Bipolar In Order is based on a very simple premise: we can learn and grow to the point that we see our condition as an advantage in our lives. Wootton takes on the goals of treatment, basic misunderstandings, and assumptions that are in the way of achieving Bipolar In Order. Living with bipolar and depressive conditions is never underestimated in Tom Wootton's books. By examining all states of depression, mixed states, and mania unflinchingly and deeply he arrives at conclusions that challenge the current paradigm. The author insists on a higher level of Insight, Freedom, Stability, Self-mastery, and Equanimity as end goals that are achievable. Asked time and again why someone would resist treatment, Wootton states that the most important thing to offer is a life worth living Expecting someone to park their brain in the garage like an unused Ferrari is not an appealing treatment model. Rather than receiving the training, therapy, mind skills and behavioral control that is the foundation of real stability, current models of "avoidance therapy" try to mask and remove symptoms that will never go away. Living in fear of the wide ranging states of consciousness and mood that those with mental conditions experience is not a life worth living. Confronting these conditions head on, identifying one's strengths and learning self mastery is a more viable solution proposed by Bipolar In Order.

"Wootton is ahead of the pack. He is standing up to the pervasive deficit-based view of people with psychiatric disorders and saying with grace, humor and the strength of personal experience that it is possible to take this disorder and live abundantly and creatively. Tom is helping people both to face up to their illness and to resist accepting a diminished story of their lives." Maureen Duffy, Ph.D., Professor and Chairperson, The Counseling Program, Barry University In The Depression Advantage, Tom reveals his epiphany about the surprising advantages of the depressive state, completing the picture and accelerating the new world view that people with mental conditions can be successful. Tom has developed an entirely new system of representing the spectrum of emotional states experienced by people with mental conditions. His revolutionary ideas about redefining functionality and scale provide a powerful set of tools for those looking to turn their perceived 'illness' into a vehicle for a rich, fulfilling and successful life. Drawing from historical and literary examples ranging from the lives of the Saints to Buddhist parables to pop culture heroes like the X-Men, The Depression Advantage demonstrates that spiritual and emotional pain can actually be a catalyst for personal growth and transcendent understanding. "Tom Wootton takes existing medical care and augments it to a promising new level for all patients and their loved ones. The combination of accessible information and executive level presentation is a very exciting development. His work in the field offers the most logical and exciting path to success in mental health today." Paul Cumming, Network of Care

The Bipolar Advantage is about recognizing all of the aspects of the bipolar condition. Wootton readily admits that "Advantage" is not the typical interpretation of bipolar. Based on his Bipolar in Order Seminar that he has developed over the past two years, it focuses on the positive approach to the bipolar condition. It is about coming to an acceptance of yourself while striving to become a better person. Learning to use Introspection to become aware of who you REALLY are and learning to change your habits in order to accentuate the positive aspects of the bipolar condition while minimizing the negative. Turning bipolar into an advantage is accomplished by creating a vision of who you want to be and putting together a plan to follow that will get you there; as is done by every successful business in the world. As a successful professional and someone who was misdiagnosed for years, Wootton has personally experienced the good and the bad of this condition. Leading a DBSA group and teaching the Bipolar in Order seminar has put Wootton in touch with the personal stories of many bipolar people and their families. This positive approach with tools and skills for improving life will be of help to everyone, both those with bipolar and those who love and support them.