Bipolar Disorder Counselling in North London, London

Photo of Dr Alice Fiorica, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Alice Fiorica
Psychologist, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
North London, London N1
Hello, I am Alice. I am a registered Psychologist and CBT therapist. I am experienced in Mindfulness and third wave CBT developments such as ACT. I work primarily with adults 18+ and couples. I specialise in the treatment of Stress and Anxiety disorders (such as OCD, PTSD, Panic, Perfectionism, Social Anxiety and Impostor Syndrome); Depression and Bipolar Disorder; Trauma and relationship problems. I also help clients to achieve the life they want to live through self development and working on living their values.
Hello, I am Alice. I am a registered Psychologist and CBT therapist. I am experienced in Mindfulness and third wave CBT developments such as ACT. I work primarily with adults 18+ and couples. I specialise in the treatment of Stress and Anxiety disorders (such as OCD, PTSD, Panic, Perfectionism, Social Anxiety and Impostor Syndrome); Depression and Bipolar Disorder; Trauma and relationship problems. I also help clients to achieve the life they want to live through self development and working on living their values.
020 8103 3924 View 020 8103 3924
Photo of Aziz Yaghoubi Anzabi - Dr. Aziz Anzabi, PhD, ACC-AC, Counsellor
Dr. Aziz Anzabi
Counsellor, PhD, ACC-AC
Verified Verified
North London, London N12
I have spent several years working with couples therapy, bipolar, depression ,anxiety disorders, addiction, PMS ,infant loss and OCD .I'm committed to providing counselling with the most up-to-date techniques to build a healing and therapeutic relationship with clients. I will help my client to recover from stress, anxiety, trauma and loss. During the sessions I ensure that the relationship between me and the client is a safe and supportive, one in order to allow the client to freely express their problems. Each session will be fully effective in order to help my patients solve or overcome their problem.
I have spent several years working with couples therapy, bipolar, depression ,anxiety disorders, addiction, PMS ,infant loss and OCD .I'm committed to providing counselling with the most up-to-date techniques to build a healing and therapeutic relationship with clients. I will help my client to recover from stress, anxiety, trauma and loss. During the sessions I ensure that the relationship between me and the client is a safe and supportive, one in order to allow the client to freely express their problems. Each session will be fully effective in order to help my patients solve or overcome their problem.
07446 500016 View 07446 500016
Photo of Maia Kruger, MA, HCPC-Art Therap., Psychotherapist
Maia Kruger
Psychotherapist, MA, HCPC-Art Therap.
Verified Verified
North London, London N16
Hi, my name is Maia. I have over ten years experience as a qualified integrative art psychotherapist, using a trauma-informed approach to help people with PTSD and CPTSD as well as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, and neurodiversity and gender identity. I work in person and online. The process of making art and reflecting on it with an Integrative Art Therapist can be profoundly rewarding. As a dyslexic person, I often found difficulty expressing my thoughts and feeling with words, and as such I turned away from traditional talking-based therapy and found a new language to express myself and understand others.
Hi, my name is Maia. I have over ten years experience as a qualified integrative art psychotherapist, using a trauma-informed approach to help people with PTSD and CPTSD as well as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, and neurodiversity and gender identity. I work in person and online. The process of making art and reflecting on it with an Integrative Art Therapist can be profoundly rewarding. As a dyslexic person, I often found difficulty expressing my thoughts and feeling with words, and as such I turned away from traditional talking-based therapy and found a new language to express myself and understand others.
020 7870 7852 View 020 7870 7852
Photo of Awawu Ola Ajala, MSc, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Awawu Ola Ajala
Psychotherapist, MSc, MUKCP
Verified Verified
North London, London N1
I have experience working with a range of mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, OCD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, personality disorder, eating disorder, trauma, PTSD and ASD.
Systemic Family Therapy is a branch of Psychotherapy that promotes change and emotional growth through the shared exploration of troubling experiences; it helps find possible solutions to difficult situations. In life individuals, couples, and families can face many stresses, worries, and changes that can be hard to manage. When difficulties do not resolve naturally or when it feels like close relationships are suffering, Systemic Psychotherapy can help. Systemic Psychotherapy can help to address a range of difficulties and it can be applied to work with both individuals as well as groups of people.
I have experience working with a range of mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, OCD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, personality disorder, eating disorder, trauma, PTSD and ASD.
Systemic Family Therapy is a branch of Psychotherapy that promotes change and emotional growth through the shared exploration of troubling experiences; it helps find possible solutions to difficult situations. In life individuals, couples, and families can face many stresses, worries, and changes that can be hard to manage. When difficulties do not resolve naturally or when it feels like close relationships are suffering, Systemic Psychotherapy can help. Systemic Psychotherapy can help to address a range of difficulties and it can be applied to work with both individuals as well as groups of people.
020 4538 6897 View 020 4538 6897
Photo of Charity Northan, MA, Counsellor
Charity Northan
Counsellor, MA
Verified Verified
North London, London N1  (Online Only)
I'm here to help you address trauma, anxiety, bipolar disorder, dissociative identity disorder, and depression.
You might be going through tough times; struggling with past trauma, feeling anxious, moody, rejected and depressed; or having difficulty maintaining romantic or family relationships and friendships. Maybe you're not sure what is real or unreal anymore. Perhaps, you are not sure what you believe, or you feel you are struggling with your faith in God. I want to help you. We'll work together using not only evidenced based practices, but also biblical principles to help you sort things out. Let's blend psychological tools with life coaching, and the power of faith to help you bounce back, embrace who you are, and walk in your purpose.
I'm here to help you address trauma, anxiety, bipolar disorder, dissociative identity disorder, and depression.
You might be going through tough times; struggling with past trauma, feeling anxious, moody, rejected and depressed; or having difficulty maintaining romantic or family relationships and friendships. Maybe you're not sure what is real or unreal anymore. Perhaps, you are not sure what you believe, or you feel you are struggling with your faith in God. I want to help you. We'll work together using not only evidenced based practices, but also biblical principles to help you sort things out. Let's blend psychological tools with life coaching, and the power of faith to help you bounce back, embrace who you are, and walk in your purpose.
020 3985 7572 View 020 3985 7572
Photo of Dr Aurora Falcone, PhD, CPsychol, Psychologist
Dr Aurora Falcone
Psychologist, PhD, CPsychol
Verified Verified
North London, London N22  (Online Only)
Welcome! I am a Chartered Clinical Psychologist working in the NHS and private practice. I completed my PhD in Psychology and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at King's College London. I integrate principles from the therapeutic models recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) Guidelines. These include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), third-wave approaches (see here: www.draurorafalcone.com/therapy), Psychodynamic, and Systemic models. I am an Accredited Positive Parenting Programme (Triple P) Provider and an Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) trained Therapist.
Welcome! I am a Chartered Clinical Psychologist working in the NHS and private practice. I completed my PhD in Psychology and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at King's College London. I integrate principles from the therapeutic models recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) Guidelines. These include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), third-wave approaches (see here: www.draurorafalcone.com/therapy), Psychodynamic, and Systemic models. I am an Accredited Positive Parenting Programme (Triple P) Provider and an Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) trained Therapist.
020 3871 0604 View 020 3871 0604
Photo of Jason Ward - DBT London, MA, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
DBT London
Psychotherapist, MA, MUKCP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
North London, London N14
Step 1: Personalised Assessment with DBT London: your path to well-being begins with a detailed, personalised DBT assessment. It’s convenient and friendly, once your payment is confirmed, you’ll receive a Zoom link for a one-on-one session with one of our expert DBT therapists, specialising in DBT Skills for Emotional Regulation and Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). Together, we’ll determine if DBT online is the right solution for your needs. Fee: £85 for a one-hour, comprehensive DBT therapy session and treatment plan. If DBT seems like the right choice, we’ll proceed with complimentary precommitment sessions.
Step 1: Personalised Assessment with DBT London: your path to well-being begins with a detailed, personalised DBT assessment. It’s convenient and friendly, once your payment is confirmed, you’ll receive a Zoom link for a one-on-one session with one of our expert DBT therapists, specialising in DBT Skills for Emotional Regulation and Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). Together, we’ll determine if DBT online is the right solution for your needs. Fee: £85 for a one-hour, comprehensive DBT therapy session and treatment plan. If DBT seems like the right choice, we’ll proceed with complimentary precommitment sessions.
020 8882 8191 x714 View 020 8882 8191 x714
Photo of Michaela de Cruz - MdC Music Therapy, MA, HCPC-Music Therap., Psychotherapist
MdC Music Therapy
Psychotherapist, MA, HCPC-Music Therap.
Verified Verified
North London, London N1  (Online Only)
I believe in each person’s innate musicality (Trevarthen and Malloch 2000) and recognise each person’s musical and creative core. I believe we are all resilient and resourceful but that many forces in the world, including racism, sexism, colonialism, capitalism, and more, consistently try to disconnect us from our inner power and the power of our collective communities. I believe strongly in the capacity of music in therapy to restore this connection, empowering us to access our authentic musicality and creativity and our buried resilience. I am here to support your healing in the way that feels best for you.
I believe in each person’s innate musicality (Trevarthen and Malloch 2000) and recognise each person’s musical and creative core. I believe we are all resilient and resourceful but that many forces in the world, including racism, sexism, colonialism, capitalism, and more, consistently try to disconnect us from our inner power and the power of our collective communities. I believe strongly in the capacity of music in therapy to restore this connection, empowering us to access our authentic musicality and creativity and our buried resilience. I am here to support your healing in the way that feels best for you.
020 3879 4239 View 020 3879 4239
Photo of Matt Wotton - Highgate Therapy Online, MSc, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Highgate Therapy Online
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP
Verified Verified
North London, London N10
If you’re ready to take an in depth look the issues facing you, we’re a group of experienced practitioners, committed to helping you achieve change. We work online to provide flexibility about when and where you access help - including at the weekend or evening. You decide whether you want long-term help as you transition through life, or whether you’re looking for short-term help to deal with a particular, pressing problem. Either way, we will make sure you feel safe, understood and helped to achieve the change you seek. We are fully insured, highly trained and registered with the largest professional body of therapists in the UK.
If you’re ready to take an in depth look the issues facing you, we’re a group of experienced practitioners, committed to helping you achieve change. We work online to provide flexibility about when and where you access help - including at the weekend or evening. You decide whether you want long-term help as you transition through life, or whether you’re looking for short-term help to deal with a particular, pressing problem. Either way, we will make sure you feel safe, understood and helped to achieve the change you seek. We are fully insured, highly trained and registered with the largest professional body of therapists in the UK.
020 3917 4110 View 020 3917 4110
Photo of Dr Pamela Lawson, DCounsPsych, CPsychol, Psychologist
Dr Pamela Lawson
Psychologist, DCounsPsych, CPsychol
Verified Verified
North London, London N6
I am a Counselling Psychologist and Psychotherapist registered with the BPS, HCPC, UKCP and EMDR UK. I offer psychotherapy sessions to adults in a variety of formats from brief therapy (6-20 sessions), where I take a targeted approach on specific issues, to longer term therapy where a more exploratory approach is used. I have 15 years' experience working in clinical settings, including the NHS, higher education, bereavement service and women's health. I now work exclusively in private practice, both in-person and online. I also offer clinical supervision for trainees and qualified psychotherapists.
I am a Counselling Psychologist and Psychotherapist registered with the BPS, HCPC, UKCP and EMDR UK. I offer psychotherapy sessions to adults in a variety of formats from brief therapy (6-20 sessions), where I take a targeted approach on specific issues, to longer term therapy where a more exploratory approach is used. I have 15 years' experience working in clinical settings, including the NHS, higher education, bereavement service and women's health. I now work exclusively in private practice, both in-person and online. I also offer clinical supervision for trainees and qualified psychotherapists.
020 3910 8377 View 020 3910 8377
Photo of Ian Michie, DCounsPsych, BPC, Psychotherapist
Ian Michie
Psychotherapist, DCounsPsych, BPC
Verified Verified
North London, London N19
I am a psychodynamic psychotherapist with over 11 years experience working with adults both privately and in the public sector. I am also a BPC accredited DIT (Dynamic interpersonal Therapy) practitioner. I work both In the short term 6 -16 sessions and long term. An initial meeting can allow us to explore what is going on to determine if brief therapy like DIT or longer open ended therapy is suitable. As well as working in my own practice I have worked in various settings Such as a busy GP practice and an addictions unit. I also work as a critical incident consultant.
I am a psychodynamic psychotherapist with over 11 years experience working with adults both privately and in the public sector. I am also a BPC accredited DIT (Dynamic interpersonal Therapy) practitioner. I work both In the short term 6 -16 sessions and long term. An initial meeting can allow us to explore what is going on to determine if brief therapy like DIT or longer open ended therapy is suitable. As well as working in my own practice I have worked in various settings Such as a busy GP practice and an addictions unit. I also work as a critical incident consultant.
020 3856 7816 View 020 3856 7816
Photo of Louiza Davis - Therapy with Louiza , MBACP, Psychotherapist
Therapy with Louiza
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
North London, London N14
My philosophy and practice focuses on developing a stronger understanding of self in order to maximise true potential. I provide a safe and supportive space, where you are able to explore and understand your own feelings and emotions, empowering you to discover greater life satisfaction. I use a combined approach to psychotherapy, making it bespoke to your individual needs. I believe it is essential that the therapeutic relationship between client and therapist is built on empathy and trust, enabling the client to express and share their thoughts, within a confidential and non-judgmental environment.
My philosophy and practice focuses on developing a stronger understanding of self in order to maximise true potential. I provide a safe and supportive space, where you are able to explore and understand your own feelings and emotions, empowering you to discover greater life satisfaction. I use a combined approach to psychotherapy, making it bespoke to your individual needs. I believe it is essential that the therapeutic relationship between client and therapist is built on empathy and trust, enabling the client to express and share their thoughts, within a confidential and non-judgmental environment.
020 4538 2701 View 020 4538 2701
Photo of Dr Danielle Baillieu, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Danielle Baillieu
Psychologist, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
North London, London N3
While I work mainly in an existential and phenomenological way I also use a range of techniques, including CBT, EMDR, Mindfulness, FLASH and Brainspotting. I provide a safe, non-judgmental space for adults, children, couples and families where we can work on understanding the situation you are in and how to make changes in your life. Whether you're experiencing anxiety, depression or coping with bereavement, therapy will be tailor-made for your situation. I work with neurotypical and neurodiverse clients struggling with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, self-harm or bullying.
While I work mainly in an existential and phenomenological way I also use a range of techniques, including CBT, EMDR, Mindfulness, FLASH and Brainspotting. I provide a safe, non-judgmental space for adults, children, couples and families where we can work on understanding the situation you are in and how to make changes in your life. Whether you're experiencing anxiety, depression or coping with bereavement, therapy will be tailor-made for your situation. I work with neurotypical and neurodiverse clients struggling with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, self-harm or bullying.
07903 936379 View 07903 936379
Photo of Dr Aishwarya Sambath, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Aishwarya Sambath
Psychologist, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
North London, London N1
I am a Chartered Counselling Psychologist based in Central London. I work with a wide range of emotional difficulties and aim to work towards making a positive change. I appreciate the challenges and stresses life can bring and will aim to work with you by creating a safe, warm and non-judgmental space, whilst using evidenced-based psychological interventions to make sense of your difficulties, reducing your pain and increasing your wellbeing. With 9 years’ experience of counselling and mental health work within the NHS, private and charity sector, I have gained extensive knowledge and skills working with multiple difficulties
I am a Chartered Counselling Psychologist based in Central London. I work with a wide range of emotional difficulties and aim to work towards making a positive change. I appreciate the challenges and stresses life can bring and will aim to work with you by creating a safe, warm and non-judgmental space, whilst using evidenced-based psychological interventions to make sense of your difficulties, reducing your pain and increasing your wellbeing. With 9 years’ experience of counselling and mental health work within the NHS, private and charity sector, I have gained extensive knowledge and skills working with multiple difficulties
07495 728991 View 07495 728991
Photo of Ilan Ben-Zion - Little Bee Clinic, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Little Bee Clinic
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
North London, London N2
Offering a fresh approach to psychological therapy from the young and vibrant Little Bee Clinic. We are here to support children, young people and families. Who are you? We are are a group of colleagues who aim to offer a modern approach to psychological therapy. We have all been trained as Clinical Psychologists, which means we have lots of experience working with children, young people and families.
Offering a fresh approach to psychological therapy from the young and vibrant Little Bee Clinic. We are here to support children, young people and families. Who are you? We are are a group of colleagues who aim to offer a modern approach to psychological therapy. We have all been trained as Clinical Psychologists, which means we have lots of experience working with children, young people and families.
020 3974 1825 View 020 3974 1825
Photo of Olivia Haltman, MBACP Accred, Counsellor
Olivia Haltman
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
North London, London N7
Everyone can go through a challenging time and we all do it in our own way. You might find it challenging or relieving to talk to a professional and either could work. My sessions offer a safe and non-judgemental space to explore how we both can work together so you can get the most benefit from the therapy. I believe every person deals with their situations differently and therefore I apply an integrative approach to suit your needs. Some of the various approaches I use are Person Centred, EMDR, CBT, Gestalt, Psychodynamic and more.
Everyone can go through a challenging time and we all do it in our own way. You might find it challenging or relieving to talk to a professional and either could work. My sessions offer a safe and non-judgemental space to explore how we both can work together so you can get the most benefit from the therapy. I believe every person deals with their situations differently and therefore I apply an integrative approach to suit your needs. Some of the various approaches I use are Person Centred, EMDR, CBT, Gestalt, Psychodynamic and more.
020 3962 2161 View 020 3962 2161
Photo of Jennifer Hindle, DCounsPsych, MBACP, Counsellor
Jennifer Hindle
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MBACP
Verified Verified
North London, London N14  (Online Only)
Hello, my name is Jennifer, and I'm a fully qualified and registered psychodynamic psychotherapist and counsellor. I offer a warm, non-judgemental, and confidential space where you can feel safe to explore your thoughts and feelings. My approach is rooted in psychodynamic therapy, an open-ended talking therapy that explores how past experiences and early relationships shape unconscious patterns and emotions, influencing our behaviours and how we feel in the present.
Hello, my name is Jennifer, and I'm a fully qualified and registered psychodynamic psychotherapist and counsellor. I offer a warm, non-judgemental, and confidential space where you can feel safe to explore your thoughts and feelings. My approach is rooted in psychodynamic therapy, an open-ended talking therapy that explores how past experiences and early relationships shape unconscious patterns and emotions, influencing our behaviours and how we feel in the present.
020 3857 8058 View 020 3857 8058
Photo of Matthew Leonard Rosen-Marsh, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Matthew Leonard Rosen-Marsh
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
North London, London N16
People can come to therapy for all sorts of reasons: they might be struggling at work or feeling dissatisfied in a relationship or coming to terms with a traumatic childhood. They might need a different approach depending on their goals - so a more structured, goal based intervention might be suitable for someone who wants to be more effective in the workplace. The person affected by a traumatic past might want to develop a stronger abiity to self-soothe - this could be through guided imagery, relaxation, breathing or just through experiencing the therapeutic relationship as safe and accepting.
People can come to therapy for all sorts of reasons: they might be struggling at work or feeling dissatisfied in a relationship or coming to terms with a traumatic childhood. They might need a different approach depending on their goals - so a more structured, goal based intervention might be suitable for someone who wants to be more effective in the workplace. The person affected by a traumatic past might want to develop a stronger abiity to self-soothe - this could be through guided imagery, relaxation, breathing or just through experiencing the therapeutic relationship as safe and accepting.
020 3835 5076 View 020 3835 5076
Photo of Eilis Quinlan, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Eilis Quinlan
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
North London, London N10
I am a BPS-Chartered Clinical Psychologist working in private practice and the NHS. I also hold an Honorary Teaching Fellow at University College London and contribute to the teaching and training of psychologists. I am passionate about providing effective psychological therapy for each and every client that I work with. My approach is honest and open and I treat all clients with warmth and compassion. I stay up to date with the most recent psychological research and ensure that the services I offer are evidence based.
I am a BPS-Chartered Clinical Psychologist working in private practice and the NHS. I also hold an Honorary Teaching Fellow at University College London and contribute to the teaching and training of psychologists. I am passionate about providing effective psychological therapy for each and every client that I work with. My approach is honest and open and I treat all clients with warmth and compassion. I stay up to date with the most recent psychological research and ensure that the services I offer are evidence based.
020 3872 2029 View 020 3872 2029
Photo of Dr Sarah Callman, PsychD, HCPC - Couns. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Sarah Callman
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
North London, London N6
Hi! I’m Sarah and I'm a Counselling Psychologist. I have over 10 years of clinical experience. I work in an NHS Community Mental Health Team for Kensington and Chelsea. I am experienced working with adults and adolescents including those with neurodevelopmental disorders: autism and ADHD. The most essential ingredient to successful therapy is the therapeutic relationship. My aim is to provide a welcoming and compassionate space built on trust, respect and understanding. During the assessment process we would identify your therapy goals and use this as a guide for formulating a treatment plan to help you make a positive difference.
Hi! I’m Sarah and I'm a Counselling Psychologist. I have over 10 years of clinical experience. I work in an NHS Community Mental Health Team for Kensington and Chelsea. I am experienced working with adults and adolescents including those with neurodevelopmental disorders: autism and ADHD. The most essential ingredient to successful therapy is the therapeutic relationship. My aim is to provide a welcoming and compassionate space built on trust, respect and understanding. During the assessment process we would identify your therapy goals and use this as a guide for formulating a treatment plan to help you make a positive difference.
020 3974 7473 View 020 3974 7473

See more therapy options for North London, London

Bipolar Disorder Counsellors

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.