Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)

Interpersonal therapy is a structured, time-limited therapy that typically works intensely on established interpersonal issues. The time-limited or 'brief' aspect of IPT therapy means that this type of therapy will always have an end date (around 12-16 sessions is considered the norm) and will focus on just a couple of key issues. For this reason, this therapy is best suited to those with identifiable problems.

At Working Minds, the first few sessions of interpersonal therapy are typically used as a means of assessment - allowing our therapist to gain a better understanding of what is concerning you and what you hope to gain from the therapy. Together with your therapist you will then have the opportunity to identify any interpersonal issues you want to address and rank them in order of importance. It will then be a case of working through the key issues raised.

The next few sessions will look to address these concerns in order to understand them better, learn how to adjust and apply these adjustments outside of your therapy sessions. To help this process our team will offer support in a number of ways, including the following:

• clarification of your issues
• communication analysis
• supportive listening.

In contrast to other more open-ended, introspective therapies, IPT therapy looks to focus entirely at the identified issues. This ensures optimum results in minimal time.

Towards the end of your therapy sessions, you and your therapist may choose to discuss termination issues brought up by the impending termination of your therapy. This is also an ideal time to hone and apply the skills you have learnt to ensure you can cope efficiently once your therapy is over.