Photo of Nanette White - Keystone Counseling, MA, LPC-S, Licensed Professional Counselor
Keystone Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC-S
Verified Verified
Navasota, TX 77868
I also focus my practice on treating depression, bipolar and other mood disorders.
When experiencing life's challenges, we often find ourselves feeling misunderstood and rejected rather than accepted and validated. Our experiences often stand in our way to emotional well-being. My own experience in therapy was a catalyst for launching my career. For me, being a therapist is a lifestyle. I understand that being human is riddled with imperfections. I will help you realize that you are not alone, guide, and encourage you to give yourself grace as you learn to manage these struggles. I use an interpersonal and emotionally focused approach to provide person-centered counseling.
I also focus my practice on treating depression, bipolar and other mood disorders.
When experiencing life's challenges, we often find ourselves feeling misunderstood and rejected rather than accepted and validated. Our experiences often stand in our way to emotional well-being. My own experience in therapy was a catalyst for launching my career. For me, being a therapist is a lifestyle. I understand that being human is riddled with imperfections. I will help you realize that you are not alone, guide, and encourage you to give yourself grace as you learn to manage these struggles. I use an interpersonal and emotionally focused approach to provide person-centered counseling.
(936) 226-2960 View (936) 226-2960
Photo of Melissa Anderson, MA, LPC, CSAT, Licensed Professional Counselor
Melissa Anderson
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, CSAT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pearland, TX 77581
I have worked with individuals, couples and groups, and have experience working with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, relationship issues, etc.
There are moments in each of our lives when circumstances may seem too overwhelming for us to handle them on our own. Maybe you find yourself in the midst of relationship troubles, grief over a loss, depression, anxiety, or a tough life transition. Perhaps you deal with a chronic mental illness or have a family member who does. Whether your situation needs short-term or long-term attention, counseling could be the answer for you.
I have worked with individuals, couples and groups, and have experience working with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, relationship issues, etc.
There are moments in each of our lives when circumstances may seem too overwhelming for us to handle them on our own. Maybe you find yourself in the midst of relationship troubles, grief over a loss, depression, anxiety, or a tough life transition. Perhaps you deal with a chronic mental illness or have a family member who does. Whether your situation needs short-term or long-term attention, counseling could be the answer for you.
(281) 619-8458 View (281) 619-8458
Photo of Stacy Bortey, MA, LPC-A
Stacy Bortey
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, MA, LPC-A
Verified Verified
Dallas, TX 75240
I have helped with people dealing with stress, grief, anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues , bipolar disorder and borderline disorders.
It is amazing that you have taken this first step. I trust and believe that it took a lot of courage but with you looking at this message, it is a bold and beautiful step that you have taken. Though it may be unknown to you, your mental health plays a big role in your lifestyle and making sure that yours is a healthy lifestyle includes paying attention to your mental health. You truly do have that solution within you and with my guidance you will discover that solution, your strengths and most importantly what that miracle of having the solution looks like.
I have helped with people dealing with stress, grief, anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues , bipolar disorder and borderline disorders.
It is amazing that you have taken this first step. I trust and believe that it took a lot of courage but with you looking at this message, it is a bold and beautiful step that you have taken. Though it may be unknown to you, your mental health plays a big role in your lifestyle and making sure that yours is a healthy lifestyle includes paying attention to your mental health. You truly do have that solution within you and with my guidance you will discover that solution, your strengths and most importantly what that miracle of having the solution looks like.
(469) 281-7155 View (469) 281-7155
Photo of Peter Goldstein - Austin City Family Practice and Mental Health, MD
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.
(507) 509-2171 View (507) 509-2171
Photo of Rebecca Furini, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Rebecca Furini
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Austin, TX 78705  (Online Only)
Hello. I’m Rebecca a licensed mental-health therapist with 18 years + experience. Overtime I developed skills working with clients in the areas of depression, anxiety, trauma, anger management, Bipolar Disorder and ADHD to name several. My 11 years spent working in a behavioral health clinic in the past included working clients age 4 to 65+ years with many different kinds of problems and situations and now I am very proud to be doing teletherapy on the Sondermind platform with adults and adolescent clients of various backgrounds and life situations. My educational background includes obtaining my MS from Texas Woman’s University.
Hello. I’m Rebecca a licensed mental-health therapist with 18 years + experience. Overtime I developed skills working with clients in the areas of depression, anxiety, trauma, anger management, Bipolar Disorder and ADHD to name several. My 11 years spent working in a behavioral health clinic in the past included working clients age 4 to 65+ years with many different kinds of problems and situations and now I am very proud to be doing teletherapy on the Sondermind platform with adults and adolescent clients of various backgrounds and life situations. My educational background includes obtaining my MS from Texas Woman’s University.
(737) 367-2556 View (737) 367-2556
Photo of Jessica Zachary, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jessica Zachary
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
Houston, TX 77006
Jessica specializes in helping adults with psychiatric issues including depression, bipolar illness, anxiety disorders, addiction, and relationship issues. Jessica helps each clients to feel seen and heard in therapy, co-creating a transformational experience that undoes feelings of aloneness and suffering in their lives. She enjoys working with varied clients to first identify their goals and then work together to overcome emotional roadblocks to achieving their personal and professional happiness. Jessica can offer referals and collaborate with psychiatrists and other specialists to create a team invested in her client's growth.
Jessica specializes in helping adults with psychiatric issues including depression, bipolar illness, anxiety disorders, addiction, and relationship issues. Jessica helps each clients to feel seen and heard in therapy, co-creating a transformational experience that undoes feelings of aloneness and suffering in their lives. She enjoys working with varied clients to first identify their goals and then work together to overcome emotional roadblocks to achieving their personal and professional happiness. Jessica can offer referals and collaborate with psychiatrists and other specialists to create a team invested in her client's growth.
(832) 479-1772 View (832) 479-1772
Photo of Melissa E. Garrett-Moultrie, EdD, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Melissa E. Garrett-Moultrie
Licensed Professional Counselor, EdD, LPC
Verified Verified
Houston, TX 77095  (Online Only)
I have worked with adult clients with a range of concerns: bipolar disorder, impulse control disorders, marital discord, infidelity, fertility issues, substance abuse, anxiety, depression, postpartum depression, and grief.
I specialize in child, adolescent, and adult mental health services and have practiced in a variety of clinical settings throughout my career. These settings include inpatient acute care, outpatient community-based counseling centers, and schools. My experience also includes working with multicultural and diverse populations across all age groups. I have had the opportunity to work with families who have children on the Autism Spectrum as well as children/adolescents struggling with behavioral concerns and anger management issues. I have a passion for providing psychoeducation to individuals with mental health concerns.
I have worked with adult clients with a range of concerns: bipolar disorder, impulse control disorders, marital discord, infidelity, fertility issues, substance abuse, anxiety, depression, postpartum depression, and grief.
I specialize in child, adolescent, and adult mental health services and have practiced in a variety of clinical settings throughout my career. These settings include inpatient acute care, outpatient community-based counseling centers, and schools. My experience also includes working with multicultural and diverse populations across all age groups. I have had the opportunity to work with families who have children on the Autism Spectrum as well as children/adolescents struggling with behavioral concerns and anger management issues. I have a passion for providing psychoeducation to individuals with mental health concerns.
(832) 210-2619 View (832) 210-2619
Photo of Geri Beard-Chaney, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Geri Beard-Chaney
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Sugar Land, TX 77478
Geri Beard-Chaney is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Supervisor in Texas who has been practicing since 2001. She obtained her Master's Degree in Social Work from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champagne. Her experience spans more than 30 years in Psychiatry in inpatient care as well as outpatient mental health services. Geri sees adults individually as well as families, and groups. She enjoys working with a range of behavioral health issues including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorders, personality disorders, and trauma.
Geri Beard-Chaney is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Supervisor in Texas who has been practicing since 2001. She obtained her Master's Degree in Social Work from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champagne. Her experience spans more than 30 years in Psychiatry in inpatient care as well as outpatient mental health services. Geri sees adults individually as well as families, and groups. She enjoys working with a range of behavioral health issues including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorders, personality disorders, and trauma.
(346) 483-3842 View (346) 483-3842
Photo of Mat A Trammell, LPC-S, Licensed Professional Counselor
Mat A Trammell
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC-S
Verified Verified
Fort Worth, TX 76102
Develop your personal strengths and discover the right direction in life now. If you've been hospitalized or in PHP treatment you know the importance of continuing quality care and I want to help you. Managing stress, and repairing patterns in life can transform your outlook and feelings. Keep up your support and increase momentum with solutions we'll find. The change you need can happen. Let's resolve the hurt and restore the self you know is inside while making a plan for better living again. I've worked extensively with personality disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, relationships and debilitating anxiety.
Develop your personal strengths and discover the right direction in life now. If you've been hospitalized or in PHP treatment you know the importance of continuing quality care and I want to help you. Managing stress, and repairing patterns in life can transform your outlook and feelings. Keep up your support and increase momentum with solutions we'll find. The change you need can happen. Let's resolve the hurt and restore the self you know is inside while making a plan for better living again. I've worked extensively with personality disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, relationships and debilitating anxiety.
(817) 756-7984 View (817) 756-7984
Photo of Christine Jeffries, MS, LPC-S, Licensed Professional Counselor
Christine Jeffries
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC-S
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Colleyville, TX 76034
I am an SMU counseling graduate.I have worked several years with mentally ill clients having Bipolar, Depression, Anxiety and Schizophrenia. I have also worked with at risk youth, Gifted and Talented, autism, and children going through adjustments. I use a mixture of EMDR and ACT. I believe that we have much less control over our thoughts and feelings than we would like to believe so my focus with clients is action because our behaviors are one thing that we have significant control over. If you want to feel differently, you have to behave differently, and I will help you create a plan to do just that!
I am an SMU counseling graduate.I have worked several years with mentally ill clients having Bipolar, Depression, Anxiety and Schizophrenia. I have also worked with at risk youth, Gifted and Talented, autism, and children going through adjustments. I use a mixture of EMDR and ACT. I believe that we have much less control over our thoughts and feelings than we would like to believe so my focus with clients is action because our behaviors are one thing that we have significant control over. If you want to feel differently, you have to behave differently, and I will help you create a plan to do just that!
(817) 697-2535 View (817) 697-2535
Photo of Monica McDermott, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Monica McDermott
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
Sugar Land, TX 77478
I have training/ experience in Trauma, PTSD, Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar, Substance Use, Schizophrenia, and Life Purpose issues.
My mission is to provide hope to my clients by addressing recovery from a holistic stand point. Recovery is defined as a process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life and strive to reach their full potential. I am dedicated to helping my clients resolve their issues in life to help them live to their full potential. I counsel clients to help them in understanding and overcoming personal, social, and behavioral problems. I work with adults, adolescents, and young children.
I have training/ experience in Trauma, PTSD, Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar, Substance Use, Schizophrenia, and Life Purpose issues.
My mission is to provide hope to my clients by addressing recovery from a holistic stand point. Recovery is defined as a process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life and strive to reach their full potential. I am dedicated to helping my clients resolve their issues in life to help them live to their full potential. I counsel clients to help them in understanding and overcoming personal, social, and behavioral problems. I work with adults, adolescents, and young children.
(832) 558-3978 View (832) 558-3978
Photo of T Jayne Grissett, MEd, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
T Jayne Grissett
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Arlington, TX 76015
Jayne is a Licensed Professional Counselor with 26 years of experience in the mental health field. She enjoys working with clients who struggle with Anxiety, Depression, Codependency, OCD, Bipolar Disorder, Anger and Stress Management, Self-esteem Development, Families impacted by addictions and the many challenges that LGBTQ clients face. She also has extensive experience with substance abuse treatment. She focuses on the strengths the client brings to therapy and considers it an honor to be a part of the therapy process with her clients.
Jayne is a Licensed Professional Counselor with 26 years of experience in the mental health field. She enjoys working with clients who struggle with Anxiety, Depression, Codependency, OCD, Bipolar Disorder, Anger and Stress Management, Self-esteem Development, Families impacted by addictions and the many challenges that LGBTQ clients face. She also has extensive experience with substance abuse treatment. She focuses on the strengths the client brings to therapy and considers it an honor to be a part of the therapy process with her clients.
(817) 968-1183 View (817) 968-1183
Photo of Aleksandra Bessent, ECFMG-, cert, MD, MA, NCC
Aleksandra Bessent
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, ECFMG-, cert, MD, MA, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Temple, TX 76501
I specialize in serving individuals experiencing OCD, bipolar disorder, PTSD, borderline personality disorder, grief, infidelity and more.
Are you trying to cope with constant worry, intrusive thoughts, trauma triggers, sadness or anger? Would you like to improve your relationships with partner/spouse/family? Are you struggling to recover from childhood trauma or narcissistic abuse, adjust to major life changes, such as acute or chronic disease, divorce, death of a loved person, career transition? There are times in life when we need professional help to feel better and live a more fulfilling life. I am here to help you to deal with distress, grief, sense of despair, get your symptoms under control, heal from trauma and experience happiness.
I specialize in serving individuals experiencing OCD, bipolar disorder, PTSD, borderline personality disorder, grief, infidelity and more.
Are you trying to cope with constant worry, intrusive thoughts, trauma triggers, sadness or anger? Would you like to improve your relationships with partner/spouse/family? Are you struggling to recover from childhood trauma or narcissistic abuse, adjust to major life changes, such as acute or chronic disease, divorce, death of a loved person, career transition? There are times in life when we need professional help to feel better and live a more fulfilling life. I am here to help you to deal with distress, grief, sense of despair, get your symptoms under control, heal from trauma and experience happiness.
(254) 613-8558 View (254) 613-8558
Photo of Lisa Wallace, LCSW, LCDC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
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.
(737) 214-4935 View (737) 214-4935
Photo of Christopher Keener, LPC-S, LCDC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Christopher Keener
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC-S, LCDC
Verified Verified
Dallas, TX 75204
I specialize in the treatment of teens and adults facing challenges such as depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and addiction. My priority is creating a safe and supportive environment where clients feel empowered to explore their challenges and work towards positive change.
I specialize in the treatment of teens and adults facing challenges such as depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and addiction. My priority is creating a safe and supportive environment where clients feel empowered to explore their challenges and work towards positive change.
(214) 256-1184 View (214) 256-1184
Photo of Morgan Shumar, MA, LPC-A
Morgan Shumar
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, MA, LPC-A
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Keller, TX 76248
I see a range of clientele in private practice, as well as offer a group for adults with Bipolar Disorder.
Therapy has helped me manage my own struggles and I believe wholeheartedly that everyone can benefit. My goal is to offer clients a safe and empathetic space to share, grow intrapersonal awareness, and hopefully overcome or cope with grief, anxiety, trauma, and more. I have a passion for helping people and want every person to feel heard and understood.
I see a range of clientele in private practice, as well as offer a group for adults with Bipolar Disorder.
Therapy has helped me manage my own struggles and I believe wholeheartedly that everyone can benefit. My goal is to offer clients a safe and empathetic space to share, grow intrapersonal awareness, and hopefully overcome or cope with grief, anxiety, trauma, and more. I have a passion for helping people and want every person to feel heard and understood.
(682) 327-1289 View (682) 327-1289
Photo of Jasmine Trachelle Groves, MA, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Jasmine Trachelle Groves
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kingwood, TX 77339
What an amazing day to heal! Allow me to help you achieve the life you are entitled to and deserve. We all carry baggage and experience ongoing day-to-day stressors that can make the future seem unattainable. Now is the time to put your life into perspective and get back on track. I have experience working with individuals, adolescents, and adolescent groups. Most issues presented to me in therapy include relational and vocational stressors, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, anger management, impulse control issues, self-harm, inattention/focusing problems, bipolar disorder, grief/loss, post traumatic stress, and substance abuse.
What an amazing day to heal! Allow me to help you achieve the life you are entitled to and deserve. We all carry baggage and experience ongoing day-to-day stressors that can make the future seem unattainable. Now is the time to put your life into perspective and get back on track. I have experience working with individuals, adolescents, and adolescent groups. Most issues presented to me in therapy include relational and vocational stressors, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, anger management, impulse control issues, self-harm, inattention/focusing problems, bipolar disorder, grief/loss, post traumatic stress, and substance abuse.
(832) 905-8860 View (832) 905-8860
Photo of Rica Puazo, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Rica Puazo
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Pflugerville, TX 78660  (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.
(339) 218-3090 View (339) 218-3090
Photo of LaSharta Pearson, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
LaSharta Pearson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Katy, TX 77494
LaSharta Pearson is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 6 years of experience in the mental health field. She has experience treating anxiety/panic disorders, depressive disorders, adjustment disorders (major life change, divorce), bipolar disorders, personality disorders, issues with parent/child relationships, substance use issues, LGBTQIA+-related needs, postpartum depression, psychosis, and schizophrenia. Over the course of her life, LaSharta has found multiple ways to serve her community and brings that experience to her mind-care work, including her time spent as a corrections officer and as a member of the US Air Force.
LaSharta Pearson is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 6 years of experience in the mental health field. She has experience treating anxiety/panic disorders, depressive disorders, adjustment disorders (major life change, divorce), bipolar disorders, personality disorders, issues with parent/child relationships, substance use issues, LGBTQIA+-related needs, postpartum depression, psychosis, and schizophrenia. Over the course of her life, LaSharta has found multiple ways to serve her community and brings that experience to her mind-care work, including her time spent as a corrections officer and as a member of the US Air Force.
(346) 482-3320 View (346) 482-3320
Photo of Yara Castillo, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Yara Castillo
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Houston, TX 77070  (Online Only)
I specialize in treating anxiety, life transitions, and Bipolar disorder.
I graduated from the University of Houston with an MEd in Counseling. I am passionate about helping others feel heard and validated. I have extensive experience working with populations with chronic mental illness. I have worked in inpatient hospital settings, partial hospitalization programs, intensive outpatient programs, and group and private practices. My style is Eclectic as I use a variety of therapeutic styles and interventions during sessions, such as Cognitive Behavioral therapy, Solution-Focused therapy, Mindfulness, Attachment-Based therapy and Strengths-Based therapy.
I specialize in treating anxiety, life transitions, and Bipolar disorder.
I graduated from the University of Houston with an MEd in Counseling. I am passionate about helping others feel heard and validated. I have extensive experience working with populations with chronic mental illness. I have worked in inpatient hospital settings, partial hospitalization programs, intensive outpatient programs, and group and private practices. My style is Eclectic as I use a variety of therapeutic styles and interventions during sessions, such as Cognitive Behavioral therapy, Solution-Focused therapy, Mindfulness, Attachment-Based therapy and Strengths-Based therapy.
(832) 219-8631 View (832) 219-8631
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.