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. Supportive psychotherapy has been shown to be highly effective in helping those with bipolar disorder and bipolar spectrum disorders cope with mood swings and other symptoms while developing 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

A primary component of mood disorder treatment, psychotherapy can help people with bipolar disorder receive emotional support, voice their concerns, and improve their quality of life. There are several forms of therapy for bipolar disorder, including cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal and social rhythm therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and supportive psychotherapy. 

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 cognitive behavioral therapy (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 discuss 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

Closely associated with cognitive behavioral therapy, 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 with your bipolar disorder treatment.

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 practicing coping techniques and learning problem-solving 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 as you continue treating bipolar disorder. 

Types of supportive therapy for bipolar disorder

There are several other types of supportive therapeutic options for individuals with bipolar disorder, including family focused therapy, interpersonal and social rhythm therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). 

Family-focused therapy

Highlighting the important role loved ones can play in addressing bipolar disorder, family-focused therapy facilitates problem-solving, communication, and education among patients with bipolar disorder and their family members. The insights of family members can be particularly helpful in a therapeutic setting. Relatives often have unique perspectives on the challenges experienced by the family member with bipolar disorder, and they are usually well positioned to provide support and care. Research shows that family-focused therapy can decrease the likelihood of bipolar disorder developing in an individual who exhibits warning signs of the condition. 

Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy

A widely utilized form of therapy for bipolar disorder, interpersonal and social rhythm therapy has been shown to reduce symptoms of bipolar depression and mania. 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). Research shows that interpersonal and social rhythm therapy can also improve social functioning in individuals with bipolar disorder. 

Dialectical behavioral therapy

Based on cognitive therapy, this type of therapy focuses on achieving emotional control by helping the patient accept who they are. Research suggests that dialectical behavior therapy is effective when treating bipolar disorder symptoms.  

Integrated group therapy

This form of therapy was developed to help people with bipolar disorder who also experience substance use concerns. Bipolar disorder and substance use disorder are frequently experienced together.

Group psychoeducation

Group psychoeducation involves giving people with bipolar disorder accurate and reliable information about their diagnosis, treatment options, and prognosis. For example, it can help a participant recognize warning signs of relapse (i.e. a manic episode or a depressive episode). 

Cognitive behavioral therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is 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. For example, an individual with bipolar disorder may identify negative thoughts about their self-worth that contribute to symptoms of bipolar depression. Through cognitive behavioral therapy, they can learn how to replace such beliefs and avoid maladaptive behaviors that may be associated with them.  

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.