Bipolar Therapy
Bipolar therapy at Evolve focuses on utilizing your nervous system through body based work to help you increase your capacity for all of life’s emotions. We operate from the belief that you are not your symptoms and you are not broken. That means we explore your body’s response to emotions to help you increase tolerance for life’s experiences. Sessions focus more on noticing your body rather than talking about the events of the week.
There is always space for you to be heard and understood in sessions. The different at Evolve is you will leave sessions with real understanding of what is happening in your body and specific tools to help you increase your tolerance.
In some cases, bipolar may require psychiatric care, encoding medication management. Your therapist can discuss your options with you and help you make the right treatment decision for you and your lifestyle.
Bipolar therapy can help you in several ways including:
- Understanding what bipolar is and how you can manage it
- Support in maintaining stability
- Improve daily functioning
When choosing a therapist for bipolar disorder, it is important to find someone who has knowledge of the mind-body connection as well as someone you feel comfortable with. You may also want to consider a therapist who is trained in specific therapies that are effective for bipolar disorder, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or somatic therapy.
Therapists at Evolve Therapy & Counseling work collaboratively with psychiatric providers when appropriate to ensure you have appropriate support in night stability and long term success.
We utilize the Sovereign Body Method, which can help with regulation and containment, including:
- Increasing awareness of your warning signs and triggers
- Recognize activation and reduce reactivity
- Support nervous system stabilization
- Strengthen routines and structure
- Improve emotional regulation
The Sovereign Body Method helps clients decrease mood changes and improve stability in between episodes.
Treatment According to the Type of Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar I disorder is the more severe version of the disorder. Bipolar I is characterized by mania and depression. Treatment for bipolar I disorder involves medication, such as antidepressants and antipsychotics, and therapy.
Bipolar II disorder is characterized by hypomania and depression. Hypomania is a less severe form of mania that involves increased mood and energy levels, however does not pose a danger to the individual. Treatment for bipolar II involves medication, such as antidepressants and mood stabilizers, and therapy.
Cyclothymia is a mood disorder that features shorter and less intense mood changes. Cyclothymia has similar treatment options in which you can choose a combination of medication and therapy, or just therapy to learn to effectively manage your triggers and mood fluctuations.
Embrace Healing The Power of Trust in Therapeutic Relationships
“In my experience, the most effective aspect of therapy is the therapeutic relationship. Establishing trust between a client and clinician is the first step to healing.”
Medication Treatment for Bipolar Disorder
Some medications for bipolar disorder include mood stabilizers such as:
- Lithium (Lithobid)
- Valproate (Depakene, Depakote)
- Lamotrigine (Lamictal)
- Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
- Oxcarbazepine (Trileptal)
- Aripiprazole (Abilify)
- Quetiapine (Seroquel)
- Olanzapine (Zyprexa)
- Risperidone (Risperdal)
- Ziprasidone (Geodon)
Antidepressants such as:
- Fluoxetine (Prozac)
- Sertraline (Zoloft)
- Escitalopram (Lexapro)
- Citalopram (Celexa)
- Venlafaxine (Effexor XR)
- Duloxetine (Cymbalta)
- Bupropion (Wellbutrin XL)
- Mirtazapine (Remeron)
- Trazodone (Desyrel)
Antipsychotics such as:
- Aripiprazole (Abilify)
- Olanzapine (Zyprexa)
- Quetiapine (Seroquel)
- Risperidone (Risperdal)
- Ziprasidone (Geodon)
Talk to your doctor about these options and the side effects of each before you start a new medication. Your therapist at Evolve can refer you to a trusted psychiatric provider.
What Therapy Is Best for Bipolar Disorder?
A 2019 study found that complementary treatment, including therapy and medication, was more effective in treating bipolar disorder than medication alone. According to another research study from 2020 found that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most effective therapy for bipolar disorder. Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPSRT) helps people with bipolar disorder to create healthy schedules around sleep, food, and social activities. All above mentioned interventions can be used within the Sovereign Body Method.
Does TMS Therapy Work for Bipolar Disorder?
TMS therapy uses magnetic fields to stimulate the brain. In 2019 a study published in Clinical Applications of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation showed that TMS was effective in decreasing depressive symptoms in patients with bipolar. Side effects of TMS include headache, scalp discomfort, and tingling.
TMS is typically used when other forms of treatment are found ineffective for the client.
How to Find a Therapist for Bipolar Disorder?
The best therapist for bipolar disorder is someone you trust and feel comfortable with. Research has shown that the most important and effective aspect of therapy is the therapeutic relationship. So if you are looking for help with bipolar disorder, ask your therapist some questions that will be important for you to feel comfortable in the professional relationship.
If you are struggling with bipolar disorder, please know that you are not alone. There is help available, and bipolar therapy in Brickell, Downtown Miami and West Palm Beach can be an effective way to manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our bipolar disorder therapists