Even if you've just been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, it's likely that you've been living with it for a long time. You've probably already developed your own ways of coping with recurring depression, the consequences of manic episodes, and the constant, uncomfortable feeling that you're at the mercy of your emotions. Some of these methods may work; others might do more harm than good. The Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Workbook for Bipolar Disorder will help you integrate your coping skills with a new and effective dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) plan for living well with bipolar disorder.

The four DBT skills you'll learn in this workbook-mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness-will help you manage your emotional ups and downs and minimize the frequency and intensity of depressive and manic episodes. By using this book in conjunction with medication and professional care, you'll soon experience relief from your bipolar symptoms and come to enjoy the calm and confident feeling of being in control.

•Learn mindfulness and acceptance skills•Cope with depressive and manic episodes in healthy ways•Manage difficult emotions and impulsive urges•Maintain relationships with friends and family members

Sheri Van Dijk's profile page

Zindel V. Segal's profile page

Sheri Van Dijk, MSW, is a psychotherapist in private practice and at Southlake Regional Health Centre in Ontario, Canada. She specializes in treating psychiatric disorders, including bipolar disorder, using dialectical behavior therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and mindfulness practice.

Foreword writer Zindel V. Segal, Ph.D., is the Morgan Firestone Chair in Psychotherapy and a professor of psychiatry at the University of Toronto. He is also director of the cognitive behavioral therapy unit at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, and a founding fellow of the Academy of Cognitive Therapy. He continues to advocate for the relevance of mindfulness-based clinical care in psychiatry and mental health.

“Medication is the foundational treatment for bipolar disorder. However, medication use alone often results in failed relationships, financial demise, and continued symptoms of depression and anxiety. Van Dijk’s Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Workbook for Bipolar Disorder can help to increase readers' personal serenity, interpersonal harmony, and intimacy in relationships, and optimize their quality of life. This book is clear, concise, and very readable, filled with wise guidelines that are rewarding and practical to implement.”
—Stephen B. Stokl, MD, FRCP, chief of psychiatry at Southlake Regional Health Centre in Newmarket, Ontario, Canada, and author of Mentally Speaking

“In this thorough and engaging workbook, Sheri Van Dijk breaks new ground by adapting dialectical behavior therapy for people living with bipolar disorder. This workbook provides patients struggling with this illness with a clear program and real-life day-to-day tools for coping. This workbook will help many people with bipolar disorder find order in their lives. A welcome addition to the helping field.”
—Paul Cappuccio, MSW, RSW, clinical manager of outpatient mental health services as Southlake Regional Health Centre and lecturer at Queens University

“Finally, a straightforward and compassionate resource for anyone wanting to understand more about bipolar disorder. The combination of personal stories and practical exercises provides a powerful guide to living a balanced and joyful life.”
—Susan Philpott, M.Sc., MSW, mental health supervisor at York Support Services Network in Sutton West, Ontario, Canada