Our relationships play an important role in our lives. When we’re experiencing problems in our relationships, interpersonal psychotherapy may help. Show
What Is Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT)?Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) is a short-term, focused approach to treating mental health disorders such as depression or anxiety. This form of psychotherapy focuses on an individual’s interpersonal relationships. Interpersonal relationships are the relationships we have with other people. They include socialization skills, family dynamics, and conflict with others. Interpersonal psychotherapy is based on the understanding that a person’s relationships greatly influence their experience of depression and other mood disorders. Common sources of interpersonal conflict include:
Goals of IPTThe goal of interpersonal psychotherapy is not to treat the symptoms of mental health disorders, but to improve interpersonal relationships. This improvement may decrease the stress of social interactions which might be contributing to the symptoms. IPT is designed for clients to meet their goals in a short amount of time, with the termination of therapy as the end goal. Interpersonal Psychotherapy and DepressionWhile interpersonal psychotherapy can be used to help treat a range of mental health concerns, it was originally developed for the treatment of depression. IPT addresses three different aspects of depression, as described by the International Society of Interpersonal Therapy1. These include:
What Else Does IPT Treat?Improving interpersonal relationships has been shown to reduce symptoms for a number of mental health concerns. Aside from depression, interpersonal psychotherapy can be used to treat:
Who Is IPT for?Anyone who is struggling with symptoms of depression, other mood disorders, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, and other mental health concerns might benefit from interpersonal psychotherapy. Both adults and children can receive IPT to improve their interpersonal relationships, adjust to new roles, address grief, and improve communication skills. A professional therapist can help you decide if IPT is right for you. How Does Interpersonal Psychotherapy Work?Unlike other therapeutic methods such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), which focus on changing one’s thought and behavior patterns, IPT works by examining relationship patterns. Interpersonal psychotherapy can be broken up into three different phases. The first stage occurs over three sessions. In this beginning stage, a therapist works to identify specific concerns, determining a client’s relationship patterns and the current state of their relationships. They will then determine a focus for treatment that might involve grief, a significant life event, a specific relationship problem, or interpersonal deficits. During the middle stage of IPT, the therapist identifies the strategies that will work best to help their client overcome their problem. This might involve helping someone mourn if they are experiencing grief, helping them transition into a new role or relationship in life, or helping them decrease social isolation by teaching them social skills. In the final stage of treatment, involving the last few therapy sessions, the therapist works with their client to help them transition out of therapy. This might involve ending therapy sessions if a solution has been reached and the client is feeling confident in their interpersonal relationships. Alternatively, the therapist and client may decide to meet less often. Techniques Used in Interpersonal PsychotherapyOnce the focus of interpersonal psychotherapy has been identified, a therapist may use several treatment techniques including:
IPT and Group TherapyInterpersonal psychotherapy may also be used in a group therapy setting. Group therapy allows individuals to practice communication skills with each other, observe interpersonal interactions, and model effective behaviors. Before entering group therapy, a person will typically have several individual therapy sessions in which they will address their unique concerns and goals and learn the dynamics of group therapy. Groups are then formed to focus on a few common goals that every member has. How Long Does IPT Last?Interpersonal psychotherapy is brief, occurring over the course of 12–16 weeks. Because IPT focuses intensely on just one or two problems, progress usually happens quickly. IPT typically involves hour-long sessions once a week. However, the frequency of sessions will be determined by the therapist and client. Find an IPT TherapistThe first step to starting interpersonal psychotherapy is to find a licensed therapist who is trained in IPT. Connect with an IPT therapist near you today. Sources
Topics Interpersonal Psychotherapy Interpersonal Psychotherapy Psychotherapy Psychotherapy Relationships Relationships Types of Therapy Types of Therapy Share article Share this article on Facebook Share this article on Twitter Share this article on LinkedIn Share this article on Messenger Share this article in email Copy the link to this article Print this article About the author The editorial team at therapist.com works with the world’s leading clinical experts to bring you accessible, insightful information about mental health topics and trends. What is the focus of interpersonal therapy?Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on relieving symptoms by improving interpersonal functioning. A central idea in IPT is that psychological symptoms can be understood as a response to current difficulties in everyday relationships with other people.
What does IPT target?IPT targets the interpersonal context in which the disorder occurs (a current crisis or predicament) rather than the symptoms, thoughts, and behaviors associated with each particular disorder.
What is the basic components of the IPT model?IPT is based on the so-called common factors of psychotherapy: a treatment alliance in which the therapist empathically engages the patient, helps the patient to feel understood, arouses affect, presents a clear rationale and treatment ritual, and yields success experiences (5).
What are the differences in approach when using interpersonal therapy IPT compared with psychodynamic psychotherapy?It contrasts IPT with “psychoanalytically oriented psychodynamic therapies,” citing differences in conceptualizing the patient's problem: IPT does not use transference interpretations or focus on childhood antecedents; IPT does not attempt personality change; and IPT therapists can accept small gifts from patients ...
|