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