Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT)

Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) is a treatment approach that focuses on current relationships and interpersonal events that contribute to psychological difficulties. IPT is based on the understanding that relationships are fundamental to our wellbeing and that we live in a very social world. A central idea in IPT is that psychological difficulties can often be understood as a response to difficulties in our relationships with others. IPT typically focuses on key issues in one of the following areas: 

• Recent life changes or transitions (e.g. divorce , separation, marriage, job loss, graduation, childbirth, moving) 
• Conflicts with others (e.g. intimate relationships, friendships, family, or work relationships) which may be source of tension and distress 
• Grief and/loss (e.g. death, illness, miscarriage , infertility )
• Difficulty in starting or sustaining relationships 

During IPT, individuals are helped to explore, identify, and process thoughts and feelings that are specifically related to relationships. The goal of IPT is to create awareness about expectations, needs, communication, and any problematic behaviors within relationships. 

Research studies have shown that IPT is an effective treatment for a range of problems for both adults and adolescents including depression , anxiety , chronic fatigue, stress , eating disorders, bipolar disorder , and other mood disorders. 

To learn more about interpersonal therapy and how it may be helpful for you, contact us .