Counseling for Bipolar Disorder: Social Rhythm Therapy, CBT, and More

When it’s not treated appropriately, bipolar disorder can wreak havoc on your social, emotional, and physical well-being. The right bipolar disorder treatments can transform your life. In general, counseling for bipolar disorder involves medications plus psychotherapy (talk therapy). 

Learn more about bipolar medications.

There are many different types of talk therapy available for bipolar disorder. So, how do you know what will be most effective for you? In short, there’s no one-size-fits-all therapy for bipolar disorder. The specific treatment plan for you depends on the type of bipolar disorder you have (bipolar 1 vs bipolar 2) and your symptoms.  Here’s an overview of the different types of psychotherapies for bipolar disorder.

Types of Counseling for Bipolar Disorder

There are a variety of different therapies for bipolar disorder. The most supportive therapy type depends on your specific needs.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy  (CBT) 

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based psychotherapy that is used for a range of mental health conditions. Besides medication, CBT is the most effective bipolar treatment. It is considered the “gold standard” therapy for bipolar disorder. Research has shown that it’s beneficial for all types of bipolar disorder. It helps in many ways, specifically by: 

• Reducing the risk of relapse 

• Decrease mania severity 

• Improving depressive symptoms 
  

However, CBT may not be helpful if a person is experiencing acute mania. That’s because memory and cognitive deficits are common during acute mania, which interferes with the ability to participate in cognitive behavioral therapy for bipolar disorder. 

CBT for bipolar disorder is focused on changing negative thoughts and behaviors. It helps you recognize and change negative thought patterns that can affect behavior. CBT can teach you skills needed to cope with the intense emotions that can occur during mood episodes.  This therapy method also teaches you the cognitive strategies and skills needed to better cope with whatever life throws your way.

For most people, CBT works pretty quickly. The number of sessions will depend on your specific treatment goals. 

Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT) 

Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy is a relatively new therapy that is used primarily for bipolar and other mood disorders. IPSRT helps people with bipolar disorder improve their overall mental health by building a regular daily routine and improving interpersonal relationships. 

IPSRT was developed by Ellen Frank, PhD, a professor of psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. She developed this therapy specifically to help with the mood episodes in bipolar disorder. 

Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy for bipolar disorder is built on the idea that changes in routine and interpersonal stressors can trigger symptoms. For instance, you may have noticed that if you sleep poorly, it can trigger hypomania. Similarly, having problems in your relationships can also affect your mood. 

Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy helps you build a daily routine that addresses these issues. It focuses on improving sleep, increasing medication adherence, and boosting overall wellness. This therapy also helps you replace toxic relationships with more supportive ones that are better for your mental health. 

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Dialectical behavior therapy is a form of “talk therapy” that’s most commonly used to treat borderline personality disorder (BPD), which is a mental health disorder characterized by intense emotions. DBT has shown promise in treating bipolar disorder, as well. DBT is very effective in reducing chronic suicidal thoughts and behaviors, which many people with bipolar disorder experience. 

DBT was first developed in the 1980s by psychologist Marsha Linehan, PhD. She created this therapy to help in her own fight against mental illness. With DBT, you can learn to identify what you are feeling and learn skills to cope better with intense emotions. This therapy also helps reduce reckless behaviors and improves relationships. 

How to Get Counseling for Bipolar Disorder 

The first step in getting help for bipolar disorder is to see a mental health professional or psychiatrist for an evaluation. Look for a psychiatrist or therapist who has experience working with people who have bipolar disorder, as they will understand how to best treat the condition.