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