Interpersonal therapy IPT: A brief overview

A Quick Guide

Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) is a time-limited, evidence-based form of psychotherapy that focuses on improving interpersonal relationships and addressing specific interpersonal issues that contribute to psychological distress. It was initially developed by Gerald Klerman and colleagues in the 1970s as a treatment for depression, but it has since been adapted and utilized for other mental health conditions. In this article, we will discuss what interpersonal therapy is, how it works, its various types, along with its pros and cons.

What is Interpersonal therapy?

Interpersonal therapy IPT is a brief therapy that typically lasts 12 to 16 weeks or less. It focuses on developing interpersonal and communication skills because practitioners think that relationship problems or role conflicts are often the roots of mental health problems.

IPT experts support the idea that mental disorders like depression and others need to be treated like real disorders. In therapy, they emphasize this to keep clients from criticizing themselves for their problems. IPT practitioners also believe that there is a connection between mood and several aspects of life, particularly relationships. A person’s mental health can be improved by improving relationships. During IPT sessions, people learn and put those skills into practice to help relationships heal and stop the formation of new relationship problems.

Brief origin

The first randomized IPT trial was published in 1974 by the late Gerald L. Klerman, M.D., Myrna M. Weissman, Ph.D., and others. They drew on the work of John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth, who investigated the function of attachments in relationships, particularly in early childhood.

In preliminary tests, they discovered that IPT was superior to a placebo, that it performed better when combined with medication than either treatment did alone, and that, after a one-year follow-up, IPT helped patients develop social skills, but medication did not. More than 250 randomized controlled trials of IPT have been published by research organizations worldwide since 1974.

How does it work?

IPT is a systematic therapy, so there are three separate phases to the treatment process. A therapist will assess the problem and assist the client in identifying the interpersonal problems that led up to or sustained the psychological discomfort during the initial one to three sessions.

Structure of IPT

The initial sessions are dedicated to gathering data and choosing the direction of therapy. The therapist works with the patient to compile a list of all the significant relationships in their lives (interpersonal inventory). These relationships are categorized into four key concern areas which we will discuss ahead.

In the middle sessions, the patient focuses on working with the therapist to try to address the identified problem area or areas. In between sessions, the patient strives to put the solutions they have developed with the therapist into practice.

The last sessions examine the problems noted in the interpersonal assessment and the progress achieved in dealing with them, as well as any sense of loss related to the completion of therapy.

4 problem areas

According to IPT therapists, four types of conflict frequently lead to problems in relationships and with mental health which are:

Interpersonal Deficits

IPT can assist in determining your interpersonal weaknesses if you struggle to establish and maintain healthy relationships. This can include any insecurities you might have, whether you have trouble expressing your emotions, and any other thoughts or feelings that are getting in the way of you communicating clearly.

Role Transition

Depression might happen when your role changes and you’re unsure of how to handle the shift, which can happen during life transitions. Role transitions include things like getting married, getting divorced, becoming a parent, and retiring.

Loss or grief

The loss of a loved one might result in depression. Even while going through the phases of grief in this kind of circumstance is typical, a significant loss can also leave people with unresolved sadness. This type of sorrow is delayed (remains for a long time after the loss), distorted, or grief in which you may not feel emotions but instead deal with depression-related symptoms including exhaustion and insomnia.

Role dispute

When you and the important people in your life have conflicting expectations for your relationship, role conflicts will arise. For example, if you believe your partner should show more affection or inquire more about your day. Depression symptoms might result from the gap between expectations and actual conduct.

For instance

A person going through a breakup might discover that their depression started to worsen following the split. Additionally, the therapist will create an “interpersonal inventory” that examines the client’s behavior pattern in relationships and assesses their existing connections.

Therapy will center on controlling this conflict once the therapist and the client have determined the area of disagreement that is the source of the client’s pain. To improve interpersonal functioning, the therapist will design focused relationship tactics throughout the middle stage of treatment. For instance, they might assist a client going through a breakup in mourning the relationship and the role it signifies before assisting them in developing new abilities and interpersonal skills. The therapist will help the patient put their new abilities to use as they approach the end of their treatment while also reminding them that it will soon be over.

IPT and other therapies are sometimes combined by therapists. In this situation, IPT might go on longer or might be less traditional. Like in all types of therapy, the therapist will prompt the client to talk about their feelings, spot behavioral patterns, and be honest about their treatment objectives. The client’s information must also be kept confidential by the therapist.

IPT appears to be effective for treating depression, particularly depression brought on by interpersonal problems, according to research. Recent studies have begun to examine IPT for different psychological problems. For instance, a 2020 study of family carers of schizophrenia patients discovered that IPT combined with psychoeducation could assist promote self-efficacy and lessen the strain of caring on the family.

Types of Interpersonal Therapy

Some types of interpersonal therapies are as follows:

Dynamic Interpersonal Therapy

Other names for dynamic interpersonal therapy (DIT) include psychodynamic interpersonal therapy and mentalization-based therapy. DIT is made to assist you in comprehending both your ideas and feelings as well as those of others. Typically, it takes place throughout 16 sessions spread over five months.

Metacognitive Interpersonal Therapy

An integrative method for treating personality disorders characterized by emotional avoidance or inhibition is known as metacognitive interpersonal therapy (MIT). In a 12-week trial, participation in MIT was proven to lessen the symptoms of depression and enhance emotional awareness. When marital issues are causing depression, interpersonal therapy may also be applied in a modified form of couple’s therapy.

What is IPT best used for?

IPT is not only effective for depression. It might also be used to treat:

• Bipolar disorder (when used along with medication).
• Borderline personality disorder.
• Depression caused by a condition like HIV.
• Depression resulting from providing care.
• Dysthymia.
• Eating disorders.
• Marital conflicts
• Panic disorder.
• Protracted bereavement.

Pros of interpersonal therapy

There are a variety of significant advantages to interpersonal therapy, such as:

Better relationships

IPT can assist patients in realizing the impact their relationships have on their lives. The two objectives are to improve social interaction for patients and lessen depressive symptoms.

Reduced depression

This type of psychotherapy is rooted in the belief that relationships play a role in depression. That is to say, having or losing a relationship can affect your depression and vice versa. IPT aims to lessen your depression symptoms by enhancing your interpersonal relationships.

IPT does not try to dive into your inner problems brought on by prior events, unlike certain other types of psychotherapy for depression. Instead, it mainly focuses on your present relationship, how they could affect your depressive symptoms, and how you might enhance your relationships for a better mental state. Interpersonal therapy acknowledges that relationship problems can also contribute to depression, which is not always a “person issue.”

Potential Cons of interpersonal therapy

IPT’s shorter timeframe, which might not provide enough support for those who have ongoing or recurrent mental health concerns, is one possible limitation. However, IPT practitioners are aware that reoccurring problems may require follow-up sessions. A person who discontinues therapy early or cannot afford to continue treatment may find no relief from it due to its formulaic approach.

Is IPT the right course for you?

The IPT is merely one type of psychotherapy. Additionally, there are:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
• Holistic or integrative therapy.
• Psychoanalysis.

Your past experiences and the degree of your challenges will determine how beneficial IPT will be for you. Discuss the various types of psychotherapy that are accessible with your doctor or therapist. You can create a treatment strategy that is tailored to your unique requirements by consulting with your doctor and therapist.

Keep in mind

IPT may not be the ideal option for everyone, even though it can be an efficient and appealing treatment option. To make a change, a person must be motivated or be willing to analyze and address the part they perform in their relationships. Motivation is crucial to the therapeutic process.

It’s also critical to remember that illnesses like eating disorders and depression may resurface. You could still require follow-up sessions after your initial therapy to help you stay on track, strengthen your skills, and prevent relapse. A monthly session to review skills or discuss life changes can be necessary for this.

What to look for in an IPT therapist?

IPT is a relatively new type of psychotherapy that was originally intended to be a research intervention. Up until recently, most IPT practitioners were also researchers. The clinical treatment standards for IPT have been updated as a result of its research success, and involvement among clinicians is growing. However, the requirements for clinical training for those who are not researchers are still being established. An international umbrella organization called the International Society for Interpersonal Psychotherapy (ISIPT) discusses training-related topics and permits countries to create their IPT certification systems. Any interpersonal issues that the patient wishes to address should be identified and prioritized by the therapist. Additionally, the therapist should assist with problem clarification, communication analysis, and encouraging listening.

What to expect?

Your treatment should last between 12 and 16 weeks, on average. Regular assessments, therapist interviews, and homework assignments are all part of the organized sessions. Your therapist will get to know you, your symptoms, and your relationship history during your initial sessions. The next step will be to focus on particular problem areas with your therapist.

Your goals, assignments, and sessions may change as your therapist continues to evaluate your progress since the techniques used can be modified as treatment proceeds. IPT is offered in a range of session types, from individual to group sessions, and you can participate in sessions either in person or online. Combining IPT with some other depression treatments could also be effective. For instance, research demonstrates that pairing therapy with medicine often results in more efficacy than doing either one alone. 

By concentrating on characteristics of your relationships that might be contributing to your condition, interpersonal therapy can effectively alleviate depression and other mental health issues. In some situations, it could even be beneficial to directly involve close relationships in the counseling process. Your doctor can assist you in deciding whether IPT is the best option for your needs and whether it would be more effective if used in combination with other therapies.

We hope you found this article useful in learning more about what interpersonal therapy is, how it works, what is it best used for and how to determine whether it is a good fit for you.

Read: Emotion-Focused Therapy EFT: What You Need To Know