You can consider stopping interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) when a few key things line up clinically, emotionally, and practically.
Signs you’re ready to stop IPT:
- Depressive symptoms have significantly improved or gone into remission
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- You’re feeling better consistently, not just for a few days.
- You’re able to manage daily tasks, relationships, and stress without feeling weighed down.
- The original interpersonal issue is resolved or well-managed
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- You’ve worked through therapy’s main focus, whether it was a grief process, role transition (like a divorce or job loss), or a conflict.
- You’ve built stronger communication and coping skills
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- You can navigate relationships more effectively.
- You feel more emotionally resilient in your social and personal life.
- You and your therapist agree it’s time
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- This is a mutual decision.
- They might suggest tapering off, like moving from weekly to biweekly or monthly before fully ending.
Don’t stop if:
- You’ve had recent relapses or mood dips you can’t explain.
- The underlying interpersonal patterns (like chronic conflict or isolation) are still very present.
- You’re still struggling with functioning at work, in relationships, or with self-care.
- You’re in a high-risk period (like a major life change or stressor).
What usually happens before ending therapy:
- A “termination phase” of a few sessions to reflect, consolidate what you’ve learned, and plan for relapse prevention.
- Discussion of warning signs of relapse and when to come back.
- Sometimes, a plan to check in after a few months (a follow-up or booster session) is made.
