Bipolar

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.

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, 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.

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.

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.

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

I have extensive experience in treatment the full spectrum of bipolar disorders, including with psychotic symptoms. I was previously the provider for a first-episode psychosis program and treated many young adults with bipolar symptoms and mood dysregulation.

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 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 extensive experience in the treatment of bipolar disorders, working from a trauma-informed therapeutic lens. My approach addresses the complex interplay between bipolar disorder and other mental health issues, such as anxiety, trauma, and substance misuse. Together, we can work towards achieving greater emotional balance and improving your overall well-being.

Psychotherapy and psychoeducation, cognitive-behavioral therapy, interpersonal and social rhythm therapy are all effective in supporting those living with Bipolar Disorder. Modalities I use include functional remediation and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy.

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.

I have read extensively on the most recent evidence based treatment for bipolar disorder. I have lived experience with a family member who has a bipolar diagnosis and have utilized ACT and Narrative therapies with clients experiencing Bipolar depression.

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 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 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 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.