Rhythm, Resilience & Recovery

Living with bipolar disorder can sometimes feel unpredictable, overwhelming, and isolating.

Rhythm, Resilience & Recovery is an evidence-based 11-week online program grounded in Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT), one of the most effective psychological approaches for supporting long-term mood stability.

Across 11 modules, participants learn how sleep, daily routines, stress, relationships, and life events influence mood while developing practical skills to identify triggers, recognise early warning signs, strengthen emotional regulation, and create a personalised wellbeing plan.

Designed and facilitated by psychologist Dr Nicole Hess, this program combines expert education with compassionate, real-world strategies to support greater stability, insight, confidence, and recovery.

The program is also highly valuable for partners, family members, carers, and support people seeking a deeper understanding of bipolar disorder and how best to support a loved one.

Self-paced and guided group options available.

  Many people living with bipolar disorder spend years asking:

• Why did this happen?
• Why now?
• Why do the same patterns keep repeating?
• What can I do to reduce my risk of future episodes?

The reality is that bipolar disorder is influenced by far more than mood alone.

Sleep disruption, stress, life transitions, relationships, daily routines, social connection, and biological rhythms all play a powerful role in emotional wellbeing.

Rhythm, Resilience & Recovery is a comprehensive 11-week online program, with the option of weekly online group sessions (maximum 10 participants), based on Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT) — an evidence-based treatment approach developed specifically for bipolar disorder.

Rather than simply teaching information, this program helps you understand your own unique bipolar pattern and develop practical strategies for creating greater stability, resilience, and wellbeing.

Understanding Bipolar Disorder and Mood Cycles

Develop a deeper understanding of depression, hypomania, mania, mixed states, and the bipolar spectrum.

Learn how daily routines, sleep patterns, and biological rhythms influence mood stability.

Understand how stress affects the nervous system and develop skills to navigate emotional vulnerability more effectively.

Create a personalised illness timeline to identify life events, relationship stressors, sleep disruptions, triggers, warning signs, and recovery factors that have shaped your journey.

Learn how to recognise subtle mood shifts before they develop into more significant episodes.

Develop practical strategies for managing depression, low motivation, and fluctuating energy levels.

Create realistic daily rhythms that support mood stability without perfectionism.

Move beyond shame and self-criticism while rebuilding a compassionate and empowered sense of self.

Develop a personalised relapse prevention and recovery plan.

Strengthen communication skills, emotional safety, and supportive relationships.

Bring everything together into a practical, sustainable wellbeing framework designed to support long-term recovery.

One of the most powerful components of the program is the creation of your personal Bipolar Illness Timeline.

Many participants discover, often for the first time, clear links between:

• Mood episodes
• Sleep disruption
• Stress
• Major life events
• Relationship challenges
• Changes in daily and social rhythms

This process often transforms confusion into understanding and helps participants recognise patterns that can guide future relapse prevention and self-management.

This program is designed for adults living with:

• Bipolar I Disorder
• Bipolar II Disorder
• Cyclothymia
• Mood instability requiring greater rhythm and lifestyle support

• Partners and spouses
• Parents and family members
• Adult children
• Friends and support people
• Carers and informal supports

Many loved ones want to help but feel unsure how bipolar disorder affects mood, sleep, routines, relationships, and recovery.

This program provides practical insight into:

• The nature of bipolar disorder
• Early warning signs and relapse prevention
• The importance of sleep and social rhythms
• Communication and relationship challenges
• Supportive responses during vulnerable periods
• Strategies for maintaining wellbeing within the caring relationship

Participants frequently report that greater understanding reduces fear, confusion, conflict, and feelings of helplessness while increasing confidence, empathy, and connection.

Whether you are living with bipolar disorder yourself or supporting someone who is, this program offers valuable knowledge and practical tools to strengthen understanding, communication, resilience, and long-term wellbeing.

 Investment: $497 AUD*

Includes:

• 11 comprehensive online modules
• Downloadable participant workbook
• Reflection exercises and practical activities
• Illness Timeline and Relapse Prevention tools
• Lifetime access to course materials

Ideal for individuals working independently or alongside their existing therapist or healthcare team.

Investment: $1,297 AUD*

Includes:

• 11 comprehensive online modules
• Comprehensive participant workbook
• 11 weekly live online group sessions
• Guided discussion and implementation support
• Opportunities to learn alongside others on a similar journey
• Facilitated by psychologist Dr Nicole Hess

Maximum of 10 participants per group.

This option provides the accountability, support, connection, and practical application that many participants find invaluable.

Recovery does not end when the program finishes.

One of the most important lessons of IPSRT is that long-term wellbeing is supported through ongoing attention to rhythms, relationships, self-awareness, and healthy routines.

Graduates of Rhythm, Resilience & Recovery are invited to join the IPSRT Alumni Community — an ongoing membership designed to help participants maintain momentum, strengthen recovery skills, and stay connected to a supportive community of people who understand the unique challenges of living with bipolar disorder.