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