You may feel like your life is still on a roller-coaster ride even after starting medication. There has been extensive world-wide research showing that managing bipolar disorders often requires different tools to help you stabilize your moods, in conjunction with medication treatment. Some of these tools are: building a support team including a therapist and caregivers, learning early warning signs of mania, and developing coping skills to prevent and limit both mania and depression.

Research has shown very positive outcomes when those with a bipolar diagnosis have a healthy support team that they can rely on. One of the critical members of that team should be a knowledgeable therapist that can help guide you through the frustration of figuring out your unique bipolar experience. Therapists at Greenwood Counseling Center can help you recognize and handle the beginning phases of a manic or depressive episode and then teach you some coping skills that minimize the time and effects your moods have on your daily functioning. With the help of our clinicians, you can begin to feel empowered in managing your bipolar disorder and taking control of your life again.

Most people with a bipolar disorder have gone through some very difficult experiences before they have received a diagnosis. These may include suicide attempts, broken relationships, and legal, financial or other consequences resulting from lack of impulse control. Our therapists are skilled in using EMDR therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) as a part of your therapy. EMDR therapy is used to help clients resolve anxiety and stress caused by trauma in a way that is often more effective than traditional talk therapy. For more information on bipolar disorder treatment, please visit our page, About EMDR.

Having caregivers that understand your illness, your triggers, and your early warning signs can make a huge difference in helping you maintain mood stability. When educated, they can assist you in preventing a manic episode, or can help you move through it quickly and safely as a relapse takes place. We work with families and loved ones through group counseling, psychoeducation, family therapy, or individual therapy to develop stability in your home and in your relationships.

We work with our clients to maximize the time they can afford. We can work with you to set up a timeline of goals and give you homework to work on in-between sessions. Everyone’s issues vary, thus the time it takes will vary as well. Once you are stable and feel like you understand what your early warning signs are and have an action plan to deal with them, you may find that meeting once a month for individual therapy or group therapy is what works best for you. Our goal is to work with you at their own pace providing warmth, encouragement and support as you find your way to accepting and managing your new normal.

We approach our clients’ concerns with an open mind and consider all resources that are available to address each person’s situation. We understand that no two clients’ situations are the same and seek to discover the unique challenges each client faces. We are educated in treating the emotional strain caused by bipolar disorders, as well as helping you manage ongoing symptoms to prevent or minimize relapses.