Reasons Why I Love Working with Bipolar Disorder

Reasons Why I Love Working with Bipolar Disorder by Robyn Tamanaha, LMFT

Before becoming a therapist, I spent time volunteering for the Orange County chapter of the Depression & Bipolar Support Alliance, where I linked individuals and their loved ones with support groups for depression and bipolar disorder.  I had such admiration for every individual who called in asking for resources or a support group.  This was a time when seeking help and the topic of mental health was not discussed as much as it is now.  Through that experience, I saw the strength and perseverance of these individuals and families.

I started providing therapy for individuals living with bipolar disorder and depression at my traineeship while in graduate school.  This was the starting point for what I knew would be my focus in private practice.  As I progressed through different therapist positions at a nonprofit and multiple community mental health agencies, my interest for providing therapy to individuals and families living with depression and bipolar disorder grew, so much so that I made sure to have many of these clients on my caseload, and if they weren’t already, I asked to have them.  I became known at my workplace for being the go to therapist to consult with about depression and bipolar disorder.

Oftentimes I get asked why I work with depression and bipolar disorder. The answer I give is this:

I always get excited to see these clients for sessions.  I love working with these clients because they are one of the strongest clients I’ve encountered.  Some individuals have experienced their symptoms for a long time, others began experiencing their symptoms after a major life event or circumstance, both scenarios deserve to have a fulfilling life and they very much can do so.  Unfortunately, they are often misunderstood or labeled as negative, but they have many positive qualities and skills that have gone unseen for a long time. They have a lot of strength to make it through the day even though they have symptoms that gives them mixed messages and a society that looks at them with doubt.  Through therapy with me, we work through how to manage what they’re experiencing so that the individual no longer feels like it’s running their life, impacting their relationships, or hindering future goals.  My mission is to provide a safe nonjudgmental space for them to be truly seen, heard, and accepted.  My hope is that each individual will get to a place where they don’t feel like crap, or feel guilty, about their experience and can see themselves as a person who can be successful, valued by others, and deserving of a fulfilling life.

Receiving assistance from a therapist can be helpful. I have been working with individuals who live with Bipolar Disorder and have helped them live successfully. If you are interested in receiving therapy with me, let’s schedule a phone consult.