IPT understands that as human beings, we are drawn towards trying to find and make connections with others; it is in our nature. However, that isn’t to say this seemingly straightforward behaviour is well, straightforward. Making connections with other people can be extremely hard for lots of different reasons. Some relationships are healthy and supportive, others can be stressful and emotionally painful and some can be both.
IPT understands that the relationships we have with other people can be influenced by so many things; from our own early experiences of relationships e.g. with our parents/care givers, the experiences we have with close friendships growing up, with siblings and with our later life partners.
IPT is an effective treatment for depression, but can also help treat attachment difficulties, anxiety and some addictive behaviours. IPT suggests that the roots to emotional difficulties, particularly depression, can often be found where there are changes or difficulties in the relationships we have in our lives. These changes may result from the loss of a key relationship/s, a change in the roles we play in our lives, or through conflict we experience in important relationships. It may also feel as if relationships have always been difficult and stressful for you, and that you have great trouble staying in relationships.
IPT can help you to understand why this may happen.
By using an IPT framework, it enables us to explore the relationships we have, including the relationship we have with ourselves, and understand the links between the things we expect from our relationships, how we communicate with others, and the ways in which we cope when things are difficult.
Depending on the degree of difficulty, a course of IPT usually last 16 sessions, but this can be reduced or extended depending on your needs.