Bipolar

Being a dual diagnosis clinician, I have built specific skills to help patients of all ages challenge their mental health symptoms from bipolar disorder, anxiety, and depression, among others. Working openly and honestly with patients they learn new techniques to manage their symptoms effectively.

In addition to medication management, helping client's increase mindful awareness of their moment-to-moment thoughts, feelings, and internal sensations, as well as deviations, is key to successfully managing the bipolar experience. Using a variety of DBT and ACT skills, I can help you overcome the overwhelm with effective skills-based coping and support. Commonly, many people working with bipolar symptoms also have significant trauma histories that we can also address with EMDR and IFS therapy.

Bipolar disorder can lead to abrupt mood shifts that can be difficult to manage and lead to impulsive choices, psychosis, challenged relationships, etc. There are therapeutic techniques we can engage in together to help bring about increased awareness of how lifestyle and mood are intertwined for you personally and identify areas for adjustment. Through processing in therapy, we can work together toward a greater sense of balance - both internally and externally.

Feeling like your emotions are not in your control is very scary.

I enjoy working with people who have bipolar disorder and other mood disorders. I ran groups for people with bipolar disorder for more than eight years in a previous position. When I work with mood issues, usually we focus on a combination of things like improving your self care, using mindfulness based therapies/DBT, and sometimes considering medications. Together we learn about your key warning signs for depression or hypomania and what to do if you start feeling that way.

Bipolar disorder presents with high or low moods, described as mood swings. These mood swings can affect sleep, energy, activity, judgement, behavior and the ability to think clearly.

Bipolar can be treated with several therapies. Interpersonal Social Rhythm Therapy uses tracking, social interaction, and circadian rhythms to keep you stable. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy can be really effective for depression. Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing therapy (EMDR), Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), and Internal Family Systems (IFS) can help resolve any trauma, such as hospitalizations and embarrassing memories. Mindfulness and education round out the treatment.

Living with bipolar may not always be an easy think to do however I am able to help manage symptoms to make sure they are not controlling your life. I am able to offer tools and coping skills to help live the life you want.

I have worked with many clients recently diagnosed with bipolar, and I also work with clients that are experiencing a manic or depressive episode. Bipolar can disrupt life and cause chaos and suffering. My goal in working with clients is to help them understand what bipolar looks like in their life. Just because you are diagnosed as bipolar it does not have to define your life. You are more than your diagnosis.

I have a strong interest and background working with people with bipolar disorder. I do so under the recommendations of the APA which is to offer weekly therapy in combination with medications. Because I am working online, I may refer some clients with severe cases to in person therapy. This is to provide them with the best protection possible.

Bipolar can be a difficult experience, but it does not have to be a negative one. Together I help my clients understand the way their cycles and symptoms effect their lives, create interventions to reduce vulnerabilities and increase protective factors, and see themselves as the whole person they are.

With a focus on Bipolar Disorder, I bring a nuanced understanding of the complexities associated with mood dysregulation. My expertise lies in conducting thorough evaluations, formulating personalized treatment plans, and providing ongoing support for individuals with bipolar I and II disorders. I am well-versed in the use of mood stabilizers, atypical antipsychotics, and psychoeducation to manage mood episodes effectively.

I have spent the last three years working specifically with adults with severe mental illness including bipolar disorders in varying stages of recovery. I also have lived experience with bipolar disorder that I can draw from when it is helpful to relate, while also recognizing that everyone's experience is unique.

I spent the majority of my education exploring bipolar disorder. My master's thesis was on the connection between artistic genius and bipolar disorder. I can offer bipolar clients a nuanced understanding of their symptoms, and the multitude of ways bipolar can interact with their life and identity. Many of my clients who identify as bipolar have intersecting creative talents and/or exceptional abilities that sometimes dance with the various mood states of bipolar.

Diagnosis involves thorough clinical evaluation, considering the presence and duration of mood episodes as well as other non-symptom markers of bipolarity. Treatment should prioritize mood-stabilizing medications such as lithium and lamotrigine. People who have insulin resistance and bipolar disorder may benefit from lifestyle or medication to reduce insulin resistance and improve mood. Psychotherapy helps individuals develop self-management skills and cope with the impact of bipolar illness.

Bipolar mood swings can be frightening. One week you may feel depressed, unmotivated even suicidal. Then you surge into a whirlwind of high energy, racing thoughts, sleeplessness, and maybe you do things that you feel embarrassed about later, when you come down from the emotional high. And this leads to more depression, shame and guilt. It's exhausting! There's hope. People with bipolar disorder lead healthy, productive lives with proper diagnosis and treatment.

Bipolar disorders can be viewed as mood disorders with various types of manic behaviors and depressive episodes with behaviors lacking in supportive functioning in the everyday.

I have a strong interest and background working with people with bipolar disorder. I do so under the recommendations of the APA which is to offer weekly therapy in combination with medications. Because I am working online, I may refer some clients with severe cases to in person therapy. This is to provide them with the best protection possible.

I identify as a "Wounded Healer." I was diagnosed with Bipolar One Disorder in my teenage years. My experiences within the mental health field led me to choose to become a counselor. I have a tremendous amount of empathy and compassion for those who have mood disorders. I understand the importance of regularly checking in with a therapist when managing one's ups and downs. I utilize Social and Interpersonal Rhythms, Strength-Based and Solution Focused techniques when treating bipolar disorder.