An Evidence-Based Therapy Focused on Relationships, Life Transitions and Depression
Our relationships play a central role in our emotional wellbeing. Conflict, grief, loneliness or major life changes can sometimes trigger or maintain psychological distress.
Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) is a structured, evidence-based psychotherapy that helps people improve their mental health by understanding and strengthening their relationships. Rather than focusing primarily on childhood experiences or thinking patterns, IPT explores how current interpersonal difficulties influence emotional wellbeing.
Originally developed by Gerald Klerman and Myrna Weissman, IPT is internationally recognised as one of the first-line psychological treatments for depression. It has also been adapted for anxiety, eating disorders and perinatal mental health.
At My International Therapy, our psychologists may integrate IPT principles with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT), EMDR or other evidence-based approaches depending on each client’s needs.
What Is Interpersonal Therapy?
Interpersonal Therapy is based on a simple but powerful idea:
Mental health and relationships influence one another.
Difficult relationships can contribute to depression and anxiety, while emotional difficulties often make relationships harder to navigate.
IPT focuses on improving communication, resolving interpersonal problems and strengthening social support rather than analysing personality or unconscious conflicts.
The goal is to reduce psychological symptoms by improving the quality of everyday relationships.
What to expect in sessions
- Clarifying goals and your current situation
- Building a shared understanding of patterns and triggers
- Practicing tools and strategies between sessions
- Reviewing progress and adjusting the plan
The Four Main Areas of IPT
Treatment usually focuses on one or two interpersonal themes.
Grief
The loss of a loved one can sometimes lead to prolonged emotional suffering.
IPT helps individuals process grief while gradually adapting to life after the loss.
Role Transitions
Life changes—even positive ones—can be emotionally challenging.
Examples include:
- becoming a parent
- moving abroad
- changing careers
- retirement
- divorce
- becoming a caregiver
Therapy helps people adjust to these new roles while managing the emotions they bring.
Interpersonal Disputes
Conflict with partners, family members, friends or colleagues can contribute to depression and chronic stress.
IPT helps clients improve communication, clarify expectations and develop healthier ways of resolving disagreements.
Interpersonal Deficits (Relationship Difficulties)
Some people experience persistent loneliness or difficulty forming close relationships.
Therapy focuses on understanding interpersonal patterns and building stronger social connections.
What Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) can help with
On My International Therapy, therapies are connected to pathology pages so visitors can move easily between a problem they recognize and a therapy that may address it. These links are not a diagnosis or a promise of outcome; they are a navigation aid that helps people learn which approaches are often relevant.
The same therapy may support different goals for different people. For one client, the focus may be symptom reduction. For another, it may be understanding relationship patterns, processing traumatic memories, improving emotional regulation, or rebuilding self-confidence. This is why the first sessions usually involve assessment and shared goal-setting.
Therapists may also adapt the work when there are co-occurring concerns such as sleep difficulties, chronic stress, neurodiversity, addiction, grief, trauma, or medical issues. When needed, ethical care may involve coordination with a doctor, psychiatrist, dietitian, or other professional.
What Happens During IPT?
IPT is usually a structured, time-limited therapy lasting around 12 to 16 sessions, although this may vary.
Early sessions focus on:
- understanding current symptoms
- identifying important relationships
- exploring recent life events
- selecting one or two interpersonal goals
Later sessions may involve:
- improving communication skills
- resolving relationship conflicts
- processing grief
- adapting to life transitions
- strengthening social support
- preventing relapse
The therapist takes an active and collaborative role throughout treatment.
Is IPT Right for You?
IPT may be particularly helpful if you:
- have experienced a recent loss
- are struggling after a major life change
- feel isolated or lonely
- experience recurring relationship conflicts
- are living with depression
- have difficulties communicating your needs
- notice that relationship problems strongly affect your mood
If trauma, obsessive-compulsive symptoms or severe anxiety are your primary concerns, your therapist may recommend integrating IPT with CBT, EMDR or another evidence-based approach.
Is Interpersonal Therapy Evidence-Based?
Yes.
Interpersonal Therapy is one of the most extensively researched psychotherapies for depression.
Clinical guidelines published by organisations such as the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and the American Psychological Association (APA) recommend IPT as a first-line treatment for depression.
Research also supports its effectiveness for postpartum depression, complicated grief and certain eating disorders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is IPT only for depression?
No. Although IPT was originally developed for depression, it is also used for grief, relationship difficulties, postpartum depression and some anxiety and eating disorders.
How long does IPT usually last?
IPT is generally a short-term therapy, often lasting between 12 and 16 sessions, although this can vary depending on individual needs.
Is IPT suitable for couples?
Traditional IPT is an individual psychotherapy. However, improving interpersonal relationships often has positive effects on couple and family dynamics.
Can IPT be combined with medication?
Yes. IPT is frequently combined with antidepressant medication when clinically appropriate, particularly in the treatment of moderate to severe depression.
Medical disclaimer: this content is for general information only and does not replace diagnosis, emergency support, or treatment from a qualified professional.
