What Is Interpersonal Therapy?
Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) is a structured, evidence-based psychotherapy that focuses on the relationship between current interpersonal difficulties and mental health symptoms. IPT was originally developed for depression treatment but has since been validated for anxiety, eating disorders, bipolar disorder, and PTSD. IPT is based on the principle that depression and other mental health conditions occur within an interpersonal context — they are triggered or maintained by difficulties in relationships and social functioning — and that improving interpersonal functioning produces direct mental health improvement. IPT is one of the most evidence-based therapies available, with a research base comparable to CBT for depression treatment.
IPT focuses on four key interpersonal problem areas that are most commonly associated with depression onset and maintenance. Grief in IPT addresses abnormal grief reactions following bereavement or significant loss. Role disputes in IPT address conflicts with significant others — partners, family members, colleagues — that maintain depression. Role transitions in IPT address significant life changes (retirement, divorce, parenthood, job loss) that challenge adaptation. Interpersonal deficits in IPT address social isolation and the lack of close relationships that maintain depression. IPT assessment identifies which of these problem areas is most relevant to each client's depression, enabling focused, efficient treatment.
IPT Techniques and Process
IPT is typically delivered over 12-16 sessions with three phases. The initial IPT phase (sessions 1-4) involves interpersonal inventory (mapping significant relationships), psychoeducation about depression as a medical condition, and identification of the primary IPT problem area. The middle IPT phase (sessions 5-12) uses specific IPT techniques addressing the identified problem area: clarification of expectations in role disputes, exploration of options for dispute resolution, facilitation of grief through guided mourning, and development of new relationship skills for interpersonal deficits. The termination IPT phase (sessions 13-16) consolidates learning, addresses feelings about ending, and builds relapse prevention.
IPT is available through NHS talking therapies (self-refer to your local service) and private therapists. While accessing IPT or between IPT sessions, SatKarya provides tools for interpersonal reflection. The SatKarya diary supports between-session IPT work by tracking interpersonal events, emotions, and patterns. SatKarya's anonymous community provides the interpersonal connection that is itself an IPT mechanism of change. Access interpersonal support on SatKarya