[Bipolarchic14]

How long are people with bp2 generally in therapy for. I have been rapid cycling for about 9 months now since my mom passed. I have been in therapy since June. First therapist did not work out as I could have received the same service from a parrot. I started with my current therapist in nov and so far I am making good progress. I just started on meds about two weeks ago. I am still getting suicidal thoughts and bouts of irritability but I can already feel the meds starting to work. For insurance reasons, I need to have some idea before I put money into my HSA. It feels awkward bringing this up in therapy. I tried to bring up " a plan for therapy" last appointment and I received a bewildered look so I am not sure if she is looking to continue therapy as I am making progress. How long are people with bp2 usually in talk therapy.... Is this a lifetime thing or just till I even out again?

[Victoria'smom]

For me it's a lifetime thing. When not dealing with mental illness but a situational illness I've heard about 9 months to 2 years. That isn't to say you will see a therapist bi/weekly forever but more often when your unstable and less when your stable.

For me I go every other week. Some people go 3x a week, others are in day treatment. It just depends why your in therapy.

[Noodles_320]

As long as it takes is the only answer and that is specific to you. I started off once a week and then was able to cut back to twice a week and finally once a month.

I've been in therapy 10 years. Still trying to be normal

[~Christina]

I have been going for almost 3 years weekly .. occasional twice a week if I am a real mess. I think it varies widely for people.

[gris212]

I started seeing my therapist in December. I had never had one besides seeing my psychiatrist. Once a week is good for me. As others have mentioned it depends on you and what you need.

[wildflowerchild25]

I only go to therapy off and on. I have to say it's probably because I was forced to go when I was a teen so it left a bad taste in my mouth. I also feel like I get too attached when I have a therapist...like I start making stuff up for attention. I do much better in a group therapy situation. But right now the agency I go to requires you to be in counseling in order to do med management so I guess I have to start again. Sucks.

I think it's just so individual you can't measure it. If you feel you have reached your goals in a few months, then quit. You can always go back - maybe not to the same person but somewhere.

[Bipolarchic14]

Thanks everyone. I am still getting use to it. i was in therapy before but I was not " really there" so it's like a new experience for me...it feels kind of weird as I don't look at my life as being that complicated. I have pretty much the same feelings over and over again...they say if you continue it helps with stability but I feel like I can only express endlessly and hopelessly depressed and irritable so many times.. Then I feel guilty that I am not feeling better and find myself not being completely truthful about how I am feeling. I have been thinking of how to express this but this sounds good enough!

[Phoenix_1]

I go to therapy off and on too.

From 1994-1999 I went once a month to deal with a bad marriage. I didn't have my dx of BP2 at that point.

Since 2011 I've been going off and on when I feel bad. I haven't been for 2 months now. My therapist only does CBT, and none of the newer therapies, so she said she doesn't know how to help me any more. It may be time to find a new therapist, but the one I have is free, and I can't afford to pay anyone.

[jenniy122]

I've been going for 13 years and see no end in the near future.

[Crazycatlady82]

I started therapy in grade 4, consistently once or more per week until 18, and since then I will go for a few months whenever I need to (past 13 years.)