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Personalised coaching for people living with bipolar disorder. Lived-experience support, recovery tools, and guidance to help you thrive. The Bipolar Coac h A Life Beyond the Cycle About Me Welcome, I’m Dorothy, founder of The Bipolar Coach I’m a mental health expert, accredited bipolar coach, and a published contributor to leading journals, newspapers, and publications, dedicated to advancing the understanding of bipolar disorder. My mission is to leverage this expertise to help you live a life that goes beyond your diagnosis, offering you compassionate support, deep understanding, and practical strategies for lasting change. I also have lived experience with bipolar disorder, and understand its complexities and challenges in ways that go beyond the textbook. I've spent weeks in psychiatric hospitals, navigated both private and NHS treatment systems, and explored numerous medication regimens, therapies, and diets. My journey has not been easy, but it has given me a profound understanding of bipolar disorder—knowledge that I am dedicated to sharing with you. As a novelist, journalist, and public speaker, I specialise in supporting people with mood disorders to unlock their creative and career potential and channel their experiences into meaningful expression and growth. Qualifications and Experience: PhD Researcher - PhD specialising in the lived experience and representation of Bipolar Disorder Full Portfolio Here Published Novelist Author of The Rag Doll Contract, a literary novel exploring themes of mental health, recovery, and lived experience. Qualified Solicitor (non-practising) experience in disability and employment law, with expertise in rights and workplace adjustments IAFPD Certificate in Coaching & Bipolar Disorder Awareness Accreditation Published journalist in the Independent, Forbes, Belfast Telegraph, Daily Mail, Marie Claire, Metro, National Geographic and others, focusing on mental health, recovery, and lived experience Editor and contributing writer at Cambridge University Press, specialised in mood disorders and mental health narratives “Working with Dorothy has been life-changing. Dorothy not only provided me with practical strategies but also helped me rebuild my confidence and sense of self. She guided me through a huge career transition and helped me navigate dating with bipolar disorder. I am now thriving in my personal and professional life, and I owe so much of that to Thea's guidance." — James R., London 1 Half a century of bipolar disorder More than 50 years ago, the NHS did a stellar job of supporting people with Bipolar Disorder. We must to get back to that. Read More Could a resilience retreat help with my stress and PMS? I tried a three-day retreat that promised to help with the stress of modern life by reconnecting with nature, dipping in freezing Lake Coniston in winter and learning to breathe properly. Did it help? Read More 2 3 Audiobooks are the only thing that get me through my bipolar episodes Three years ago, I was halfway through reading a copy of Elvia Wilks’s Oval, a novel about a fictional feminist dystopia, when a crushingly familiar wave of depression descended upon me. Read More An attempt to actively record subjective energy states and objective motoric behavioural patterns in Type 1 bipolar disordercentury of bipolar disorder I examine the idea that mood disorders, including depression and bipolar disorder, might be better understood as conditions of energy dysregulation and motor activity rather than simply disorders of mood. Read More 4 The Ketogenic Diet as a Means of Treating Type 1 Bipolar Disorder I explore my journey with the ketogenic diet as a treatment for bipolar disorder. I reflect on the question "Does altering your diet reduce your risk of depression and are any dietary manipulations an effective treatment for depression?" Read More 5

Media and Coverage Get Free Coaching with Access To Work: To apply for access to work and get free coaching: access to work Common Bipolar Disorder Challenges & Topics I Address Employment struggles, coping with stress, confidence, overcoming shame, rejection, finding direction, issues with food, relationship struggles, bipolar and creativity, catatonia, anxiety, mood swings, hormonal fluctuations, dating issues, career transitions, managing expectations, self-control, money issues, sleep disturbances, dealing with boredom, substance abuse and addressing addictive behaviours.

A Little-Known Lifeline Access to Work is a government grant designed to support individuals with disabilities or health conditions, including bipolar disorder, in maintaining employment. Despite being underutilised, this program can be a crucial resource for those navigating the challenges of bipolar disorder in the workplace and it can provide up to £66,000 in support per person, each year. Key Points: Eligibility: You don't need a formal diagnosis to apply—just a health condition that impacts your ability to work. Application Process: The process involves an initial application, followed by an assessment where support needs are identified. The application can be bureaucratic, but help is available. Support Provided: The grant covers various forms of support, such as coaching, administrative assistance, or special equipment, with funding often covering 100% of these costs. Employer Involvement: Your employer has a legal obligation to make reasonable adjustments to support you at work, but Access to Work offers additional support that can make a significant difference. How To Apply: The application can be done online (here ) or by phone (0800 121 7479) . You’ll need to provide details about your job, any challenges bipolar disorder creates, and how these affect your work. Even if you’re unsure what support you need, an assessment will help identify it. Once the assessment is complete, the assessor will submit their recommendations to the Access to Work adviser. This process usually takes about a month. The adviser may then discuss the recommended support with you and ask you to gather quotes for services like coaching or support workers if they haven't already done so. The grant typically covers the lowest-cost option, but you have the flexibility to choose your preferred provider (The Bipolar Coach!). After You Apply: Once your application is reviewed, you may have an assessment to explore the best support options. This could include coaching, like the specialised bipolar coaching I offer. If approved, the grant will fund the support, either through your employer or directly to you. Next Steps: If you’re struggling with bipolar disorder at work, I can help guide you through this process, from application to implementing the support you need. This grant isn’t a replacement for your employer’s responsibilities, but it’s an invaluable additional resource. For more information or assistance, feel free to get in touch.

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Disclaimer Important Notice: Coaching is Not a Substitute for Medical or Psychiatric Care The information and coaching services provided on this website are for educational and supportive purposes only. I am not a licensed medical professional, psychiatrist, psychologist, or therapist. My coaching is designed to offer guidance, mindset strategies, and practical support for individuals navigating life with bipolar disorder and related challenges, but it does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, suicidal thoughts, or require medical intervention, please seek immediate professional help. You can contact a licensed psychiatrist, therapist, or emergency services in your area. By using this website and engaging with my services, you acknowledge and agree that: Coaching is not therapy, counselling, or medical treatment. I do not diagnose, treat, or prescribe medication for any condition. You are responsible for your own health, decisions, and actions. Any decisions made based on the content or coaching provided are taken at your own discretion and risk. If you are currently under the care of a medical professional for bipolar disorder or any other mental health condition, I strongly recommend consulting with them before making any changes to your treatment plan, medication, or lifestyle. For immediate mental health support, please reach out to: 📞 Samaritans UK: 116 123 (available 24/7) 📞 National Suicide Prevention Helpline (US): 988 📞 Bipolar UK: 0333 323 3880 📞 Mind UK: 0300 123 3393 Your well-being is the priority. If you need urgent help, please seek qualified medical support.

Begin Your Journey Our partnership starts with a complimentary 30-minute consultation. This initial call is an opportunity for us to explore whether we’re the right fit for each other. Before our conversation, I encourage you to consider the specific areas of your life that bipolar disorder is impacting. How are these challenges shaping your day-to-day experience? What changes do you envision for a brighter, more balanced future? Our coaching sessions will be a safe space to explore your experiences, build resilience, and create a life that is rich, fulfilling, and more than just your illness. I’ll help you unlock your strengths, overcome challenges, and move towards a future where you can thrive—not in spite of bipolar disorder, but with it as a part of your journey. book a free consultation A Tailored Approach Unlike traditional therapy or medical consultations, my approach is holistic and adaptive. I understand that bipolar disorder doesn’t adhere to a schedule, and neither should your support. If you find yourself struggling at different times of the day or evening, I’m committed to being available for you—not just during our scheduled sessions. We can discuss how this flexible support might work best for you, ensuring that you have the guidance you need when you need it most. Get Free Coaching with Access To Work: To apply for access to work and get free coaching: access to work Common Bipolar Disorder Challenges & Topics I Address Employment struggles, coping with stress, confidence, overcoming shame, rejection, finding direction, issues with food, relationship struggles, bipolar and creativity, catatonia, anxiety, mood swings, hormonal fluctuations, dating issues, career transitions, managing expectations, self-control, money issues, sleep disturbances, dealing with boredom, substance abuse and addressing addictive behaviours.