Therapists in Williamson County, TX
Austin City Family Practice
MD
Verified Verified
Round Rock, TX 78664
I'm a doctor, (MD) who enjoys Psych medication management as well as supportive counseling. Like to work with Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, ADHD, PTSD, Substance Abuse issues, Schizophrenia, other.
I'm a doctor, (MD) who enjoys Psych medication management as well as supportive counseling. Like to work with Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, ADHD, PTSD, Substance Abuse issues, Schizophrenia, other.
Lisa Wallace
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LCDC
Verified Verified
Georgetown, TX 78628 (Online Only)
I have experience working with a wide variety of populations, specializing in helping adults who struggle with depression, anxiety, bipolar, ADHD, or substance use.
Have you ever looked at your reflection and wondered who you are? Do you ever feel lost or wonder where you are headed? Confession- I have. I realized later in life that my calling was to become a therapist. Long before returning to college, I received on-the-job training through my own experiences as a mother, wife, friend, and as an individual struggling with depression and anxiety. These experiences helped prepare me for my role as a therapist. Just like my clients, I looked for a therapist to talk to, one who would listen and be able to understand where I was coming from.
I have experience working with a wide variety of populations, specializing in helping adults who struggle with depression, anxiety, bipolar, ADHD, or substance use.
Have you ever looked at your reflection and wondered who you are? Do you ever feel lost or wonder where you are headed? Confession- I have. I realized later in life that my calling was to become a therapist. Long before returning to college, I received on-the-job training through my own experiences as a mother, wife, friend, and as an individual struggling with depression and anxiety. These experiences helped prepare me for my role as a therapist. Just like my clients, I looked for a therapist to talk to, one who would listen and be able to understand where I was coming from.
Austin City Family Practice and Mental Health
MD
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78717 (Online Only)
Greetings, I am a Board Certified Family Doctor with an interest in Mental Health and Addiction Medicine. I have extensive experience managing Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, Bipolar Disorder, and certain Thought Disorders. I also enjoy treating Opioid Addiction with Suboxone. Many of my skills were developed at the Eastern Pennsylvania Institute and the Medical College of PA. I will be prescribing antidepressants, anxiety medications, and medications for PTSD, Bipolar Disorder, Personality Disorders, and others. I will also share some of the principles I learned at the Institute for Rational Emotive Therapy in NYC.
Greetings, I am a Board Certified Family Doctor with an interest in Mental Health and Addiction Medicine. I have extensive experience managing Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, Bipolar Disorder, and certain Thought Disorders. I also enjoy treating Opioid Addiction with Suboxone. Many of my skills were developed at the Eastern Pennsylvania Institute and the Medical College of PA. I will be prescribing antidepressants, anxiety medications, and medications for PTSD, Bipolar Disorder, Personality Disorders, and others. I will also share some of the principles I learned at the Institute for Rational Emotive Therapy in NYC.
Anne Marie Jennings
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Cedar Park, TX 78613
My specialties include depression, anxiety, marital counseling, parent-child relationships, families, bipolar disorder, and anger management.
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 managed depression, anxiety, OCD, trauma, marital stress, parent-child difficulties, domestic violence, substance abuse, bipolar disorder, and anger issues.
My specialties include depression, anxiety, marital counseling, parent-child relationships, families, bipolar disorder, and anger management.
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 managed depression, anxiety, OCD, trauma, marital stress, parent-child difficulties, domestic violence, substance abuse, bipolar disorder, and anger issues.
Vicki Ray
Licensed Professional Counselor, MBA, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cedar Park, TX 78613
My specialties include Dual Diagnosis (co-occurring addiction & mental health issues); support for family and friends of those with addiction and/or mental health issues; Anxiety; Bipolar; Trauma and PTSD; career challenges; major life transitions; and corporate, military, missionary and internationally mobile individuals (global nomads or TCKs).
I believe the best counseling is done in a safe, confidential and collaborative environment. It can be difficult to reach out, so it is important to find a counselor with whom you feel comfortable.
My specialties include Dual Diagnosis (co-occurring addiction & mental health issues); support for family and friends of those with addiction and/or mental health issues; Anxiety; Bipolar; Trauma and PTSD; career challenges; major life transitions; and corporate, military, missionary and internationally mobile individuals (global nomads or TCKs).
I believe the best counseling is done in a safe, confidential and collaborative environment. It can be difficult to reach out, so it is important to find a counselor with whom you feel comfortable.
Rica Puazo
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Hutto, TX 78634 (Online Only)
Rica Puazo is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Registered Art Therapist (LPC, RAT) who holds more than 4 years of experience working in residential treatment facilities and inpatient acute care with children, adolescents, young adults, college students, young professionals, adults, and geriatrics. She has experience working with individuals diagnosed with ADHD, bipolar disorder and mood disorders, schizophrenia, conduct disorders, depression, anxiety, PTSD, trauma, substance abuse, intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, and neurocognitive disorders such as dementia and Alzheimer’s.
Rica Puazo is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Registered Art Therapist (LPC, RAT) who holds more than 4 years of experience working in residential treatment facilities and inpatient acute care with children, adolescents, young adults, college students, young professionals, adults, and geriatrics. She has experience working with individuals diagnosed with ADHD, bipolar disorder and mood disorders, schizophrenia, conduct disorders, depression, anxiety, PTSD, trauma, substance abuse, intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, and neurocognitive disorders such as dementia and Alzheimer’s.
Austin City Family Practice and Mental Health
MD
Verified Verified
Round Rock, TX 78665
Hello, I am a Board Certified Family Physician with an interest in Mental Health and Addiction Medicine. I have extensive experience managing Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, Bipolar Disorder, and certain Thought Disorders. I also enjoy treating Opioid Addiction with Suboxone. Many of my skills were developed at the Eastern Pennsylvania Institute and the Drexel Medical School. I will be prescribing antidepressants, anxiety medications, and medications for PTSD, Bipolar Disorder, Personality Disorders, and other. I will also share some of the principles I learned at the Institute for Rational Emotive Therapy in NYC.
Hello, I am a Board Certified Family Physician with an interest in Mental Health and Addiction Medicine. I have extensive experience managing Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, Bipolar Disorder, and certain Thought Disorders. I also enjoy treating Opioid Addiction with Suboxone. Many of my skills were developed at the Eastern Pennsylvania Institute and the Drexel Medical School. I will be prescribing antidepressants, anxiety medications, and medications for PTSD, Bipolar Disorder, Personality Disorders, and other. I will also share some of the principles I learned at the Institute for Rational Emotive Therapy in NYC.
Tiffany Begley
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78717
Anxiety is annoying. Depression is annoying. It doesn't have to be. Trauma is overwhelming. You can learn to lessen and live with these struggles. Take control. The power is in your hands. It's a journey... or any other cliche saying that works in therapy. It's all welcome here. I work with clients diagnosed with a variety of mental health disorders including psychosis, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. I specialize in military and military family struggles. I also have experience working with law enforcement and other first responders.
Anxiety is annoying. Depression is annoying. It doesn't have to be. Trauma is overwhelming. You can learn to lessen and live with these struggles. Take control. The power is in your hands. It's a journey... or any other cliche saying that works in therapy. It's all welcome here. I work with clients diagnosed with a variety of mental health disorders including psychosis, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. I specialize in military and military family struggles. I also have experience working with law enforcement and other first responders.
Taryn Stilwell
LPC Associate, MA, LPC-A, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cedar Park, TX 78613
My areas of interest and specialization include trauma (including C-PTSD), EMDR, anxiety, adjustment disorders, grief and loss, bipolar disorder, panic attacks, gender exploration and affirmation, and LGBTQIA+ related concerns.
The journey of finding the right therapist can be daunting, but also incredibly rewarding! My name is Taryn, and I am highly dedicated and empathetic individual with a passion for helping people reach their full potential. My professional experience has given me a deep understanding of trauma, anxiety, grief and loss, and other various mental health obstacles. I am committed to using my knowledge and expertise to help individuals overcome these challenges and reach their full authentic potential. Whomever I am working with, I strive to create a compassionate environment where clients feel supported and empowered.
My areas of interest and specialization include trauma (including C-PTSD), EMDR, anxiety, adjustment disorders, grief and loss, bipolar disorder, panic attacks, gender exploration and affirmation, and LGBTQIA+ related concerns.
The journey of finding the right therapist can be daunting, but also incredibly rewarding! My name is Taryn, and I am highly dedicated and empathetic individual with a passion for helping people reach their full potential. My professional experience has given me a deep understanding of trauma, anxiety, grief and loss, and other various mental health obstacles. I am committed to using my knowledge and expertise to help individuals overcome these challenges and reach their full authentic potential. Whomever I am working with, I strive to create a compassionate environment where clients feel supported and empowered.
Kathy Keith
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Round Rock, TX 78681
My name is Kathy Keith, MA, a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 24 years of clinical experience. I have experience working with adults, teenagers, and couples with Anger Management, Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety, Addiction, Behavioral Issues, Codependency, Coping Skills, Depression, Dual Diagnosis, Eating Disorders, Schizophrenia, Trauma, PTSD, and many more. The most common theoretical approaches I use are CBT, Interpersonal psychology, Trauma Focused CBT, Reality Therapy, ACT, Mindfulness, and positive psychology. I believe that I am supportive, compassionate, and respectful that guide you to where you want to go!
My name is Kathy Keith, MA, a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 24 years of clinical experience. I have experience working with adults, teenagers, and couples with Anger Management, Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety, Addiction, Behavioral Issues, Codependency, Coping Skills, Depression, Dual Diagnosis, Eating Disorders, Schizophrenia, Trauma, PTSD, and many more. The most common theoretical approaches I use are CBT, Interpersonal psychology, Trauma Focused CBT, Reality Therapy, ACT, Mindfulness, and positive psychology. I believe that I am supportive, compassionate, and respectful that guide you to where you want to go!
Cara Haynie-Peña
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
Georgetown, TX 78628 (Online Only)
My clinical focus has been primarily with clients struggling with depression, anxiety, stress, relationship issues, women's issues, post traumatic stress and severe and persistent mental illness disorders including bipolar disorders, the schizophrenic disorders and personality disorders.
Hi, my name is Cara. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Texas, certified in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, with more than 25 years experience providing individual therapy. I earned a BA degree in psychology and an MS degree in counseling and educational psychology, from Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi, in 1997. I have had a private practice since 2005, while also working in psychiatric hospitals, outpatient facilities and correctional facilities. I am able to see clients, all over the State of Texas, through a HIPAA compliant confidential video link, a very convenient way to get therapy.
My clinical focus has been primarily with clients struggling with depression, anxiety, stress, relationship issues, women's issues, post traumatic stress and severe and persistent mental illness disorders including bipolar disorders, the schizophrenic disorders and personality disorders.
Hi, my name is Cara. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Texas, certified in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, with more than 25 years experience providing individual therapy. I earned a BA degree in psychology and an MS degree in counseling and educational psychology, from Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi, in 1997. I have had a private practice since 2005, while also working in psychiatric hospitals, outpatient facilities and correctional facilities. I am able to see clients, all over the State of Texas, through a HIPAA compliant confidential video link, a very convenient way to get therapy.
15 Second Videos
Joann Martillotti-Cartwright
Steven Wright
Shanaz Ikonne
Patrick Lee - Anew Era TMS & Psychiatry
Yvonne Emil Elizondo
Catherine C. Stansbury
Jennifer L Harrington
New Life Counseling Center
Ellisa Mimlitsch
Samantha Dienno
Alyssa Frers
Elise Miller
Brook Faye Bonnema
Barnhart Therapy & Consultation Services, PLLC
Taylor Kall
Excelsis Psychotherapy
Matthew Litaker
Dr. Liz Jenkins, LMFT, CLC, CTMH
Live-Your-Dream Counseling
Victoria Dorsey Drewy Professional Counseling Svcs
Tricia Blewitt
Amanda Vasquez
Fabeain Barkwell
Mark Abou-Rached (Supervised By Robert Gallegos Lpc-S)
Bailey Elizabeth Rahn
Ilicia Balaban
Sonja Harrison
Gregorio Lozano
Casey James
Dinah Howard-Williams
Mary Halm
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Round Rock, TX 78664
Currently, Mary Treats Adults With Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar, And Family And Life Stressors.
Mary Is A Licensed Clinical Social Worker And Qualified Mental Health Professional, With A Master's Degree In Social Work. She Is Also A Registered Yoga Instructor (500 Hr) And Is Currently Working Towards A Phd In Health Psychology. She Places A High Value On The Power Of Utilizing Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions And Positive Psychology. The Early Years Of Her Career Were Spent Working With Veterans, Military Families, And Persons With Dementia And Their Caregivers. Since Then, She Has Striven To Build Competence In Treating Disenfranchised Populations, Including The Lgbtq Community, People Of Color, And More.
Currently, Mary Treats Adults With Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar, And Family And Life Stressors.
Mary Is A Licensed Clinical Social Worker And Qualified Mental Health Professional, With A Master's Degree In Social Work. She Is Also A Registered Yoga Instructor (500 Hr) And Is Currently Working Towards A Phd In Health Psychology. She Places A High Value On The Power Of Utilizing Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions And Positive Psychology. The Early Years Of Her Career Were Spent Working With Veterans, Military Families, And Persons With Dementia And Their Caregivers. Since Then, She Has Striven To Build Competence In Treating Disenfranchised Populations, Including The Lgbtq Community, People Of Color, And More.
Stacey Lavoro Rexrode
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Cedar Park, TX 78613 (Online Only)
I offer individual and group psychotherapy, psychological assessments, and tele-psychology interventions for trauma (PTSD), mood disorders (Depression, Bipolar Disorder), anxiety disorders (OCD, Social phobia, Panic Disorder), anger management and self-esteem programs, programs for Insomnia and sleep disorders, and parenting help.
I take pride in my ability to relate to a large population, and I enjoy working with clients 12 years of age and up. My clients over the years have had: depression, anxiety disorders, adjustment difficulty, as well as teenagers with a variety of school, peer, family, and self-esteem issues. I work best with clients who are motivated for change, but also understand that teenagers often come to therapy at the urging of parents and may be resistant at first. I welcome women's issues, veteran's issues, LGBTQ issues, those who are just "stuck", going through a life transition or folks who have been in and out of therapy for years.
I offer individual and group psychotherapy, psychological assessments, and tele-psychology interventions for trauma (PTSD), mood disorders (Depression, Bipolar Disorder), anxiety disorders (OCD, Social phobia, Panic Disorder), anger management and self-esteem programs, programs for Insomnia and sleep disorders, and parenting help.
I take pride in my ability to relate to a large population, and I enjoy working with clients 12 years of age and up. My clients over the years have had: depression, anxiety disorders, adjustment difficulty, as well as teenagers with a variety of school, peer, family, and self-esteem issues. I work best with clients who are motivated for change, but also understand that teenagers often come to therapy at the urging of parents and may be resistant at first. I welcome women's issues, veteran's issues, LGBTQ issues, those who are just "stuck", going through a life transition or folks who have been in and out of therapy for years.
Jan Lea Anderson
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Cedar Park, TX 78613
It's a drug free approach to anxiety, bipolar, depression and behavioral issues with children.
I understand how important it is for a client to be able to feel safe and confident when talking to someone about their deepest feelings. I feel honored that I am trusted with that confidence and my clients find that within the first few minutes of session they can relax and know they won't be judged and that I'm there to help. We work together to promote change and its easier to do when you're not alone in the process.
It's a drug free approach to anxiety, bipolar, depression and behavioral issues with children.
I understand how important it is for a client to be able to feel safe and confident when talking to someone about their deepest feelings. I feel honored that I am trusted with that confidence and my clients find that within the first few minutes of session they can relax and know they won't be judged and that I'm there to help. We work together to promote change and its easier to do when you're not alone in the process.
Amy Eichler
Psychologist, PhD, LP, LSSP
Verified Verified
Georgetown, TX 78628
I have extensive experience in parenting, step-parenting, grief, relationship issues, depression/bipolar, and anxiety.
We all go through difficult times in life, and my goal is to help you through whatever challenge you may be facing. I feel that having someone on the outside supporting you through your journey can really facilitate you making the needed changes. While I started my work primarily with children and adolescents, I also have a wealth of experience working with adults. I am pretty down to earth in my approach as well as collaborative--this is YOUR journey; I am just walking alongside you and supporting you.
I have extensive experience in parenting, step-parenting, grief, relationship issues, depression/bipolar, and anxiety.
We all go through difficult times in life, and my goal is to help you through whatever challenge you may be facing. I feel that having someone on the outside supporting you through your journey can really facilitate you making the needed changes. While I started my work primarily with children and adolescents, I also have a wealth of experience working with adults. I am pretty down to earth in my approach as well as collaborative--this is YOUR journey; I am just walking alongside you and supporting you.
Sandie Hinton-Owens
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
Georgetown, TX 78628
Sandie has a passion for helping people from all walks of life, in all stages of life. She believes by creating a safe, welcoming environment, and building trusting relationships change is possible. Her goal is to help people become aware of their own skill sets and resiliency from within through the use of strengths based and solutions focused therapy in addition to CBT and a hit of DBT skills. Sandie has experience working with a variety of mental health diagnoses including anxiety, depression, bipolar, borderline personality, and ASD. She can also provide clarification and advocacy for ARD and IEP paperwork and/or meetings.
Sandie has a passion for helping people from all walks of life, in all stages of life. She believes by creating a safe, welcoming environment, and building trusting relationships change is possible. Her goal is to help people become aware of their own skill sets and resiliency from within through the use of strengths based and solutions focused therapy in addition to CBT and a hit of DBT skills. Sandie has experience working with a variety of mental health diagnoses including anxiety, depression, bipolar, borderline personality, and ASD. She can also provide clarification and advocacy for ARD and IEP paperwork and/or meetings.
Meredith Manas
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Georgetown, TX 78628
Meredith has worked in a variety of settings, both residential and outpatient, treating adults with a variety of issues including substance use disorders, dual diagnosis, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and personality disorders. She approaches her clients with genuineness, compassion, and positive regard to meet them where they are in their journey towards living a life that is meaningful to the client. She works to instill motivation and hope that change is attainable.
Meredith has worked in a variety of settings, both residential and outpatient, treating adults with a variety of issues including substance use disorders, dual diagnosis, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and personality disorders. She approaches her clients with genuineness, compassion, and positive regard to meet them where they are in their journey towards living a life that is meaningful to the client. She works to instill motivation and hope that change is attainable.
Fearless Counseling Center, PLLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Cedar Park, TX 78613
Hi My name is SuKura Webster. I completed my graduation training at Family Time Crisis and Counseling Center where I gained experience working with survivors of physical, emotional and sexual abuse. I am experienced in working with issues of depression, anxiety, self-esteem, self-harm, schizophrenia disorder, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, PTSD and behavioral disturbances. My passion is shown through my ability to assist clients with being the best version of themselves.
Hi My name is SuKura Webster. I completed my graduation training at Family Time Crisis and Counseling Center where I gained experience working with survivors of physical, emotional and sexual abuse. I am experienced in working with issues of depression, anxiety, self-esteem, self-harm, schizophrenia disorder, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, PTSD and behavioral disturbances. My passion is shown through my ability to assist clients with being the best version of themselves.
Joann Martillotti-Cartwright
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC-S
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cedar Park, TX 78613
My specialties are: family struggles around recovery/addiction/mental health issues; substance abuse/addictions; anger management, healthy relationships, and challenging personalities/relationship behaviors; and trauma, depression/bipolar disorder, and anxiety.
My clients’ success has made space for you! Move from stuck to empowered! If you want to change - your relationships, your relationship to alcohol/drugs/food/sex/social media, your anxiety or depression, the way you react under stress - then call me today. You can have the life you desire and deserve. I want to help you develop new tools and resources to be who you want to be, get the relationships you want, and reach exceptional goals. You don't have to go it alone. Let's work together to break through! Now offering several therapy packages - Enhancing Sobriety, Transforming Relationships, and Breaking Free of Trauma. Call today!
My specialties are: family struggles around recovery/addiction/mental health issues; substance abuse/addictions; anger management, healthy relationships, and challenging personalities/relationship behaviors; and trauma, depression/bipolar disorder, and anxiety.
My clients’ success has made space for you! Move from stuck to empowered! If you want to change - your relationships, your relationship to alcohol/drugs/food/sex/social media, your anxiety or depression, the way you react under stress - then call me today. You can have the life you desire and deserve. I want to help you develop new tools and resources to be who you want to be, get the relationships you want, and reach exceptional goals. You don't have to go it alone. Let's work together to break through! Now offering several therapy packages - Enhancing Sobriety, Transforming Relationships, and Breaking Free of Trauma. Call today!
Tad Minto
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Cedar Park, TX 78613
James is a licensed clinical social worker.His practice spans over 26 years (post licensure), and he works with children, teenagers, and adults seeking help with a variety of issues. Areas of work he has done with clients include:healing from trauma; coping with depression and bipolar disorder; managing impulse control and disruptive behavior disorders; working out marital and family problems; coping with addictions and substance abuse; grief work; career counseling; and effectively managing life transitions. James specializes in working with children and families.
James is a licensed clinical social worker.His practice spans over 26 years (post licensure), and he works with children, teenagers, and adults seeking help with a variety of issues. Areas of work he has done with clients include:healing from trauma; coping with depression and bipolar disorder; managing impulse control and disruptive behavior disorders; working out marital and family problems; coping with addictions and substance abuse; grief work; career counseling; and effectively managing life transitions. James specializes in working with children and families.
See more therapy options for Williamson 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.