The percentage of children and adolescents diagnosed with bipolar disorder has more than doubled in the past ten years (Youngstrom 2008). Because of the increased risk of drug use and suicide among young adults with bipolar disorder, it is essential that these teens quickly learn the skills they need to manage their symptoms in healthy and positive ways. The Bipolar Workbook for Teens helps youth develop expertise and resources for managing bipolar disorder. Based in dialectical behavior therapy, this workbook includes worksheets and exercises that assist readers in developing mindfulness, emotion regulation, crisis management, and interpersonal relationship skills. The book both teaches readers strategies for better managing the symptoms of bipolar disorder and helps them to identify and use their unique strengths to build a life that fits their values
About the Author :
Sheri Van Dijk, MSW, is a mental health therapist in private practice at Southlake Regional Health Centre in Newmarket, ON, Canada. She specializes in the treatment of bipolar disorder and other psychiatric disorders using dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and mindfulness practice. She is author of The Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Workbook for Bipolar Disorder. Visit her online at www.sherivandijk.com
Karma Guindon, MSW, RSW, RMFT, is a clinical social worker and registered marriage and family therapist in private practice at a child and family mental health program at Southlake Regional health Centre in Newmarket, ON, Canada. She uses an integrative and collaborative therapeutic approach with the children, adolescents, adults, families, and couple who meet with her for psychotherapy. She is also in doctoral studies in social work at Wilfrid Laurier University in Ketchener, ON.
Review :
"The Bipolar Workbook for Teens offers potent support for youth struggling with bipolar disorder, empowering them with knowledge and practical tools for their journey towards self-acceptance and self-knowledge."
--Shirley Eyles, mental health nurse, certified Theraplay therapies in private practice and coauthor of Applications of Family and Group Theraplay
"I highly recommend this excellent workbook, not only for teens diagnosed with bipolar disorder, but also for those experiencing troublesome mood swings. Readers will learn essential skills to manage those symptoms. This workbook is user-friendly, well-organized, encouraging, and based in research."
--Francine Brill, MD, FRCP(C), child and adolescent psychiatrist at Southlake Regional Health Centre in Newmarket, ON, Canada
"The authors of this book speak directly to youth in a respectful and genuine manner. There is tremendous value in reading stories of other teens who have shared similar experiences. This book is truly welcome addition to the educational resources available to adolescents who live with the complex difficulties of bipolar disorder."
--Janice Phillips, B.Ed., educator and mental health social worker
"This is an excellent, easy-to-read workbook for teens suffering from bipolar disorder. Teens will identify with the client scenarios shared in this book. It presents a straight forward approach to gaining knowledge about the illness, learning the tools to help overcome symptoms, and practicing exercises to establish new thought patterns and behaviors. Used in conjunction with medication, the knowledge and exercises in this book will help teens prevent deterioration, take control of the symptoms of bipolar disorder, and optimize their quality of life."
--Linda Jeffrey, RN, cognitive behavior therapist in private practice and manager of Crisis Services of the Canadian Mental Health Association, Simcoe County Branch
