Bipolar

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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 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 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 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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.