Councelor/Therapist | Mental Health Questions Psychologist

Can psychotherapy treat bipolar?

I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Can psychotherapy treat bipolar?

8 Answers

Councelor/Therapist|MentalHealthPsychologist
Psychotherapy makes an important and unique contribution to the treatment of bipolar disorder. Psychotherapy alone, however, is not likely to be as effective in treating bipolar disorder as psychotherapy plus medication. Ideally, a psychotherapist and psychiatrist (a medical doctor who can prescribe appropriate medications) will--with the informed consent of the patient, of course--be in communication to coordinate care. In terms of the specific contribution psychotherapy makes, this may start with psycho-educational support in understanding what bipolar disorder is and what it does, particularly important in the period immediately after a diagnosis has been given. It's a lot to take in, and no patient will be able to grasp or cope with the full implications right away. The diagnosis itself can be a major challenge to a person's self-esteem, mood, and sense of agency. It is not uncommon for newly diagnosed patients to go through a process somewhat akin to grieving, with reactions of denial, anger, bargaining, and sadness, which themselves can complicate a client's buy-in to a plan of treatment. Psychotherapy can also be crucially helpful in identifying ways in which the client is attached to the "highs" associated with the run-up to a manic episode (hypo-mania, meaning not-quite-mania). Helping to develop and strengthen tools for emotional self-regulation is another aim of psychotherapy for bipolar. And recognizing how bipolar symptoms can impact relationships, and vice versa, is also a fruitful area to address. *andrewkuhnphd.com <http://andrewkuhnphd.com>* *Manhattan* 5 East 94th Street NYC NY 10128 (212) 480-2426 *Westchester* *New address:* 275 East Main Street Mt. Kisco, NY 10549 <https://goo.gl/maps/pgmU6Z77hgL2> (914) 261-2657 <(914)+261-2657>
Yes, cognitive-behavior therapy is appropriate with Bipolar Disorder. However, medication is also required for adequate treatment.
Yes can do therapy but effectiveness is limited during acute stage. Mainly should be dependent on medication management.
Not a good choice. Skilled use of medications works best for BiPolar, which is often a moving target.
After medication management phase is established it is crucially necessary to work with a psychotherapist for bipolar disorder
Psychotherapy, or "talk" therapy, is an important part of treatment for bipolar disorder. During therapy, you can discuss feelings, thoughts, and behaviors that cause you problems. Talk therapy can help you understand and hopefully master any problems that hurt your ability to function well in your life and career.
Psychotherapy is a critical ingredient in the management of virtually all psychiatric conditions. Depending on the severity of the disorder, medications would be recommended too. Interpersonal Social Rhythms Therapy is one format that is developed for bipolar disorder.
Client motivation and committment to treatment can create change. In the therapy process, internalized emotions, any unhealthy ingrained patterns of thinking and/or behaviors, such as avoidance and resistance, out of fear/anxiety or depressive symptoms must be addressed, unlocked and replaced with new ways of thinking and healthy living. Medication management alone will not be sufficient unless the above is treated, worked on and progress and change is in place.