Interpersonal therapy
Interpersonal psychotherapy is a time-limited, focused, and evidence-based approach to treat mood disorders. The main goal of IPT is to improve the quality of a client’s interpersonal relationships and social functioning; it aims to help reduce overall distress. IPT provides strategies to resolve problems within four key areas.
It addresses interpersonal deficits, including social isolation or involvement in unfulfilling relationships.
It can help patients manage unresolved grief—if the onset of distress is linked to the death of a loved one, either recent or past.
IPT can help with difficult life transitions like retirement, divorce, or a move.
IPT is recommended for dealing with interpersonal disputes that emerge from conflicting expectations between partners, family members, close friends, or coworkers.
Overview of Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT):
Definition: IPT is a structured form of psychotherapy aimed at alleviating psychological symptoms by improving interpersonal functioning. It focuses on current relationships and problems rather than delving into childhood or developmental issues.
Therapist Role: Therapists in IPT are active, supportive, and non-neutral, providing options for change and fostering a hopeful environment.
Key Characteristics of IP:
Structured and Time-Limited: IPT typically lasts between 12 to 16 weeks and is organized into distinct phases.
Focus Areas:Interpersonal Relationships: Emphasizes the importance of communication and current relationships.
Here-and-Now Issues: Concentrates on present difficulties rather than past experiences.
Interpersonal Functioning: Aims to enhance social support and improve interpersonal interactions.
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. (2025). Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT). CAMH (Centre for Addiction and Mental Health).Retrieved from https://tinyurl.com/43v9v4vp
Author's Last Name, Initials. (n.d.). Title of the work. Publisher. Psychology Today.Retrieved from https://tinyurl.com/bd4w3fcd