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