting issues.
My clients would describe me as easy to talk to, a great listener, honest, and informed. I find great value in creating a foundation of trust and comfortability so my clients can work to meet their therapeutic goals. Counseling is most effective when the client feels accepted and believes the therapist genuinely cares about the topics discussed during session. It is a privilege to be a part of one's journey to improve, change, or maintain aspects in their life. I truly care about each of my client's health and well-being.
I have over 15 years of experience treating those struggling with depression, trauma disorders, anxiety related disorders, mood disorders to include bipolar disorder, relationship issues, self-esteem, and systematic family conflict to include parenting issues.
My clients would describe me as easy to talk to, a great listener, honest, and informed. I find great value in creating a foundation of trust and comfortability so my clients can work to meet their therapeutic goals. Counseling is most effective when the client feels accepted and believes the therapist genuinely cares about the topics discussed during session. It is a privilege to be a part of one's journey to improve, change, or maintain aspects in their life. I truly care about each of my client's health and well-being.
(214) 833-8301 View (214) 833-8301
Photo of Stephanie Torres Rojas, Psychologist in Live Oak, TX
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.
(210) 934-4597 View (210) 934-4597
Photo of Hope & Serenity Counseling & Consulting Services, Licensed Professional Counselor in Live Oak, TX
Hope & Serenity Counseling & Consulting Services
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC, CCMHC
Verified Verified
San Antonio, TX 78234  (Online Only)
I use a variety of treatment modalities, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, and trauma focused therapy to assist individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, bipolar, trauma, relationship and self-esteem issues.
Welcome to Hope and Serenity Counseling and Consulting Services. I believe that every person has the optimistic desire to live well with positive outcomes, as it relates to everyday events and circumstances in our lives. I am also aware that life is not neatly packaged with all of our wants, desires, hopes and dreams; it is very unpredictable and comes with the good and the bad. I aim to create a safe space in my practice for those who have experienced the effects of mental illness and trauma, as a result of loss of a loved one, job, relationships and self-esteem. I want to help you decrease anxiety, depression, and worry. Call me
I use a variety of treatment modalities, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, and trauma focused therapy to assist individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, bipolar, trauma, relationship and self-esteem issues.
Welcome to Hope and Serenity Counseling and Consulting Services. I believe that every person has the optimistic desire to live well with positive outcomes, as it relates to everyday events and circumstances in our lives. I am also aware that life is not neatly packaged with all of our wants, desires, hopes and dreams; it is very unpredictable and comes with the good and the bad. I aim to create a safe space in my practice for those who have experienced the effects of mental illness and trauma, as a result of loss of a loved one, job, relationships and self-esteem. I want to help you decrease anxiety, depression, and worry. Call me
(346) 666-7088 View (346) 666-7088
Photo of Dr. Temora P. Gray, Psychologist in Live Oak, TX
Dr. Temora P. Gray
Psychologist, PhD, LBA
Verified Verified
Universal City, TX 78148
Experienced clinical psychologist providing psychological and applied behavior analysis services to clients diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and psychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety, bipolar, and PTSD. I design treatment for autism based on the results of a functional assessment and create person-centered target goals. I create skill-based interventions that are socially valid to the patient. Techniques are based on the principles of applied behavior analysis with proven results. I provide various psychological services to patients ages 16 through 55.
Experienced clinical psychologist providing psychological and applied behavior analysis services to clients diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and psychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety, bipolar, and PTSD. I design treatment for autism based on the results of a functional assessment and create person-centered target goals. I create skill-based interventions that are socially valid to the patient. Techniques are based on the principles of applied behavior analysis with proven results. I provide various psychological services to patients ages 16 through 55.
(210) 903-8221 View (210) 903-8221
Photo of Stephanie A Jasso, Licensed Professional Counselor in Live Oak, TX
Stephanie A Jasso
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, NCC, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Antonio, TX 78258
Welcome! As a Clinical Mental Health Counselor with a diverse background, I work with Children, Adolescents, Adults, Veterans, and Couples, specializing in counseling approaches unique to the individual's circumstance. My experience has been assisting clients with difficulties dealing with Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Mood Disorders, Psychosis, Substance Abuse, Trauma, and Grief & Loss to help build essential coping skills. I believe in the positive outcomes of counseling as having the power to heal, strengthen, and support an individual as they gain valuable tools to navigate their lives and relationships.
Welcome! As a Clinical Mental Health Counselor with a diverse background, I work with Children, Adolescents, Adults, Veterans, and Couples, specializing in counseling approaches unique to the individual's circumstance. My experience has been assisting clients with difficulties dealing with Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Mood Disorders, Psychosis, Substance Abuse, Trauma, and Grief & Loss to help build essential coping skills. I believe in the positive outcomes of counseling as having the power to heal, strengthen, and support an individual as they gain valuable tools to navigate their lives and relationships.
(210) 794-7606 View (210) 794-7606
Photo of Theresa Spencer, Licensed Professional Counselor in Live Oak, TX
Theresa Spencer
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, LCDC, NCC
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
San Antonio, TX 78213
Are you looking for affordable, low cost therapy? There is no need to sacrifice quality of service due to a tight budget. Feelings of overwhelming sadness or nervousness don't have to be a part of your daily life. I have extensive experience assisting clients with managing the symptoms of depression and anxiety. These issues may leave you feeling exhausted and with low energy in spite of a good night's rest. You may be irritable or on edge, snapping at co-workers and loved ones. There is help and hope. I counsel individuals and families of all ages.
Are you looking for affordable, low cost therapy? There is no need to sacrifice quality of service due to a tight budget. Feelings of overwhelming sadness or nervousness don't have to be a part of your daily life. I have extensive experience assisting clients with managing the symptoms of depression and anxiety. These issues may leave you feeling exhausted and with low energy in spite of a good night's rest. You may be irritable or on edge, snapping at co-workers and loved ones. There is help and hope. I counsel individuals and families of all ages.
(210) 899-5410 View (210) 899-5410
Photo of Dr. Amanda Strivings; Striving Onward Counseling Services, Licensed Professional Counselor in Live Oak, TX
Dr. Amanda Strivings; Striving Onward Counseling Services
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Cibolo, TX 78108  (Online Only)
Has your ability to continue "Striving Onward" been impacted? Equipped to treat adult individuals: military-specific issues/trauma/relocation, PTSD, service animal/pet loss, addiction/substance use, rejection, depression, anxiety, anger, stress, grief from death/divorce/suicide, guilt/shame, low self-esteem/worthlessness, abandonment, betrayal, lack of assertiveness, religious/spiritual issues/trauma, marriage/relationship issues/infidelity, family rejection/exclusion/scapegoating, life/career guidance, self-realization/identity development & achieving/identifying goals!
Has your ability to continue "Striving Onward" been impacted? Equipped to treat adult individuals: military-specific issues/trauma/relocation, PTSD, service animal/pet loss, addiction/substance use, rejection, depression, anxiety, anger, stress, grief from death/divorce/suicide, guilt/shame, low self-esteem/worthlessness, abandonment, betrayal, lack of assertiveness, religious/spiritual issues/trauma, marriage/relationship issues/infidelity, family rejection/exclusion/scapegoating, life/career guidance, self-realization/identity development & achieving/identifying goals!
(830) 218-1929 View (830) 218-1929

See more therapy options for Live Oak

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.