First off, congratulations on making that appointment with a bipolar disorder therapist near Cedar Brook, NJ. Deciding to pursue bipolar disorder therapy is often the most difficult step because it is one that you often have to do on your own. The good news is that from here on out, you will have a bipolar disorder psychiatrist at your side to help you on your path to managing and treating your personality disorder.

Of course, you still have to make that first session before you can begin. The following are some simple tips to help you best prepare for a session with your bipolar disorder therapist:

How to Prepare for a Session With Your Bipolar Disorder Therapist

1. Have an hour cleared both before and after the session time. If possible, try and give yourself some blocked out free time both before and after your individual therapy session. Having time before will allow you to do something calming to keep any anxious feelings you might have about the session at bay. Consider taking a walk in the park before the session and practice slow, deep breathing techniques to put your body in a calm state. After the session, have some time set aside to process what you experience. It’s also a good idea to reward yourself, maybe with a hot bath or new book purchase, to connect therapy sessions with positivity.
2. Wear something comfortable. Your bipolar disorder psychiatrist is there to work for you. You aren’t going there to try and work for them. So don’t dress like you’re going on a job interview (unless, of course, job interview clothes make you feel at ease). Choose instead something that you feel comfortable in and something that you don’t feel anxious about. Comfortable clothes will help keep you at ease and keep you focused on the therapy sessions’ important topics.
3. Write a detailed list of your triggers and recent mood episodes. There are some general triggers that most people with bipolar disorder have, and then there may be triggers specific to you. For example, nearly 20 percent of people with bipolar disorder are triggered by a mood change during seasonal shifts (i.e., fall into winter). You might have seen that certain familial events trigger your own depression and manic episodes. Take some time, reflect on your most recent mood episodes, and write down what you think caused them. Have this list ready to share with your therapist.

Show Up To Share

Your list of past mood episodes and triggers is a great starting platform for your first bipolar disorder therapy session, but be prepared to answer other types of questions and explore other types of events. Your bipolar disorder therapist may need to ask you to share parts of your personality and history that you aren’t proud of, but it is important to show up ready to share. Always remember that your therapist is not there to judge you. They are on your side, aiming to get you the best treatment to help you live a normal, fulfilling life. Your treatment plan may include bipolar disorder medication, or it may include many group sessions with others, the only way to know what’s right for you is if you are honest and open.

Schedule Your First Appointment Today

If you haven’t already, consider making today the day you make that step towards change and call our bipolar disorder therapist office near Cedar Brook, NJ, to schedule your first therapy session. We are proud to have helped thousands of individuals with personality disorders overcome their limitations and enjoy more positive relationships and world experiences. Join that number by reaching out to Harmony Bay Wellness to start your therapy this week.