By Katrin I. Kutlucinar, MA, LCPC, LPC Stigma in mental health doesn’t always come from the public — it can also come from within the very systems meant to provide care. For individuals living with severe mental illnesses (SMI), such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or schizoaffective disorder, encounters with stigma or bias from healthcare professionals can be deeply discouraging and even harmful. When patients sense that their symptoms or diagnoses are misunderstood, min

The holidays sparkle on the outside—and get complicated on the inside. For many people, this season magnifies the very pressures that strain mental health the rest of the year: disrupted routines, high expectations, financial stretch, family dynamics, grief anniversaries, and nonstop cultural messaging that says you should feel joyful. If you live with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, trauma, OCD, ADHD, psychosis-spectrum conditions, or an eating disorder, those stresso

Bipolar disorder doesn’t erase your capacity for a meaningful, successful life. What it does is raise the complexity of everyday decisions—sleep, work, relationships, money, stress. Therapy helps by turning that complexity into a set of solvable problems. With the right skills and supports, people with bipolar disorder build careers, sustain relationships, parent, create, lead, and give back—not in spite of the condition, but by learning how to work with their brains. Why pro

Abstract The stereotype that people with mental health disorders are inherently dangerous drives fear, bad policy, and worse outcomes. Research shows: (1) most violence is not  caused by mental illness; (2) people living with serious mental illness (SMI) are far more likely to be victims  of violence than perpetrators; and (3) structural stigma channels psychiatric crises into police and jails, reinforcing the myth. The fix is not more criminalization, but better care, crisis

People sometimes confuse bipolar disorder (BD) and borderline personality disorder (BPD) because both can involve intense moods and impulsive behavior. But they’re different conditions with different patterns, causes, and treatments. Understanding the distinctions helps people get the right care faster. The Core Difference in One Line Bipolar disorder  is an episodic mood disorder  with distinct periods of mania/hypomania and depression  that last days to weeks (or longer), o

Short answer:  both can provide psychotherapy, bill insurance, and work in similar settings. The main differences are in training focus, licensure pathways, and the breadth of roles outside the therapy hour. Snapshot Comparison Dimension Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CMHC) Social Worker (MSW/LCSW) Typical degree MA/MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (or Counseling Psychology) MSW (Master of Social Work) Common licenses (independent) LPC/LPCC/LCPC (state-specific); NC

Abstract Therapists’ lived experience—of mental health conditions, recovery, caregiving, marginalization, or other personally salient challenges—can strengthen the therapeutic process when used ethically and skillfully. Evidence converges on five pathways: (1) enhanced therapeutic alliance and credibility; (2) empathic attunement and reduced stigma; (3) judicious self-disclosure that catalyzes change; (4) integration of peer-derived practices shown to benefit outcomes; and (5

Psychology asks hard questions about how people think, feel, and behave—and then has to answer them in ways that are reliable enough to guide care, education, policy, and everyday life. Research is how the field earns that trust. Without systematic inquiry, psychology drifts toward opinion; with it, psychology becomes a cumulative, self-correcting science that improves human wellbeing. 1) Research turns observations into knowledge Clinicians, teachers, and parents all notice

Clients often ask whether their pet can be recognized as an Emotional Support Animal (ESA). My short answer: sometimes—and when it’s clinically appropriate, I will document that need.  My longer answer explains what an ESA actually is, what laws apply, and why I take this seriously. What an ESA is  (and isn’t) Under U.S. housing law, an ESA is an assistance animal  that provides therapeutic emotional support for a person with a disability; it does not  need special training.

When I tell clients or colleagues that I’m trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), the response is often a mix of curiosity and confusion. EMDR is a well-researched, evidence-based therapy for trauma, yet many people don’t fully understand what it is—or what it takes for a therapist to become trained in it. I thought I’d share what my EMDR training actually entailed, both to demystify the process and to give you insight into the level of preparation b

As a therapist, one of the most common trends I see today is people arriving to their first session already convinced they know their diagnosis. It’s not unusual for someone to sit down across from me (or log into a telehealth session) and say, “I know I have bipolar disorder,” or “I’m pretty sure I have borderline personality disorder,” or “I’ve definitely got ADHD—TikTok told me so.” I understand where this comes from. We live in a world overflowing with information about m

Bipolar disorder is a complex and often misunderstood condition. While advances in neuroscience and clinical research have improved our understanding, many theories continue to shape how clinicians conceptualize the course of the illness. One of the most influential is the kindling and sensitization theory , first introduced in mood disorder research several decades ago. This theory not only provides insight into the progression of bipolar disorder but also underscores the ur

Bipolar disorder is a serious mental health condition that affects approximately 2.8% of the U.S. population each year (National Institute of Mental Health, 2023). Advances in neuroscience and psychosocial research have transformed our understanding of the disorder, yet many patients continue to encounter barriers—not only from the illness itself, but also from the very professionals tasked with their care. Stigma, clinician bias, and inadequate training remain persistent iss

When you walk into a therapy session, it may seem like my work begins the moment you sit down and ends when you leave. In reality, there is a whole world of preparation, reflection, and behind-the-scenes effort that goes into providing effective therapy. While much of this work is invisible to you, it’s an essential part of ensuring our time together is thoughtful, ethical, and impactful. Preparing Before Sessions Long before you arrive, I’ve usually reviewed notes from our p

Receiving a diagnosis of bipolar disorder can feel overwhelming. For many people, it brings fear, uncertainty, and questions about the future. Can I still pursue my career? Can I have a family? Will this disorder define me? These concerns are natural, but it’s important to know: bipolar disorder does not have to keep you from accomplishing your dreams.  With the right support, strategies, and mindset, people with bipolar disorder can and do live meaningful, successful lives.

Bipolar disorder (BD) and borderline personality disorder (BPD) are two mental health conditions that are often misunderstood—and sometimes misdiagnosed as one another. While both involve mood instability, they are distinct diagnoses with different underlying mechanisms, treatment approaches, and long-term outcomes. Understanding the differences is critical for accurate diagnosis and effective care. Bipolar Disorder: A Mood Disorder Bipolar disorder is a chronic mood disorder

Family-Focused Therapy (FFT) is an evidence-based treatment for bipolar disorder that combines psychoeducation, communication training, and problem-solving skills. By reducing family conflict and improving support, FFT helps patients achieve longer periods of stability, fewer relapses, and stronger relationships, making it a valuable complement to medication in long-term recovery.