Bipolar Disorder Therapists in Grand Gorge, NY
There are no results for therapists in Grand Gorge
Check out therapists located nearby or offering teletherapy in New York below.Online Therapists
Pamela French-Stern
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, BCFAPA, EMDR, CERT
Verified Verified
Warwick, NY 10990
My professional research and publication regarding parenting a Bipolar child allows me to expertly guide adults, adolescents, and families who are experiencing difficulty for a variety of reasons.
I believe that my clients have an innate sense for identifying problem areas and the ability to move in positive directions.
I am originally from California where I earned a Masters' degree in counseling and shortly thereafter relocated to NJ where I continued working as a therapist for the Mental Health Clinic of Passaic. Most recently my professional goals have focused on my bipolar research which lead to the completion of my PhD in clinical psychology and the development of specialized treatment for mood disorders as well as obtaining the highest level of trauma training available: certification in EMDR trauma treatment.
My professional research and publication regarding parenting a Bipolar child allows me to expertly guide adults, adolescents, and families who are experiencing difficulty for a variety of reasons.
I believe that my clients have an innate sense for identifying problem areas and the ability to move in positive directions.
I am originally from California where I earned a Masters' degree in counseling and shortly thereafter relocated to NJ where I continued working as a therapist for the Mental Health Clinic of Passaic. Most recently my professional goals have focused on my bipolar research which lead to the completion of my PhD in clinical psychology and the development of specialized treatment for mood disorders as well as obtaining the highest level of trauma training available: certification in EMDR trauma treatment.
Massimo Balestri
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Pleasantville, NY 10570
I treat a wide spectrum of conditions including mood and anxiety disorders (e.g., bipolar and depressive disorders, panic and phobias), ADHD, marital issues and PTSD. My niche is in personality disorders (e.g., borderline and narcissistic personality disorder). I have extensive experience treating trauma sequelas, dissociative disorders and helping individuals overcome grief. My practice also includes treatment of eating disorders in adults (e.g., bulimia) and parasuicidal behaviour. Although my practice is mainly guided by empirical modalities, I tend to approach each client in an eclectic manner to customize treatment as needed.
I treat a wide spectrum of conditions including mood and anxiety disorders (e.g., bipolar and depressive disorders, panic and phobias), ADHD, marital issues and PTSD. My niche is in personality disorders (e.g., borderline and narcissistic personality disorder). I have extensive experience treating trauma sequelas, dissociative disorders and helping individuals overcome grief. My practice also includes treatment of eating disorders in adults (e.g., bulimia) and parasuicidal behaviour. Although my practice is mainly guided by empirical modalities, I tend to approach each client in an eclectic manner to customize treatment as needed.
Infinity Mental Health Counseling
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
New Paltz, NY 12561
Our clinicians work with a wide range of mental health issues including but not limited to: depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, OCD, low-self esteem, phobias, relationship problems, difficulties with life transitions, deeper self-exploration and assistance with maturation and issues related to gender identity/sexual orientation.
We are now accepting new clients! Whatever your struggle may be at this time, you do not need to face it alone. Often times we can become overwhelmed with our circumstances, we can feel down about who we are, or we allow fear to block us from reaching our full potential. If you want more for yourself, then join us on a path of gradually creating a new way of being in the world. Infinity Mental Health Counseling is a group practice in New Paltz with professional, qualified and compassionate mental health counselors ready to help!
Our clinicians work with a wide range of mental health issues including but not limited to: depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, OCD, low-self esteem, phobias, relationship problems, difficulties with life transitions, deeper self-exploration and assistance with maturation and issues related to gender identity/sexual orientation.
We are now accepting new clients! Whatever your struggle may be at this time, you do not need to face it alone. Often times we can become overwhelmed with our circumstances, we can feel down about who we are, or we allow fear to block us from reaching our full potential. If you want more for yourself, then join us on a path of gradually creating a new way of being in the world. Infinity Mental Health Counseling is a group practice in New Paltz with professional, qualified and compassionate mental health counselors ready to help!
Second Chance Counseling PLLC-Dr. Patricia DeJesus
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, DSW, LCSW-R
Verified Verified
Middletown, NY 10940
We Are Accepting In-Person New Patients. Second Chance Counseling Services licensed professionals that specialize in Christian Counseling, TF-CBT, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectal Behavior Therapy, Play Therapy, Creative Arts, EMDR, & More. We service children, adolescents, & adults using a strengths-based approach. The practice treats ADHD, mood disorders, anxiety, depression, bipolar, grief, PTSD, personality & eating disorders, trauma, and more. Our process is to partner with our patients, empower, encourage, build skill sets, develop coping skills, learn grounding techniques & resilience to overcome the past and present.
We Are Accepting In-Person New Patients. Second Chance Counseling Services licensed professionals that specialize in Christian Counseling, TF-CBT, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectal Behavior Therapy, Play Therapy, Creative Arts, EMDR, & More. We service children, adolescents, & adults using a strengths-based approach. The practice treats ADHD, mood disorders, anxiety, depression, bipolar, grief, PTSD, personality & eating disorders, trauma, and more. Our process is to partner with our patients, empower, encourage, build skill sets, develop coping skills, learn grounding techniques & resilience to overcome the past and present.
Jim Kramer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pleasantville, NY 10570
In clinics, a hospital, and private practice, I've worked for over fifteen years with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, trauma, ADHD, addictions, and psychosis.
My first goal as a therapist is to help you relate to yourself with more compassion, replacing harsh self judgement with eager curiosity. As this develops, we will work together to gain a better understanding of the underlying issues that lead to anxiety, depression, and other challenges to happiness. By helping you see yourself more clearly, you can live a more genuine, meaningful life, with stronger relationships.
In clinics, a hospital, and private practice, I've worked for over fifteen years with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, trauma, ADHD, addictions, and psychosis.
My first goal as a therapist is to help you relate to yourself with more compassion, replacing harsh self judgement with eager curiosity. As this develops, we will work together to gain a better understanding of the underlying issues that lead to anxiety, depression, and other challenges to happiness. By helping you see yourself more clearly, you can live a more genuine, meaningful life, with stronger relationships.
Emily D'Auria
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
West Nyack, NY 10994
Emily is experienced in treating anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, posttraumatic stress and other trauma-related disorders, relationship issues, and more.
All people struggle. All people have unique experiences and make choices. All people experience pain, fear, and loss. All people deserve safety and loving kindness. All people are capable of growth and learning. All people have inherent goodness. Emily D'Auria believes strongly that the universality of human experience shows us we all have more in common than not. In periods of suffering and struggle, individuals may feel alone and unreachable. By fostering therapeutic connection rooted in warmth and safety, Emily works to facilitate an individual's ability to come back to their true selves.
Emily is experienced in treating anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, posttraumatic stress and other trauma-related disorders, relationship issues, and more.
All people struggle. All people have unique experiences and make choices. All people experience pain, fear, and loss. All people deserve safety and loving kindness. All people are capable of growth and learning. All people have inherent goodness. Emily D'Auria believes strongly that the universality of human experience shows us we all have more in common than not. In periods of suffering and struggle, individuals may feel alone and unreachable. By fostering therapeutic connection rooted in warmth and safety, Emily works to facilitate an individual's ability to come back to their true selves.
Bradley Gross At Nassau Psychology Pc
Pre-Licensed Professional, MHC-LP
Verified Verified
Schenectady, NY 12302 (Online Only)
He is a dedicated and compassionate counselor committed to helping all people seeking guidance with anxiety, depression, eating disorders, trauma, bipolar disorder and stress.
Book an appointment online via our website nassaupsychology.org! Graduating in 2020 from Long Island University, Bradley focused on Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling. He has about three years experience working with grades 6-12 in a school setting providing individual counseling, academic counseling, group counseling, college advising, peer mediation, student mentoring and guidance. He worked with low functioning populations in an intensive outpatient clinic and with those living inpatient at Pilgrim State Psychiatric Center and Sagamore Children's Psychiatric Center.
He is a dedicated and compassionate counselor committed to helping all people seeking guidance with anxiety, depression, eating disorders, trauma, bipolar disorder and stress.
Book an appointment online via our website nassaupsychology.org! Graduating in 2020 from Long Island University, Bradley focused on Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling. He has about three years experience working with grades 6-12 in a school setting providing individual counseling, academic counseling, group counseling, college advising, peer mediation, student mentoring and guidance. He worked with low functioning populations in an intensive outpatient clinic and with those living inpatient at Pilgrim State Psychiatric Center and Sagamore Children's Psychiatric Center.
James Einstman Jr
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CASAC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Warwick, NY 10990
In my fifteen years of working in the behavioral health field, I have witnessed the damage that unmanageable behavior can have on individuals and those they love. This behavior is usually manifested in the misuse of drugs, and often an untreated (or undiagnosed) mental health condition such as PTSD, Anxiety, Depression, or Bipolar Disorder. By the time individuals seek help for these conditions, most often there has been a tremendous amount of hurt, shame, and guilt. I have a strong commitment to providing treatment in a safe, respectful, and confidential setting where individuals and families can begin to heal from these painful wounds.
In my fifteen years of working in the behavioral health field, I have witnessed the damage that unmanageable behavior can have on individuals and those they love. This behavior is usually manifested in the misuse of drugs, and often an untreated (or undiagnosed) mental health condition such as PTSD, Anxiety, Depression, or Bipolar Disorder. By the time individuals seek help for these conditions, most often there has been a tremendous amount of hurt, shame, and guilt. I have a strong commitment to providing treatment in a safe, respectful, and confidential setting where individuals and families can begin to heal from these painful wounds.
Alma
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-R
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Greene, NY 13778 (Online Only)
I am also comfortable utilizing these two treatment modalities for depression, anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, and Chronic Pain to name a few.
I am a LCSW with my "R" number and I am licensed in the States of New York and Illinois. I have 20+ years of experience working in both outpatient and Psychiatric Inpatient Settings. I have extensive experience providing individual and group therapy, with a focus on Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. My counseling style is warm and accepting and I focus on strength building and working with someone's truth as they see it, the whole person, and as a team, we work together towards change and growth.
I am also comfortable utilizing these two treatment modalities for depression, anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, and Chronic Pain to name a few.
I am a LCSW with my "R" number and I am licensed in the States of New York and Illinois. I have 20+ years of experience working in both outpatient and Psychiatric Inpatient Settings. I have extensive experience providing individual and group therapy, with a focus on Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. My counseling style is warm and accepting and I focus on strength building and working with someone's truth as they see it, the whole person, and as a team, we work together towards change and growth.
Jennifer J Corona
Counselor, MA, NBCC, LMHC, CASAC
Verified Verified
Schenectady, NY 12303 (Online Only)
I specialize in helping individuals who struggle with anxiety, depression, bipolar, and trauma/PTSD.
Everyone is the author of their own stories, and I am simply a guide. We are all human and capable of change. This will be a safe space for you to share and explore. Upon identifying problems that are causing distress in your life, together WE will develop a plan to alleviate negative symptoms and develop healthy coping mechanisms. I will provide psychoeducation in order for you to gain insight and an understanding of your mental health. You will learn to reframe dysfunctional thought patterns in order to change unwanted behavior(s). You will walk away with a deeper sense of self and skills to live your best life possible.
I specialize in helping individuals who struggle with anxiety, depression, bipolar, and trauma/PTSD.
Everyone is the author of their own stories, and I am simply a guide. We are all human and capable of change. This will be a safe space for you to share and explore. Upon identifying problems that are causing distress in your life, together WE will develop a plan to alleviate negative symptoms and develop healthy coping mechanisms. I will provide psychoeducation in order for you to gain insight and an understanding of your mental health. You will learn to reframe dysfunctional thought patterns in order to change unwanted behavior(s). You will walk away with a deeper sense of self and skills to live your best life possible.
Alison Sandra Nydick Haller
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSWR, -
Verified Verified
Fishkill, NY 12524
i work with clients ages 10and over but primarily adults with a widevarietyof mood,anxiety,obsessive compulsive.grief,chronic pain and illness,personality disorders.anger and stressmanagement,grief issues,bipolar disorder,ADHD.couples therapy.With all of my clients I focus on identifying their distressing dysfunctional symptoms,their negative thoughts that lead to debilitating emotions and behaviors,and teaching my clients positive coping skills such as emotional deregulation,interpersonal effectiveness,staying in the present,and learning distress tolerance skills,I perform family,individal,and couples therapy focusing on the treatment of adolescents as well as adult clients to maximize their potential.
i work with clients ages 10and over but primarily adults with a widevarietyof mood,anxiety,obsessive compulsive.grief,chronic pain and illness,personality disorders.anger and stressmanagement,grief issues,bipolar disorder,ADHD.couples therapy.With all of my clients I focus on identifying their distressing dysfunctional symptoms,their negative thoughts that lead to debilitating emotions and behaviors,and teaching my clients positive coping skills such as emotional deregulation,interpersonal effectiveness,staying in the present,and learning distress tolerance skills,I perform family,individal,and couples therapy focusing on the treatment of adolescents as well as adult clients to maximize their potential.
Balanced Life Movement Creative Arts Therapy PLLC
Art Therapist, MS, BC-DMT, LCAT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Wurtsboro, NY 12790
We specialize in Somatic, Art, Dance/Movement Therapy & Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) in the treatment of anxiety, chronic stress, bipolar disorder, and complex trauma.
More than just talk therapy: Are you struggling to find deeper purpose & balance? You may feel disconnected, anxious, lonely & are seeking a sense of meaningful connection while finally healing the root of your pain. Whether you are feeling lost in how to heal unresolved trauma, or need support in transition, we will co-create authentic connection to your true self & develop a plan to reach your goals creatively. Together, our therapists will help you find freedom, feel safe in your body, and strengthen your tools for emotional balance. Treatment options: Creative Arts Therapy, Somatic Therapy, & KAP.
We specialize in Somatic, Art, Dance/Movement Therapy & Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) in the treatment of anxiety, chronic stress, bipolar disorder, and complex trauma.
More than just talk therapy: Are you struggling to find deeper purpose & balance? You may feel disconnected, anxious, lonely & are seeking a sense of meaningful connection while finally healing the root of your pain. Whether you are feeling lost in how to heal unresolved trauma, or need support in transition, we will co-create authentic connection to your true self & develop a plan to reach your goals creatively. Together, our therapists will help you find freedom, feel safe in your body, and strengthen your tools for emotional balance. Treatment options: Creative Arts Therapy, Somatic Therapy, & KAP.
Michael Kullman, MD PC
MD
Verified Verified
Pleasant Valley, NY 12569
I provide Ketamine Infusion Therapy for patients with mental health conditions including - Depression and Anxiety, PTSD, Bipolar Disorder, OCD, Postpartum Depression, Postmenopausal Depression, Adolescent Mental Health and Geriatric Mental Health. Many patients have failed other treatment modalities and respond extremely very well to ketamine therapy.
I provide Ketamine Infusion Therapy for patients with mental health conditions including - Depression and Anxiety, PTSD, Bipolar Disorder, OCD, Postpartum Depression, Postmenopausal Depression, Adolescent Mental Health and Geriatric Mental Health. Many patients have failed other treatment modalities and respond extremely very well to ketamine therapy.
Sonya Tulevech
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-R
Verified Verified
Pearl River, NY 10965 (Online Only)
I also have experience with the LGBTQ community and those suffering with bipolar disorder.
Hello, My approach to therapy is eclectic with an emphasis on healing by establishing and reaching my clients' personal goals. I achieve this by using a mix of Cognitive and Dialectical Behavioral therapy among other evidence based techniques. My communication style is warm and receptive while compassionately and closely listening to my clients. I am loyal and non-judgmental. No problem is too difficult to address. I am equally at ease working with both conventional and unconventional people. Laughter often enters into our sessions when there is something to mutually laugh about.
I also have experience with the LGBTQ community and those suffering with bipolar disorder.
Hello, My approach to therapy is eclectic with an emphasis on healing by establishing and reaching my clients' personal goals. I achieve this by using a mix of Cognitive and Dialectical Behavioral therapy among other evidence based techniques. My communication style is warm and receptive while compassionately and closely listening to my clients. I am loyal and non-judgmental. No problem is too difficult to address. I am equally at ease working with both conventional and unconventional people. Laughter often enters into our sessions when there is something to mutually laugh about.
Tracy Carmody
Counselor, MS, LMHC, NCC, CASAC-M
Verified Verified
15 Endorsed
Manlius, NY 13104
Accepting New Clients April 2024 in person! Partnering with individuals to address addiction and/or behavioral health concerns. Experienced in helping individuals with a wide range of issues including: OCD, bipolar, depression, anxiety, major life transitions, trauma, maternal health, grief, relationship stress, addictive behavior, & addiction in the family. Assessing level of impairment from behavioral health, substance abuse, postpartum, or co-occurring disorder. Encouraging a self defined path to recovery through a variety of approaches. Intervention and consultation services available.
Accepting New Clients April 2024 in person! Partnering with individuals to address addiction and/or behavioral health concerns. Experienced in helping individuals with a wide range of issues including: OCD, bipolar, depression, anxiety, major life transitions, trauma, maternal health, grief, relationship stress, addictive behavior, & addiction in the family. Assessing level of impairment from behavioral health, substance abuse, postpartum, or co-occurring disorder. Encouraging a self defined path to recovery through a variety of approaches. Intervention and consultation services available.
Marilyn DiTullio
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
Katonah, NY 10536
Waitlist for new clients
I am experienced working with adolescents and adults with a variety of needs such as addiction, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, chronic mental illness, relationship issues and codependency, ADHD, difficult life changes, and emotion dysregulation.
I am a licensed mental health counselor with close to a decade of experience in the field. I provide a client-centered, safe, nonjudgmental space to help foster growth and positive changes. In my practice, I utilize an eclectic approach to meet the individualized needs of each person. My hope is to help people live their best lives.
I am experienced working with adolescents and adults with a variety of needs such as addiction, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, chronic mental illness, relationship issues and codependency, ADHD, difficult life changes, and emotion dysregulation.
I am a licensed mental health counselor with close to a decade of experience in the field. I provide a client-centered, safe, nonjudgmental space to help foster growth and positive changes. In my practice, I utilize an eclectic approach to meet the individualized needs of each person. My hope is to help people live their best lives.
Michael S Slik
Counselor, LMHC, CRC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Castleton On Hudson, NY 12033 (Online Only)
My specialties include anxiety issues, alcohol and substance use disorders, trauma, bipolar disorder, compulsive behaviors, relationship and situational issues.
I practice solution-based therapy. During our first meeting, we will discuss your goals and determine if I am the right therapist to assist you in meeting them. If so, I will work with you in a safe, collaborative, confidential space to solve the issues that bring us together. We assess our progress as we go to make sure that I am hearing and understanding you, and that you are getting what you need from our work together.
My specialties include anxiety issues, alcohol and substance use disorders, trauma, bipolar disorder, compulsive behaviors, relationship and situational issues.
I practice solution-based therapy. During our first meeting, we will discuss your goals and determine if I am the right therapist to assist you in meeting them. If so, I will work with you in a safe, collaborative, confidential space to solve the issues that bring us together. We assess our progress as we go to make sure that I am hearing and understanding you, and that you are getting what you need from our work together.
Roots & Resilience Wellness
Mental Health Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
Marlboro, NY 12542
Let's work together to sort out some of life's challenges. We help teens, and young adults struggling with things like depression, anxiety, trauma, Bipolar Disorder, LGBTQ+ issues and life transitions. R&R offers a safe, therapeutic environment to help individuals find new ways of coping, find their inner resilience, and begin their journey towards peace and healing.
Let's work together to sort out some of life's challenges. We help teens, and young adults struggling with things like depression, anxiety, trauma, Bipolar Disorder, LGBTQ+ issues and life transitions. R&R offers a safe, therapeutic environment to help individuals find new ways of coping, find their inner resilience, and begin their journey towards peace and healing.
Russell Brian Shelkowitz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-R
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Rhinebeck, NY 12572 (Online Only)
Russell's areas of expertise encompass Depression, Anxiety, Trauma, Family Issues, Relationships, Identity Issues, Self-Esteem Issues, Life Transitions, ADHD, Borderline Personality Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Self-Harm, Learning Disabilities, and Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Russell Shelkowitz, LCSW-R has extensive experience working with adolescents (12+), adults (individuals & couples), and families, and has provided compassionate and effective care in diverse settings, including hospitals, private practices, and outpatient clinics.
Russell's areas of expertise encompass Depression, Anxiety, Trauma, Family Issues, Relationships, Identity Issues, Self-Esteem Issues, Life Transitions, ADHD, Borderline Personality Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Self-Harm, Learning Disabilities, and Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Russell Shelkowitz, LCSW-R has extensive experience working with adolescents (12+), adults (individuals & couples), and families, and has provided compassionate and effective care in diverse settings, including hospitals, private practices, and outpatient clinics.
Danielle Matias
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
We work with depression, anxiety, bipolar, PTSD, eating disorders, bereavement, borderline, autism, ADHD, addiction, sexual abuse, DV, medical illnesses, relationship problems, LGTBQ+, adjustment disorders and forensic cases.
Footprints was started by a therapist who realized that often times the services provided to low socio-economic communities is lacking quality care. We noticed these communities were confronted with long wait times, disrespectful admins, and subpar treatment. The one and only purpose was to exploit the community for profit without providing the level of care deserved. Feel Better Therapy began from the inspiration to provide quality mental health care to the poorest of communities and treating the clients of this community the same way a rich patient would be treated in a clinic treating affluent clients.
We work with depression, anxiety, bipolar, PTSD, eating disorders, bereavement, borderline, autism, ADHD, addiction, sexual abuse, DV, medical illnesses, relationship problems, LGTBQ+, adjustment disorders and forensic cases.
Footprints was started by a therapist who realized that often times the services provided to low socio-economic communities is lacking quality care. We noticed these communities were confronted with long wait times, disrespectful admins, and subpar treatment. The one and only purpose was to exploit the community for profit without providing the level of care deserved. Feel Better Therapy began from the inspiration to provide quality mental health care to the poorest of communities and treating the clients of this community the same way a rich patient would be treated in a clinic treating affluent clients.
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.