At ChrysalisPsychology & Wellbeing, our psychologists in Hobart provideevidence-based psychological support for people living with bipolar disorder,working alongside psychiatrists and other treating clinicians. We also offer telehealth psychology across Australia. Please contact us for more information.
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You know the feeling of being switched on. Everything clicking into place. Needing less sleep but feeling energised. Ideas coming faster than you can write them down. The world feeling vivid and full of possibility in a way that other people seemnot to understand. And then something shifts. Or maybe it does not shift so much as gives way. The energy drains out. The clarity turns cloudy. Getting out of bed feels like an act of will that takes everything you have. If you have been searching for a bipolar disorder psychologist in Hobart, this contrast is often exactly what brings people to ask for support.
Bipolar disorder is a serious and complex mental health condition characterised by significant mood episodes that alternate between periods of elevated orirritable mood, mania or hypomania, and periods of depression (American Psychiatric Association, 2022). The most recent national data shows anestimated 2.0 per cent of Australians aged 16 to 85 experienced Bipolar Affective Disorder in the 12 months before being surveyed (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2024), and diagnostic delay remains common internationally.
Bipolar disorder is not simply mood swings or extreme emotionality. It involves distinct mood episodes that are sustained over days to weeks, significantly affect functioning, and may include periods during which a person's judgement,insight, and behaviour are substantially altered.
Effective management typically involves a combination of psychiatric care, including medication where appropriate, and psychological therapy. Psychology providesthe tools for understanding mood patterns, managing triggers, building early warning systems, and maintaining quality of life between episodes. At Chrysalis Psychology & Wellbeing, we provide the psychological component ofbipolar care and work collaboratively with your psychiatrist or GP whererelevant.
Bipolar disorder is associated with significant functional impairment, elevated ratesof co-occurring anxiety and substance use disorders, and elevated cardiovascular and metabolic health risks (Merikangas et al., 2011). Comprehensive, well-coordinated care that includes both psychiatric and psychological components leads to the best outcomes.
Whilemedication management by a psychiatrist or GP is often a central part ofbipolar treatment, psychological therapy plays a critical and distinct role,helping people understand their condition, recognise early warning signs,develop personalised management strategies, and address the interpersonal,occupational, and identity challenges that living with bipolar disorderinvolves. Psychological treatment does not replace medication; it worksalongside medical care.
Our approach tobipolar disorder is collaborative, evidence-based, and focused on bothstability and quality of life.
CognitiveBehavioural Therapy (CBT) for bipolar: Adapted CBT helps identify andchallenge the thought patterns that can precede and worsen mood episodes, anddevelops personalised early warning sign plans (Australian PsychologicalSociety, 2024).
Interpersonaland Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT): Developed specifically for bipolar disorder,IPSRT helps stabilise daily routines and sleep-wake cycles, which are stronglylinked to mood stability, and addresses interpersonal difficulties that cantrigger or worsen episodes.
DBT skills for emotion regulation: DBT provides targeted skills for managingintense emotions and tolerating distress without impulsive decisions,particularly relevant during hypomanic or mixed-state periods.
Psychoeducation:Understanding bipolar disorder, its patterns, triggers, and management isitself a powerful intervention.
Relapseprevention: We develop personalised early warning sign plans and crisis plansoutlining what to do if a mood episode begins to escalate.
Your firstsession is an opportunity to share your experience of bipolar disorder, yourhistory, what has worked and what has not, and what you are hoping to achievethrough psychological support. We are experienced in working collaborativelywith psychiatrists and GPs, and can communicate with your other treatingclinicians with your consent.
We acceptMedicare Mental Health Treatment Plans, NDIS (self-managed and plan-managed),DVA, Open Arms, National Redress Scheme, and private health insurance.Self-referral is accepted and no referral is required to book.
Can psychology treat bipolar disorder onits own, without medication?
Psychologicaltreatment does not replace medication or psychiatric care for bipolar disorder.It works alongside medical management to improve day-to-day functioning andreduce the frequency and severity of episodes.
What is the difference between Bipolar Iand Bipolar II?
Bipolar Iinvolves full manic episodes, which may include psychotic features andtypically require medical management. Bipolar II involves hypomanic episodes,which are less severe and do not include psychosis, alternating with periods ofmajor depression.
What is IPSRT and how is it different fromCBT?
Interpersonaland Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT) was developed specifically for bipolardisorder. It focuses on stabilising daily routines and sleep-wake cycles, whichare strongly linked to mood stability, alongside addressing interpersonaldifficulties. CBT focuses more on the thought patterns that precede and worsenmood episodes. The two are often used together.
Will you communicate with my psychiatristor GP?
Yes, with yourconsent. We are experienced in working collaboratively with psychiatrists andGPs as part of a coordinated care approach.
Is bipolar disorder therapy covered byMedicare or NDIS?
Many clientsaccess sessions through a Medicare Mental Health Treatment Plan. NDISparticipants, DVA, Open Arms, National Redress Scheme, clients, and those withprivate health cover may also be eligible.
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