interpersonal psychotherapy

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June 17, 2026

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Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) is a form of psychotherapy that helps individuals understand their symptoms by examining their impact on relationships and developing more effective communication styles. Typically lasting less than a year, IPT begins by identifying interpersonal issues linked to depression, such as grief, conflicts, life transitions, or social skills deficits.1

IPT views psychological problems within their social context. Symptomatic behaviors may be seen as maladaptive ways of meeting needs through interactions with others, or as messages with a specific communicational impact. This approach is behavioral in focus, though it doesn't rely solely on learning theory.1

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