interpersonal therapy

What is Interpersonal Therapy?

IPT is based on the idea that we become unhappy, stressed and worried when our relationships are under strain, disrupted, or when we lose an important relationship. This therapy focuses on understanding your relationship patterns, improving important relationships, plus feeling more peaceful and adjusted to ongoing relationship issues. In sessions, your psychologist and you may talk through events and patterns in relationships; help you understand and resolve the feelings you have in relationships; teach new communication and relationship skills.

The aim is to improve your relationships or develop healthy relationships, so you feel calmer and more satisfied. It is also useful for overcoming losses, disappointments and long-term relationship issues. IPT is focussed on your specific goals and the relationships important to you. It may feel more ‘non-directive’ than a therapy like CBT – that means more like having a good conversation. But it can involve learning communication skills and relationship skills too.