What is Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT)?

Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) is a form of talk therapy that focuses on enhancing your interpersonal relationships to alleviate mental illness symptoms. "Interpersonal" means "being, relating to or involving relations between persons."

During IPT, you’ll work with a mental health professional, like a psychologist or therapist, to better understand your emotions and how they affect your relationships. You’ll also learn how to lean on loved ones for support.

IPT usually takes place over a limited number of sessions. Your healthcare provider may recommend taking medication alongside IPT to best manage a mental health condition.

What can IPT treat?

Psychologists and other mental health professionals primarily utilize IPT with individuals who have major depressive disorder, or clinical depression. Evidence regarding the efficacy, or benefit or success of IPT, is strongest for this condition, compared with other mental health disorders.

IPT can be used as an acute (first) and/or continuation treatment for major depression in adolescents through late adulthood. Psychologists typically prescribe IPT once weekly for 12 to 16 weeks for major depression.

Keep in mind that there are other forms of psychotherapy that can treat depression, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, to name one. Everyone is different. You may respond better to one type of therapy than another.

Mental health practitioners may use IPT to address other mental health disorders, including the following:

• Bulimia nervosa.
• Eating disorder binge type.
• Post-traumatic stress disorder.
• Anxiety disorders.

How does IPT work?

The main ideas behind IPT are the following:

Maladaptive interpersonal relationships are directly associated with your current mood.

Enhancement of interpersonal relationships will enhance your mood and symptom of mental health.

Enhancement in your mood and symptoms is associated with better interpersonal functioning.

In other words, the cycle of improvement feeds itself — the more you improve how you relate to others, the more your symptoms will improve and vice versa.

Your therapist will provide a supportive, nonjudgmental and safe environment for you to talk openly about interpersonal and life issues. They’ll be objective and are specially trained to help you with the challenges you’re having.

These issues may include:

• Stressful life events.
• Grief.
• Conflicts or arguments with other individuals
• Life changes
• Social disconnection.

Your therapist will discuss these challenges and how they impact your mood or symptoms while working with you to build relationships with social supports and enhance the quality of those relationships. IPT therapists believe— and will tell you— that you are not responsible for your mental health condition. They will explain that you have been placed in a position that can enable you to help yourself get out of depression by changing the problematic issues that may be causing you distress.

IPT usually occurs for a short period of sessions, like 12 to 16 in total. You won't get results overnight. IPT takes time and sometimes some not-so-comfortable work. Consider your therapist as a partner working with you for the process. If you stick with the goals you have set in the process, you will be able to mark it after some time.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of interpersonal psychotherapy?

IPT helps you understand your emotions, thoughts, and behaviors and how they impact your relationships and mood. After IPT, many people start to relate to others in healthier ways. While IPT won't make stressful situations go away, it can help you respond to them more positively and feel better overall.

Furthermore, studies indicate that IPT therapy, along with medication, such as an antidepressant, is more effective in the management of major depression than medication alone.

Depending on your situation, you might feel more upset during therapy. Your therapist can help you handle these feelings. You can learn new skills to manage negative emotions.

Interpersonal therapy (IPT) usually lasts about 12 to 16 weeks. However, everyone is different, and mental health issues can be complex, so the length of therapy can change.

Don’t feel discouraged if it takes time to manage your thoughts and feelings better and improve your quality of life. What is important is that you seek help. Any progress is good progress.

When should I see my healthcare provider?

It is normal to feel uncomfortable during therapy. It can be hard to discuss negative emotions, fears, and experiences. If your mental health symptoms worsen, contact your healthcare provider immediate. 

Why choose Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital for Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) in Lucknow, India?

Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital is one of the best hospitals for Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) in Lucknow, India. Our experienced psychiatrists and clinical psychologists treat various conditions, including depression, grief, social anxiety, eating disorders, and interpersonal conflicts. We offer personalized IPT session planning, thorough psychological evaluation, and dedicated relationship-focused follow-up care. With effective and affordable pricing, our Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) cost is suitable for patients seeking high-quality, empathetic, and structured mental health treatment in Lucknow, India.

To seek an Expert Consultation for Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) in Lucknow, India:

Call us at +91-9076972161
Email at care@tenderpalm.com

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