I don't have Bipolar but I do have depression and I keep many different types of charts. those related to depression and anxiety I do the ones in the book - Mind Over Mood. The charts are called depression inventory and Anxiety inventory.

I also from time to time keep track of my sleep schedule because I have nightmares and keeping a sleep log helps with locating partterns with people with nightmares.

And yes I do show them to my therapist from time to time. The only way she can know what is going on with me and help is if I tell and show her because she is not a mind reader.

Yes it is very helpful to me.