The Gift of Being on The Inside
~ A Therapist Living With Bipolar Disorder ~
I believe that the most important questions to ask yourself when choosing a therapist are:
"Do I feel that this person can get me?"
"If I'm ready to grow and receive help, can they help me?"
"Do I like this person, are they a good fit for me?"
For many people living with bipolar disorder, it can be hard
to find a therapist who they truly feel that the answer to these questions are "Yes!".
It can be hard for people to share their stories of living with bipolar disorder. People often feel judged, labeled or stigmatized. Many people don't tell their stories because its hard to explain something when there's nothing to compare it to. It is very common for people to feel alone.
One gift of being a client with a therapist living with bipolar disorder is that people don't have to silence their story because they feel that they won't be understood. They don't have to be afraid of being judged and called crazy, in fact they get to joke it. People often share that they feel normal.
How I Help People Live Better With
Bipolar Disorder
I asked some of my client's to answer this question. Here's what they said:
"You've taught me about the symptoms of bipolar disorder, helped me learn when I am vulnerable to an episode and helped me prevent it or contain it."
"You've helped me strengthen my ability to respond to stress."
"When I am having an episode, you make me feel normal. It calms me down and I am able to see that I need help. I feel comfortable receiving your help. If you think I need to be hospitalized, I'll go voluntarily because I trust you."
"I now know that I'm not the problem. I feel empowered to see and do something about how mania and depression affect me."
"I can share my whole experience with you and feel accepted, valued, and cared for. I've never felt judgment from you for anything that I've done. It helps me forgive myself."
"I have faith in myself again. I am not crazy."
"My identity is no longer based on limitations."
"You make me feel normal. I'm not just a client to you. You really care about me.
