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