[sugahorse1]

Well, most of you know I've started seeing a T (Been 3 times so far) and I guess I'm trying to make sense of my moods, develop ways to deal with them, and generally have a platform to vent and go through my emotions.

How many of you that are bipolar (I'm BP II, rapid cycling) attend therapy too? What do you hope it'll offer you?

I had quite a heavy session today, because mainly I copied a whole lot of my posts off PC and gave them to her to read. I felt I couldn't summarise my week's emotions well enough, but my posts were written as I felt those emotions. It was quite scary sharing, but I think in order to get something out of therapy, it is necessary to open up like that.
I felt a bit of a mess leaving her rooms, but think quite a bit was achieved by going so deep and honest (It's easier to be open and honest here on PC, hiding behind a pseudonym, but to let someone know face to face - that's not easy)

That was a whole lot of ramble, feel free to add whatever, give your experiences on T as a BP patient (As in, we don't always have specific issues like PTSD, we just have a chemical mess)...
I'm tired now...

[blueoctober]

sugahorse; when I was first diagnosed I was put on leave from work, so I took part in an intensive 8 hour day/4 times a week group therapy program led by Psychiatrists, Psychologists and Social Workers (for over 3 months). We went through every aspect of my life and I looked at things I had stuffed for many years. It was hard work, but it really helped me. I have tried a weekly group therapy session after that and lasted about a year and I had to leave. For me the above program needs to be group therapy because I couldn't sit through 8 hours of only talking about myself, but I prefer one-on-one.

My views on therapy is YES it does help, BUT if my meds aren't working it's very difficult to have any progress. In saying that I still see a Psychologist regularly and when I'm not well she helps me keep things into perspective.

I have started reading a great book called "The Dialectical Behaviour Therapy Skills Workbook for Bipolar Disorder" by Sheri Van Dijk, DBT therapy is normally used for persons with Borderline Personality Disorder, but therapists are now seeing the benefit for persons with BP.

These are some of the skills DBT is based on:

1. Mindfulness: helps people live in the present moment rather than experiencing painful emotions that come from constantly thinking about the past and/or future.

2. Distress Tolerance Skills: Helps you better cope with crisis situations like manic or depressive episodes in healthier less destructive ways.

3. Emotion Regulation Skills: Helps you manage your emotions, as well as tolerate your emotions when you can't change them or reduce their intensity.

4. Interpersonal Effectiveness Skills: Will help you maintain relationships through acting assertively and through taking good care of yourself.

Hope that helps!

[BlackPup]

awesome answer blueoctober..
I have had really great results from therapy, working out why I get so upset from things... what I am really getting upset about and how to think differently. Understanding where I'm coming from and where other people are coming from helps me not to overreact and end up depressed

[sugahorse1]

Thanks Blue - I was really emotional and finished after Friday's session, but I think it highlighted some important aspects

[blueoctober]

Originally Posted by sugahorse

Thanks Blue - I was really emotional and finished after Friday's session, but I think it highlighted some important aspects

I have often felt that way after a session. It can be hard work, but it's worth it......sometimes it just didn't feel that way!

[vjdragonfly]

Personally sugahorse I found therapy very helpful. My therapist helped me deal with my issues and reassured me that I was a capable person. She also helped me with coping skills. I still have mood swings, but I can cope with them better now. Finding the right med cocktail really helps too.
Congrats on being so open with your therapist. It is difficult, but they can help you best that way.

[thinker22]

All the best to you in your new therapy regime. It can be boring or exciting, sad or relieving, but it's definitely worth it to get things out in the open with someone you can trust who is also a professional. I don't know where I'd be without this past year of therapy. So far I've managed to stay out of the hospital, even though I've come close a few times. It helps to know someone is out there who knows what you're going through and you can call or email them if things get too bad.

[Anneinside]

I see my psychologist every other week, unless I am having problem and then I see her weekly (as is the case this week). I saw her weekly for years. When I am not doing well, she offers support and helps me to cope with daily living problems associated with my mood state. I would support anyone with bipolar having regular appointments with a therapist/psychologist.

[Parks]

I saw one Dr. for 20 yrs. who died in December, which was a tremendous loss for me. I credit therapy with him through years with turning my life around, along with finding the right combo of meds. I first met my Dr. when he was running a nit I was in, and went from there. When I met him I didn't think I would ever be able to hold a job, or function in the world on my own. I thought any long term relationship was impossible and shot up to over 400 pounds. I became a shut-in for two years. For a # of years I saw my Dr. 3 o 4 times per week for hourly sessions. We went back through my life and tried to figure out how I was built, and then rebuild me. He helped me get through some of the toughest times of my life. Finding my Dad dead from a heart attack at 53, having to go through bankruptcy after running up $125,000 in credit card dart during spending sprees. Also, guiding me through a 200 pound weight loss, quitting smoking, getting a B.A. and Graduate degree, going back to work successfully, getting married and buying a home. All the things I did not think were possible. I'll close with this. One of the fondest memories I have is my Dad telling me shortly before he died, "I could die right now and be at peace because I know where you were once, how far you've come and where I think your going. I think I might have played some small part and your Dr., even though I don't like him, whatever he is doing is working". I never forget exchange.

I can't say enough positive related to intense therapy, with the right person.

[sugahorse1]

Thanks guys - it really is an inspiration!