Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)

As a branch of CBT-related treatment, IPT is a specialized, time-sensitive intervention meant to build upon treating dysfunctional thought patterns targeted in CBT. As an expert in IPT, the aim is to go the step further in changing problematic, interpersonal behaviors that stem from unhealthy thinking patterns. Over the years, I have utilized this form of psychotherapy to complement specialized treatment approaches for clients with depression, anxiety, and mood disorders alike.

Interpersonal Psychotherapy aims to target struggles with role transitions, interpersonal deficits/disputes, and unresolved grief for a reduction in symptom distress. It is a recommended treatment for mood disorders (i.e. depression, bipolar disorder, etc.), anxiety, and eating disorders.

Interpersonal Process Therapy or IPT uses the therapeutic relationship as a catalyst for change.

I was trained to use this modality under the supervision of Ivy League doctoral supervisors at USC. I have practiced this modality at all institutions I have been employed.

Interpersonal Therapy is like wound care for our sense of self and way of being in the world. We look at the scars which may be restricting range of movement in your self-concept and relationships. We then explore the protective layers, and uncover the original hurts that lead to the core wounding. Through a safe, non-judgmental stance, we connect how the layers and wounding tend to play out in the world, and in the relationship with the therapist. From here, we develop more adaptive flexibility

As a social worker, I look at your entire life as having contributed to the person you are now. I want to help you work through the current issues you have in your life with others by looking at yourself and how you can make it better.

IPT is a time-limited, focused, evidence-based approach to treat mood disorders and relationship difficulties. The main goal of IPT is to improve the quality of a client's interpersonal relationships and social functioning to help reduce their distress. IPT provides strategies to resolve problems within four key areas including social difficulties, grief/loss, role transitions, and conflict/disputes in relationships.

Interpersonal Therapy is like wound care for our sense of self and way of being in the world. We look at the scars which may be restricting range of movement in your self-concept and relationships. We then explore the protective layers, and uncover the original hurts that lead to the core wounding. Through a safe, non-judgmental stance, we connect how the layers and wounding tend to play out in the world, and in the relationship with the therapist. From here, we develop more adaptive flexibility

Interpersonal therapy (IPT) is derived from psychodynamic therapy and focuses on reducing negative symptoms associated with relationships (e.g., family, friends, romantic). Because my specialized interests involve relating to others, I find this approach to be beneficial in understanding stress and traumatic responses within relationships due to feeling ineffective. I do not adhere to the manualized treatment method, but I do draw from beneficial methods utilized within IPT.

I believe one of the most important things is human connection and when we don’t feel connected it can create feelings of distress. With Interpersonal Therapy, we’ll work to improve your relationships for a happier, healthier life.

In general I would describe my approach as eclectic, as I incorporate many modalities that are tailored to the individual. The common thread in my approach is processing that is enhanced by the quality of the relationship between client and therapist. We will dig deep together to create the changes you are seeking.

I have received supervision from IPT-trained therapists during my training. IPT suggests that we learn cyclical patterns from our early relationships; that is, how we relate to ourselves, how we relate to others, and strategies for how to "get" people to love and care for us. We internalize these and they become our "truth" for navigating our feelings about ourselves and our relationships. In IPT, we focus on the relationship we build in therapy to help us understand (and change) those patterns.

I work primarily from theoretical perspectives that emphasize the authentic relationships, individual strengths, and the potential for growth. Interpersonal theories direct my attention to my client’s current and past relational dynamics as I strongly believe that human beings are primarily motivated by the need to establish and maintain relationships.