Disclaimer: This article is based on research and insights from credible medical professionals, publications, and institutions. It is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional diagnosis or treatment. If you believe you may be experiencing symptoms of bipolar disorder, please consult a qualified healthcare provider.
I hope with each article, you’re gaining a deeper understanding of bipolar disorder—its symptoms, stereotypes, and the real experiences behind the diagnosis. You might be wondering when I’ll dive into the complexities of being Black and bipolar—trust me, it’s coming. But first, it’s important that I lay the foundation with facts before layering in my personal truth. And yes, I want to keep you coming back to the site (laughs).
That said, I hope you’ve already read my article: Not One Without the Other: The Truth About Medication and Therapy. I wholeheartedly believe that both therapy and medication are essential when navigating life with bipolar disorder. Today, let’s break down different types of therapy and what they can offer someone on their healing journey.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
According to ScienceDirect—a platform hosting peer-reviewed journals and scholarly materials—EMDR is an evidence-based treatment often used by those interested in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), especially individuals with trauma or co-occurring PTSD.
EMDR follows an eight-phase protocol. In each session, the client recalls traumatic events, focusing on their visual, emotional, and physical (somatic) elements, while the therapist uses bilateral stimulation—often side-to-side eye movements—to help reprocess the memory. The goal is to reduce the emotional intensity of the memory, allowing the client to recall it without experiencing the same level of distress.
Eventually, the therapist helps the client reinterpret the event in a more empowering light. Once the past trauma is processed, the same techniques can be applied to current and anticipated stressors. Research shows EMDR can reduce depression, hypomania (especially in those with bipolar II), and trauma symptoms in bipolar patients (ScienceDirect, 2023).
CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)
CBT is perhaps the most widely recognized form of therapy for bipolar disorder. It teaches individuals to identify unhelpful or distorted thoughts and restructure them in healthier, more realistic ways.
As Healthline contributor Anthony Watt explains, CBT is a short-term, goal-oriented treatment that targets specific problems. Here’s how a typical CBT process might unfold:
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Identifying the Issue – This could be a symptom of bipolar disorder, or something external like relationship or work stress.
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Exploring Thoughts, Emotions, and Behaviors – You’ll work with a therapist to unpack how you typically respond to challenges.
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Catching Negative Thought Patterns – Once identified, you begin to recognize your habitual ways of thinking.
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Changing Your Reactions – With your therapist, you’ll develop new ways of thinking and responding to challenges, creating space for more balanced emotions and constructive behavior.
CBT has been shown to reduce relapse, ease depressive symptoms, lessen manic episodes (especially in bipolar I), and improve cognitive functioning (Watt, 2025).
DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy)
Originally developed for those with borderline personality disorder, DBT has also proven effective for people with bipolar disorder—particularly those managing emotional intensity, impulsivity, and interpersonal challenges.
According to the National Library of Medicine, DBT can help reduce manic symptoms in individuals with bipolar I. Yale Medicine notes that the treatment focuses on balancing acceptance with change. You’ll learn to honor your present emotional state while also building tools to improve it.
Key DBT skills include:
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Mindfulness – Cultivating awareness of the present moment without judgment. You’ll learn to observe, describe, and engage in your experiences without becoming overwhelmed.
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Distress Tolerance – Building your ability to handle life’s challenges without resorting to harmful coping strategies.
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Interpersonal Effectiveness – Learning to set boundaries, ask for what you need, and navigate conflict while maintaining your self-respect.
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Emotion Regulation – Developing strategies to better understand, manage, and shift your emotional responses in triggering situations (Yale Medicine, 2024).
Conclusion: What’s Best for You?
Personally, I’ve only tried CBT, so I can’t speak from experience about EMDR or DBT—yet. But I encourage you to talk to your therapist and explore what treatment might align best with your needs.
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If your struggle is with negative thoughts, start with CBT.
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If you need help managing overwhelming emotions and behaviors, try DBT.
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If trauma or PTSD has shaped your experience with bipolar disorder, EMDR could be transformative.
