Interpersonal therapy (IPT) is a time-limited psychotherapeutic approach that focuses on the connection between a client’s interactions with others and the development of a client’s distress. IPT does not presume that psychopathology arises exclusively from problems within an interpersonal realm. It does emphasize however, that these problems occur within an interpersonal context that is often interdependent with the illness process.
IPT is concerned with examining and promoting change within current interpersonal relationships, and aims to clarify and resolve interpersonal difficulties such as interpersonal role disputes, interpersonal deficits, prolonged grief reaction, and role transition (e.g. moving, promotion, retiring). The therapy was initially developed to treat Major Depression, however it has been modified for a number of other conditions including Dysthymia, Bulimia Nervosa, substance abuse, and somatisation.
