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