Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)

Interpersonal therapy, or IPT, is a short-term, focused treatment for mood disorders, such as depression. Rooted in attachment and communication theories, IPT is designed to help people address current concerns and improve interpersonal relationships. IPT is based on the principle that relationships and life events impact mood and that the reverse is also true. Treatment follows a highly structured and time-limited approach and seldom lasts longer than 16 weeks. The goal of IPT is to rapidly reduce symptoms. Think this approach might be right for you? Reach out to one of TherapyDen’s interpersonal therapy specialists today.

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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.

— Shavonne James, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Long Beach, CA

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.

— Katy Shaffer, Psychologist in Baltimore, MD
 

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.

— Christine Kotlarski, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in ,

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.

— Aguirre Center for Inclusive Psychotherapy, Psychologist in Atlanta, GA
 

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.

— Kylie Peele, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Raleigh, NC

I believe that, frequently, negative beliefs about ourselves form from past experiences such as traumas, being ignored, being pressured to be a particular way, or societal messages. These beliefs impact how we act toward others, which can in turn negatively influence relationships and make us continue to have negative beliefs. It can be empowering to figure how to change our relationships and interactions with others, challenging negative thinking, and learning new assertive ways of coping.

— Steffanie Grossman, Psychologist in Dallas, TX
 

IPT is a short-term psychotherapy in which therapist and client identify the issues and problems of interpersonal relationships. They also explore the client's life history to help recognize problem areas and then work toward ways to rectify them.

— Dr. Sonia Dhaliwal, Psychologist in Las Vegas, NV

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

— Kara London, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Tustin, CA
 

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

— Kara London, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Tustin, CA

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.

— Leigha Ward, Clinical Psychologist in West Lake Hills, TX
 

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.

— Dr. Katarina Ament, Clinical Psychologist in Denver, CO

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

— Robin Casey, Clinical Psychologist in Marietta, GA
 

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.

— Ishanie Sanchez, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in Staten Island, NY

Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on improving interpersonal relationships and addressing specific issues that may be contributing to emotional distress. IPT is based on the idea that the quality of our relationships and how we interact with others can significantly impact our mental and emotional well-being.

— Carole Goguen, Psy.D., Psychologist in Altadena, CA