Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) addresses climate anxiety through its strong evidence base: most climate anxiety is connected to relationship problems, and improving relationships improves climate anxiety.
The Four IPT Focus Areas for Climate Anxiety
IPT targets one of four interpersonal problem areas that typically accompany climate anxiety:
- Grief: Loss and bereavement contributing to climate anxiety
- Role disputes: Conflicts in important relationships driving climate anxiety
- Role transitions: Life changes creating adjustment-related climate anxiety
- Interpersonal deficits: Limited social skills or relationships sustaining climate anxiety
IPT vs. CBT for Climate Anxiety
While CBT targets thoughts and behaviors, IPT targets relationships and communication. Both are highly effective for climate anxiety — the best choice depends on the primary driver.
What IPT for Climate Anxiety Looks Like
IPT for climate anxiety typically runs 12-20 sessions, with early sessions identifying the interpersonal focus area, middle sessions working on it, and later sessions consolidating gains.