Interpersonal Psychotherapy

Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) is an evidenced-based therapy approach primarily used in the treatment of depression. In IPT, life events are seen as triggers that interfere with interpersonal function and thereby cause or exacerbate depression. The goal of therapy is to help the client identify relational events that may be creating challenges, such as the death of a loved one, conflict with a significant other, or a provocative life transition (e.g., retirement, divorce, empty nest, relocation, physical illness). Once the events and related interpersonal issues are identified, the focus of therapy is to work toward resolving these problem areas. Treatment is generally short term, usually 12 to 16 weeks in length.