Bipolar

Bipolar disorder, formerly known as manic-depressive illness, is a mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings that include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). These mood swings can affect energy levels, activity, sleep, judgment, behavior, and the ability to think clearly.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 Disorder is a mental illness that will always be dear to my heart. It may be a condition that you have for reasons beyond your control, but it does not define you. There are a myriad of solutions to help pad its difficult symptoms. Depending on what benefits you, we will work together to find them. I am not a doctor and cannot prescribe medicine. However I may be able to assist you in finding a licensed professional who does prescribe.

Over the past 7 years, I have gathered extensive knowledge and experience working with teens and adults struggling with Bipolar Disorder in a variety of settings from outpatient to intensive residential treatment facilities. I have seen people struggle but I have also seen people live awesome, fun, with amazing sleep schedules and workout habits, lives because therapy and the right medication changed their lives. Wellness is often neglected and thought of as a secondary goal to stability.

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.

I have worked with people with Bipolar Disorders for 3 years and believe a collaborative approach towards a treatment plan works best.

Are you suffering from extreme mood swings or ongoing mood deregulation or treatment resistant mood disorder? Have you tried several bipolar medications, and nothing seems to be working? I offer psychotherapy with effective medication management where you can start experiencing excellent mood and regain yourselves again. A trial will convince you.

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

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.

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.

If you have experienced feeling hijacked by extreme mental or emotional states, and notice periods of checking out or experiencing other dissociative symptoms, a trauma-informed, healing-centered approach to Internal Family Systems can help you increase curiosity and compassion that are necessary for insight. It is possible to be more aware and attuned to what is going on inside without feeling overwhelmed, and to experience relief and ease.

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.