Bipolar

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.

I started working with individuals who struggle with bipolar disorder while in graduate school. While I believe that DBT is a great approach for many who struggle with such a disorder, I have found that Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps all people solidify their values and align their lives to reflect personal priorities regardless of being in a manic, depressive, or remission state.

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.

Grandmother on my mom’s side was Bipolar and so am I. I was on medications for several years until I did enough therapy to where I felt completely comfortable being medication free. DBT + combination with a lot of lifestyle changes and adjustments to my circadian rhythm have made it easier to navigate the waves.

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.

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 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.

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.

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

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. Symptoms include elevated mood, increased energy, decreased need for sleep, irritability, inflated self esteem, rapid speech, risky behaviors, impulsivity and poor judgement.

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. Symptoms include elevated mood, increased energy, decreased need for sleep, irritability, inflated self esteem, rapid speech, risky behaviors, impulsivity and poor judgement.

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.

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 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.

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 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.