Bipolar Disorder Therapists in Blackstone, VA

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Online Therapists

Photo of Debbie Anderson, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Blackstone, VA
Debbie Anderson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Richmond, VA 23225
Hi! My name is Debbie and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has been practicing in the field for over 13 years. I specialize primarily in the treatment of trauma, depression, and anxiety, but have also helped individuals diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder, Schizoaffective Disorder, and Schizophrenia. I am trained in CBT, DBT, Cognitive Processing Therapy, and EMDR, and have spent the majority of my adult life developing and authenticating my skills to help those in need. I am very passionate about the work I do, and believe that all have the power within them to heal and recover, whatever that might look like.
Hi! My name is Debbie and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has been practicing in the field for over 13 years. I specialize primarily in the treatment of trauma, depression, and anxiety, but have also helped individuals diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder, Schizoaffective Disorder, and Schizophrenia. I am trained in CBT, DBT, Cognitive Processing Therapy, and EMDR, and have spent the majority of my adult life developing and authenticating my skills to help those in need. I am very passionate about the work I do, and believe that all have the power within them to heal and recover, whatever that might look like.
(804) 593-0535 View (804) 593-0535
Photo of Linda Noronha, Licensed Professional Counselor in Blackstone, VA
Linda Noronha
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Chesterfield, VA 23832  (Online Only)
Linda Noronha is a compassionate Licensed Professional Counselor with over 7 years of experience who empathetically navigates the complexities of life, meeting individuals where they are and guiding them through the highs and lows with a focus on flexibility, adaptability, and developing personalized treatment plans. She brings a wealth of professional expertise to her practice, specializing in assisting clients dealing with depression, anxiety, grief, bipolar disorder, couples, family issues, and various life stages.
Linda Noronha is a compassionate Licensed Professional Counselor with over 7 years of experience who empathetically navigates the complexities of life, meeting individuals where they are and guiding them through the highs and lows with a focus on flexibility, adaptability, and developing personalized treatment plans. She brings a wealth of professional expertise to her practice, specializing in assisting clients dealing with depression, anxiety, grief, bipolar disorder, couples, family issues, and various life stages.
(804) 207-4258 View (804) 207-4258
Photo of Bridget Kanz, Psychologist in Blackstone, VA
Bridget Kanz
Psychologist, CP
Not Verified Not Verified
Richmond, VA 23234
My name is Bridget Kanz and I am a licensed clinical psychologist. I believe that every person has the desire and capacity to live a full and healthy life. My goal as a therapist is to provide you with the support and skills needed to realize your potential. I have worked with a wide variety of clients throughout my career and am very comfortable treating many conditions including anxiety/panic, PTSD, bipolar, schizophrenia, schizoaffective, substance use, personality disorders, and depression.
My name is Bridget Kanz and I am a licensed clinical psychologist. I believe that every person has the desire and capacity to live a full and healthy life. My goal as a therapist is to provide you with the support and skills needed to realize your potential. I have worked with a wide variety of clients throughout my career and am very comfortable treating many conditions including anxiety/panic, PTSD, bipolar, schizophrenia, schizoaffective, substance use, personality disorders, and depression.
(804) 361-8439 View (804) 361-8439
Photo of TMTSonline.com, Licensed Professional Counselor in Blackstone, VA
TMTSonline.com
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Yorktown, VA 23693  (Online Only)
My main focus is on affective disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder.
You may feel desperate, alone, and misunderstood. You feel like you are floating in the bottom of a lake and cannot see the light above you. Everyday, you feel like you are just going through the motions. If this describes you, then I may be the therapist for you. In my ten years of experience, I have helped people like you reach their potential and achieve the recovery that they needed. There is no set system or quick fix as others may promise, but I will walk down the road with you. My online practice provides care anywhere you are, in the comfort of your own environment.
My main focus is on affective disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder.
You may feel desperate, alone, and misunderstood. You feel like you are floating in the bottom of a lake and cannot see the light above you. Everyday, you feel like you are just going through the motions. If this describes you, then I may be the therapist for you. In my ten years of experience, I have helped people like you reach their potential and achieve the recovery that they needed. There is no set system or quick fix as others may promise, but I will walk down the road with you. My online practice provides care anywhere you are, in the comfort of your own environment.
(757) 690-2778 View (757) 690-2778
Photo of Jenna M Miles, Licensed Professional Counselor in Blackstone, VA
Jenna M Miles
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, PMH-C, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ashland, VA 23005
I work with a variety of mental health struggles including depression, anxiety, bipolar, self-image, loss, anger, and self-harm.
Hi-ya! Seeking therapy is often a difficult decision; I would like to make that decision easier by offering a comfortable, safe environment to address life's challenges. Whether managing a life transition, addressing a relationship conflict, coping with difficult past experiences or changing unwanted behavioral patterns, I am here to offer support. I have a deep passion for walking through the trenches of life alongside folx. I primarily meet with young adults, new parents, and couples. Transitions to adulthood, parenthood, and partnerships present unique obstacles requiring self-reflection, healing past wounds, and personal growth.
I work with a variety of mental health struggles including depression, anxiety, bipolar, self-image, loss, anger, and self-harm.
Hi-ya! Seeking therapy is often a difficult decision; I would like to make that decision easier by offering a comfortable, safe environment to address life's challenges. Whether managing a life transition, addressing a relationship conflict, coping with difficult past experiences or changing unwanted behavioral patterns, I am here to offer support. I have a deep passion for walking through the trenches of life alongside folx. I primarily meet with young adults, new parents, and couples. Transitions to adulthood, parenthood, and partnerships present unique obstacles requiring self-reflection, healing past wounds, and personal growth.
(804) 215-2145 View (804) 215-2145
Photo of Lynn K Luria, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Blackstone, VA
Lynn K Luria
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Newport News, VA 23606
Waitlist for new clients
Together, the client and therapist can work toward healing, growth, and change. I work with people experiencing depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, trauma, and other life challenges. I engage each client using an eclectic approach, based on each client's goals, strengths, preferences, and specific needs.
Together, the client and therapist can work toward healing, growth, and change. I work with people experiencing depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, trauma, and other life challenges. I engage each client using an eclectic approach, based on each client's goals, strengths, preferences, and specific needs.
(757) 280-2753 View (757) 280-2753
Photo of Teri Bistarkey, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Blackstone, VA
Teri Bistarkey
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
South Hill, VA 23970
I have many years of experience working with people with depression and anxiety as well as bipolar and schizophrenia.
Feeling like you can't quite keep it together? Sometimes we get overwhelmed with the stresses in life and need help sorting them out. Maybe you've just hit a low point or feeling overly worried and anxious. Talking to a therapist has helped many people who are feeling the same way. The last two years have been more than difficult, and people are struggling. I help people figure out what's working well for them and what's not. Then we explore together the many strengths and skills you already have and can use to overcome the problems life throws at us.
I have many years of experience working with people with depression and anxiety as well as bipolar and schizophrenia.
Feeling like you can't quite keep it together? Sometimes we get overwhelmed with the stresses in life and need help sorting them out. Maybe you've just hit a low point or feeling overly worried and anxious. Talking to a therapist has helped many people who are feeling the same way. The last two years have been more than difficult, and people are struggling. I help people figure out what's working well for them and what's not. Then we explore together the many strengths and skills you already have and can use to overcome the problems life throws at us.
(434) 813-6641 View (434) 813-6641
Photo of Tredella Hall, Licensed Professional Counselor in Blackstone, VA
Tredella Hall
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC, LSATP, CCATP, CCTP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chesapeake, VA 23321  (Online Only)
My areas of specialty include: depression, anxiety, behavioral problems, healthy relationships, life transitions, stress management, substance abuse, trauma, and bipolar disorder.
As a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Substance Abuse Treatment Provider, my goal is to assist you in enhancing your overall ability to cope with stressors, increase self-awareness, and enhance resiliency. By utilizing an integrated approach we will work together as I aide you in establishing and maintaining relationships, utilizing refusal and coping skills in an effort to elicit behavioral change. "The secret to change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new". -Dan Millman
My areas of specialty include: depression, anxiety, behavioral problems, healthy relationships, life transitions, stress management, substance abuse, trauma, and bipolar disorder.
As a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Substance Abuse Treatment Provider, my goal is to assist you in enhancing your overall ability to cope with stressors, increase self-awareness, and enhance resiliency. By utilizing an integrated approach we will work together as I aide you in establishing and maintaining relationships, utilizing refusal and coping skills in an effort to elicit behavioral change. "The secret to change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new". -Dan Millman
(757) 693-4191 View (757) 693-4191
Photo of Sofia Anna Crowe, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Blackstone, VA
Sofia Anna Crowe
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Richmond, VA 23230
Areas of expertise include ADHD child/adult, parenting and family concerns, working with young adulthood issues, post-COVID, depression, anxiety, bipolar and chronic medical issues, addiction, co-occurring issues and a variety of couples and family issues.
I have been a clinician for 23 years. I have a Master's from the U of MD Social Work program. I have enjoyed wide-ranging training and employment in many settings, including supervising a county-wide suicide hotline, in an adolescent residential facility, intensive outpatient and in-home therapy. I have worked in diverse settings, such as Johns Hopkins Methadone/Suboxone program and for an AZ Native Tribal Nation. I am experienced in diverse treatment modalities, including DBT (couples and family) dual-diagnosis treatment, Imago and in Imago/communication focused couples therapy, and multi-systemic or strategic family therapy.
Areas of expertise include ADHD child/adult, parenting and family concerns, working with young adulthood issues, post-COVID, depression, anxiety, bipolar and chronic medical issues, addiction, co-occurring issues and a variety of couples and family issues.
I have been a clinician for 23 years. I have a Master's from the U of MD Social Work program. I have enjoyed wide-ranging training and employment in many settings, including supervising a county-wide suicide hotline, in an adolescent residential facility, intensive outpatient and in-home therapy. I have worked in diverse settings, such as Johns Hopkins Methadone/Suboxone program and for an AZ Native Tribal Nation. I am experienced in diverse treatment modalities, including DBT (couples and family) dual-diagnosis treatment, Imago and in Imago/communication focused couples therapy, and multi-systemic or strategic family therapy.
(804) 596-4564 View (804) 596-4564
Photo of Domoniquie Ginyard, Supervisee in Clinical Social Work in Blackstone, VA
Domoniquie Ginyard
Supervisee in Clinical Social Work, MSW, LCSW-S
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fredericksburg, VA 22406  (Online Only)
My main focuses include crisis work, substance use dependence, depression and anxiety, bipolar disorder, grief and loss, chronic illness, intimate partner violence, and relationship issues.
Hello! I am Domoniquie. I understand that the therapeutic process is a powerful tool for clients to grow and develop into healthier individuals and/or couples. My clinical experience settings include private practice, mental/behavioral health, crisis stabilization, and social work services.
My main focuses include crisis work, substance use dependence, depression and anxiety, bipolar disorder, grief and loss, chronic illness, intimate partner violence, and relationship issues.
Hello! I am Domoniquie. I understand that the therapeutic process is a powerful tool for clients to grow and develop into healthier individuals and/or couples. My clinical experience settings include private practice, mental/behavioral health, crisis stabilization, and social work services.
(540) 306-5907 View (540) 306-5907
William T Burke
Psychologist, PhD, LCP
Verified Verified
Midlothian, VA 23112
William T. Burke, Ph.D. Dr. Burke received his doctoral degree from the University of Virginia in 1978. Following internship and residency training in Hartford CT and Charlottesville VA he entered private practice in Richmond in 1981. His interests include psychotherapy with children, adolescents and adults. He sees individuals , families and couples.We have a shared interest and expertise in treating individuals experiencing ADD/ADHD and the full spectrum of mood disorders including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and post-traumatic issues. We are able to offer a range of treatment options including therapy and medication
William T. Burke, Ph.D. Dr. Burke received his doctoral degree from the University of Virginia in 1978. Following internship and residency training in Hartford CT and Charlottesville VA he entered private practice in Richmond in 1981. His interests include psychotherapy with children, adolescents and adults. He sees individuals , families and couples.We have a shared interest and expertise in treating individuals experiencing ADD/ADHD and the full spectrum of mood disorders including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and post-traumatic issues. We are able to offer a range of treatment options including therapy and medication
(804) 913-2754 x101 View (804) 913-2754 x101
Photo of Shantel Cooper, Resident in Counseling in Blackstone, VA
Shantel Cooper
Resident in Counseling, MEd, LMHP-R
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Richmond, VA 23236
Do you speak your child's language? In today's world, chances are the answer is no. My name is Shantel, Resident in Counseling at Centering Elements. I specialize in families. I enjoy using my professional experience and person-centered approach to assist parents with cultivating healthy relationships with their children. I have experience with Depression, ADHD, Anxiety, Substance use, Bipolar I and II, as well as changes in family dynamics. I have assisted children and their parents with learning to communicate effectively, establishing boundaries, and navigating conflicts.
Do you speak your child's language? In today's world, chances are the answer is no. My name is Shantel, Resident in Counseling at Centering Elements. I specialize in families. I enjoy using my professional experience and person-centered approach to assist parents with cultivating healthy relationships with their children. I have experience with Depression, ADHD, Anxiety, Substance use, Bipolar I and II, as well as changes in family dynamics. I have assisted children and their parents with learning to communicate effectively, establishing boundaries, and navigating conflicts.
(804) 395-5304 x6 View (804) 395-5304 x6
Photo of Dr. Stephanie White, Licensed Professional Counselor in Blackstone, VA
Dr. Stephanie White
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Williamsburg, VA 23185  (Online Only)
I am skilled in treating mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar.
I am an LPC, specializing in adolescents and young adults, as well as families in crisis. I have experience working with addictions as well as severe mental health diagnoses. It is my role to stimulate dialogue and create an environment that allows for meaningful change through gaining awareness and improving insight. My goal in session is for all those affected to be heard and feel safe. Mental health issues affect the entire family.
I am skilled in treating mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar.
I am an LPC, specializing in adolescents and young adults, as well as families in crisis. I have experience working with addictions as well as severe mental health diagnoses. It is my role to stimulate dialogue and create an environment that allows for meaningful change through gaining awareness and improving insight. My goal in session is for all those affected to be heard and feel safe. Mental health issues affect the entire family.
(757) 903-2406 View (757) 903-2406
Photo of Sara E Goins, Licensed Professional Counselor in Blackstone, VA
Sara E Goins
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Forest, VA 24551  (Online Only)
I have experience with diagnoses such as trauma, depression, anxiety, bipolar, substance use, anger, and more.
Hello! Thank you for taking the time to read my profile! My primary goal as a therapist is to make sure that each session is client-centered. This means that YOU are the main focus of therapy! I aim to ensure that therapy sessions are tailored to meet the needs of each client so that the individual can feel comfortable, supported, heard, accepted, and most of all-ready to grow. I tailor sessions to fit each client by integrating the client’s strengths and interests into sessions (art, writing, crafting, and music). One of my favorite things to integrate into session (when appropriate) is humor! I love to laugh!
I have experience with diagnoses such as trauma, depression, anxiety, bipolar, substance use, anger, and more.
Hello! Thank you for taking the time to read my profile! My primary goal as a therapist is to make sure that each session is client-centered. This means that YOU are the main focus of therapy! I aim to ensure that therapy sessions are tailored to meet the needs of each client so that the individual can feel comfortable, supported, heard, accepted, and most of all-ready to grow. I tailor sessions to fit each client by integrating the client’s strengths and interests into sessions (art, writing, crafting, and music). One of my favorite things to integrate into session (when appropriate) is humor! I love to laugh!
(434) 201-7658 View (434) 201-7658
Photo of RVA Personal Wellness, Telehealth only, Licensed Professional Counselor in Blackstone, VA
RVA Personal Wellness, Telehealth only
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Richmond, VA 23230  (Online Only)
Layne also has experience with psychotic disorders, Bipolar disorders, and other serious mental illnesses and offers symptom mapping and management.
I am currently accepted new clients and I accept all Cigna, Optum (United Healthcare), Anthem and Aetna plans. Layne is certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), which has shown to effectively treat trauma. Layne also uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy to treat depression, anxiety and a variety of personality disorders. Layne has experience with psychotic disorders, Bipolar disorders, and other serious mental illnesses and offers symptom mapping and management.
Layne also has experience with psychotic disorders, Bipolar disorders, and other serious mental illnesses and offers symptom mapping and management.
I am currently accepted new clients and I accept all Cigna, Optum (United Healthcare), Anthem and Aetna plans. Layne is certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), which has shown to effectively treat trauma. Layne also uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy to treat depression, anxiety and a variety of personality disorders. Layne has experience with psychotic disorders, Bipolar disorders, and other serious mental illnesses and offers symptom mapping and management.
(804) 581-1794 View (804) 581-1794
Photo of Alliance Family Counseling, LLC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Blackstone, VA
Alliance Family Counseling, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
North Chesterfield, VA 23236
My professional experience includes the provision of clinical services in both residential (milieu) therapy and outpatient practice clinical specialties include Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Anxiety, Borderline Personality, Schizoaffective Disorder, PTSD, Attachment, Anger Management and Grief and loss, etc. I have expertise in trauma recovery, specifically healing from childhood physical, emotional and sexual abuse. I accept and work with patients of all age ranges and work with clients who are over the age of 65.
My professional experience includes the provision of clinical services in both residential (milieu) therapy and outpatient practice clinical specialties include Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Anxiety, Borderline Personality, Schizoaffective Disorder, PTSD, Attachment, Anger Management and Grief and loss, etc. I have expertise in trauma recovery, specifically healing from childhood physical, emotional and sexual abuse. I accept and work with patients of all age ranges and work with clients who are over the age of 65.
(804) 207-7220 View (804) 207-7220
Photo of Tameka Boone, Licensed Professional Counselor in Blackstone, VA
Tameka Boone
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Richmond, VA 23230
Tameka Boone is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who has over 10 years of experience in the mental health field and has worked extensively with people diagnosed with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, trauma, and disorders on the schizophrenia and personality disorder spectrums.
Tameka Boone is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who has over 10 years of experience in the mental health field and has worked extensively with people diagnosed with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, trauma, and disorders on the schizophrenia and personality disorder spectrums.
(804) 369-8985 View (804) 369-8985
Photo of Daphne Ingene, Licensed Professional Counselor in Blackstone, VA
Daphne Ingene
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC
Verified Verified
Charlottesville, VA 22902
Some of the specific issues I have experience working with are adjustment, assimilation, identity, depression, anxiety, anger, depression, self esteem, eating disorders, substance abuse, trauma, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, isolation, and self care.
I enjoy helping people establish and maintain relationships. It could be a relationship with your significant other, colleagues, or your family where values, beliefs, expectations, or even the cultures may be different. I also help people maintain a positive relationship with themselves by achieving an internal balance and being at peace with their past experiences.
Some of the specific issues I have experience working with are adjustment, assimilation, identity, depression, anxiety, anger, depression, self esteem, eating disorders, substance abuse, trauma, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, isolation, and self care.
I enjoy helping people establish and maintain relationships. It could be a relationship with your significant other, colleagues, or your family where values, beliefs, expectations, or even the cultures may be different. I also help people maintain a positive relationship with themselves by achieving an internal balance and being at peace with their past experiences.
(434) 326-0527 View (434) 326-0527
Photo of Scarlete Johnson, Licensed Professional Counselor in Blackstone, VA
Scarlete Johnson
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, CSAC
Verified Verified
Richmond, VA 23225  (Online Only)
I have walked alongside others on journeys to healing from depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, domestic abuse, childhood trauma, sex trauma, drug and alcohol addiction, workplace related trauma, low self worth, self hate, grief and through manufactured emotions such as guilt and shame.
I have been in the field of mental health for the last 15 years doing case management, intensive in home therapy, substance use disorder counseling, intensive outpatient and outpatient therapy. I enjoy working with adolescents and adults ranging in age from 14 years and up. I am aware of cultural, religious, and ethnic differences and take on an individualized approach tailored to fit the specific needs of person in treatment. I do what I do because I believe that humans are neither fundamentally good or bad but the product of their experiences that have taught them something about the world, others and most importantly, themselves.
I have walked alongside others on journeys to healing from depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, domestic abuse, childhood trauma, sex trauma, drug and alcohol addiction, workplace related trauma, low self worth, self hate, grief and through manufactured emotions such as guilt and shame.
I have been in the field of mental health for the last 15 years doing case management, intensive in home therapy, substance use disorder counseling, intensive outpatient and outpatient therapy. I enjoy working with adolescents and adults ranging in age from 14 years and up. I am aware of cultural, religious, and ethnic differences and take on an individualized approach tailored to fit the specific needs of person in treatment. I do what I do because I believe that humans are neither fundamentally good or bad but the product of their experiences that have taught them something about the world, others and most importantly, themselves.
(571) 946-6920 View (571) 946-6920
Photo of Dr. Jannie W. Robinson, EdD, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Blackstone, VA
Dr. Jannie W. Robinson, EdD, LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, EdD, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chesapeake, VA 23320
Helping others maximize their potential by learning how to restructure the way they think can vastly improve one's quality of life. Over the past twenty plus years I have worked with women and men from adolescence to their senior years sort through some of the many issues we all face. As an experienced therapist I have provided therapeutic counseling services to both military and civilians addressing diagnoses of Depression, Attention Deficient Disorder (ADD), Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), relationship issues and a variety of women concerns.
Helping others maximize their potential by learning how to restructure the way they think can vastly improve one's quality of life. Over the past twenty plus years I have worked with women and men from adolescence to their senior years sort through some of the many issues we all face. As an experienced therapist I have provided therapeutic counseling services to both military and civilians addressing diagnoses of Depression, Attention Deficient Disorder (ADD), Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), relationship issues and a variety of women concerns.
(757) 742-5491 View (757) 742-5491
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.