Collaborative, confidential therapy for mood-related concerns, available in person and online across Alberta. Registered Psychologists regulated by the College of Alberta Psychologists (CAP), Certified Canadian Counsellors certified by the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA), Registered Social Workers regulated by the Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW), and supervised clinicians. In-person and virtual sessions.

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You Might Be Wondering Whether Bipolar Disorder Counselling Is Right for You

Maybe you have been told you have bipolar disorder, or maybe you are not sure what to call what you have been living with. Either way, searching for something like this can feel uncertain. You might be wondering whether your experience is serious enough to warrant professional support, or whether counselling would even help with something that feels so unpredictable.

You may recognize some of these patterns in your own life: stretches of energy and optimism that give way to periods where getting through the day feels impossible. Sleep that swings between too little and too much. Plans made with confidence during one week, abandoned without explanation the next. Relationships strained by shifts in mood that you did not choose and cannot always explain.

These patterns make sense. They are not signs of weakness, laziness, or a character flaw. When your mood, energy, and functioning shift in ways that feel beyond your control, it can be hard to trust yourself or to know what kind of support would actually be useful. That confusion is a reasonable response to a confusing experience.

If you are considering whether talking with someone could help, this page may be a useful starting point. It explains what bipolar disorder counselling at Wholesome Psychology involves, how it fits alongside other forms of care, and what to expect if you decide to reach out.

Who We Help

This service may be a good fit for people who:

• Have received a bipolar disorder diagnosis and want therapeutic support alongside their existing care
• Are experiencing significant mood changes and want to explore what structured support looks like
• Want help managing the daily impact of mood shifts on work, school, relationships, or routines
• Are looking for a space to develop coping strategies and communication skills around mood-related concerns
• Are gathering information for a family member or loved one who may be living with bipolar disorder

This service may not be the right fit for people who:

• Need immediate crisis support or emergency assessment (see crisis resources below)
• Require medication management or psychiatric evaluation as their primary need (a physician, psychiatrist, or nurse practitioner is the appropriate provider for these concerns)
• Are seeking a formal psychological assessment or diagnostic evaluation (Wholesome Psychology offers psychological assessments as a separate service)

Crisis Guidance

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger or unable to stay safe, please contact emergency services. Wholesome Psychology is not an emergency or crisis service.

• 911 for immediate danger
• Alberta Mental Health Help Line: 1-877-303-2642 (24/7)
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

Wholesome Psychology is not an emergency or crisis service.

What This Service Is

Bipolar disorder counselling at Wholesome Psychology is a structured, confidential space where you can talk through what you have been experiencing and explore what kinds of support may be helpful. It is not a medical service, a crisis intervention, or a replacement for psychiatric care or medication management.

Some people come to counselling with an existing diagnosis. Others arrive with questions about mood changes that have been affecting their daily life. In either case, therapy starts where you are and moves at your pace.

Counselling may focus on understanding patterns in mood, energy, and daily functioning. It may also address the impact of those patterns on your relationships, work, school, or sense of self. When relevant and with your consent, your therapist can coordinate with other providers involved in your care.

This service does not include psychological assessment or diagnosis. Assessments are available as a separate service at Wholesome Psychology.

Signs Bipolar Disorder May Be Affecting You

You do not need a diagnosis to recognize that something has been difficult. The following experiences are common among people living with bipolar disorder or significant mood changes:

• Extended periods of elevated mood, energy, or restlessness followed by stretches of low mood and withdrawal
• Sleep that shifts dramatically, from very little to excessive, without a clear external cause
• Difficulty maintaining routines, commitments, or responsibilities during mood shifts
• Impulsive decisions during high-energy periods that feel confusing or regrettable afterward
• Pulling away from people who care about you, or feeling unable to explain your behaviour to others
• Trouble concentrating or completing tasks that felt manageable at other times
• A sense of frustration or shame about the unpredictability of your own functioning
• Feeling misunderstood by people who have not experienced similar shifts

Having some or many of these experiences does not mean something is permanently wrong with you. These patterns are recognized as part of how bipolar and related mood concerns show up in daily life. Bipolar disorder is classified within mood disorders in major classification systems, including subtypes such as bipolar type I, bipolar type II, and cyclothymic disorder (World Health Organization [WHO], n.d.; ICD-11).

How Treatment Works Here

• Find your therapist. Use the Match Tool to find a therapist whose experience and approach fit your needs. You can also review individual profiles on the Our Therapists page or call the admin team at 780-904-4880 for guidance.
• Book your first session. Your first session includes a review of confidentiality and consent, a conversation about your goals and concerns, and a discussion about what counselling can and cannot provide. This session is about getting to know each other and deciding whether the fit feels right.
• Build your plan together. You and your therapist will develop a therapeutic plan based on your goals, your current supports, and the kinds of concerns you want to address. This plan belongs to you and can be adjusted at any time.
• Ongoing sessions. Follow-up sessions are typically weekly or bi-weekly, with pacing adjusted as needs change. Each session is 50 minutes.
• Progress check-ins. Your therapist will review how things are going regularly. If your goals shift or if a different approach would serve you better, the plan adapts accordingly.

There is no fixed number of sessions. Some people benefit from short-term work focused on specific concerns. Others find that longer-term therapy supports them more fully. The pace is set by you, not the therapist.

Evidence and Approaches

Therapists at Wholesome Psychology may draw on several evidence-informed approaches when working with clients who have bipolar disorder or related mood concerns. The choice of approach depends on your goals, your circumstances, and what feels most relevant to your experience. The evidence base for psychotherapy in bipolar disorder is developing, and current research supports its use as one part of care rather than a standalone treatment.

Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

What it helps with: CBT focuses on identifying and changing thought patterns and behaviours that may contribute to mood instability or difficulty managing daily life.

Evidence summary: A review of psychotherapy for bipolar disorder in adults found that CBT is among the approaches with research support, with studies suggesting it may help reduce the impact of mood symptoms when used alongside other forms of care (Swartz & Swanson, 2014). Clinical guidelines also include CBT as part of management for bipolar disorder (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence [NICE], n.d.).

Limitations: Most research examines CBT as an addition to medication, not as a standalone treatment. Individual responses vary, and the evidence base continues to develop.

Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT)

What it helps with: IPSRT helps stabilize daily routines, sleep-wake cycles, and interpersonal relationships, which may be disrupted by mood episodes.

Evidence summary: Research suggests that IPSRT may support mood stability by helping people establish and maintain regular daily rhythms (Swartz & Swanson, 2014). It is identified in clinical reviews as one of the psychotherapies with an emerging evidence base for bipolar disorder.

Limitations: The evidence base for IPSRT is smaller than for some other approaches. More research is needed on long-term outcomes and effectiveness across diverse populations.

Psychoeducation

What it helps with: Psychoeducation helps people understand their condition, recognize early warning signs of mood changes, and develop plans for managing those changes.

Evidence summary: Clinical guidelines recommend psychoeducation as a component of bipolar disorder management (NICE, n.d.). Reviews of psychotherapy for bipolar disorder identify psychoeducation as one of the approaches with supporting evidence (Swartz & Swanson, 2014).

Limitations: Psychoeducation is typically most effective as one element within a broader treatment plan rather than as a sole intervention. Outcomes depend on individual engagement and the broader care context.

Family-Focused Approaches

What it helps with: Family-focused therapy addresses communication patterns, relationship stress, and the impact of bipolar disorder on the family system.

Evidence summary: A Cochrane review has examined family interventions for bipolar disorder, and the approach is recognized in clinical guidelines as a potential component of care (NICE, n.d.). Reviews note that family involvement may support better outcomes for some individuals (Swartz & Swanson, 2014).

Limitations: The available Cochrane evidence for family interventions in bipolar disorder is limited, and findings should be interpreted with caution. Not all individuals have family members who are available or willing to participate.

What Results to Expect

Recovery and change are not linear. Some people notice meaningful shifts within the first few sessions, particularly around daily routines, stress management, or communication. Others find that it takes longer to see changes, especially when mood patterns have been present for a long time.

Several factors influence how therapy unfolds, including the nature of your experiences, your current circumstances, the supports you have in place, and the fit between you and your therapist. Therapeutic fit matters. If a particular therapist or approach does not feel right, changing direction is always an option.

No therapy guarantees outcomes. Counselling can offer a structured space to build understanding, develop strategies, and work toward the kind of stability that matters to you. Results vary from person to person, and your therapist will be honest with you about what therapy can and cannot provide.

Confidentiality and Privacy

What you share in therapy is confidential. Depending on their professional registration or certification, your therapist is bound by the applicable ethical standards and requirements of their professional body, such as the College of Alberta Psychologists (CAP) for registered psychologists, the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA) for Certified Canadian Counsellors, and the Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW) for registered social workers. Psychologists are also guided by the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) Code of Ethics. Alberta legislation including the Health Information Act (HIA) and the Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA) also applies.

There are limited exceptions where a therapist is legally or ethically required to disclose information:

• When there is a serious risk of harm to yourself or others
• When there is suspected abuse or neglect of a child (mandatory reporting under Alberta law)
• When records are required by a court order

Your therapist will explain these limits clearly during the first session, before you share anything personal. You are welcome to ask questions about confidentiality at any point.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to describe what I have been going through in detail?

No. You decide what you share and when. Some people prefer to focus on present-day patterns, routines, and coping rather than detailed accounts of past episodes. Your therapist will follow your lead and will not push you to disclose more than you are comfortable with.

Is what I share kept private?

Yes. Sessions are confidential within legal and ethical limits. Exceptions include situations involving serious risk of harm to yourself or others, suspected child abuse or neglect, or a court order. Your therapist will explain these limits at the start of care. You can review the full confidentiality section above for more detail.

How many sessions will I need?

There is no fixed answer. Some people find relief from just 2-3 sessions focused on a specific concern. Others benefit from longer-term support. Your therapist will check in with you regularly about how things are going, and you can adjust the pace or frequency at any time.

What if the therapist is not the right fit?

Fit matters in therapy, and it is reasonable to want a therapist who feels right for you. If the match does not feel like a good one, the admin team can help you find a different clinician within the practice. New clients may access their first session at 50% off to help find the right therapeutic fit.

Can I access therapy online?

Yes. Virtual sessions are available across Alberta. They follow the same confidentiality and clinical standards as in-person sessions. Many clients find virtual counselling a convenient and comfortable option.

Do I need a diagnosis to start?

No. Some people begin counselling with an existing diagnosis from a physician or psychiatrist, while others come with questions about mood changes that have been affecting their daily life. The first session can help clarify what kind of support may be useful.

Can counselling replace medication or psychiatric care?

No. Counselling can be one part of support, but it does not replace medication management, psychiatric evaluation, or emergency assessment. If you have questions about medication or medical care, those are best addressed with a physician, psychiatrist, or nurse practitioner.

Meet Your Clinicians

Wholesome Psychology's team includes Registered Psychologists, Registered Provisional Psychologists, Registered Social Workers, Certified Canadian Counsellors, Mental Health Therapists, and Student Therapists. All psychologists are registered with the College of Alberta Psychologists. Registered Social Workers are regulated by the Alberta College of Social Workers. Certified Canadian Counsellors are certified by the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. Provisional psychologists practise under the supervision of a senior registered psychologist.

Many clinicians on the team have training in mood-related concerns, including approaches relevant to bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, and the impact of significant life changes on mental health. You can review individual profiles on the Our Therapists page, use the Match Tool for help choosing, or call 780-904-4880 to speak with the admin team.

Getting Started

If you are considering bipolar disorder counselling in Edmonton or St. Albert, or anywhere in Alberta through virtual sessions, you can take the next step in a way that feels right for you.

• Book a session online
• Match with a therapist
• Call: 780-904-4880
• Email: info@wholesomepsychology.ca
• Learn more about getting started

New clients may access their first session at 50% off to help find the right therapeutic fit.

Starting the conversation is enough.

References

• Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. (n.d.). Bipolar disorder. Retrieved April 30, 2026, from https://www.camh.ca/en/health-info/mental-illness-and-addiction-index/bipolar-disorder
• Canadian Mental Health Association, British Columbia Division. (n.d.). Bipolar disorder. Retrieved April 30, 2026, from https://bc.cmha.ca/documents/bipolar-disorder/
• Canadian Psychological Association. (n.d.). "Psychology Works" fact sheet: Bipolar disorder. Retrieved April 30, 2026, from https://cpa.ca/psychology-works-fact-sheet-bipolar-disorder/
• National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (n.d.). Bipolar disorder: Assessment and management. https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg185
• Swartz, H. A., & Swanson, J. (2014). Psychotherapy for bipolar disorder in adults: A review of the evidence. Focus (American Psychiatric Publishing), 12(3), 251-266. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.focus.12.3.251
• World Health Organization. (n.d.). Bipolar disorder. Retrieved April 30, 2026, from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/bipolar-disorder
• World Health Organization. (2025). ICD-11 for Mortality and Morbidity Statistics: Bipolar or related disorders. https://icd.who.int/browse/2025-01/mms/en