Women Over 70: Aging Reimagined

297 Marcia Naomi Berger:The Bipolar Therapist

Sep 18, 2024

Marcia Naomi Berger, a seasoned psychotherapist and author, shares her transformative journey from madness to meaning after being diagnosed with bipolar disorder. She discusses the complexities of the illness and the stigma surrounding it, offering insights into her personal experiences with manic episodes. Marcia emphasizes the healing power of relationships and therapy, highlighting how love and understanding can reshape lives. She also reflects on the joy of aging, encouraging listeners to embrace their multifaceted identities and find happiness daily.

23:24

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Marcia Naomi Berger

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Quick takeaways

Marcia Naomi Berger discusses her journey with bipolar disorder, emphasizing the importance of understanding its varied manifestations in individuals.

The podcast highlights the significance of addressing past traumas to cultivate healthier relationships and maintain a fulfilling life as one ages.

Deep dives

Understanding Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder can manifest differently in individuals, with symptoms often including manic episodes characterized by high energy, racing thoughts, and delusions. The speaker shared personal experiences of experiencing manic behavior, such as a lack of sleep and feelings of grandiosity, which ultimately led to hospitalizations. Delusions, like believing a non-existent relationship would lead to marriage, were also part of their manic episodes. These experiences highlight the complex nature of bipolar disorder and the varying ways it impacts people's lives.

Intro

2min

Understanding Bipolar Disorder

5min

Healing Through Relationships

9min

Exploring Love and Meaning in Mental Health Journeys

4min

Embracing Aging: Finding Joy and Community

5min

For 50 years, Marcia Naomi Berger, 79, has experienced a journey from madness to love and meaning. Her first manic episode was at 29, when she was already a well-respected licensed clinical social worker - an experienced psychotherapist well-trained in cognitive-behavioral, family systems, process, and psychodynamic approaches. She draws from many treatment approaches to fit the needs of her clients.

Naomi’s life changed abruptly when she experienced the first of two difficult hospitalizations.

While her early upbringing was difficult and influenced her decision to become a therapist and concentrate on relationships, nothing prepared Naomi for a diagnosis of bipolar disorder. From that moment on she was determined to write a book about this difficult, shame-inducing condition. Everytime she took pen in hand, she found she could only get so far and would put it away. It was only in May of this year that she accomplished her goal and The Bipolar Therapist was published.

Prior to that, Naomi published two books on relationships.

Naomi lives her life by three convictions:

Don’t bow down to stigma - you are a multi-faceted person who has a lot to give to this world
Whatever your situation is, don’t let other people define you.
Live a whole meaningful life. Find happiness every day

CONNECT WITH NAOMI:

Email: mnaomiberger@gmail.com

Books: The BiPolar Therapist

Marriage Minded: An A to Z Dating Guide for Lasting Love,

Marriage Meetings for Lasting Love: 30 Minutes a Week to the Relationship You've Always Wanted

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