Photo of Laura Brightwood, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Chapel Hill, NC
Laura Brightwood
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, M-Div
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
For decades, I've helped people find new paths through their life challenges. By developing a deep client relationship, applying complementary therapeutic approaches, my goal is to help YOU uncover your true potential and power to live a life you enjoy. Do you doubt that is possible? Therapy may consist of practicing skills related to social and emotional learning and learning how your beliefs about life effect everything. Uncovering and navigating your life stories - telling those stories over and over - of depression, trauma, anxiety, loss, and stress helps YOU figure out YOUR path. Want to try?
For decades, I've helped people find new paths through their life challenges. By developing a deep client relationship, applying complementary therapeutic approaches, my goal is to help YOU uncover your true potential and power to live a life you enjoy. Do you doubt that is possible? Therapy may consist of practicing skills related to social and emotional learning and learning how your beliefs about life effect everything. Uncovering and navigating your life stories - telling those stories over and over - of depression, trauma, anxiety, loss, and stress helps YOU figure out YOUR path. Want to try?
(919) 666-2083 View (919) 666-2083
Photo of Misty Humphries, Counselor in Chapel Hill, NC
Misty Humphries
Counselor, MA, LCMHC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chapel Hill, NC 27515
Are you depressed, lonely, anxious, overwhelmed or just need someone to listen to you? I am here to help. With a listening ear and techniques to help you better navigate the world around you, we can work towards empowering you to live fully. We can work to develop coping skills that help you lead a fulfilling life.
Are you depressed, lonely, anxious, overwhelmed or just need someone to listen to you? I am here to help. With a listening ear and techniques to help you better navigate the world around you, we can work towards empowering you to live fully. We can work to develop coping skills that help you lead a fulfilling life.
(336) 438-2014 View (336) 438-2014
Photo of Donna Murray, Counselor in Chapel Hill, NC
Donna Murray
Counselor, LPCC-S
Verified Verified
Chapel Hill, NC 27517  (Online Only)
Hello! My name is Donna Murray and I look forward to connecting with you. I’ve had the joy of working in the counseling field for over 25 years in multiple settings including: private practice, inpatient and outpatient, home-based, school-based and residential detox. I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in the states of Ohio, West Virginia and North Carolina and have been offering counseling services since 1996. Currently, I also serve on the West Virginia Certification Board for Addiction & Prevention Professionals.
Hello! My name is Donna Murray and I look forward to connecting with you. I’ve had the joy of working in the counseling field for over 25 years in multiple settings including: private practice, inpatient and outpatient, home-based, school-based and residential detox. I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in the states of Ohio, West Virginia and North Carolina and have been offering counseling services since 1996. Currently, I also serve on the West Virginia Certification Board for Addiction & Prevention Professionals.
(919) 642-4512 View (919) 642-4512
Photo of Present Therapy, Lic Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate in Chapel Hill, NC
Present Therapy
Lic Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate, NC, LCMHCA, 19045
Verified Verified
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
Why do we do anything? I believe the reason that we do anything is to feel better. There may be 5 physical senses; however, we pursue life always in the hope of feeling better. We attract our life circumstances based on how we feel. Our active emotions create an emotional vibrational set point. When we learn to tend to our emotional health first, prior to engaging in action, we become the authors of our lives. Learning to find emotional alignment prior to engaging in activity, conversation, and interaction with others, will allow us to attract our wanted life desires. Thus, change your energy and you change your life.
Why do we do anything? I believe the reason that we do anything is to feel better. There may be 5 physical senses; however, we pursue life always in the hope of feeling better. We attract our life circumstances based on how we feel. Our active emotions create an emotional vibrational set point. When we learn to tend to our emotional health first, prior to engaging in action, we become the authors of our lives. Learning to find emotional alignment prior to engaging in activity, conversation, and interaction with others, will allow us to attract our wanted life desires. Thus, change your energy and you change your life.
(919) 893-0195 View (919) 893-0195
Photo of Lauren Cardwell, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Chapel Hill, NC
Lauren Cardwell
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Chapel Hill, NC 27517
****Not accepting new clients***Lauren Cardwell, MSW, LCSW is a clinical therapist.. She believes that being a human is hard and messy, but that people have the capability to be resilient. She is passionate about helping others make positive changes in their own timing. Her approach to therapy is strengths-based and a collaborative experience between her and her clients. Her goal of therapy is to help clients feel seen and heard in their experiences. She utilizes Solution Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and is trauma-focused. She is LBGTQ+ affirming and works with individuals, children, adults, couples, and families.
****Not accepting new clients***Lauren Cardwell, MSW, LCSW is a clinical therapist.. She believes that being a human is hard and messy, but that people have the capability to be resilient. She is passionate about helping others make positive changes in their own timing. Her approach to therapy is strengths-based and a collaborative experience between her and her clients. Her goal of therapy is to help clients feel seen and heard in their experiences. She utilizes Solution Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and is trauma-focused. She is LBGTQ+ affirming and works with individuals, children, adults, couples, and families.
(919) 679-9691 View (919) 679-9691
Photo of Michael Raúl Brown, Counselor in Chapel Hill, NC
Michael Raúl Brown
Counselor, MS, PhD, LCMHCA
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Chapel Hill, NC 27599
Waitlist for new clients
Sometimes we all can use a little help on life's journey--when things seem dark, when we feel like we are drowning in emotions, challenges, or thoughts, or when we just need someone to help with focus as we set a course toward achieving our goals. That is what therapy is all about! Therapy is not having someone with all the right answers tell you what to do or doing things to you; it is having a professional guide to draw out your goals and strengths, to breathe hope into difficult times, and to assist with perspective and skills. As Rumi said, "The wound is where the light enters you." Come, find hope, and refuel for your journey.
Sometimes we all can use a little help on life's journey--when things seem dark, when we feel like we are drowning in emotions, challenges, or thoughts, or when we just need someone to help with focus as we set a course toward achieving our goals. That is what therapy is all about! Therapy is not having someone with all the right answers tell you what to do or doing things to you; it is having a professional guide to draw out your goals and strengths, to breathe hope into difficult times, and to assist with perspective and skills. As Rumi said, "The wound is where the light enters you." Come, find hope, and refuel for your journey.
(919) 759-5627 View (919) 759-5627
Photo of Chapel Hill Art Therapy-Uli Schempp, Licensed Professional Counselor in Chapel Hill, NC
Chapel Hill Art Therapy-Uli Schempp
Licensed Professional Counselor, ATR-BC, LCMHC, LCAT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
Art therapy offers a unique path to access and express dreamlike or diffuse mental images representing emotional memories that often are non-linear and therefore difficult to express verbally. The imagery then becomes the subject of contemplation and discussion with the art therapist and will add to the client's understanding of what motivates her/his behavior and emotions. In addition, art making is a soothing and meditative process and helps reduce stress, anxiety and depression while working through sometimes difficult issues.
Art therapy offers a unique path to access and express dreamlike or diffuse mental images representing emotional memories that often are non-linear and therefore difficult to express verbally. The imagery then becomes the subject of contemplation and discussion with the art therapist and will add to the client's understanding of what motivates her/his behavior and emotions. In addition, art making is a soothing and meditative process and helps reduce stress, anxiety and depression while working through sometimes difficult issues.
(646) 762-0318 View (646) 762-0318
Photo of Samantha Boyce, Counselor in Chapel Hill, NC
Samantha Boyce
Counselor, MA, LCMHC, REAT
Verified Verified
Chapel Hill, NC 27515
Waitlist for new clients
My clients reach out because they need support during a time of transition, are struggling with anxiety or depression, or want to address past traumas. I work with teens, adults and kids to help them cope with stress and respond to suffering. My clients report relief at being able to express themselves freely and feel seen. They enjoy the opportunity to use creative arts in the therapy space, especially as the arts are uniquely positioned to respond to trauma. No art experience is necessary to benefit from expressive arts therapy. If you're open, and if you've ever used a crayon or listened to music, that's all you need.
My clients reach out because they need support during a time of transition, are struggling with anxiety or depression, or want to address past traumas. I work with teens, adults and kids to help them cope with stress and respond to suffering. My clients report relief at being able to express themselves freely and feel seen. They enjoy the opportunity to use creative arts in the therapy space, especially as the arts are uniquely positioned to respond to trauma. No art experience is necessary to benefit from expressive arts therapy. If you're open, and if you've ever used a crayon or listened to music, that's all you need.
(919) 328-2290 View (919) 328-2290
Photo of Nour Counseling & Consulting, PLLC in Chapel Hill, NC
Nour Counseling & Consulting, PLLC
Verified Verified
Chapel Hill, NC 27514  (Online Only)
We address a wide array of presenting concerns, including anxiety, depression, racial trauma, oppression and discrimination, career counseling, career conflict, PTSD, life transitions, relationship conflict, ADHD, substance use, bipolar disorder, sexual abuse, narcissistic abuse, and more.
Has finding an inclusive therapist been a challenge for you? Do you need a counselor who understands experiences around BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, neurodiversity, ability differences, and any other wonderful traits that make you who you are? As therapists at Nour Counseling, we self-identify with historically marginalized backgrounds, and have a special passion for supporting our communities. You can come to each therapy session resting assured that your therapist recognizes how the intersection of your various identities impacts the way you experience the world and presenting concerns. We celebrate folx who identify as bicultural, Black, African American, BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, ability diverse, and all who have been historically marginalized because… Everyone means everyone.
We address a wide array of presenting concerns, including anxiety, depression, racial trauma, oppression and discrimination, career counseling, career conflict, PTSD, life transitions, relationship conflict, ADHD, substance use, bipolar disorder, sexual abuse, narcissistic abuse, and more.
Has finding an inclusive therapist been a challenge for you? Do you need a counselor who understands experiences around BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, neurodiversity, ability differences, and any other wonderful traits that make you who you are? As therapists at Nour Counseling, we self-identify with historically marginalized backgrounds, and have a special passion for supporting our communities. You can come to each therapy session resting assured that your therapist recognizes how the intersection of your various identities impacts the way you experience the world and presenting concerns. We celebrate folx who identify as bicultural, Black, African American, BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, ability diverse, and all who have been historically marginalized because… Everyone means everyone.
(919) 587-8394 View (919) 587-8394
Photo of Rachael Lark Revelle, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Chapel Hill, NC
Rachael Lark Revelle
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, LCAS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
Professionally, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. My specialties include issues of abuse/trauma, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, grief and spiritual issues involving women, adolescents, families, and individuals. I also have a heart for integrating faith in the counseling process, working with clients in crisis, and seeing clients understand their true identities and thrive in their current life situations. My goal, through counseling is to provide a safe environment for individuals, allowing them to identify with themselves and reach maximum potential through changing their thoughts and behaviors. My work experience includes time at Carolina Outreach, providing assessments and counseling.
Professionally, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. My specialties include issues of abuse/trauma, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, grief and spiritual issues involving women, adolescents, families, and individuals. I also have a heart for integrating faith in the counseling process, working with clients in crisis, and seeing clients understand their true identities and thrive in their current life situations. My goal, through counseling is to provide a safe environment for individuals, allowing them to identify with themselves and reach maximum potential through changing their thoughts and behaviors. My work experience includes time at Carolina Outreach, providing assessments and counseling.
(919) 374-3049 View (919) 374-3049
Photo of Anne Storelli, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in Chapel Hill, NC
Anne Storelli
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, LCMHC, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chapel Hill, NC 27517
Waitlist for new clients
Life can be challenging, and most of us need help at one time or another. I offer a safe place to process thoughts and feelings, a place to be heard and understood - an experience that is increasingly rare in our modern, fast paced lives. Taking time to explore your interior world can be a tremendous opportunity for growth in your own sense of well-being and in your relationships with others. I enjoy working with adults and children, couples and families, focusing on your personal challenges and empowering you to find a way to meet your goals.
Life can be challenging, and most of us need help at one time or another. I offer a safe place to process thoughts and feelings, a place to be heard and understood - an experience that is increasingly rare in our modern, fast paced lives. Taking time to explore your interior world can be a tremendous opportunity for growth in your own sense of well-being and in your relationships with others. I enjoy working with adults and children, couples and families, focusing on your personal challenges and empowering you to find a way to meet your goals.
(919) 587-8073 View (919) 587-8073
Photo of Katie Pape, Counselor in Chapel Hill, NC
Katie Pape
Counselor, MEd, LCMHC, ATR
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chapel Hill, NC 27599
Waitlist for new clients
Currently on a waitlist. Welcome to my practice, where healing begins through a holistic and personalized approach. I am a dedicated therapist committed to supporting teens and adults on their journey to mental well-being. My therapeutic philosophy revolves around the integration of self-compassion, art therapy, mindfulness-based stress reduction, and nature-based interventions. In our virtual and in-office sessions, I provide a warm and nurturing environment for individuals seeking relief from the burdens of stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions.
Currently on a waitlist. Welcome to my practice, where healing begins through a holistic and personalized approach. I am a dedicated therapist committed to supporting teens and adults on their journey to mental well-being. My therapeutic philosophy revolves around the integration of self-compassion, art therapy, mindfulness-based stress reduction, and nature-based interventions. In our virtual and in-office sessions, I provide a warm and nurturing environment for individuals seeking relief from the burdens of stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions.
(919) 873-4452 View (919) 873-4452
Photo of Shea McGinnis, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Chapel Hill, NC
Shea McGinnis
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSWA, LCAS, CSI
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chapel Hill, NC 27516  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Are you consumed by worry and overwhelm? So much so that it is easier to just stay home. Feeling totally isolated and alone in your stress and unmotivated to do anything today? Wondering what happened to the person you used to know and want to rediscover yourself? Or, you may be experiencing immense shame and guilt nearly every day. Are you finding your relationships challenging to navigate? Not knowing how to say what you need and want to say? Or, you may be struggling to break addictive patterns and feeling desperate for change.
Are you consumed by worry and overwhelm? So much so that it is easier to just stay home. Feeling totally isolated and alone in your stress and unmotivated to do anything today? Wondering what happened to the person you used to know and want to rediscover yourself? Or, you may be experiencing immense shame and guilt nearly every day. Are you finding your relationships challenging to navigate? Not knowing how to say what you need and want to say? Or, you may be struggling to break addictive patterns and feeling desperate for change.
(828) 373-3186 View (828) 373-3186
Photo of Brice Bradshaw, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in Chapel Hill, NC
Brice Bradshaw
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MS, LCMHC, NCC
Verified Verified
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
I believe that the clients I work with have an internal desire to be their best selves but that sometimes barriers and obstacles get in the way of that. I have worked with clients in mental health settings that range from children up through geriatric aged individuals. I look forward to helping you to achieve your goals, both in counseling and in life.
I believe that the clients I work with have an internal desire to be their best selves but that sometimes barriers and obstacles get in the way of that. I have worked with clients in mental health settings that range from children up through geriatric aged individuals. I look forward to helping you to achieve your goals, both in counseling and in life.
(844) 294-8116 x1 View (844) 294-8116 x1
Photo of Guided-Alchemy, PLLC, Psychologist in Chapel Hill, NC
Guided-Alchemy, PLLC
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chapel Hill, NC 27514  (Online Only)
You have BIG feelings and always have. You are sensitive to your environment, tuned into the subtle nuances and energies of the people/world around you. You feel it in your gut. You sense it in your body. You were bullied, shamed, or invalidated for these feelings growing up – told you were too sensitive. You learned to doubt, squash, numb, or project those feelings onto other people and things as a way to stay safe in a world that doesn't have time for such things. You people-please, overwork, over-think, detach. You run from your feelings until they suddenly consume you. Disconnect or engulfed. You crave harmony inside and out.
You have BIG feelings and always have. You are sensitive to your environment, tuned into the subtle nuances and energies of the people/world around you. You feel it in your gut. You sense it in your body. You were bullied, shamed, or invalidated for these feelings growing up – told you were too sensitive. You learned to doubt, squash, numb, or project those feelings onto other people and things as a way to stay safe in a world that doesn't have time for such things. You people-please, overwork, over-think, detach. You run from your feelings until they suddenly consume you. Disconnect or engulfed. You crave harmony inside and out.
(828) 888-9316 View (828) 888-9316
Photo of Resilient Mind Counseling, Counselor in Chapel Hill, NC
Resilient Mind Counseling
Counselor, LCMHC, LCAS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chapel Hill, NC 27517
Is REM's "It's The End Of The World As We Know It" playing as your daily soundtrack? We get it....life is FUCKING scary right now. Things feel unpredictable, chaotic, and overwhelming and it's easy to despair. You may be thinking “If we needed to talk about feelings, they would be called ‘talkings'- Nick Miler. Keeping all of this bottled up inside and dealing with it on your own isn't serving you though. There's no medal for "doing it all on your own." Whether you're struggling with your identity, sexuality, racial tension, or social justice, your concerns are valid, and you deserve to be HEARD. Therapy offers that space.
Is REM's "It's The End Of The World As We Know It" playing as your daily soundtrack? We get it....life is FUCKING scary right now. Things feel unpredictable, chaotic, and overwhelming and it's easy to despair. You may be thinking “If we needed to talk about feelings, they would be called ‘talkings'- Nick Miler. Keeping all of this bottled up inside and dealing with it on your own isn't serving you though. There's no medal for "doing it all on your own." Whether you're struggling with your identity, sexuality, racial tension, or social justice, your concerns are valid, and you deserve to be HEARD. Therapy offers that space.
(828) 662-3954 View (828) 662-3954
Photo of Leslie Mulligan, Counselor in Chapel Hill, NC
Leslie Mulligan
Counselor, MS, EdS, LCPC, LCMHC, NCC
Verified Verified
Chapel Hill, NC 27517  (Online Only)
I am a creative humanist. As an experiential psychotherapist, I join with you in your life-in-process to support your self-awareness, healing, and growth. I engage with your whole person - body, mind, being - your unique "me". Life change, moods, relationships, work, health, recovery are my focus. Rather than lean into pathology, I value your intelligence, ways of expression, learning and strategies. Using facts, metaphor, lived experience, humor, honesty you'll see your own best way through. I tailor my tools to your person/couple/family's needs. You gain objective and compassionate insights, and new tools for thriving.
I am a creative humanist. As an experiential psychotherapist, I join with you in your life-in-process to support your self-awareness, healing, and growth. I engage with your whole person - body, mind, being - your unique "me". Life change, moods, relationships, work, health, recovery are my focus. Rather than lean into pathology, I value your intelligence, ways of expression, learning and strategies. Using facts, metaphor, lived experience, humor, honesty you'll see your own best way through. I tailor my tools to your person/couple/family's needs. You gain objective and compassionate insights, and new tools for thriving.
(207) 843-9672 View (207) 843-9672

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Ka'marla Johnson, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Chapel Hill, NC
Ka'marla Johnson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Durham, NC 27713
Do you struggle with anxiety, depression, grief, a challenging relationship, or loss of a sense of self? Do you struggle with feeling disconnected from yourself and others? Do you wonder if life should feel somehow better and happier? Now more than ever, people are feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and uncertain about how to manage their lives, relationships, and careers. Let me be the torch to help you light the way to learning to set boundaries, work through a loss, and life transitions, or help you change a pattern of behavior that keeps you stuck. We offer an inclusive, safe space with in-person or virtual appointments today!
Do you struggle with anxiety, depression, grief, a challenging relationship, or loss of a sense of self? Do you struggle with feeling disconnected from yourself and others? Do you wonder if life should feel somehow better and happier? Now more than ever, people are feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and uncertain about how to manage their lives, relationships, and careers. Let me be the torch to help you light the way to learning to set boundaries, work through a loss, and life transitions, or help you change a pattern of behavior that keeps you stuck. We offer an inclusive, safe space with in-person or virtual appointments today!
(984) 464-8504 x102 View (984) 464-8504 x102
Photo of Dr. Lamont Barnett, Drug & Alcohol Counselor in Chapel Hill, NC
Dr. Lamont Barnett
Drug & Alcohol Counselor, PhD, LCASA , CPLC , MAC, CNHP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Durham, NC 27708
I specialize in helping you navigate through life's challenges, learn how to be more aware of your thoughts, feelings, emotions, surroundings, situations, & to reduce automatic responses. My clients are often experiencing stressors related to burnout, life transitions, life stagnation, relationships, perfectionism, Imposter Syndrome, high achievement/striving, challenging family dynamics, & struggling with managing anxiety/depression symptoms, addictions, or just feeling "stuck". The goal is to find your peace, recognize that you are not separated by your mental, physical, & spiritual health but interdependently connected by them.
I specialize in helping you navigate through life's challenges, learn how to be more aware of your thoughts, feelings, emotions, surroundings, situations, & to reduce automatic responses. My clients are often experiencing stressors related to burnout, life transitions, life stagnation, relationships, perfectionism, Imposter Syndrome, high achievement/striving, challenging family dynamics, & struggling with managing anxiety/depression symptoms, addictions, or just feeling "stuck". The goal is to find your peace, recognize that you are not separated by your mental, physical, & spiritual health but interdependently connected by them.
(919) 823-6602 View (919) 823-6602
Photo of Mark Stroeh, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Chapel Hill, NC
Mark Stroeh
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MDiv
Verified Verified
Durham, NC 27713
The clients I see include those who displaying symptoms for ADHD, PTSD, Depression, Adjustment Disorder, Bipolar, Personality Disorders, Schizophrenia and other diagnoses.
I am an In-Home and Virtual Mental Health Therapist who has 20 years of experience in working with children, adolescents and adults within their homes and on-line. I have traveled to client's homes, all over Durham County and Chapel Hill, to work with their mental health needs. Therapies include individual and family. I truly attempt to meet my clients where they are. What my clients experience is significant and needs to be heard for growth and change to occur. In this way, clients are able to find greater trust and strength in their self-awareness and personal development.
The clients I see include those who displaying symptoms for ADHD, PTSD, Depression, Adjustment Disorder, Bipolar, Personality Disorders, Schizophrenia and other diagnoses.
I am an In-Home and Virtual Mental Health Therapist who has 20 years of experience in working with children, adolescents and adults within their homes and on-line. I have traveled to client's homes, all over Durham County and Chapel Hill, to work with their mental health needs. Therapies include individual and family. I truly attempt to meet my clients where they are. What my clients experience is significant and needs to be heard for growth and change to occur. In this way, clients are able to find greater trust and strength in their self-awareness and personal development.
(919) 626-3932 View (919) 626-3932

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.