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