Mindfulness-Based Therapies with Bipolar Disorder

Mindfulness-based interventions are increasingly considered as a treatment option to support those living with bipolar disorder (BD). There is an emerging evidence base for group-based mindfulness interventions, with little published research on how to apply this treatment philosophy in individual work. Part 1 provides an overview of BD, with links made between how BD presents and the implications for mindfulness work. Part 2 offers a review of the evidence base for group MBIs (focusing on Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) and drawing from systematic reviews). In Part 3, assumptions and clarifications are shared to orient the reader to specific aspects of working within a mindful framework. Part 4 offers guidance for individual work, drawn from (i) insights from the group MBCT evidence, (ii) neurocognitive principles, and (iii) the author’s clinical experience working with clients with BD. The chapter concludes with considerations of diversity and suggestions for future research. While mindfulness shows great promise to support our clients, the work is nuanced and requires thoughtful adaptation.