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Therapy for Bipolar Disorder in Seattle

Specialized counseling and treatment for adults who are newly diagnosed, have an existing diagnosis, or are experiencing symptoms of bipolar disorder without a formal diagnosis. In-person walk and talk therapy in South Seattle, or online therapy across Washington State.

Thinking about getting help for a mood disorder

  • Navigating a new diagnosis of bipolar disorder and finding everything confusing, unpredictable, and overwhelming?

  • Dealing with a diagnosis you’ve had, but not feeling like you’ve found a therapist that can best support you?

  • Questioning whether or not you have bipolar disorder, as you’ve been told you are depressed or have a depressive diagnosis, but it doesn’t explain everything?

  • Struggling with a manic or hypomanic episode and wanting to gain clarity and more control?

  • Having challenges with a depressive episode and needing better coping strategies for when this occurs?

  • Wanting more tools to try to prevent an episode from getting worse?

  • Looking for the right person to support you who is knowledgeable and compassionate?

Exercising in a group fitness class, demonstrating control and more energy

Navigating mania, hypomania, and depressive episodes together

Whether you are coping with a new diagnosis or one you’ve had for years, working with mental health professionals who aren’t comfortable or familiar with your symptoms can be really scary and frustrating. During my experience working with individuals in inpatient and outpatient hospital settings, I’ve witnessed how challenging it can be to find the right therapist that treats and understands bipolar disorder and the symptoms that appear for each individual.

You want to learn how to be the best version of yourself and find a sense of normalcy in your routines again. You want to find ways to recognize and utilize your strengths more. You are tired of letting your bipolar disorder completely define who you are. Most of all, you want a therapist who won’t generalize all of your experiences and can truly support you and your individualized needs.

Taking steps to start therapy and receive support for bipolar disorder and symptoms

Managing symptoms and improving mood and routine

I believe we can work together to help identify and catch your symptoms of a depressive, manic, or hypo-manic episode before they become worse. Let’s figure out healthy patterns and daily habits that are meaningful and attainable for you, as well as develop coping skills to address the low-lows, high-highs, and all that’s in between. While I recognize medication can play an important role, it’s also important to find the right therapist who you can trust with navigating your symptoms and be your advocate if you aren’t getting your needs met. Each person has their own unique needs and together we can find a healthy balance. In my treatment, I incorporate elements of interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPSRT), cognitive reframing, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, and solution-focused work.

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FAQs

  • Depending on severity of your symptoms, there are likely a lot of things you can do to help manage on your own. Some of these may include good sleep hygiene, a healthy routine, limiting life stressors and transitions, having a strong support system, and knowing your triggers and warning signs.

    While some people can manage on their own, these individuals are more likely people that have been living with bipolar for many years and have worked with mental health professionals to get to a place of stability.

    Managing on your own is not a solution for everyone, and some people may need medication management and/or talk therapy for ongoing support.

  • Yes, it’s absolutely possible to lead a stable life as someone with bipolar disorder. It does take time, energy, resources, and hard work into building your skills and tools to minimize the risk of possible manic, hypomanic, or depressive episodes.

    Those that are stable typically have a strong support system for accountability, stick to a healthy routine, and utilize coping skills when they are feeling triggered to help prevent their symptoms from worsening.

  • As someone that takes an eclectic and collaborative approach with meeting you where you are at, the following are types of therapy I recommend the most for treating bipolar disorder:

    • Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT), emphasizing the importance on a healthy routine and managing life stressors and transitions to help improve your mood

    • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to work on shifting and replacing negative thoughts

    • Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) to work on improving emotional regulation skills and mindfulness skills with staying in the present