Dr. Max Riv Of Love Discovery Institute On The Benefits Of Using A Family Approach To Treating Bipolar Disorder
An Interview With Stephanie Greer
Support is crucial. The role of a strong support network cannot be overstated. Support from family and friends makes a significant difference in treatment outcomes and daily life management.
Bipolar Disorder, a condition that affects millions around the world, not only impacts the individual diagnosed but also their surrounding family. It’s becoming increasingly clear that the journey towards mental wellness is not solely an individual pursuit but a collective one. Incorporating family perspectives and integrating a family approach in treatment methodologies can be pivotal in achieving holistic healing and stability. As a part of this interview series, I had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Max Riv.
Dr. Max Riv, a clinical psychologist and co-founder of the Love Discovery Institute. The institute is focused on helping individuals and families struggling with mental health concerns through a relational lens.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Before we start, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your background and your childhood backstory?
Sure, thank you for having me. So, I am the son of an immigrant family and the youngest of four boys who all became men of uniform serving in the Army, Navy, and the Air Force. And not unlike many other Hispanic families, emotions were simply never really spoken about in the family. Something I came to notice later life through my own process of therapy. Through that journey, I gained insight into my family dynamics and realized how my past was subtly influencing and introducing challenges into the relationships I had at the time. As I became increasingly aware of my role as a relational being, I stopped selling “widgets” in the corporate world and decided to become a psychologist. This gave me an opportunity to live in a space full of intimate connections while helping others navigate their cognitive, emotional, and relational worlds.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
Certainly, one of my favorite life lesson quotes is: “The only way out is through.” This quote has been attributed to various authors, including Robert Frost. I feel like it encapsulates the essence of facing challenges head-on rather than avoiding them.
This quote has been incredibly relevant in both my personal and professional life. In the realm of mental health, it’s easy for individuals and families to want to avoid the difficult conversations and realities that come with diagnoses like bipolar disorder. However, my experience has shown that avoidance only prolongs suffering and delays healing. Facing challenges, no matter how daunting they may seem, is the first step toward resolution and growth.
Let’s now shift to the main part of our discussion. Can you tell us a bit about your background and your professional career treating patients with bipolar disorder diagnoses?
Sure, over the years I have worked with various patients with bipolar disorders. In the settings and populations in which I’ve worked with, bipolar II has been much more common. To help elucidate this to your readers, a bipolar I diagnosis is characterized by more severe mood swings that include manic episodes, while bipolar II involves milder forms of mania known as hypomania. Mania involves intense, euphoric highs with increased energy and impulsivity, while hypomania is a milder form that still elevates mood and energy but is less disruptive to daily functioning. With a bipolar II diagnosis, we may normally see debilitating depression which can significantly impact social and occupational functioning. My work has largely focused on helping individuals and their families deal with the effects of these depressive experiences.
When you work with patients, I understand that you often integrate family or friends into the treatment process. What do you consider the 3 primary benefits of including family?
Certainly, integrating family or friends into the treatment process offers multiple benefits that contribute to a more effective and holistic approach to managing bipolar disorder. First, involving family members creates a stronger support network for the patient, which is invaluable for maintaining treatment plans and managing symptoms. Second, the inclusion of family often leads to improved communication among all parties involved. This helps to clear up misunderstandings and enables the development of more effective coping strategies. Lastly, having family participate in the treatment process allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the patient’s environment. This is crucial for identifying triggers and implementing effective interventions that are tailored to the patient’s unique circumstances.
What are some of the challenges you run into when working with families? How do you balance responding to the needs of the family with the needs of the patient?
Working with families in the treatment process presents its own set of challenges that require careful navigation. One common issue is the differing perspectives and expectations among family members, which can sometimes lead to conflicts or misunderstandings. Additionally, family members may have their own emotional reactions or biases that could inadvertently affect the treatment process. Balancing the needs of the family with those of the patient is a delicate act. My approach is to maintain clear boundaries and open lines of communication. I prioritize the patient’s treatment goals while also educating and involving the family in a manner that supports these goals. This way, the family becomes an asset rather than a hindrance in the patient’s journey toward better mental health.
Family dynamics can greatly vary depending on the sociocultural backgrounds of the individuals involved. How do you tailor your family approach to respect and incorporate different sociocultural perspectives and values?”
Navigating family dynamics within diverse sociocultural backgrounds is a nuanced aspect of treatment that I take very seriously. Understanding that beliefs, values, and communication styles can differ significantly across cultures, I make it a point to educate myself about the specific cultural norms and expectations that may be relevant to each family. This enables me to tailor my approach in a way that respects and incorporates these unique perspectives. For instance, in some cultures, mental health may be a stigmatized topic, so approaching it delicately and finding culturally sensitive ways to discuss it becomes crucial. By doing so, I aim to create an inclusive environment where all family members feel respected and heard, thereby facilitating a more effective and culturally competent treatment process.
Likewise, inter-generational dynamics can sometimes play a significant role in the therapy process. Can you share any insights or experiences on how inter-generational understanding and communication facilitate the healing process?
Certainly, inter-generational dynamics often add another layer of complexity to the therapy process, but they also offer unique opportunities for healing and growth. Understanding the generational differences in communication styles, values, and experiences can be pivotal in breaking down barriers and fostering a more open dialogue. For example, older generations might have a more stoic approach to mental health, viewing it as a private matter, while younger generations may be more open to discussing it and seeking help. Bridging this gap requires careful facilitation to ensure that each generation feels heard and validated. I’ve found that when these generational nuances are acknowledged and addressed, it creates a space for mutual understanding and respect. This, in turn, can lead to more effective communication and a stronger support system, which are essential components in the healing process. By leveraging inter-generational insights, we can create a more holistic and inclusive treatment plan that benefits the patient and the family as a whole.
Many mental health professionals don’t have training in working with families. How did you learn the techniques you use and what would you recommend to professionals that want to learn more about this approach?
I’ve always had a strong inclination towards working within a relational framework, particularly focusing on family dynamics. The complexities and intricacies of family interactions fascinate me, and I find it incredibly rewarding to help families find understanding and collective healing. My training in this area has been a combination of formal education, continuous professional development, and hands-on experience. I’ve attended specialized workshops and courses that focus on family therapy techniques, and I make it a point to stay updated on the latest research and methodologies in the field.
For professionals interested in incorporating family work into their practice, I would highly recommend starting with specialized training in family therapy. This could be in the form of post-graduate courses, workshops, or even mentorship under experienced family therapists. Reading seminal texts in the field and staying abreast of current research can also provide valuable insights. Most importantly, I would suggest gaining practical experience by working directly with families, perhaps under supervision initially, to understand the unique challenges and rewards this work offers. Last but not least, I would recommend an in-depth exploration of their own family dynamics.
I love working with families because it provides a unique lens through which to understand and address mental health issues. The family unit is like a microcosm of society, and helping to heal and strengthen it can have ripple effects that extend far beyond the individual.
Caring for a family member with bipolar disorder can sometimes be challenging and might lead to caregiver burnout. How does your approach incorporate strategies for self-care and support for family members who are involved in the caregiving process?
Caring for a family member with bipolar disorder is a challenging role that can often lead to caregiver burnout. I try to prioritize self-care strategies for family members involved in the caregiving process. We explore stress management techniques, healthy boundary-setting, and early identification of burnout signs during our sessions. I also strongly encourage caregivers to maintain their own support networks, whether through friends, extended family, or specialized support groups. Individual therapy for caregivers is another recommendation I often make, as it provides a dedicated space for them to focus on their own well-being. The overarching goal is to create a more sustainable caregiving environment that supports both the patient’s needs and the caregiver’s well-being.
Preventive education is often seen as a powerful tool in managing bipolar disorder symptoms. How do you integrate education and awareness for family members within your family approach to treating bipolar disorder?
Preventive education is indeed a cornerstone of my family approach to treating bipolar disorder. I believe that an informed family is an empowered family, better equipped to support their loved one and manage symptoms effectively. During our sessions, I’ll also try to provide educational materials and resources that cover various aspects of bipolar disorder, from understanding the different types of episodes to medication management and coping strategies. We also discuss the importance of recognizing early warning signs of mood shifts, as timely intervention can be crucial in managing the disorders.
This educational component is woven into our regular interactions, making it an integral part of the treatment plan. The goal is to empower family members with the knowledge they need to effectively support their loved one, while also providing them with tools to manage their own stress and expectations. By doing so, we create a more informed and supportive environment that benefits both the patient and their caregivers.
Thank you. Here is the main question of our interview. What are 5 things you wish more people knew about people navigating life with bipolar disorder?
Sure here are five things I wish more people understood about navigating life with bipolar disorder:
- It’s not just about their mood swings. Bipolar disorder is not simply a matter of being “moody.” The manic and depressive episodes are intense and can significantly impact daily life, relationships, and even physical health.
- Remember that it’s a medical condition. Like diabetes or hypertension, bipolar disorder is a medical condition that requires ongoing treatment and management. It’s not something one can “snap out of.”
- Support is crucial. The role of a strong support network cannot be overstated. Support from family and friends makes a significant difference in treatment outcomes and daily life management.
- Stigma is harmful. The societal stigma surrounding bipolar disorder often prevents people from seeking help and can exacerbate the condition. Education and open dialogue are key to breaking down these barriers.
- Treatment is generally multi-faceted. Managing bipolar disorder is not just about medication. It often involves a combination of medication, psychotherapy, lifestyle changes, and preventive education.
Understanding these aspects can go a long way in their care and functioning.
There is a lot of misunderstanding when it comes to mental illnesses, especially involving psychosis. What do you wish more people were aware of either in the professional field or the general public?
Certainly. There’s a pervasive misunderstanding about mental illnesses, particularly those involving psychosis, both in the professional field and among the general public. It’s crucial to recognize that psychosis is not a diagnosis in itself but a symptom that can manifest in various mental health conditions, including bipolar disorder and severe depression. Contrary to media portrayals, individuals experiencing psychosis are more often withdrawn or frightened rather than violent. Early intervention is key to better outcomes, making it essential for healthcare professionals to have specialized training and continuous education on the subject. The role of family and peer support is invaluable in the treatment and management of psychosis, just as it is for other mental health conditions. Lastly, public awareness is critical for combating the stigma and discrimination that often accompany these conditions, and education can play a significant role in changing these harmful narratives.
We are very blessed that some very prominent names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch, and why? He or she might just see this if we tag them. 🙂
Let’s tag them all! The visibility that celebrities and sports figures bring to mental health issues like bipolar disorder can be incredibly impactful. Their openness often serves as a catalyst for public conversations and can inspire individuals to seek help or become more educated about their own mental health. I really loved how Metta World Peace, formally known as Ron Artest brought his own healing process to others through his “Quiet Storm” documentary. As a basketball fan, I disliked his playing style, but I grew to understand him. I really respect how he’s continued to do his inner-work and how he has helped bring awareness to mental health. As a whole, I do think we’ve come a long way, but I still feel like we need a societal shift in how we approach mental health. Rather than viewing it through a lens of “normal” versus “abnormal,” we should recognize that everyone is navigating a complex interplay of biological and environmental factors that influence their mental well-being.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
Sure, readers can reach me through our website www.lovediscovery.org. We’re always willing to engage and collaborate with patients, families, and others who would like to advance our collective healing and understanding.
Thank you for your time and thoughtful answers. I know many people will gain so much from hearing this.
It was my pleasure; I hope it’s helpful. And thank you for allowing me to be a part of this and appreciate the work you’re doing to help get the word out.
About The Interviewer: Stephanie Greer, PhD is the Co-founder and CEO of Akin Mental Health — a company dedicated to guiding families on their journey supporting a loved one with mental health challenges like bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and severe depression. Stephanie is passionate about this topic from her own personal experience growing up with a mother who struggled with bipolar 1 disorder and found a path forward to overcome the obstacles and live well. Stephanie’s professional experience includes a doctorate in neuroscience as well as design research roles at Hopelab and Apple. Stephanie brings this personal passion together with her world-class science and technology background to support families across the US in their personal journeys supporting loved ones with mental illness. To learn more about Akin Mental Health and join our community, visit us at akinmh.com.
Dr. Max Riv Of Love Discovery Institute On The Benefits Of Using A Family Approach To Treating… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.