If you or someone you love is affected by bipolar disorder, psychotherapy can be an integral part of treatment. Talking with a therapist can help identify feelings, thoughts, and patterns that cause problems. The goal is to manage them so they have less potential to affect you negatively.
Adding psychotherapy treatment to medications has been shown to help—our therapists are trained and experienced and provide excellent support for people living with bipolar disorder.
Medication is crucial for people living with bipolar disorder, and attending therapy can help you stay on it. Maintaining a positive self-image is also vital, and therapists can help. Keeping your strengths in mind and understanding your limitations is helpful mentally, emotionally, and socially.
What is
Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder, previously known as manic depression, is a mental illness that causes extreme shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels. It also seriously affects concentration. Anyone affected by it is likely to have serious episodes of depression with a loss of interest in pleasure and most activities. At the other extreme is feeling euphoric, overly energetic, or irritable.
The mood episodes of bipolar disorder have serious life effects.
- Changed sleep cycles
- High and low energy levels
- Behavioral changes
- Impulse control
- Issues with judgment/grandiose ideas
- Not thinking clearly
Each bipolar person is different, and the frequency of mood swings varies. Some are lucky enough to deal with them rarely, while others may experience them more often. What is similar for everyone is the value of treatment. The right approach can help you manage mood swings and symptoms.
Bipolar Therapy:
What Can I Expect?
As noted earlier, psychotherapy is often in addition to medication and is a crucial part of an effective treatment plan. Our experienced Honolulu bipolar counseling therapists employ a range of methods personalized to your needs. We’re careful to meet each client where they are and work accordingly.
We offer a safe, supportive, confidential environment where everyone is welcome.
Bipolar therapy sessions vary by individual, but there are treatment approaches that are proven effective. They include cognitive behavioral and family-focused therapy, which have the best potential to bring long-term, sustainable improvement.
One treatment approach is sufficient for some people, while others may benefit most from both or a blend. Our new client introduction and evaluation process carefully and thoroughly develops the optimal treatment plan for your needs.
How and Why Does Counseling Help?
Relying on medication alone to treat bipolar disorder may be an incomplete approach. Psychotherapy is effective at identifying and treating root causes. It also addresses thoughts and behaviors that can be changed to reduce mood swings and help you better deal with them if they occur.
Understanding yourself better and feeling more in control can be life-changing.
- Living with bipolar disorder requires a combination of medication and knowledge to manage it – therapy helps provide the knowledge.
- For most people, it’s an ongoing process that requires attention and care.
The counseling we provide addresses your life and needs with an understanding of how bipolar disorder may be affecting many parts of your life. In the long run, we help you understand those impacts and how to gain greater control over them to live happier and healthier.
Can I Manage
Mood Swings on My Own?
We all want to feel well and be successful in life, so it’s common to try moderating moods on your own. But if you’ve tried it and still find yourself swinging too far between the extremes, it’s wise to consider seeking help from a mental health professional.
For many bipolar people, dramatic mood swings from euphoria to depression are powerful and consuming. Preventing mood episodes is challenging as people and life events can be triggers.
Some of the potential symptoms include, but are not limited to:
- Loss of interest in pleasure or activities
- Risk-taking and disorganized behavior
- Hyperactivity
- Unwanted thoughts
- Excessive desire for sex
- Restlessness and difficulty sleeping
- Overly rapid speaking
Bipolar episodes can have many effects on your quality of life and the people around you. If you’re experiencing any of the above along with high and low moods, strongly consider seeking help.
What Therapeutic Methods
Treat Bipolar Disorder?
The right psychotherapeutic treatment approach is essential, and when you’re a Wellness Counseling client, you’ll work with experienced therapists.
Effectively treating bipolar disorder begins with a careful initial evaluation – meeting you, learning more about your moods, and understanding what will improve your functioning and life. The information gathered in the first assessment will guide you in selecting the most helpful treatment.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT can help address unhelpful thinking and behavior. It can teach you to better cope with everyday events and triggers to remain in control. You’ll also learn better problem-solving skills and become more confident in your abilities.
Family-focused therapy (FFT)
FFT is also an effective approach for bipolar clients. It’s a more holistic approach and draws on the family’s strength and support. It can improve psychological functioning and help reduce mood swings and bipolar episodes of depression or euphoria.
When you work with our therapists, they continually monitor and evaluate the success of your treatment. We understand there may be many successes and occasional setbacks, and we’re with you at each step. The key is to adapt and customize treatment to meet your evolving needs.
Why Add Counseling to
Medication Treatment?
Medication treatment may make an immediate improvement in bipolar symptoms, reducing mood swings and helping you stay in control. Adding counseling greatly improves the results in the long run because you gain understanding and learn coping skills.
We work with a holistic approach—mind, body, and spirit—and get to know you and your life. As you learn more about yourself, your feelings, and your behavior, you naturally become more in control.
Knowing the signs and symptoms of mood episodes puts you in a better position to control them. It can make you more comfortable and help you manage moods and emotions that previously could go out of control.
How Do I Know if Therapy is a Good Idea?
Generally speaking, anyone living with bipolar disorder is an excellent candidate for psychotherapy in addition to any medications they may be taking. Regardless of whether you’ve been on meds for years or started them recently, you have much to gain from therapy. Greater self-understanding and learning new coping skills are at the top of the list, but many more potential benefits exist.
Your therapist will develop a treatment plan that meets your unique needs.
Bipolar counseling sessions address unhelpful thoughts and behaviors and how to manage them in a range of real-life situations. Over time, you’ll gain confidence and be more in control.
Conclusion:
Finding Bipolar Therapy in Honolulu
If you’re ready to enter bipolar psychotherapy as part of your treatment program, you’ll be taking a positive step to improve your mental health. Living a happier, healthier, more productive life depends on understanding your condition and how to manage it.
- Reduce or better manage mood episodes.
- Learn coping skills and how to avoid or minimize mood triggers
Our mission at Wellness Counseling is to provide the best bipolar therapy Honolulu offers. Our offices are convenient to reach if you can attend in person or request to work with us by telehealth appointment.
Contact Info
We’re open Monday through Saturday and ready to help you.
General Office Hours: Monday – Fridays 7 a.m. to 6 p.m and Saturday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
