Introduction

The Basics

What is Interpersonal Psychotherapy?

Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) is a form of insight-oriented therapy. By helping you understand and improve your interpersonal world, IPT aims to alleviate mental health symptoms and prevent future distress.

Unlike other types of insight-oriented therapies that center on childhood experiences or unconscious processes, IPT focuses on your current relationships.

Goal

What is the goal of Interpersonal Psychotherapy?

The primary goal of Interpersonal Psychotherapy is to improve your interpersonal relationships and social functioning.

The idea is that by enhancing your relationships, you’re likely to experience a reduction in the emotional burden those relationships contribute to, which will ultimately result in greater emotional stability and an improved quality of life.

Uses

What does Interpersonal Psychotherapy treat?

Generally, Interpersonal Psychotherapy is most beneficial for individuals whose mental health struggles are linked to interpersonal difficulties or social stressors.

Specifically, IPT is a good fit for individuals who have:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Bipolar disorder
• Disordered eating

It is also an excellent option for those experiencing grief, facing role transitions (e.g., changing jobs, becoming a parent), and for people who are dealing with relationship challenges.

While IPT alone can help improve these conditions, it often works best when combined with medication.

Subtypes

Are there any subtypes of Interpersonal Psychotherapy?

There are several types of Interpersonal Psychotherapy being used today. While the core of IPT remains focused on improving interpersonal functioning, these subtypes tailor the approach to meet the unique needs of different groups or conditions, ensuring it is both effective and relevant to a wide range of clients.

Three of the most common subtypes of Interpersonal Psychotherapy are:

• Dynamic Interpersonal Psychotherapy (DIT) is also called Psychodynamic Interpersonal Therapy or Mentalization-Based Therapy. DIT is designed to help a client better understand their own thoughts and feelings, as well as the thoughts and feelings of others.
• Metacognitive Interpersonal Psychotherapy (MIT) aims to help individuals understand and regulate their own thoughts and emotions. MIT is effective in reducing depression symptoms and may help those struggling with personality disorders.
• Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT) is designed to treat bipolar disorder through stabilization of one’s daily routines and social rhythms. IPSRT aids in regulating sleep patterns, meal times, and activity levels throughout the day. Through IPSRT a client may explore how interpersonal relationships and life events may impact mood and routine.
  

Effectiveness

Origins

Who developed Interpersonal Psychotherapy and when?

Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) was initially developed in the 1970s by Gerald Klerman and Myrna Weissman to treat depression in adults. IPT was based on American psychiatrist Harry Stack Sullivan's interpersonal theory—the idea that interpersonal relationships are the primary driving force in human life.

Evidence Base

Is Interpersonal Psychotherapy evidence-based?

Interpersonal Psychotherapy is considered a well-established and effective therapy due to its strong research base and adaptability to different client populations. While it was originally developed to treat depression it has since been adapted for various mental health issues.

How It Works

Techniques Used

How does Interpersonal Psychotherapy work?

An Interpersonal Psychotherapist will first aim to identify relationship issues that may be contributing to the challenges you’re facing in your life.

These problems typically fall into four categories:

• Grief and loss
• Life transitions
• Relationship conflicts (aka role disputes)
• Interpersonal challenges

Your clinician will then help you build the skills you need to better manage current and future relationship challenges.

Some of those skills will be developed through the following techniques:

• Helping you understand and improve your communication skills
• Engaging in role play exercises to help you practice new skills and/or explore feelings/thoughts
• Building your support network and helping you learn to nurture your current relationships

What to Expect in a Session

What can I expect from a Interpersonal Psychotherapy session?

During an Interpersonal Psychotherapy session, you can expect a focused conversation about your current relationships and recent interpersonal situations.

Your clinician might help you analyze recent interactions, practice communication skills, or explore how to build stronger social connections. This might include activities centered around practicing assertiveness, engaging in active listening, learning conflict resolution skills, refining coping strategies for handling interpersonal stress, and/or brainstorming ways to navigate challenging life transitions or grief.

Treatment Length & Structure

How long does Interpersonal Psychotherapy typically take? Is there any set structure?

Interpersonal Psychotherapy is a structured therapy that usually takes place over a limited number of sessions (typically 12 to 16).

IPT is divided into three main phases:

• Beginning: assessment and identification of key concerns
• Middle: working through and resolving identified concerns
• End: summary of progress and termination

IPT is typically scheduled weekly and you might have noticeable results within 4 to 6 weeks. The length of time will be dependent on severity of the issues being addressed, your level of engagement in therapy, and the specific goals of your treatment.

Getting Care

Finding a Therapist

How do I find a therapist who uses Interpersonal Psychotherapy?

Alma’s directory has many therapists who specialize in Interpersonal Psychotherapy, including: