Psychotherapy — or talk therapy — is an essential part of treatment for bipolar 1 disorder. A trained therapist can help you or a loved one talk about your feelings and experiences with bipolar disorder. They can work with you to suggest healthy habits and coping strategies to manage your condition.

Bipolar 1 disorder (also written as bipolar I disorder) is a mood disorder that typically causes episodes of mania (highly elevated or energized mood) and depression (debilitating feelings of sadness or hopelessness). People with bipolar 1 disorder have had at least one episode of mania that lasted for at least one week, or they’ve needed to be hospitalized for a severe manic episode. Some people with bipolar 1 haven’t had a depressive episode.

If you have bipolar disorder and are trying psychotherapy for the first time, it’s helpful to know what you can expect and how you can prepare. Learn more about psychotherapy for bipolar disorder including the benefits, types of therapy, and tips on how you can prepare for therapy sessions.

Know the Benefits of Psychotherapy for Bipolar 1 Disorder

Psychotherapy is generally recommended for all people with bipolar disorder as adjunctive (additional) treatment with medication. Research has shown that medication alone isn’t enough to manage the condition. Therapy can help manage symptoms such as:

• Sleep disturbance
• Mood swings
• Negative thinking

Therapy can also help people with bipolar 1 disorder adhere to treatment plans, which is also crucial in preventing symptoms from recurring.

Psychotherapy is generally recommended for all people with bipolar disorder as additional treatment with medication.

Know the Types of Therapy Recommended for Bipolar 1 Disorder

Psychotherapy can occur as group, family, couple, or individual sessions. Typically, people in therapy will go once a week for sessions that last around 50 minutes. Many therapists offer online sessions, which some people find more convenient. Trained psychotherapists are required to treat each session confidentially, meaning everything you share with your therapist is private unless you’ve made another agreement.

Psychotherapy is considered an essential part of maintenance treatment of bipolar disorder for people who are not currently experiencing severe mood symptoms. There are different approaches to psychotherapy. Here are some of the types that are considered especially helpful for people with bipolar disorder.

Group Psychoeducation

Group psychoeducation is considered first-line psychotherapy that’s recommended before engaging in other types of psychotherapy, if possible. In group psychoeducation, people with bipolar disorder and family members participate in sessions together over a limited period of time. Psychoeducation is aimed at providing a clear understanding of bipolar disorder, including:

• The causes of bipolar disorder
• The symptoms or characteristics of the condition
• How the condition can progress over time
• How to manage it

Group psychoeducation can help prepare someone for further psychotherapy with a better understanding of the condition itself.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is focused on understanding and changing negative thought patterns, which are associated with depression. CBT helps people with sleep management, stress management, problem-solving, anxiety, and proper use of medications. This type of therapy helps people with medication adherence, practical skills, and ways to engage in rewarding and positive activities.

CBT can also help people with bipolar disorder recognize early warning signs when an episode is coming on. This type of therapy can help you develop techniques for managing mood episodes that may prevent them from becoming severe.

Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy

In interpersonal and social rhythm therapy, people with bipolar disorder learn techniques for maintaining consistent and healthy daily rhythms, such as eating, physical activity or exercise, sleeping, and waking. Stable daily routines can play an important role in helping people with bipolar disorder avoid mood swings.

Family Therapy

Family-focused therapy can help people with bipolar disorder and their family members better understand and manage the condition by attending therapy sessions together. Family therapy can help improve family dynamics, such as communication skills and problem solving. It can help family members and those with bipolar disorder understand how to detect symptoms.

This type of therapy can also help families work together to help someone with bipolar disorder stick to their medication treatment plan.

What Can You Expect in Therapy?

It’s normal to feel anxious about starting psychotherapy. Your first session gives you a chance to meet a therapist and see if you feel comfortable with them. The therapist is likely to ask you questions about your reasons for starting therapy and what your goals might be. Some therapists may offer a free consultation over the phone or online.

Your first therapy session gives you a chance to meet a therapist and see if you feel comfortable with them. They'll likely ask you about your reasons for starting therapy and what your goals might be.

You can also ask questions about their particular approach to psychotherapy and what kinds of techniques they like to use. You may want to ask about their training or experience with people who have bipolar 1 disorder.

If you don’t feel the therapist is right for you after your first session, or even after a few sessions, you can try another therapist. You want to find a therapist who you feel you can talk openly with, although you should never feel pressured to say anything unless you’re ready to talk about it.

It’s important to go into therapy with the understanding that it’s also essential to maintain your medication plan, which typically includes treatment options such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, anti-anxiety medications, or mood stabilizers.

How To Find a Therapist Who’s Right for You

If you have bipolar 1 and you’re starting therapy for the first time, you likely have questions about how to find a therapist who’s appropriate for someone with bipolar disorder. Here are some tips.

Talk to Your Doctor

Your healthcare team can be a good resource in helping you find a therapist. Your doctor or psychiatrist can give you a referral. They can also help you find a therapist in your health insurance network, if that’s a concern. Talk to your doctor about how therapy can be a part of your treatment plan, along with your medication.

Your healthcare team can be a good resource in helping you find a therapist. Your doctor or psychiatrist can give you a referral.

Look for Proper Credentials

A therapist is a mental health professional who has completed thorough training in their field. Common qualifications for therapists include one or more of the following:

• Psychologists will have advanced degrees such as a master’s degree, a doctorate in philosophy (Ph.D.), a doctorate in psychology (Psy.D.), or a doctorate in education (Ed.D.).
• Social workers will have a master’s degree in social work (MSW) or be a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW).

You can look for these qualifications and ask about any further training on bipolar disorder.

Listings for Therapists

You may be able to find a therapist using a listing. Your health insurance provider may have lists of psychotherapists in your area who are part of your network. Other options include listings for therapists via local chapters of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) or Psychology Today.

Recommendations From Family Members or Friends

You may have friends or family members who have suggestions for therapists. If someone recommends a therapist, it’s important to find out if that therapist has experience treating people living with bipolar disorder.

In general, mental health experts advise against using the same therapist as a partner, spouse, or close family member for individual therapy. This can create a bias that might affect your care. It’s good to have boundaries in that respect and not complicate your treatment.

Cultural Aspects of Therapy

Some people may prefer having a therapist who has an understanding of their cultural background. You may want to ask a therapist about their experience with various racial, ethnic, religious, or sexual orientation perspectives. A therapist may have a different personal background from you, while having experience or training in a cultural perspective that’s important to you.

How To Prepare for Therapy Sessions

It can be helpful to write down any questions you have before you first meet a therapist. You can also write down your bipolar symptoms and triggers so you can help your therapist better understand your condition. Writing things down ahead of time can help ensure you cover everything important to you.

As your sessions continue, it can be helpful to keep a journal or a mood tracker app of your symptoms and potential triggers. A journal can also help you reflect on your therapy sessions. You can also use a journal to write down any further questions that arise as you undergo therapy.

Therapy sessions may stir a range of emotions. Take time for self-care before and after your therapy sessions so you can process any feelings that come up.

Talk With Others Who Understand

MyDepressionTeam is the social network for people with depression and their loved ones. On MyDepressionTeam, more than 150,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with depression and bipolar disorder.

Do you participate in psychotherapy for your bipolar 1 disorder? Do you have any tips for people who are about to start therapy? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.