What Is Interpersonal Therapy?

Interpersonal Therapy is a structured, evidence-based approach that helps clients address emotional challenges by focusing on relationship patterns and social interactions. Rather than exploring the distant past, IPT concentrates on current relationships, communication habits, roles, and emotional needs.

This therapy helps clients build healthier ways of relating to others—strengthening both self-worth and emotional resilience.

When your relationships improve, your emotional world becomes more balanced, supportive, and secure.

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What Interpersonal Therapy Helps With

IPT is especially effective for people experiencing:

• Depression or persistent sadness
• Anxiety related to relationships
• Grief and complicated loss
• Social withdrawal or isolation
• Conflict with family or partners
• Role transitions (divorce, parenthood, career changes)
• Repeated patterns of unhealthy relationships
• Difficulty expressing needs or setting boundaries

By focusing on these areas, IPT supports emotional healing through improved interpersonal functioning.

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Core Areas of Focus in IPT

Interpersonal Therapy typically addresses four key relational categories:

1. Interpersonal Disputes

Conflict, tension, or miscommunication with partners, family, friends, or coworkers.

2. Role Transitions

Adjusting to major life changes such as marriage, divorce, relocation, job change, or becoming a parent.

3. Grief and Loss

Processing the emotional impact of losing a loved one or experiencing a significant relationship change.

4. Interpersonal Deficits

Challenges forming or maintaining close relationships, including loneliness or social disconnection.

These categories guide therapy so clients can build insight and develop healthier communication and relational strategies.

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Our Approach to Interpersonal Therapy

At PS It’s Counseling, we tailor IPT to each client’s emotional needs and relationship goals. Sessions are collaborative, supportive, and focused on practical change.

Your therapist may integrate techniques such as:

• Communication and assertiveness training
• Emotion identification and expression
• Boundary-setting skills
• Role-playing and relational practice
• Behavioral activation
• Conflict resolution strategies
• Exploration of unmet emotional needs

These tools help you build confidence, improve emotional clarity, and create healthier patterns in your relationships.

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What to Expect During IPT Sessions

1. Assessment & Goal Setting:
   Identify current relationship challenges and emotional patterns.
2. Interpersonal Mapping:
   Explore how key relationships affect mood, stress, and self-esteem.
3. Skill Development:
   Practice communication, emotional expression, and boundary-setting.
4. Applying Insights:
   Work through real-life relational challenges and interactions.
5. Growth & Integration:
   Strengthen emotional resilience and build long-term relational wellbeing.

IPT is collaborative and structured—focused on progress, practical insight, and emotional understanding.

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Benefits of Interpersonal Therapy

• Improves communication and emotional expression
• Strengthens relationships and boundaries
• Reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety
• Builds emotional intelligence and self-awareness
• Supports smoother life transitions
• Enhances the ability to resolve conflict
• Increases confidence in social and intimate relationships
• Encourages healthy, balanced connections with others

This therapy helps clients feel more empowered and connected both within themselves and with the people who matter most.

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Related Services and Specialties

IPT pairs well with other therapeutic approaches and specialties such as:

These complementary approaches support comprehensive emotional and relational wellness.

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Our Therapists

Our licensed therapists are trained in Interpersonal Therapy and specialize in helping clients navigate relationship challenges with clarity, compassion, and practical tools. They offer a safe space to explore emotions and build healthier interpersonal patterns.

Meet Our Team →