Interpersonal psychotherapy
Interpersonal Psychotherapy
Traditional psychotherapies are usually a longterm and time consuming procedures.the time effectiveness is being sort for in psychotherapy nowadays. One very effective time-limited approach towards moods disorder is Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) , with the aim to improve the quality of a client’s social functioning as well as interpersonal relationships, IPT provides strategies to resolve distress within four key areas.
What to expect?
Being a time limited therapy, IPT treatment typically consists of individual therapy sessions or group work which is to be completed within 12 to 16 weeks. It is a structured treatment plan, which includes assigning of homework, continuous assessment of the client, and interviews conducted by the therapist.
The initial phase of IPT usually is composed of one to three sessions during which the therapist assesses depressive symptoms and takes a look into social history and close relationships, including the changes in relationship patterns and the recent expectations. Once the initial part is executed, the therapist works with the patient to work out and implement the best treatment strategies which is unique for an individual or any identified problem areas. As treatment progresses, a targeted problem area is treated and positive changes are encouraged.
Group sessions are just like individual sessions, they are time-limited, semi-structured, and focused on interpersonal problems. Group interaction provides opportunities for patients to enhance and develop interpersonal skills in a safe, empathetic and supportive environment. Group therapy sessions, might sometimes include pre-treatment rapport building, mid-treatment conversations, and post-treatment individual meetings to review goals, developed strategies, and momentary progress.
How does it work?
IPT have primarily developed as a treatment method for depressive disorders in span of last two decades. Practitioners of IPT emphasizes upon the environmental cause of depression more than any other causality . Although IPT was traditionally developed for treating adults, it has been modified over the years for implementing with adolescents as well as elderly patients. It initially appeared as part of a study which aimed at investigating the efficacy of antidepressants, and was found effective in treating depression.
When is it used?
IPT was primarily developed to treat mood disorder. It is also used to effectively to treat many other neurotic disorders, like the eating disorders, postpartum depression, drug and alcohol addiction, substance abuse, dysthymia, cyclothymia and also severe mood disorders like bipolar disorder. The major focus of IPT, unlike traditional therapies is the present relationships of an individual and not the past relationships.
The practice differs starkly from cognitive and behavioral therapeutic approaches since it take into consideration only those maladaptive thoughts and behaviors which might appear to be important while dealing with the interpersonal relationships. The objective of IPT is to change relationship patterns, the primary focus is not upon the associated depressive symptoms, It proceeds by targeting the issues which hinder with the relationships.
Role of an IPT Therapist:
Being a therapy which is much new in the list of therapy, it have been largely used in along with other therapies. The therapist performing IPT begins with creating rapport and ensuring a safe corner for the client and help the client identify any interpersonal issues he or she might want to primarily address, and then proceed by ranking them in order of importance. The therapist also offers necessary support regarding communication analysis, clarification of issues, and supportive listening.
Wilfley, Denise E., & Shore, Allison L. (2015). Interpersonal Psychotherapy. In International Encyclopedia of the Social & Behavioral Sciences (pp. 631-636).
Wurm, C, Robertson, M, & Rushton, P. (2008). Interpersonal psychotherapy: An overview. Psychotherapy in Australia, 14(3), 46-54.
National Institutes of Health