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