When people think about therapy, they often imagine a space focused on personal thoughts, emotions, and life experiences. While individual therapy does centre on you, many evidence-based approaches also explore how your relationships and communication patterns influence your wellbeing.
One such approach is Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), which focuses on the connection between mood and relationships. IPT is a structured, time-limited therapy that helps people understand and improve how they relate to others, particularly during times of emotional distress.
Jump to section
What is Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)?
Interpersonal Therapy was originally developed in the 1970s by psychiatrist Gerald Klerman and Myrna Weissman as a treatment for depression. It is now widely used and supported by research for a range of emotional and relational difficulties.
IPT is based on the idea that psychological symptoms often occur within an interpersonal context. Rather than focusing primarily on long-term personality patterns or childhood experiences, IPT looks at current relationships, life transitions, and communication patterns that may be contributing to distress.
How does Interpersonal Therapy work in individual sessions?
In individual therapy, IPT helps you explore how your relationships may be connected to how you are feeling emotionally. A therapist works collaboratively with you to identify key interpersonal areas that may be contributing to current challenges.
IPT typically focuses on one or more of the following areas:
- Grief and loss (including bereavement or significant life changes)
- Role transitions (such as becoming a parent, ending a relationship, or changing careers)
- Interpersonal disputes (ongoing conflict or misunderstandings in relationships)
- Interpersonal deficits (difficulties forming or maintaining meaningful relationships)
How can IPT support emotional wellbeing?
IPT helps you explore how changes in your relationships may affect your emotional wellbeing. For example, feelings of sadness, anxiety, or stress may become more intense during periods of conflict, isolation, or major life transitions.
By identifying these links, therapy can help you make sense of your emotional experiences in a structured and supportive way.
Many people find that difficulties in expressing needs, setting boundaries, or managing conflict can contribute to ongoing stress in relationships.
In IPT, you may work on developing clearer, more effective communication strategies. This can include learning how to express feelings directly, listen actively, and respond to others in ways that support mutual understanding.
Life changes—whether expected or unexpected—can have a significant emotional impact. IPT recognises that transitions such as relationship changes, career shifts, or becoming a caregiver can affect identity, roles, and support systems.
Therapy can provide space to process these changes and develop strategies for adjustment.
Research consistently shows that supportive relationships are an important factor in mental health and resilience (Bowlby; Ainsworth). IPT often includes exploring ways to strengthen existing relationships or build new supportive connections.
What might IPT look like in a therapy session?
An IPT-informed therapist may guide conversations around questions such as:
- Have there been recent changes in your relationships or social support?
- Are there ongoing conflicts that feel difficult to resolve?
- How do you typically communicate your needs or emotions to others?
- What role do your relationships play in how you are feeling day to day?
Sessions are typically structured and focused on current concerns, with an emphasis on practical strategies and emotional understanding.
How Interpersonal Therapy may support personal growth
IPT offers a practical and supportive framework for understanding how relationships and emotional wellbeing are connected. For many people, this can lead to:
- Greater awareness of communication patterns
- Improved relationship satisfaction
- Increased emotional regulation skills
- Stronger social support networks
- A clearer understanding of life transitions and their impact
Importantly, IPT is not about changing other people. Instead, it focuses on helping you understand your own responses and develop more effective ways of relating to others.
Considering therapy?
If you are experiencing emotional distress that feels connected to your relationships, life transitions, or communication patterns, Interpersonal Therapy may offer a structured and supportive approach to explore these experiences.
A qualified mental health professional can work with you to determine whether IPT or another therapeutic approach may be appropriate for your needs and goals.
References
Klerman, G. L., Weissman, M. M., Rounsaville, B. J., & Chevron, E. S. (1984). Interpersonal Psychotherapy of Depression. Basic Books.
Weissman, M. M., Markowitz, J. C., & Klerman, G. L. (2000). Comprehensive Guide to Interpersonal Psychotherapy. Basic Books.
Bowlby, J. (1988). A Secure Base: Parent-Child Attachment and Healthy Human Development. Basic Books.
Ainsworth, M. D. S. (1978). Patterns of Attachment. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
When people think about therapy, they often imagine a space focused on personal thoughts, emotions, and life experiences. While individual therapy does centre on you, many evidence-based approaches also explore how your relationships and communication patterns influence your wellbeing.
One such approach is Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), which focuses on the connection between mood and relationships. IPT is a structured, time-limited therapy that helps people understand and improve how they relate to others, particularly during times of emotional distress.
Jump to section
What is Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)?
Interpersonal Therapy was originally developed in the 1970s by psychiatrist Gerald Klerman and Myrna Weissman as a treatment for depression. It is now widely used and supported by research for a range of emotional and relational difficulties.
IPT is based on the idea that psychological symptoms often occur within an interpersonal context. Rather than focusing primarily on long-term personality patterns or childhood experiences, IPT looks at current relationships, life transitions, and communication patterns that may be contributing to distress.
How does Interpersonal Therapy work in individual sessions?
In individual therapy, IPT helps you explore how your relationships may be connected to how you are feeling emotionally. A therapist works collaboratively with you to identify key interpersonal areas that may be contributing to current challenges.
IPT typically focuses on one or more of the following areas:
- Grief and loss (including bereavement or significant life changes)
- Role transitions (such as becoming a parent, ending a relationship, or changing careers)
- Interpersonal disputes (ongoing conflict or misunderstandings in relationships)
- Interpersonal deficits (difficulties forming or maintaining meaningful relationships)
How can IPT support emotional wellbeing?
IPT helps you explore how changes in your relationships may affect your emotional wellbeing. For example, feelings of sadness, anxiety, or stress may become more intense during periods of conflict, isolation, or major life transitions.
By identifying these links, therapy can help you make sense of your emotional experiences in a structured and supportive way.
Many people find that difficulties in expressing needs, setting boundaries, or managing conflict can contribute to ongoing stress in relationships.
In IPT, you may work on developing clearer, more effective communication strategies. This can include learning how to express feelings directly, listen actively, and respond to others in ways that support mutual understanding.
Life changes—whether expected or unexpected—can have a significant emotional impact. IPT recognises that transitions such as relationship changes, career shifts, or becoming a caregiver can affect identity, roles, and support systems.
Therapy can provide space to process these changes and develop strategies for adjustment.
Research consistently shows that supportive relationships are an important factor in mental health and resilience (Bowlby; Ainsworth). IPT often includes exploring ways to strengthen existing relationships or build new supportive connections.
What might IPT look like in a therapy session?
An IPT-informed therapist may guide conversations around questions such as:
- Have there been recent changes in your relationships or social support?
- Are there ongoing conflicts that feel difficult to resolve?
- How do you typically communicate your needs or emotions to others?
- What role do your relationships play in how you are feeling day to day?
Sessions are typically structured and focused on current concerns, with an emphasis on practical strategies and emotional understanding.
How Interpersonal Therapy may support personal growth
IPT offers a practical and supportive framework for understanding how relationships and emotional wellbeing are connected. For many people, this can lead to:
- Greater awareness of communication patterns
- Improved relationship satisfaction
- Increased emotional regulation skills
- Stronger social support networks
- A clearer understanding of life transitions and their impact
Importantly, IPT is not about changing other people. Instead, it focuses on helping you understand your own responses and develop more effective ways of relating to others.
Considering therapy?
If you are experiencing emotional distress that feels connected to your relationships, life transitions, or communication patterns, Interpersonal Therapy may offer a structured and supportive approach to explore these experiences.
A qualified mental health professional can work with you to determine whether IPT or another therapeutic approach may be appropriate for your needs and goals.
References
Klerman, G. L., Weissman, M. M., Rounsaville, B. J., & Chevron, E. S. (1984). Interpersonal Psychotherapy of Depression. Basic Books.
Weissman, M. M., Markowitz, J. C., & Klerman, G. L. (2000). Comprehensive Guide to Interpersonal Psychotherapy. Basic Books.
Bowlby, J. (1988). A Secure Base: Parent-Child Attachment and Healthy Human Development. Basic Books.
Ainsworth, M. D. S. (1978). Patterns of Attachment. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
When people think about therapy, they often imagine a space focused on personal thoughts, emotions, and life experiences. While individual therapy does centre on you, many evidence-based approaches also explore how your relationships and communication patterns influence your wellbeing.
One such approach is Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), which focuses on the connection between mood and relationships. IPT is a structured, time-limited therapy that helps people understand and improve how they relate to others, particularly during times of emotional distress.
Jump to section
What is Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)?
Interpersonal Therapy was originally developed in the 1970s by psychiatrist Gerald Klerman and Myrna Weissman as a treatment for depression. It is now widely used and supported by research for a range of emotional and relational difficulties.
IPT is based on the idea that psychological symptoms often occur within an interpersonal context. Rather than focusing primarily on long-term personality patterns or childhood experiences, IPT looks at current relationships, life transitions, and communication patterns that may be contributing to distress.
How does Interpersonal Therapy work in individual sessions?
In individual therapy, IPT helps you explore how your relationships may be connected to how you are feeling emotionally. A therapist works collaboratively with you to identify key interpersonal areas that may be contributing to current challenges.
IPT typically focuses on one or more of the following areas:
- Grief and loss (including bereavement or significant life changes)
- Role transitions (such as becoming a parent, ending a relationship, or changing careers)
- Interpersonal disputes (ongoing conflict or misunderstandings in relationships)
- Interpersonal deficits (difficulties forming or maintaining meaningful relationships)
How can IPT support emotional wellbeing?
IPT helps you explore how changes in your relationships may affect your emotional wellbeing. For example, feelings of sadness, anxiety, or stress may become more intense during periods of conflict, isolation, or major life transitions.
By identifying these links, therapy can help you make sense of your emotional experiences in a structured and supportive way.
Many people find that difficulties in expressing needs, setting boundaries, or managing conflict can contribute to ongoing stress in relationships.
In IPT, you may work on developing clearer, more effective communication strategies. This can include learning how to express feelings directly, listen actively, and respond to others in ways that support mutual understanding.
Life changes—whether expected or unexpected—can have a significant emotional impact. IPT recognises that transitions such as relationship changes, career shifts, or becoming a caregiver can affect identity, roles, and support systems.
Therapy can provide space to process these changes and develop strategies for adjustment.
Research consistently shows that supportive relationships are an important factor in mental health and resilience (Bowlby; Ainsworth). IPT often includes exploring ways to strengthen existing relationships or build new supportive connections.
What might IPT look like in a therapy session?
An IPT-informed therapist may guide conversations around questions such as:
- Have there been recent changes in your relationships or social support?
- Are there ongoing conflicts that feel difficult to resolve?
- How do you typically communicate your needs or emotions to others?
- What role do your relationships play in how you are feeling day to day?
Sessions are typically structured and focused on current concerns, with an emphasis on practical strategies and emotional understanding.
How Interpersonal Therapy may support personal growth
IPT offers a practical and supportive framework for understanding how relationships and emotional wellbeing are connected. For many people, this can lead to:
- Greater awareness of communication patterns
- Improved relationship satisfaction
- Increased emotional regulation skills
- Stronger social support networks
- A clearer understanding of life transitions and their impact
Importantly, IPT is not about changing other people. Instead, it focuses on helping you understand your own responses and develop more effective ways of relating to others.
Considering therapy?
If you are experiencing emotional distress that feels connected to your relationships, life transitions, or communication patterns, Interpersonal Therapy may offer a structured and supportive approach to explore these experiences.
A qualified mental health professional can work with you to determine whether IPT or another therapeutic approach may be appropriate for your needs and goals.
References
Klerman, G. L., Weissman, M. M., Rounsaville, B. J., & Chevron, E. S. (1984). Interpersonal Psychotherapy of Depression. Basic Books.
Weissman, M. M., Markowitz, J. C., & Klerman, G. L. (2000). Comprehensive Guide to Interpersonal Psychotherapy. Basic Books.
Bowlby, J. (1988). A Secure Base: Parent-Child Attachment and Healthy Human Development. Basic Books.
Ainsworth, M. D. S. (1978). Patterns of Attachment. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
