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