Interpersonal Psychotherapy

The core of IPT is to identify and manage specific interpersonal problems contributing to an individual's mood and emotional health, such as grief, a role dispute, interpersonal deficits, and role transitions. 

During the therapy sessions, the therapist and the individual work together to explore the individual's challenges with interpersonal relationships. They might find ways to overcome these problems and set achievable goals for improvement. Some key steps in the IPT process might include:

• Developing a therapeutic relationship between the client and therapist
• Identifying the main interpersonal challenges at play
• Setting realistic goals related to improving those problems
• Developing and practicing new skills for communication
• Assessing progress and making necessary adjustments

Throughout the treatment, the therapist often focuses on the individual’s emotional experiences and how their interpersonal relationships may affect their mood. With a strong focus on the effects of personal interactions, such as how parental criticism can impact adult relationships, IPT may help individuals adapt and improve their overall mental health.

Although IPT can be an effective therapeutic approach, progress in interpersonal psychotherapy can vary. Every individual is unique, and the effectiveness of IPT may depend on factors such as the severity of the mood disorder and the individual’s commitment to the therapy process.

IPT is considered a highly structured form of psychotherapy² that focuses on improving interpersonal relationships in a time-limited format. A trained therapist typically guides one-on-one or group sessions lasting 50 minutes each. As a relatively short-term form of therapy, IPT is typically conducted in weekly sessions over 12 to 16 weeks. With group and individual sessions, a therapist generally has pre- and post-treatment evaluations to assess the goals and effectiveness of the therapy.

Individuals who undergo IPT can expect to discuss their relationships, emotions, and thoughts throughout each session. During the initial sessions, the therapist may assess symptoms and identify any problematic interpersonal challenges. As the therapy progresses, individuals can expect to work closely with a therapist to develop communication and coping skills.

A therapist may lead targeted exercises and discussions to understand and improve interpersonal relationships. The process may also involve exploring past experiences or specific life events and setting personal goals for improvement. Ultimately, these exercises may help resolve the problems identified in the first assessment, which, in turn, may help alleviate emotional distress.³

To prepare for IPT sessions, individuals may need to be willing to openly discuss their relationships, thoughts, and emotions. It may also be helpful to reflect on interpersonal challenges and experiences before beginning therapy. 

IPT is a versatile treatment option that may be particularly helpful for individuals experiencing certain mental health conditions, life transitions, and relationship challenges. Examples of people who might benefit from IPT include the following:

Individuals with major depressive disorder

IPT was initially developed for major depressive disorder.⁴ It focuses on improving interpersonal skills to alleviate symptoms, helping individuals build better relationships, and resolving conflicts that may contribute to major depression.

People coping with unresolved grief

IPT offers specialized support for those experiencing unresolved grief. This type of therapy may help teach skills for coping with loss and reconnecting with loved ones.

Those undergoing difficult life transitions

IPT may help people facing life transitions like job loss or divorce. It can help promote healthy communication and strategies for coping and rebuilding supportive social networks.

Individuals with interpersonal conflicts

IPT may help individuals experiencing interpersonal conflicts, such as family or work disputes. It often emphasizes healthier communication methods and teaches effective conflict resolution skills.

Individuals with eating disorders

IPT may be a supportive add-on treatment for those with eating disorders like anorexia or bulimia. The therapy may help resolve problems contributing to a disruptive relationship with food, such as interpersonal difficulties that affect self-worth.

Those experiencing perinatal depression

Perinatal depression affects many women before, during, or after childbirth. IPT may offer focused support for bonding, relationship stress, and mood swings during this sensitive period.

Individuals with drug and alcohol addiction

While not a standalone treatment for addiction, IPT may complement other therapies by addressing the interpersonal challenges often linked to substance use. By improving social networks and alternative ways to cope, IPT may help support a more stable recovery.

Individuals with bipolar disorder

IPT may be beneficial as a part of a comprehensive treatment plan for bipolar disorder. Although it may not replace medication or other forms of therapy, IPT can assist in managing the interpersonal difficulties and relational instability caused by bipolar disorder.

It is important to consult with a doctor or medical professional before beginning or changing any medication plan. The information provided in this article is not intended as medical advice; please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized guidance.

IPT allows people from all walks of life to improve their interpersonal skills and overall mental health. Although it was mainly developed for adults, it has since been adapted to adolescents.

For those struggling with substance use, contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at (800) 662-4357 to receive support and resources. Support is available 24/7.

The goals of IPT can vary depending on the individual, their condition, and what they hope to achieve from therapy. These goals may include the following:

• Improve interpersonal skills: Better communication and social interaction skills may help forge stronger relationships.
• Alleviate emotional distress: By helping individuals resolve interpersonal problems, therapists may reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, or other emotional troubles.
• Improve conflict resolution: Tools and strategies are often provided with the goal of helping individuals effectively resolve conflicts within personal and professional relationships. 
• Develop coping strategies: Therapists often aim to develop adaptive coping strategies for individuals experiencing life changes, losses, or other challenging situations.
• Gather social support: One of the goals of therapy may be to strengthen existing social networks and build new supportive relationships.
• Adapt to life transitions: Therapists practicing IPT may seek to help individuals adapt to major life changes like relocation, job loss, or significant family events.

Working with a trained therapist may help in identifying the appropriate goals of therapy. In addition, goals may change as the individual develops and progresses through therapy.

IPT is an evidence-based therapy, with recent studies supporting its effectiveness for various mental health disorders. One study explored how IPT may be an emerging method for treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). While we don’t yet fully understand the most appropriate way to use IPT for different types of people who experience different types of PTSD, there’s potential that it may be especially beneficial for those who also have major depression or a history of sexual trauma.

One systematic review examined how effective IPT is for distress that occurs around the time of pregnancy. The review, which analyzed 45 comprehensive studies, found that IPT may be a potent tool in preventing and treating distress among pregnant women and new mothers. Specifically, IPT was found to decrease depression and anxiety symptoms while also renewing social support.

A meta-analysis of 90 randomized controlled trials involving over 11,000 participants showed that IPT may be effective for treating acute depression, preventing new depressive disorders, and reducing relapse of major depressive disorder. The analysis found that combining IPT with other treatments improved outcomes. The therapy was also found to be effective in treating anxiety and eating disorders. No evidence from the studies indicated that IPT is less effective than cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).

Researchers are continuing to study and understand interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) as a treatment option for mental health problems. As a result, IPT may become a more adaptable therapy used alone or with other therapies for various applications.