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