Bipolar

Full self-disclosure - I was diagnosed with Bipolar Affective Disorder type I when I was a late teenager. I have made it a point to work with people struggling with any of the cyclothymic disorders from a place of empathy and compassion. Medication issues and options are always open for discussion. I bring a wealth of personal and professional information to the table, and believe that treatment options are very much personal choice and responsibility, despite what many doctors seem to believe.

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.

Years of experience treating bipolar. I provide both medication management and psychotherapy for bipolar.

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.

Learn to manage your moods

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 have seen many clients who experience bipolar disorder who both are on medication and are not. This leads me to treatment that is of an interesting approach and is very mindful oriented without the use of medication. I have developed a system that has been very successful with my clients who regulate their mood and can do a great job with a number line system and a program of mindful activities to call on to regulate both manic and depressive episodes.

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.

I have worked with individuals dealing with roller coaster of manic and depressive cycles to aid in finding strategies to manage these episodes.

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.

Helping with energy management, identifying and tracking warning signs and planning for what to do if an episode happens and supporting people through these times. Working on acceptance and self-compassion.

I have worked with individuals dealing with roller coaster of manic and depressive cycles to aid in finding strategies to manage these episodes.

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.

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

Learn radical acceptance and self-harmony to understand and navigate your bipolar experience

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 have worked with those who have bipolar disorder for the last 5 years in hospital settings, community mental health, and group practice. Bipolar disorder is complicated and coordinating care can be difficult. I understand how important it will be to work with your care team to provide the best care.

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