How Supportive Therapy Can Help Treat Bipolar Disorder

Characterized by episodes of both mania and depression, bipolar disorder can be challenging for both the person living with the condition and their loved ones. Due to its often-unpredictable nature, those living with bipolar disorder may sometimes find it challenging to adhere to a treatment plan as their mental health ebbs and flows. Many treatments are available to help manage the symptoms of bipolar disorder, and it can be a process of trial and error to find one that works most effectively. 

Bipolar disorder supportive therapy, also called supportive psychotherapy, is one such treatment option that has been shown to be highly effective in helping those with bipolar disorder and bipolar spectrum disorders cope with symptoms, develop the skills needed to live a fulfilling life. When used as a maintenance treatment, psychotherapy may help reduce the risk of relapse. In supportive therapy, patients work with a trained therapist to develop healthy coping strategies, manage depressive and manic symptoms, and maintain stability. Here, we will explore how supportive therapy can benefit those with bipolar disorder, what supportive therapy is, how it differs from other forms of therapy, and what you can expect from your sessions.

What is supportive therapy?

Supportive therapy is a type of psychotherapy that aims to provide emotional support, encouragement, and guidance to those experiencing emotional distress or facing difficult life situations. It may be used to treat a number of mood disorders and other mental health conditions, including depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and bipolar disorder. The goal of supportive therapy is to create a safe and trusting environment wherein individuals can feel understood and validated while working toward improved mental health and well-being.

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In some ways, the therapeutic relationship between a supportive therapist and their client can be likened to the relationship between a parent and a child, in which the therapist assumes a "parental" role with the patient. The therapist provides comfort, encouragement, validation, and praise to the client while setting limits, promoting autonomy and independence, and confronting self-destructive behaviors. A supportive therapist typically uses suggestions, advice, and teaching to guide the patient's thinking and behavior, but the therapist's goal is to help the patient achieve their own goals without imposing their agenda.

A supportive therapist may use various techniques to identify and manage emotions, build confidence and self-esteem, and improve interpersonal relationships. Supportive therapy is typically used for those with mild to moderate mental health issues and can be a valuable component of a comprehensive treatment plan.

Supportive therapy for bipolar disorder

If you are living with bipolar disorder, it may be worth considering supportive therapy as part of your treatment plan. Supportive therapy can be beneficial in treating bipolar disorder, as it may offer you a greater sense of emotional stability and confidence as you work toward your goals. In supportive therapy, you can learn valuable coping skills for managing symptoms of bipolar depression, medication adherence, and overcoming difficult situations that may result from a manic or depressive episode.

A supportive therapist can teach you to identify and manage triggers, provide support and encouragement, and help you build resilience and learn self-care strategies to lessen the highs and lows associated with your condition. In addition, a supportive therapist may serve as a source of accountability to ensure you act in accordance with your goals and adhere to your treatment plan.

As bipolar disorder can affect relationships and academic or professional performance, a supportive therapist may guide you as you improve communication skills, deepen your sense of self-awareness, and foster healthier relationships with those closest to you.

What to expect in supportive therapy

A supportive therapist's main goal is to help you achieve stability and self-sufficiency, and they may employ a number of therapeutic techniques derived from other types of psychotherapy, such as CBT. Below, you'll find a guide to the techniques and defining characteristics of supportive therapy.

Listening

In supportive therapy, your therapist will provide a safe and supportive environment in which you can tell your feelings and experiences. Your therapist will actively listen to you, offering their full attention and empathy. They will encourage you to explore your feelings, thoughts, and behaviors without judgment or criticism and can help you make sense of your experiences. 

You may develop a more robust sense of self as you describe your thoughts, emotions, needs, and strengths. Your therapist will provide validation, reassurance, and emotional support, which may help you feel more empowered and confident in managing bipolar disorder. In a supportive therapy relationship, you can feel heard and understood, which many find to be a transformative experience.

Positive reframing

Positive reframing is a technique commonly used in supportive therapy that involves looking at a situation from a different perspective. Positive reframing may also involve reality testing, which can help you learn to process situations from a more objective point of view rather than through the lens of your emotions. 

This technique may help you develop a more positive outlook, which can help reduce the stress, anxiety, and depression commonly associated with bipolar disorder. Your therapist may also help you identify your strengths and abilities and encourage you to focus on the positive aspects of your situation. Positive reframing can help you feel more optimistic, resilient, and empowered.

Advice

A supportive therapist will often offer suggestions and advice to help guide your thinking and behavior. They may counsel you on strategies you can use as you pursue your goals or offer helpful suggestions for managing a particular situation. In addition to offering advice, a supportive therapist will often provide resources and learning materials you can take home to help you stay on track.

A supportive therapist aims to provide guidance without imposing an agenda upon you. They often express their own thoughts, feelings, and experiences to help foster a collaborative and open therapeutic relationship. This advice is not given in a prescriptive or directive manner and tends to be tailored to your unique needs, circumstances, and preferences. 

Coping skills

In supportive therapy, you can learn coping skills to help you manage the symptoms of bipolar disorder. Coping skills are practical techniques you can use to handle difficult situations and emotions in a healthy way. Your therapist will work with you to identify triggers and symptoms and can help you develop coping strategies that work most effectively for you.

Coping skills can include techniques such as mindfulness, deep breathing, exercise, relaxation techniques, and cognitive-behavioral strategies like positive self-talk and problem-solving. By learning and practicing coping skills, you can become more equipped to manage the ups and downs of bipolar disorder and maintain a greater sense of control over your life. 

Encouragement

Supportive therapists offer encouragement to their patients as an essential part of the therapeutic process. Encouragement can come in many forms, such as positive feedback, emotional support, and validation of your feelings and experiences. Your therapist can help you identify your strengths and abilities and praise your accomplishments as you work toward your goals. 

They may also provide reassurance and support during challenging times, reminding you of your progress and helping you stay motivated. Through this encouragement, you can begin to develop a greater sense of self-confidence and resilience, which can help you overcome challenges and achieve personal growth. 

Types of supportive therapy for bipolar disorder

Other types of supportive therapeutic options for individuals with bipolar disorder include:

• Family focused therapy: Focuses on problem-solving, communication, and education about bipolar disorder for patients with bipolar disorder and their family members.

• Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy: Aims to help people with bipolar spectrum disorders control their mood by following daily routines, such as adhering to their medication and maintaining regular social engagement (how regularly someone engages in social activities).

• Dialectical behavioral therapy: Based on cognitive therapy, this type of therapy focuses on achieving emotional control by helping the patient accept who they are.

• Integrated group therapy: Developed to help people with bipolar disorder who also experience substance use issues. Bipolar disorder and substance use disorder are frequently experienced together.

• Group psychoeducation: Involves giving patients accurate and reliable information about their diagnosis, treatment options, and prognosis. For example, how to recognize warning signs of relapse (i.e. a manic episode or a depressive episode).

• Cognitive behavioral therapy: A well-researched form of talk therapy that aims to help people who experience persistent affective symptoms (persistent symptoms of mood disorders) by addressing negative thoughts and behaviors that may contribute to their symptoms.

Finding a supportive therapist for bipolar disorder

For those living with bipolar disorder, psychotherapy—whether administered in person or online—has been shown to be effective in achieving positive treatment outcomes. To find a supportive therapist, you may begin your search online for a mental health professional specializing in supportive therapy, whether in-person or via an online therapy platform such as BetterHelp. Online therapy offers an affordable and convenient way to attend supportive therapy from the comfort of your home, and it may be beneficial for those whose physical or mental health limitations make it difficult to attend therapy in person. 

Research has repeatedly shown virtual therapy to be just as effective as traditional face-to-face therapy. In one review, telepsychiatry was shown to be as reliable and effective as in-person services for treating patients with bipolar disorder and has been shown to produce positive and sustainable outcomes.