Psychiatrists in Massachusetts

Studies have found interpersonal therapy to be effective for life transitions including retirement, divorce, and job loss. Also, some studies have found it to be just as useful as medication and other therapy approaches. The benefits of interpersonal therapy can last long after treatment has been completed; the individual can use the tenets of this therapy throughout their life.

Interpersonal psychotherapy is normally time-limited and focuses on specific problems in the client’s everyday relationships. Treatment can be either one-on-one or take place in a group setting; it tends to last 12 to 16 weeks, depending on the individual client’s needs. If a new interpersonal problem arises in the future, the client may require additional therapy to address it specifically. The timeline and session schedule may vary depending on the client’s challenges as well as their progress. Treatment may conclude with wrap-up sessions to review the client’s accomplishments.

Research shows that interpersonal therapy can help someone manage or reduce symptoms of conditions such as depression or anxiety. The approach may also offer a range of benefits that are hard to measure but valuable—including healthier relationships and improved feelings of self-worth. The therapist will give the client practical solutions that can be put into practice. The brief duration of this therapy also means that clients can see changes in their relationships fairly quickly.

Interpersonal therapy may not effectively treat certain mental health conditions such as psychosis, chronic illness, or alcohol relapse. Because it is short-term in nature, it may not be the best approach for conditions that need to be tracked, though maintenance sessions are a viable approach under these circumstances.

Yes, interpersonal psychotherapy can be conducted effectively either in-person or online. A therapist with expertise in IPT will be able to adjust their techniques, such as role-playing, to better suit the online environment. Offering online IPT can make it more accessible for clients who have transportation difficulties; it also provides the ideal opportunity to explore challenges unique to digital relationships.