[RomanJames2014]

Hey Forum,

I have always wanted to help people. Recently I had to run to the local clinic in between classes and work and I had somewhat of an epiphany. I have always wanted to work with people and I have been told by numerous people (including therapists and PDoc) that I would make a great therapist.

My question is: Can someone with Bipolar Disorder become a therapist? I know that Kay Redfield Jamison has Bipolar and works in a clinical setting but is it ethical? Would you mind speaking to a therapist who is also Bipolar?

I have a year left of my Bachelor's degree in Fashion and Marketing but I would much rather be fulfilled in life by helping others. At 27, I live in Chicago where there are alot of great programs and today I talked to my therapist about it and she supported me on the decision.

Can some one with Bipolar help others with Bipolar in a clinical setting?

Sure, I think if you're motivated enough and have good grounding skills on top of a good medication regimen, you can do it. However, I can imagine a therapist job being very stressful if you're in the midst of an episode, so that's something to consider if you don't handle stress well. BUT stress is something we can learn to cope with, so it's not a road block.

That said, I don't think it's unethical to have bipolar and be a therapist. I wouldn't be surprised if some therapists have mental illnesses... because I can imagine their mental illnesses might be their motivator to help others.

[BiPolarJoe]

I agree with bluebicycle. I could see myself appreciating if my therapist understands my situation on a personal level but I would want to know that he/she has their condition under control. It's a delicate relationship of trust and I would not want to have a session with them knowing they could be in the middle of a hypomanic or depressed state. That wouldn't be good for either of us.

Not only do I think people with mental illness can be good therapists, I almost feel it should be a requirement. How on earth can we expect these people to really "get it" if they haven't experienced it? We'd be best served to encourage people who find stability and who have a helping personality to go into these professions. There are some challenges which need to be overcome though. Getting rid of "Ego" and transference being at the top of the list. By ego I mean, it's very common for people to have an "if I can do it so can you" attitude....we need to be humble and understand that each person has unique challenges. The more debilitated a person is by symptoms, the less likely they can be successful at school and life. So a person who gets through school and sees a patient who is not able to be employed is sometimes inclined to have the attitude of "if I could do it, so can you". This attitude is more harmful than helpful. It's important to figure out WHY a person hasn't had success and work with the patient to find solutions, rather than blanket ignorant judgement. Transference is far too easy to fall into also. When I go to group therapy I absorb other people's pain. I feel I could probably learn to work on this though. I'd like to be a therapist. My physical issues mean I cannot be employed in something requires me to stand or do anything active but I can "talk" most of the time. Stress sends me over the edge though and the first time I had a sociopath in my office would likely be my last day of work.

If you think you've got the "stuff" to be a therapist, then go for it. We need more people who really "get it" in the profession. Unfortunately I really believe that the majority of people who select positions of power are the last people who should have them. The more confident people are about giving advise, the less aptitude they have for giving it. This is not ALWAYS the case, but sadly is the case FAR too often.

[bioChE]

I think it's fine for someone dealing with MI to be a therapist. I'm an engineer and am able to function fine at work. Not that it's equivalent, but in some sense a job is a job. You get up, go to work, do what you have to, and go home. Sure it's more difficult some days than others, but as you learn the skill set and become familiar with the tools and techniques of therapy, then you have the ability to let the training take over and you put yourself into the role. In some sense we're all playing our part in the great act.

[Victoria'smom]

Yes I've seen two BP therapist and 1 depressed. All three were fine therapists.

[Sunflower123]

I would say yes. Go for it!!!!