Find a Bipolar Therapist

Understanding bipolar and how it can affect you

Bipolar is an umbrella term for mood conditions that involve shifts in energy, activity and mood. People living with bipolar may experience periods of raised mood and increased activity, often called mania or hypomania, and periods of low mood often described as depression. The pattern, intensity and frequency of these shifts differ from person to person, and many people find that symptoms affect relationships, work, sleep and day-to-day routines. You may notice changes in thinking, judgement and behaviour when mood states fluctuate, and these shifts can be distressing even when they do not meet criteria for a clinical diagnosis.

Therapeutic support is commonly sought to help you manage symptoms, reduce the impact of mood swings on daily life and develop strategies to reduce the risk of relapse. Therapy can also help you and your family or close contacts understand mood patterns better and support recovery while you work with your GP or psychiatrist on any medical treatments.

Signs that you might benefit from therapy for bipolar

You might consider seeing a therapist if mood changes disrupt your ability to function at work or home, if relationships are strained by unpredictable behaviour, or if you experience anxiety about mood swings. Therapy can be helpful when you find mood episodes difficult to predict, when sleep and daily rhythm are unstable, or when mixed mood states create confusion about how you feel. If you struggle with impulsive decisions during high mood phases or with motivation and concentration during low periods, a therapist can support you to develop tools to manage those patterns.

People often seek therapy to reduce the frequency and severity of mood episodes, to improve coping strategies, or to work through the emotional consequences of living with a long-term mood condition. You may also wish to involve a family member or partner in sessions to repair relationships or to build a shared relapse prevention plan. If you have concerns about mood changes and their impact on your safety or wellbeing, it is important to discuss these openly with a healthcare professional alongside any therapy.

What to expect in therapy sessions focused on bipolar

Initial assessment and goal setting

Your first sessions will usually involve an assessment of mood history, current symptoms, daily routine, sleep patterns and any medication or psychiatric care you are receiving. The therapist will ask about support networks, work and family life to build a rounded picture. You and your therapist will discuss what you hope to achieve in therapy and agree on practical, realistic goals. It is common to review medical care and, with your consent, coordinate with your GP or psychiatrist to ensure a joined-up approach.

Ongoing sessions and working methods

Therapy typically moves from assessment to a combination of education, skills work and reflective exploration. You can expect a mixture of sessions that focus on practical strategies - such as stabilising sleep and daily routine - and sessions that explore the emotional impact of living with mood swings. Your therapist may ask you to track mood, activity and sleep between sessions so that you both have clear data to inform interventions. Sessions are usually structured and time-limited, though the duration depends on your needs.

Safety planning and crisis responses

Part of working together may involve creating a safety or crisis plan that sets out early warning signs of mood changes, coping strategies that have helped in the past and contact details for emergency support. A clear plan helps you and your network respond quickly if symptoms escalate. Therapists will explain their procedures for managing risk and how they can liaise with other professionals if you agree.

Common therapeutic approaches used for bipolar

Several therapeutic models are commonly used to work with bipolar mood patterns, and therapists often combine elements from more than one approach. Cognitive behavioural therapy, or CBT, helps you identify and change thought patterns and behaviours that affect mood, and it offers practical tools to manage low mood and avoid triggers for mania. Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy focuses on stabilising daily routines and social rhythms - sleep, mealtimes and activity - to reduce relapse risk. Psychoeducation is an important element in many programmes because it increases your understanding of mood patterns and treatment options.

Family-focused therapy supports communication and problem-solving within close relationships, which can reduce stress that triggers episodes. Dialectical behaviour therapy is sometimes adapted to help with emotional regulation and impulsive behaviours that may occur during mood shifts. Mindfulness-based approaches can support you to observe mood changes without judgement and to respond with strategies rather than automatic reactions. Your therapist will tailor the approach to your history and current situation, and they should be able to explain why a particular method is recommended for you.

How online therapy works for bipolar

Online therapy offers flexible access to specialist counsellors across the UK, allowing you to choose a therapist who specifically works with bipolar regardless of location. Sessions are commonly offered via video call, telephone or a mixture of formats, and they can be scheduled to fit around work and family commitments. You will agree with your therapist how you want to receive sessions and what digital platforms are used. It is helpful to create a comfortable environment at home for sessions and to let others know you will be unavailable during that time to avoid interruptions.

Online therapy can make it easier to maintain continuity of care during life changes such as moves or travel. However you access therapy, it works best when you have a clear plan for managing mood changes between sessions, and when there is a way to reach local emergency services if needed. Therapists working online should be able to explain how they handle privacy, data protection and emergency procedures, and they will ask for your postcode or local contact details so they know how to support you if a crisis arises.

Choosing the right therapist for bipolar

When selecting a therapist, look for someone who specifically specialises in bipolar or mood disorders and who has experience with the approaches that interest you. Check that the therapist is registered or accredited with an authority such as BACP, HCPC or NCPS and ask about ongoing supervision and professional development. It is reasonable to enquire about previous experience with clients who have similar difficulties and about how the therapist works with multidisciplinary teams, including GPs and psychiatrists.

Consider practical matters such as session length, fees, cancellation policy and whether the therapist offers in-person appointments in addition to online sessions. Pay attention to how the therapist communicates in an initial enquiry - prompt replies and a clear description of assessment and safety procedures can be an early indicator of professional practice. A good working relationship matters a great deal, so trust your instincts about ease of conversation and whether you feel listened to and understood in the early meetings. Many therapists offer an initial consultation that allows you to see if the fit feels right before committing to a course of sessions.

Moving forward with confidence

Finding the right counsellor or therapist is a personal process, and you may try a few practitioners before you find the best match. Therapy can help you build practical routines, develop coping skills and improve relationships that are affected by mood changes. Working in partnership with your medical team and close supports gives the best chance of managing episodes and maintaining wellbeing. Use the listings on this page to read profiles, check qualifications and contact therapists who specialise in bipolar care. Booking an initial consultation is a useful first step towards clearer mood management and a more predictable routine.

If you feel unsure about immediate steps, contacting your GP for advice or for an urgent referral to local mental health services is important. When you are ready, a specialist therapist can help you create a personalised programme of care that fits your life and supports your long-term goals.