Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT)
IPT is a time-limited and structured
psychotherapy. A central idea in IPT is that
psychological symptoms, such as depressed
mood, can be understood as a response to
current difficulties in relationships. In turn,
the depressed mood can also affect the
quality of our relationships.
An example may help. If someone is
depressed they may withdraw from those
close to them, apparently refusing their
help (perhaps because they feel like a
failure and are ashamed of this). Family
and friends may feel rejected and hurt,
unable to understand why their offers of
help are not taken up, and they may, in
turn, pull away. The depressed person
may take this as confirmation of their view
of themselves as a failure, and this could
make them feel even more depressed and
withdrawn, setting up a vicious circle.
How does it work?
The main focus of IPT is on relationship
problems and on helping the person to
identify how they are feeling and behaving
in their relationships. When a person is able
to deal with a relationship problem more
effectively, their psychological symptoms
often improve. IPT typically focuses on the
following relationship difficulties: