Bipolar disorder is often misunderstood. Many people imagine it as a dramatic and quick swing between feeling happy and sad. But that’s not accurate. Living with bipolar disorder means dealing with dramatic shifts in mood, energy levels, and sleep. But these shifts tend to last weeks or months. 

Bipolar disorder is characterized by manic or hypomanic (less severe) episodes. During these episodes, mood may be elevated. Thoughts may race. You may experience grandiosity, believing that you are capable of world-changing feats in the moment. Impulse control vanishes. This can lead to risky, dangerous choices. Sleep may be virtually non-existent during these episodes. 

Often, manic episodes give way to depressive periods. During these episodes, it can be extremely difficult to even get out of bed, let alone shower. You may feel guilty for not being able to go to work or school.

Bipolar disorder is a serious mental health disorder. However, the good news is that people can experience stability with treatment. Typically, treatment for bipolar conditions consists of a combination of medications, therapy, and lifestyle changes. 

Bipolar disorder is a chronic condition, so ongoing treatment is a must. Consistent treatment helps prevent episode relapses and keeps mood episodes from becoming as severe in the future. 

Why It Can Be Hard To Reach Out

We’ve made real progress in reducing the stigma around mental health, especially with conditions like anxiety and depression. But, for people living with bipolar disorder, there’s still a stigma, especially when psychotic symptoms are present. This can make it hard to reach out. A person may be afraid they will be labeled or that their employer or others might find out. This can keep people silent even when they desperately need help. 

Another reason why it can be hard to reach out is because of something called anosognosia. This can occur in bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and other serious mental health conditions. With anosognosia, the brain doesn’t recognize that it’s unwell. This can lead a person to stop taking medications or discontinue therapy. This is where family support becomes essential. Families can gently encourage treatment. 



A Professional Approach To Bipolar Disorder Care

Kimberly McGoey, PsyD

Licensed Psychologist

As a psychotherapist, I strive to create a space that provides safety and compassion for every patient. Everyone’s story is different and as a result so is the therapeutic process.  However, a  consistent factor of productive and deep work is the development of the relationship between the psychotherapist and patient. It is through this relationship and what develops therein that can transform our lives.

My goal is to provide a safe space to explore and process whatever topic or issue has brought you into psychotherapy. I do this primarily by utilizing a psychodynamic framework that focuses on your present and past emotions as well as your understanding of your experience of said emotions.  Collaboratively, we can explore your story, develop goals, and outline what your therapy journey will be like.

How Therapy Can Help

If you have bipolar disorder, it might feel like you have no control over episodes. Your moods may seem unpredictable. However, that is not true. With treatment, many people with bipolar disorder can live happy, productive lives. 

Therapy helps you learn to identify warning signs that a mood episode may be on the horizon. Once you learn to recognize warning signs, you can take steps to reduce the likelihood of a mood episode occurring. 

Daily routines are very important in managing bipolar disorder. In therapy, you’ll learn how to create a healthier sleep schedule and better manage your stress levels before the stress begins to take control of your life.

For most people, the most effective bipolar disorder treatment plan includes both therapy and medication management. Bipolar disorder is a brain disorder, and most people who have it (and are thriving) do so with medications. Medication addresses the biological side of bipolar disorder.  Medication helps stabilize moods and energy levels. It can reduce the intensity of both low (depressive) and high (manic) periods. 

Medication is not the only piece of the puzzle. Therapy is also essential. It helps you understand behavioral patterns that may contribute to mood episodes. It also helps manage stress. Together, these two treatments create a stronger foundation for sustainable wellness.

Therapeutic Approaches

Medication is not the only piece of the puzzle. Therapy is also essential. It helps you understand behavioral patterns that may contribute to mood episodes. It also helps manage stress. Together, these two treatments create a stronger foundation for sustainable wellness.

Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT): This therapy helps stabilize moods in bipolar disorder. It does so by adjusting daily routines, especially sleep and social routines. Routines matter a lot with bipolar disorder. Deviating from your normal routine can trigger episodes.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Cognitive behavioral therapy can help you identify and change unhelpful thoughts that can trigger mood episodes. CBT offers valuable tools for dealing with the emotional ups and downs that occur with bipolar disorder.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): DBT can be very helpful if you struggle with intense emotions, impulsivity, or relationship conflicts. It teaches emotion regulation and distress tolerance, things that can help keep your moods more stable.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy: Mindfulness therapy teaches you grounding techniques that you can use to manage stress, reduce impulsivity, and ground yourself in the present moment.
Psychoeducation: This is important for long-term management of bipolar disorder. It helps you learn about bipolar symptoms, what things trigger episodes, and how medications and treatments work. This can empower you to make informed choices, identify early changes in mood, and stay consistent with your treatment plan. This therapy may include family members, helping everyone involved improve communication and compassion.

Why Choose Deep Centered Mental Health

Why choose us for bipolar therapy? There are many reasons. We understand the impact that bipolar disorder has on your life. We know that it greatly impacts your sleep, relationships, work, and other areas of your life. We understand how complex this disorder is, and our therapists are trained in the science of mood disorders. 

We focus on evidence-based and holistic therapeutic modalities to improve your well-being and adapt your care plan as your needs change. Our therapists use approaches that are proven to help stabilize mood, such as Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT). 

We also recognize that no two people are the same, and that’s especially true when it comes to living with bipolar. Your care is always personalized here. Our goal is to help you not only manage symptoms, but also thrive. 

We listen with empathy and without judgment. We know that living with bipolar means having experiences that others may not understand. We meet you with compassion and understand that bipolar disorder does not define you. 

At Deep Centered Mental Health, we offer both psychiatry services and therapy, so you can get holistic care all in one place. Our therapists and psychiatrists work closely together, collaborating on your treatment plan to ensure that it is clear and consistent.

We are ready when you are

Convenient locations + telehealth

Journeys to Healing

Real experiences shared by patients who turned therapy into transformation.

Deep Centered has been life saving for my family. Irek Banaczyk has been instrumental in creating a safe space for my son. Irek is a truly knowledgeable and gifted therapist and I’m grateful for the service that he provides.

I've done individual, group and couples therapy through Deep Centered and have had a great experience with all of it. I highly recommend Stuart Irvin and Emily Matis.

Deep Centered patiently helped both me and my partner find therapists that are good fits for our needs and can meet with us at times that accommodate our full time jobs. My therapist Selena is fantastic!

Understanding the Process

Learn more about what to expect as you take the next step in your journey.

How does therapy help with Bipolar Disorder?

Therapy provides tools for self-awareness and skill-building, helping you manage Bipolar symptoms and improve daily functioning.

Can therapy be combined with Bipolar Disorder medication?

Yes, many clients combine therapy with medication for comprehensive symptom management.

How long does it take to see improvement in Bipolar symptoms with therapy?

This can vary, but many clients notice positive changes within a few weeks to months.

Is online Bipolar Disorder therapy effective?

Yes, online therapy can be just as effective as in-person sessions, offering flexibility and accessibility.

Can TMS help people with Bipolar Disorder?

Yes. TMS is often an effective treatment for people with Bipolar Disorder who haven’t found relief from medication or therapy alone.

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