Interpersonal therapy (IPT)
Interpersonal therapy (IPT) is a time-limited, structured psychotherapy designed to improve interpersonal functioning and alleviate symptoms of mental health disorders. It specifically targets the social and relational factors contributing to psychological distress, promoting better social integration and emotional regulation.
What are the origins of interpersonal therapy?
Developed in the 1970s by Gerald Klerman and Myrna Weissman, IPT was initially intended as a treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD). It emphasizes current interpersonal relationships rather than focusing solely on one’s extensive personal history, making it distinct and practically oriented toward managing life changes and relational disputes.
Today, IPT is applied to a variety of conditions, including depression, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), eating disorders, and the emotional challenges associated with significant life transitions.
When is interpersonal therapy used?
Interpersonal therapy (IPT) is a versatile treatment option, suitable for individual, group, or family therapy settings. It is important for therapists to assess the needs of the individual to determine the most appropriate format for therapy.
IPT is particularly effective for people undergoing key life transitions or experiencing interpersonal conflicts, making it a widely chosen therapeutic approach for addressing not only personal psychological issues but also dynamics within relationships. IPT addresses mental health conditions beyond MDD, including bipolar disorder, eating disorders like bulimia and anorexia, and anxiety disorders, providing a framework for patients to improve their interpersonal skills and adapt better to changes in their social environments.
The therapy is particularly beneficial for specific groups such as adolescents dealing with the pressures of social and familial expectations, and adults navigating life changes such as divorce or the loss of a loved one. Studies demonstrate IPT’s efficacy in improving how individuals function in their social roles and relationships, crucial aspects for those recovering from mood disorders and looking to rebuild their social engagement systems. One study in particular explored how IPT can be effective in treating postpartum depression.
How does interpersonal therapy work?
IPT works by focusing on the patient’s relationships with others and identifying how these interpersonal interactions influence their mental health. The fundamental premise of IPT is that psychological symptoms are often a response to difficulties we experience in our relationships — whether it’s conflicts with family members, issues in romantic relationships, challenges in social settings, or changes in life roles. By addressing these interpersonal issues, IPT helps to alleviate stress and improve symptoms associated with mental health disorders.
During IPT sessions, therapists help patients identify specific interpersonal challenges that may be contributing to their distress. For instance, if someone is experiencing depression following the breakdown of a relationship, the therapy will focus on helping them explore new ways of interacting with others or adjusting to their new life situation. This may involve role-playing to practice responses, discussing strategies to improve communication, or exploring ways to build a stronger support network.
By improving their interpersonal skills and understanding, patients can begin to see improvements in their mood and overall well-being. This therapy teaches patients that by changing their interactions and perceptions about relationships, they can improve their emotional health, akin to how exposure therapy teaches patients to reduce fear by gradually and repeatedly being exposed to the feared object in a controlled way.
What is interpersonal therapy like?
Early in IPT treatment, therapists often ask about recent life events and the quality of interpersonal relationships. This is to identify areas where the patient is struggling, such as role disputes in personal relationships or transitions like starting a new job or dealing with a loss. These discussions help tailor the therapy to address specific interpersonal issues contributing to the patient’s distress.
During IPT sessions, therapists engage patients in exercises that focus on improving communication skills, enhancing relationship strategies, and building social support networks. Techniques might include role-playing to prepare for difficult interactions, communication analysis to reflect on past conversations, and structured problem-solving.
Outside of sessions, patients might be given homework like observing their interactions with others or journaling about their feelings after social engagements to reinforce the lessons learned during therapy. Research has shown that these activities not only improve symptoms related to mood disorders but also bolster overall emotional resilience and social functioning.
By focusing on actionable changes in interpersonal behaviors and thought patterns, IPT helps patients improve both their mental health and their day-to-day life quality, making it a pragmatic and effective form of psychotherapy.
Is interpersonal therapy effective?
After being rigorously tested, IPT has been validated as an effective treatment for a variety of mental health conditions, particularly major depressive disorder, as well as other mood and eating disorders. Numerous studies have demonstrated its efficacy, often finding it as effective as other well-established treatments like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and pharmacotherapy, especially when it comes to treating depression. There are also studies that suggest its increased effectiveness when used in conjunction with antidepressant therapy given by a psychiatrist.
One significant piece IPT research is a study that explores the adaptability and effectiveness of IPT in treating postpartum depression, showcasing how it helps new mothers manage the intense emotional fluctuations and interpersonal challenges during the postpartum period. IPT’s effectiveness is largely due to its structured approach that directly addresses the interpersonal triggers of a patient’s psychological distress.
This targeted approach is particularly beneficial in situations where interpersonal conflicts or transitions are at the core of a patient’s psychological problems. The evidence base for IPT continues to grow, reinforcing its status as a valuable, evidence-based option for treating a broad spectrum of mental health issues.
How long does interpersonal therapy take?
Interpersonal therapy (IPT) is typically structured as a short-term treatment, usually lasting 12 to 16 weeks, with sessions occurring once a week. Each session usually lasts about an hour.
How to find an interpersonal therapist
If you think interpersonal therapy (IPT) might be right for you, it’s important to speak with a licensed and experienced clinician. There are many types of mental health care providers who practice IPT, including licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFTs), licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs), psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurses, licensed professional counselors (LPCs), licensed mental health counselors (LMHCs) and more.
On top of finding someone specializing in IPT, you want to make sure they meet your other needs. For example, if you’re struggling with bulimia, you may want to find an interpersonal therapist who also specializes in eating disorders. In addition, finding a therapist who accepts your insurance can make therapy much more affordable.
You can find a therapist who accepts your insurance and specializes in interpersonal therapy by using Grow Therapy. After filtering for your location, insurance, and needs, you can then select “Interpersonal” from the “Treatment methods” drop-down.