What is interpersonal therapy?

Interpersonal therapy (IPT) is a time-limited, structured therapy designed to help people improve their private relationships and social functioning to reduce depressive symptoms.

Nevertheless, IPT has shown success for other mood and anxiety disorders as well.

It’s based on the idea that depression is often the result of bonding issues and social stressors, so it concentrates on understanding and improving communication, social interactions, and relationships.

What’s the purpose of interpersonal therapy?

1. Reduce depressive symptoms
2. • IPT was originally developed for treating major depressive disorder and has since been adapted for other conditions like postpartum depression, bipolar disorder, dysthymia, and even eating disorders.
   • Studies consistently show IPT is as effective as medication for many people with depression.
3. Improve interpersonal functioning
   • Therapy targets key relationship problem areas because unresolved issues in our social world often trigger or worsen depression.
4. Strengthening communication skills
   • It helps individuals express emotions more clearly, resolve conflicts, and get better at asking for support.

How interpersonal therapy works

1. Focus on key problem areas: It targets specific social difficulties that are believed to contribute to the individual’s depression. These problem areas generally include:
   

1. • Grief and loss: Addressing feelings related to the loss of a loved one or other major life changes.
   • Role transitions: Navigating significant life changes, such as a new job or divorce, can trigger mental health issues.
   • Interpersonal disputes: Resolving conflicts with friends, family, or romantic partners that may be affecting mood.
   • Interpersonal deficits: Improving skills for building or maintaining relationships, notably for individuals who struggle with social isolation or lack close connections.
2. Improving communication skills: IPT underlines teaching people to communicate their needs and feelings more effectively.

This incorporates learning to express emotions openly and clearly, asserting relationship needs, and handling disagreements constructively.

• • Why it helps: Better communication reduces misunderstandings and lowers relationship tension, helping individuals build stronger connections.

3. Developing problem-solving skills: This approach provides practical strategies for tackling interpersonal challenges and conflicts.

Therapists work with clients to identify solutions, improve flexibility in thinking, and build resilience in facing social challenges.

• • Why it helps: These problem-solving skills empower individuals to handle relational stress in healthier ways, reducing the impact of interpersonal stressors on their mood.

4. Exploring emotion and grief processing: It helps people process unresolved feelings related to past or recent losses by helping them find ways to manage these emotions and make sense of the loss.
   

4. • Why it helps: This could prevent unresolved grief from becoming a prolonged source of distress and depression, allowing individuals to grieve healthily and move forward with their lives once more.
5. Increasing social support: IPT supports seeking and engaging in supportive relationships outside of therapy, which may involve reaching out to friends or family.

• • Why it helps: Mood disorders are frequently accompanied by isolation and withdrawal.

Increasing social support protects against stress and could improve overall mood by granting a sense of belonging and security.

6. Clarifying roles and expectations: It also assists individuals in clarifying roles in their relationships and aligning expectations, whether in family, romantic, or work contexts.

Misunderstandings or unmet expectations are often central to relational conflicts.

• • Why it helps: Clarifying roles aids relationships to become a source of support rather than tension by lowering role-related stress, promoting understanding, and decreasing misunderstandings.

7. Encouraging behavioral activation through social engagement: IPT often includes goals to increase social interactions, attend social events, or reconnect with supportive people.
   

Even small actions like initiating conversations are encouraged.

• • Why it helps: Behavioral activation or re-engaging with positive activities is known to help alleviate mood issues.

The approach uses natural social reinforcement to improve mood and disrupt patterns of withdrawal by encouraging social activity.

8. Improving emotional insight and empathy: It teaches individuals to recognize and validate their feelings while also nurturing empathy for others’ perspectives.

This enhances their understanding of social dynamics.

• • Why it helps: Depression can make it challenging for individuals to relate to or empathize with others, often leading to strained relationships.

Greater emotional insight and empathy could ease isolation and loneliness by promoting healthier and more satisfying connections.

9. Learning to set boundaries: IPT often involves setting boundaries as part of managing interpersonal disputes and navigating role expectations.
   

Clients practice asserting themselves and saying “no” when needed.

• • Why it helps: Mood disorders can be worsened by boundary issues such as overcommitment or difficulty asserting needs.

Setting healthy boundaries aids in avoiding burnout, reducing resentment, and maintaining balanced relationships.

10. Building skills for navigating role strains: The approach helps people understand and navigate competing demands from various roles, like being a parent, employee, or friend.

It demonstrates strategies for managing expectations and balancing roles.

• • Why it helps: Major life transitions and role strains can trigger or worsen depressive symptoms.

That’s why knowing how to balance roles and handle stress from multiple commitments helps reduce role-related stress while boosting confidence in handling life’s challenges.

11. Incorporating structured homework to support change: IPT often includes homework assignments like practicing conversation skills or journaling about feelings after a social interaction.
    

These exercises support in-session insights.

• • Why it helps: Structured homework assignments provide real-life practice, making therapeutic gains more concrete.

This increases the likelihood of lasting change beyond therapy sessions by helping individuals develop and internalize new skills.

12. Normalizing experiences and reducing stigma: It validates and normalizes depressive feelings, making consumers feel understood rather than judged.

Therapists help them see that interpersonal issues are common and manageable.

• • Why it helps: Depression regularly causes guilt or failure by carrying stigma.

IPT reduces stigma and helps clients feel more optimistic about managing their symptoms by normalizing these experiences.

13. Creating a safe space for processing negative emotions: The therapeutic setting is safe and non-judgmental, allowing clients to openly discuss frustrations, disappointments, and fears related to their relationships.
    

• • Why it helps: Suffering from mental problems is frequently accompanied by pent-up emotions that can intensify symptoms if left unaddressed.

Fortunately, having a safe space to process these emotions aids in gaining clarity and reducing the emotional burden.

14. Focus on relapse prevention through long-term skills: Near the end of therapy, counselors often help individuals create strategies to manage future interpersonal stressors and maintain healthy relationships after therapy ends.

• • • Why it helps: Depression can come back when interpersonal stressors develop.

People can handle future conflicts or transitions in healthier ways by building long-term skills, reducing the likelihood of relapse.

Why interpersonal therapy works for depression

1. Addresses interpersonal causes of depression: Depression is regularly the result of social stressors.
   

IPT provides targeted relief by dealing with the specific interpersonal problems fueling the depression.

2. Increases emotional awareness and expression: People with mental issues frequently struggle with identifying and expressing their emotions.

This approach could reduce emotional burden and improve connections by encouraging them to explore and express emotions effectively.

3. Helps break the cycle of social withdrawal: Psychological difficulties often lead to social withdrawal, which can worsen isolation.

IPT helps break this cycle by promoting positive social interactions and building supportive relationships.

4. Provides practical, structured goals: IPT offers concrete, structured goals that can give purpose and accomplishment.
   

This may lift one’s mood by making therapy feel achievable and strengthening self-efficacy.

5. Improves long-term resilience: It aids individuals in building resilience to future stressors by improving communication, problem-solving skills, and emotional expression.

These abilities can prevent depression from recurring by promoting healthier and more supportive contacts.

IPT’s effectiveness

• Studies indicate that IPT is just as helpful as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and medication for many people with depression, particularly those whose depression is connected to interpersonal difficulties.
• It’s beneficial in treating acute depressive episodes, preventing relapse, and addressing chronic depression when integrated with other therapeutic approaches.

What disorders and issues can interpersonal psychotherapy treat?

Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) was originally designed to treat major depressive disorder, but over the years, it’s been adapted and proven effective for a wide range of other mental health conditions, such as those with strong emotional and relational components.

1. Depression (its original target)

• • Major depressive disorder (MDD)

IPT is most validated for treating MDD in adults, adolescents, and older adults.

It helps by detecting how life events and relationship patterns contribute to depressive episodes.

• • Persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia)

Especially useful when chronic low mood is linked to long-term social isolation or unresolved role conflicts.

• • Postpartum depression
    
    

IPT is often recommended for new mothers dealing with identity shifts, relationship changes, or role transitions after childbirth.

O’Hara et al. (2000) proved IPT substantially diminished postpartum depressive symptoms over a 12-week course.

2. Bipolar disorder (as maintenance therapy)

• • IPT, often combined with medication, can aid those with bipolar disorder manage interpersonal stress, role transitions, and social rhythm disruptions, all of which can trigger mood episodes.

This variation is called IPT-SR (interpersonal and social rhythm therapy).

3. Anxiety disorders

• • Social anxiety disorder (SAD)

IPT addresses fears around rejection, improving assertiveness, and lowering social avoidance.

• • Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)

While not the primary treatment, IPT can aid in managing the interpersonal strain caused by chronic worry.

Meta-analyses suggest CBT is still the gold standard for anxiety, but IPT can be a strong alternative when anxiety is entangled with relationship stress.

4. Eating disorders
   
   

• • Bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder

IPT-E (a modified form) assists in addressing how interpersonal conflicts or self-esteem issues contribute to disordered eating.

It’s notably useful when eating behaviors are used to manage emotional distress in relationships.

Fairburn et al. (1993) found IPT-E as effective as CBT in treating bulimia over the long term.

5. Adolescent and youth mental health

• • Adolescent depression (IPT-A)

Tailored for teens, this version includes family involvement and focuses on conflicts with peers or parents, grief, or identity changes.

IPT-A has strong support from randomized controlled trials.

6. PTSD and trauma-related disorders
   
   

IPT isn’t exposure-based like many trauma therapies, but it’s been found helpful for:

• • Interpersonal trauma survivors.
  • Sexual assault survivors.
  • Complex PTSD.

It focuses more on rebuilding trust and improving social support, rather than retelling the trauma.

Markowitz et al. (2015) discovered IPT helpful for PTSD, especially when trauma disrupts relationships and emotional connection.

7. Personality disorders (to some extent)

• • Borderline Personality Disorder

While not a core treatment, IPT techniques can support emotional regulation and relational stability when integrated with other approaches like DBT.

8. Grief and complicated bereavement

• • IPT helps distinguish normal grieving from complicated grief, where symptoms persist or interfere with functioning.
  • It supports clients through mourning and rebuilding a sense of identity post-loss.

Who is a good candidate?

In general, anyone struggling with emotional distress that’s connected to relationships, social roles, or life changes is a solid candidate for IPT.

More specifically, you might be a good fit if:

1. You’re dealing with depression, grief, or a life transition
   • You’ve lost a loved one, ended a relationship, changed jobs, become a parent, or retired, and it’s affecting your mood and self-esteem.
2. Your mental health is closely tied to relationship conflicts
   • Ongoing arguments with a partner or family member.
   • Feeling misunderstood, unsupported, or isolated.
   • Struggles with assertiveness, trust, or emotional expression.
3. You’re not looking to dig into childhood or unconscious issues
   
   
   • IPT is here-and-now focused. It doesn’t dwell on early life unless it’s directly affecting current relationships.
4. You prefer a structured, time-limited therapy
   • 12 to 16 sessions with clear goals.
   • Regular mood tracking and attention to measurable progress.
5. You want help navigating social stress
   • This includes things like improving communication, handling rejection, or rebuilding after a breakup or trauma.

How do you know IPT is a good fit for you?

Here’s a simple way to self-assess—ask yourself:

Question:	If you say “yes,” IPT might be a great match:
Do I feel that my depression or anxiety is worsened by conflicts, isolation, or relationship stress?	✅
Have I recently gone through a big life change that shook my sense of self or stability?	✅
Do I often feel stuck in repetitive relationship patterns (e.g., always falling into the same conflicts)?	✅
Am I open to learning better ways to communicate and resolve issues?	✅
Would I benefit from short-term, focused therapy instead of open-ended exploration?	✅

And honestly? A good way to tell if IPT is for you is to try a session with a trained IPT therapist.

They’ll often help you figure out early on if it’s the right fit or if another therapy would serve you better.

IPT may not be the best fit if:

1. You want to focus more on behavior change, like in OCD or phobias, CBT might be better.
2. Your struggles are deeply rooted in trauma, and you need trauma-specific approaches (like EMDR or prolonged exposure).
3. You’re dealing with severe psychosis or dissociation, though IPT can be used adjunctively, it’s not the primary treatment here.
4. You prefer exploring unconscious processes, dreams, or family dynamics in depth (a more psychodynamic approach might suit you better).

How to get started with interpersonal psychotherapy?

It’s a very approachable therapy if your mental health struggles are tied to relationships, grief, life changes, or social isolation.

1. Understand what IPT is and isn’t

Before you commit, make sure you’re clear on what IPT involves:

• • It’s short-term (usually 12–16 sessions).
  • It is goal-oriented and focuses on your current relationships and roles.
  • It’s not about digging into childhood or unconscious processes.
  • You’ll work on a specific interpersonal issue (grief, role transitions, role disputes, or social isolation).

If that sounds like something that fits your needs, you’re ready for step 2.

2. Find a qualified IPT therapist
   
   

IPT is a specialized approach, so it’s important to find a therapist trained in IPT, not just general talk therapy.

Here’s how to find one:

• • Search directories like:

• • • Psychology Today.
    • GoodTherapy.
    • IPT Institute Therapist Directory.

• • Use keywords like:

“Interpersonal psychotherapy”, “IPT therapist near me”, or “IPT for depression”

• • Filter by your needs: online vs in-person, insurance coverage, language, gender, etc.

3. Book a consultation or intake session

Your first session is usually an assessment, where you and the therapist:

• • Discuss your symptoms and history.
  • Isolate important interpersonal issues (like grief, a recent breakup, or ongoing conflict).
  • Set goals for therapy, like improving communication with a partner or rebuilding social support after a loss.

You’ll also get a feel for whether you click with the counselor, because that therapeutic connection matters to optimize treatment outcomes.

4. Start the therapy process
   
   

Once you’re in, here’s what IPT typically looks like:

• • Phase 1: Initial sessions (sessions 1–3)

• • • Diagnosis and symptom tracking (like PHQ-9 for depression).
    • Find the main interpersonal issue causing distress.
    • Set goals for therapy.
    • Start building insight into how your mood is tied to relationships or transitions.

• • Phase 2: Active work (sessions 4–12)

• • • Focused work on your chosen issue, such as grief, role change, or conflict.

• • • Learn and practice:

• • • • Communication skills.
      • Boundary-setting.
      • Emotional expression.
      • Conflict resolution.

• • • Homework may include journaling, role-plays, or trying new interpersonal strategies.

• • Phase 3: Termination (sessions 13–16)

• • • Review progress.
    • Prepare for the end of therapy.
    • Make a relapse prevention plan.
    • Reflect on what you’ve learned and how to use it moving forward.

5. Understand the costs and coverage
   
   

IPT is often covered under:

• • Public health insurance (in some countries with national health systems).
  • Private health insurance (check your policy for “psychotherapy” coverage).
  • Sliding scale therapists or clinics if money is tight.

If you’re in Belgium (or another EU country), check with:

• • Your GP or psychiatrist for a referral.
  • Accredited mental health centers.

Quick checklist:

Task:	Done?
Understand IPT and what it focuses on.	☐
Search for a trained IPT therapist.	☐
Book a consultation session.	☐
Identify your interpersonal focus area.	☐
Begin short-term, structured sessions.	☐

How to find an interpersonal psychotherapist?

Finding a therapist who’s specifically trained in interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) is a bit more targeted than just looking for a general psychotherapist.

Since IPT is a structured, evidence-based approach, you’ll want someone who’s trained and experienced in using it, not just someone who says they do “talk therapy.”

1. Use reputable online directories
   
   

Start with directories that let you filter by therapy approach:

• • International/English-speaking options:

• • • Psychology Today – Therapist Finder
      • Filter by location, insurance, and “Interpersonal Therapy” under “Types of Therapy.”
    • GoodTherapy.org
      • Search by therapy style and issue (like depression or grief).
    • IPT Institute Therapist Directory
      • Run by the official IPT Institute, this directory lists certified IPT therapists and training programs.

• • If you’re in Europe (especially Belgium):

• • • Look for terms like “interpersoonlijke therapie” in Dutch or “thérapie interpersonnelle” in French.

• • • • Check therapist directories on sites like:
        • Vind-een-psycholoog.be.
        • National psychology or psychotherapy associations (VVKP).

• • • • Ask your GP or psychiatrist for a referral. They often know who’s trained in IPT locally.

2. Look for these credentials or terms
   
   

When reading therapist bios, look for key phrases that confirm IPT training:

• • “Certified in Interpersonal Psychotherapy.”
  • “IPT-trained through the IPT Institute.”
  • “Uses IPT for depression, grief, and life transitions.”
  • “Specialized in short-term relational therapy.”
  • “Completed formal training in IPT or IPT-A (for adolescents).”

Avoid vague mentions like “integrative therapist who includes interpersonal techniques,” since that could mean anything.

You want someone who fully knows the IPT structure and process.

3. Contact the therapist and ask directly

Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask questions before booking:

You can say something like:

“Hi, I’m looking for a therapist trained in Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) to work on depression related to relationship issues.

Can you confirm if you’ve had specific training in IPT, and how you typically apply it in your sessions?”

This helps you avoid wasting time with someone who doesn’t use the IPT framework.

4. Double-check insurance or affordability
   
   

Once you’ve found a potential match, check:

• • Do they accept your insurance?
  • Do they offer sliding scale fees if you’re paying out of pocket?
  • Do they offer online sessions (particularly important if there are limited IPT therapists nearby)?

What are the benefits of interpersonal psychotherapy?

1. Improves relationships and social support
   
   

IPT directly targets current relationship issues like conflicts, grief, or life transitions, which are often central to depressive episodes.

IPT strengthens social support by improving communication and resolving interpersonal conflicts.

Example: If someone becomes depressed after a breakup or a strained family relationship, IPT helps them process that experience and rebuild healthier connections.

2. Focus on present-day issues

Unlike psychodynamic therapy, which explores childhood roots, IPT is practical and rooted in the “here and now”.

This can be empowering for clients who want to address what’s currently affecting their mood without digging too far into the past.

3. Proven effectiveness for depression
   
   

IPT is as helpful as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and medication for treating major depressive disorder (MDD), according to meta-analyses and clinical trials.

One study pointed out IPT was very useful for postpartum depression and adolescents with depression.

4. Helps navigate life transitions

IPT is highly beneficial during stressful transitions, such as divorce, becoming a parent, retirement, or illness.

These periods often involve role changes and grief, which IPT is specifically designed to handle.

5. Structured and time-limited
   
   

IPT usually lasts 12–16 sessions, making it easier to commit to than open-ended therapy.

This structure can feel manageable for clients who are flooded or hesitant about starting therapy.

6. Good for those who don’t like “overthinking”

Since IPT isn’t overly focused on analyzing thoughts (unlike CBT), it’s a good fit for clients who feel uncomfortable with cognitive restructuring or find it hard to engage in thought-based interventions.

7. Adaptable for different populations

IPT has been adapted for:

• • Teens (IPT-A).
  • Postpartum depression (IPT-P).
  • Bereavement-related depression.
  • People with chronic illness (like cancer or HIV).

8. Emotionally supportive and validating

The therapist takes a collaborative, empathetic stance, helping clients feel safe and validated while working through tough emotions, such as grief or conflict.

What are the limitations, downsides, or potential risks of interpersonal psychotherapy?

It’s evidence-based and highly effective for many, especially in treating depression. But like any therapeutic approach, it has its limitations and isn’t the perfect fit for everyone.

It’s not ideal for those with severe personality disorders, cognitive distortions, trauma histories, or crises.

1. Not ideal for severe personality disorders

IPT highlights current interpersonal problems and doesn’t dive into long-standing personality patterns.

So, for people with borderline, narcissistic, or avoidant personality disorders, it might not be thorough enough or provide the intensity of structure or emotional processing they need.

2. Limited attention on thoughts and beliefs

Unlike CBT, IPT doesn’t directly address negative thought patterns or cognitive distortions.

This means clients who struggle with intense self-criticism, black-and-white thinking, or rumination might not get tools to change those patterns unless the therapist integrates CBT elements.

For some, this can feel like “only treating the surface” rather than reshaping their inner world.

3. Relies on the client’s willingness to engage socially
   
   

It requires some level of social engagement or recent interpersonal stress to be effective since IPT targets interpersonal issues.

This can be a barrier for individuals who are highly socially isolated or avoidant.

4. Not well-suited for crisis or acute risk

IPT isn’t a crisis intervention model. It’s not ideal for people in acute suicidal crisis or experiencing psychosis, mania, or trauma flashbacks.

In those cases, more intensive, specialized, or trauma-informed interventions may be required first.

5. Time-limited format may not be enough

The standard 12–16 session model may feel too short for individuals with chronic depression, multiple complex losses, or interpersonal trauma.

Some clients may feel rushed or unfinished at the end of treatment.

6. Assumes interpersonal problems are central
   
   

IPT works under the assumption that depression stems largely from interpersonal dysfunctions, grief, or role transitions.

But for some, biological, existential, or systemic factors (like poverty, oppression, trauma, or chronic illness) are more central, and these might not be attended to in depth.

7. Requires a skilled therapist

IPT can seem “simple” in structure, but delivering it effectively requires the therapist to be:

• • Attuned to emotional nuance.
  • Skilled at managing relationship dynamics.
  • Capable of balancing structure with flexibility.
    If the therapist lacks experience or misapplies the model, it may feel ineffective or generic.

8. Potential emotional discomfort
   
   

While not a “risk” per se, talking about grief, conflict, or social rejection can be painful.

Some might experience emotional distress during or after sessions, specifically in the early stages.

This is common in therapy, but it’s something to be aware of.

9. Not a standalone solution for everyone

Some people may need medication, lifestyle changes, trauma therapy, or CBT alongside IPT.

It’s not a “one-size-fits-all” solution for those with treatment-resistant depression or comorbid conditions.

How long will I need interpersonal psychotherapy?

The length of interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) depends on several factors, such as the severity and type of depression, your specific goals, and how you respond to treatment.

It generally goes like this:

• Short-term IPT typically lasts 12 to 16 weekly sessions (about 3 to 4 months).

This is the standard format used in most clinical trials for major depressive disorder (MDD).

• • In milder cases, fewer sessions (as few as 8–10) might be enough.
  • For more complex or chronic depression, or if you’re dealing with ongoing interpersonal stress, extended IPT (beyond 16 sessions) might be recommended.
  • Sessions might be monthly or less frequent and continue for a year or more if you’re using IPT as maintenance therapy to prevent relapse.

• A few things that influence the length:

• • Chronic vs. acute depression: Chronic depression often needs longer therapy.
  • Co-occurring issues: It might take longer if you’re also dealing with grief, trauma, or relationship problems.
  • Therapeutic goals: IPT focuses on things like role transitions (divorce, job loss), grief, interpersonal disputes, or social skills.

The more complex the issue, the more time it generally takes.

• Response rate: If you’re improving steadily, you might not need as many sessions.

When can I stop interpersonal psychotherapy for depression?

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:

1. Depressive symptoms have significantly improved or gone into remission

• • 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.

2. The original interpersonal issue is resolved or well-managed

• • 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.

3. You’ve built stronger communication and coping skills

• • You can navigate relationships more effectively.
  • You feel more emotionally resilient in your social and personal life.

4. You and your therapist agree it’s time
   
   

• • 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.

What can I expect from interpersonal psychotherapy?

Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) is structured, short-term, and focused on how your relationships and social life impact your depression and vice versa.

It’s not about digging endlessly into the past or analyzing every thought. It’s practical, targeted, and evidence-based.

The core idea of IPT

Depression doesn’t exist in a vacuum because it often shows up or worsens when there’s stress in your relationships, a loss, or a major life change.

IPT aims to improve those areas to help relieve depressive symptoms.

The 4 focus areas in IPT

You’ll typically work on one or two of these, depending on your situation:

1. Grief

• • Complicated or unresolved grief after losing someone important.
  • Helps process the loss and adjust to life without that person.

2. Role transitions
   
   

• • Life changes like divorce, becoming a parent, job loss, and retirement.
  • The emphasis lies in helping you adjust to new roles and manage the stress that comes with them.

3. Interpersonal disputes

• • Ongoing conflicts with a partner, family, friends, or co-workers.
  • Therapy aids in improving communication, setting boundaries, or deciding how to handle the situation.

4. Interpersonal deficits

• • Struggles with forming or maintaining relationships.
  • Often tied to chronic loneliness or social withdrawal.
  • The goal is to build social confidence and connections.

The Structure of IPT

1. Initial phase (sessions 1–3)

• • Get a clear diagnosis.
  • Name your central interpersonal problem areas.
  • Build a treatment focus and goals.

2. Middle phase (sessions 4–9)

• • Actively work on the focus area.
  • Learn and practice new ways of relating to others.
  • Explore feelings but stay grounded in current life situations.

3. Termination phase (sessions 10–12 or beyond)

• • Review progress.
  • Plan for the future.
  • Learn how to spot signs of relapse and what to do if it happens.

What you’ll do in sessions

• Talk about real-life events and relationships, not abstract theories.
• Practice communication strategies, such as assertiveness and clarifying misunderstandings.
• You might do role plays or reflect on past conversations.
• You’ll occasionally get homework to observe or try new interactions.

How much does interpersonal psychotherapy generally cost?

The cost of interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) can vary quite a bit depending on your location, provider, and whether you’re using insurance.

1. Typical cost per session (without insurance)

• • US/Canada:

• • • Around $100 to $250 per 50-minute session.
    • Urban areas or therapists with more experience tend to charge more.
    • UK (private):
    • Usually, £50 to £120 per session.
    • Some therapists offer sliding scale rates.

• • Europe:

• • • Often €45 to €100 per session.
    • In Belgium specifically, many therapists are partially reimbursed if they’re part of a recognized network.

• • Australia:

• • • Usually AUD 100–$200.
    • Medicare refunds apply if your therapist is registered and you have a mental health care plan.

2. With insurance or public health support
   
   

• • Insurance:

• • • If your health insurance covers mental health, IPT is often reimbursed the same way as other psychotherapy (especially if the therapist is licensed and in-network).

• • Public or nonprofit clinics:

• • • May offer IPT on a sliding scale, meaning the cost depends on your income.

• • University clinics or training centers:

• • • Offer low-cost IPT with supervised trainees (can be as low as $10–$40/session in the U.S.).

Interpersonal psychotherapy exercises and printable worksheets for depression

1. Role transition reflection sheet

Goal: Understand and process a recent life change (breakup, moving, job loss).

• • Describe the change:

• • • How has it affected your identity or routine?
    • What have you lost? What might you gain?
    • Coping strategies you’ve tried:
    • New roles or skills you need to build:

Encourage writing about the emotional impact and brainstorming adaptive responses.

2. Grief and loss processing journal

Goal: Help with unresolved grief contributing to depression.

• • Prompts:

• • • What do you miss most about the person?
    • What emotions are you avoiding?
    • What routines or support systems have changed since the loss?
    • What would you say to them if they were here today?
    • How can you start honoring their memory while moving forward?

3. Assertive communication script
   
   

Goal: Practice expressing needs clearly without aggression or passivity.

Use this formula:

“I feel [emotion] when [situation] because [reason]. I would prefer [need or boundary].”

Example:

“I feel overwhelmed when I don’t get a reply for days because it makes me feel ignored. I’d prefer we check in at least once a week.”

4. Relapse prevention plan (IPT style)

Goal: Create a personalized plan for maintaining gains and handling future stress.

• • Sections:

• • • Warning signs I might be getting depressed again:
    • Relationship stressors that could trigger relapses:
    • People I can reach out to:
    • IPT skills that help me stay balanced:
    • Plan if I feel my mood worsening:

This is great for wrapping up therapy or creating a “safety net” between sessions.

5. Support network map
   
   

Goal: Visualize your current support system and spot where it’s strong or needs building.

• • Draw 3 concentric circles:

• • • 🟢 Inner circle: People you trust deeply, like your partner, parent, and best friend.
    • 🟡 Middle circle: Friends or acquaintances you like but don’t confide in.
    • 🔴 Outer circle: Helpers like therapists, doctors, or community contacts.

• • Then reflect:

• • • Who could you reach out to more?
    • Are any relationships draining instead of helpful?

6. “Relationship roles” exploration sheet
   
   

Goal: Explore recurring roles you play in relationships that might reinforce depressive thinking (caretaker, avoider, people-pleaser).

• • Prompts:

• • • In most close relationships, I often find myself acting as…
    • This role helps me feel…
    • But sometimes it causes…
    • One relationship where this pattern shows up most is…
    • A healthier way to engage in that relationship could be…

Use this in therapy to discuss identity, boundaries, and unmet emotional needs.

7. Values and priorities rebalancing tool

Goal: Help clients clarify what matters most in their relationships and life roles, particularly after depression has disrupted them.

• • Sections:

• • • My top 5 relationship values such as trust, loyalty, and quality time.
    • Which ones are currently missing or neglected?
    • What changes would help align my actions with those values?
    • One small thing I can do this week to move toward this goal.

Excellent for role transition work, such as after a breakup, job change, or loss.

8. “IPT conversation prep” worksheet
   

Goal: Prepare for difficult conversations using IPT strategies (assertiveness, timing, empathy).

• • Prompts:

• • • What is the main issue I want to discuss?
    • What emotion do I feel and why?
    • What outcome would I like from the conversation?
    • What’s a good time/place to bring this up?
    • What might the other person feel or need?
    • How can I communicate clearly and kindly?

Perfect for those working on interpersonal disputes or avoiding confrontations out of fear or sadness.

9. Self-compassion for interpersonal mistakes exercise
   
   

Goal: Address self-blame and guilt after social conflicts or perceived failures.

• • Sections:

1. 1. 1. Describe the situation that triggered guilt or shame.
      2. What did you say/do? What do you wish you’d done differently?
      3. What would you say to a friend in the same situation?
      4. What can you do to repair it, if needed?
      5. What will you remind yourself of next time?

Conclusion

IPT works by assisting individuals to develop healthier relationships and communication patterns by equipping them with practical, social, and emotional skills that support long-term mental health.

This creates a supportive social environment that can greatly reduce depressive symptoms and improve emotional well-being.