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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Requires a skilled therapist
IPT can seem “simple” in structure, but delivering it effectively requires the therapist to be:
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- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
