Talking Therapies : Interpersonal therapy
Overview
Interpersonal therapy (IPT) is a treatment for depression which focuses on improving interpersonal relationships to reduce distress caused by difficulties in the four following areas:
- conflict in close relationships, e.g. family tensions
- adjusting to big life changes, e.g. having a child or entering retirement
- unresolved grief or loss
- starting or sustaining relationships
IPT can help you see yourself and others differently and resolve feelings of frustration about your relationships and social interactions.
What treatment involves
You and your therapist will discuss your symptoms, patterns in your close relationships, and the expectations people may have of you.
Your therapist will listen to you without judging or telling you what to think or feel.
They will work with you to understand any problem areas you would like to focus on during your therapy and develop a treatment plan to address this.
Between your sessions, you will be asked to practice what you have discussed and try out different ways of responding to others and help separate your relationships from your symptoms of depression.
The task each week is to help you to discuss experiences that relate to the area you have chosen to work on.
Most people will receive 12-16 treatment sessions, usually lasting up to 50 minutes, but this may vary depending on your situation.
You will be asked to complete questionnaires to understand how your symptoms are changing and check your progress through your treatment.
IPT is only available by online video call or face-to-face at one of our locations.
We do not offer this treatment by phone call.
Accessing this treatment
To access this therapy you need to complete a wellbeing assessment with NHS Berkshire Talking Therapies, and be offered this treatment by one of our therapists. You may be offered a different treatment if we find another therapy or service is better suited to your needs.
You can refer yourself to NHS Berkshire Talking Therapies for a wellbeing assessment by completing our online form.
Preparing for treatment
Here are a few things you can do to get the most of your treatment:
- attend all sessions on time as planned
- be open and honest about your problems
- make your treatment aims as clear as possible, as working towards a goal can help boost your confidence
- be active in your sessions: ask us questions if you don’t understand a term or phrase we’ve used or if you’re unsure what happens next
- bring a pen and paper to take notes and read back on afterwards, as this will help you remember what we’ve discussed and what you need to do next
- keep your notes and sheets organised in a folder or a notebook
- allow yourself time after each session to gather your thoughts
- complete any tasks between sessions, as agreed with your therapist
- plan time each week to complete any activities we’ve suggested for you
If you're attending your sessions by video call, you will need to have:
- regular access to the internet, including sound, on a phone, tablet or laptop that can play video; and
- a private space to take the call without interruptions or distractions – such as care giving or driving.
- reading glasses, if applicable for you
Frequently asked questions
Who delivers the interpersonal therapy sessions?
You will see a therapist who is trained in interpersonal therapy and accredited with a recognised UK professional body, such as:
- Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
- British Association of Psychotherapy and Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)
- UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP)
- British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP)
This includes trainees working towards their postgraduate certificate.
Will I have to talk about my childhood or past events?
No, this treatment focuses on managing your current difficulties.
Unlike other forms of psychotherapy which also treat depression by improving your relationships, such as dynamic interpersonal therapy, IPT does not look for underlying causes or patterns of thinking formed in childhood.
More about Talking Therapies
If your question isn’t answered here, you can find additional FAQs about Talking Therapies on our service page.
Support to stay well after your treatment
At the end of your treatment, you can join our online platform called SHaRON (Support Hope and Recovery Resources Online Network).
This is a secure online space for you to connect with others who are on a similar treatment journey and help you maintain the gains made during therapy and stay well.
When you log in, you’ll be able to find support resources such as forums, videos and blogs.
During office hours, you can also use The Wall to talk to peers and to our moderating team, which includes experienced clinicians, former patients, and volunteers, who can provide real-time commentary and support.
It can also be used by relatives and carers who are supporting a friend or relative with their needs.
Ask your therapist to help you get started.