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Interpersonal Therapy - Types, Benefits, and Limitations

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Interpersonal therapy is a form or subtype of psychotherapy that is often short-termed and is used to treat mental illnesses. Read the article to know more.

Written by

Dr. Kirti Maan

Medically reviewed by

Daniyal Riaz

Published At October 17, 2022
Reviewed AtJuly 11, 2023

What Is Interpersonal Therapy?

In the early 1970s, Gerald Klerman and Myrna Weissman developed interpersonal therapy with the objective of treating depression. Interpersonal therapy was built on the work of Harry Sullivan, John Bowlby, and Adolf Meyer. Interpersonal therapy is a brief, short-term therapy often consisting of 12 to 16 sessions focusing on resolving and improving interpersonal issues or problems along with social interactions and symptomatic reliefs. Therapists focussing and following interpersonal therapy are taught to be non-neutral, non-judgmental, and supportive of their patients. The therapy conducted is face-to-face and in a one-to-one format. Initially, interpersonal therapy was developed to treat depression; however, with positive outcomes of the therapy, it is now used to treat other mental illnesses too.

What Are the Types of Interpersonal Therapy?

Interpersonal therapy is divided into two main subtypes, they are:

  • Dynamic Interpersonal Therapy: Dynamic interpersonal therapy is also referred to as psychodynamic, interpersonal therapy, or mentalization-based therapy. This form of therapy is structured in a manner to help the individual understand their thought process and feelings along with the thought process and feelings of others. It is usually the longer subtype of therapy consisting of 16 sessions.

  • Metacognitive Interpersonal Therapy: Metacognitive interpersonal therapy, or MIT, is an approach to understanding and treating personality disorders along with prominent emotional disorders (emotional inhibition or avoidance). This form of therapy is employed for 12 weeks to reduce the symptoms of depression and improve the ability and capacity of an individual to process and identify one’s emotions.

How Does Interpersonal Therapy Work?

The central idea on which interpersonal therapy is based is the fact that psychological symptoms are based on the conditions faced by an individual in everyday life. Interpersonal therapy focuses on the respective areas:

Conflict or disruptions in the relationship that causes stress. A drastic change in life such as loss of job, death of a relative, near-death experience, grief, and emotional disbalance. Difficulty managing and continuing a long relationship. Interpersonal therapy sessions are operated with respect to three sessions:

  • Opening Sessions (often occupies first to third weeks) - The first session consists of collecting data and making a formal diagnosis and a treatment plan. The therapist then helps the patient come to terms with their illness. Make sure they understand the disorder and the symptomatic behavior change they experience. They also make a list of all the important relationships in the individual’s life, which is also known as interpersonal inventory.

  • Middle Sessions (occupies fourth to 14th weeks) - After establishing the interpersonal inventory, the therapist then asks the individual to focus on the weaker parts of their relationships. The patients and therapist work for the betterment of the relationship.

  • Final Sessions (occupies 15th to 16th week) - The ending session deals with any form of prematurity left in the relationship. This therapy session is used to reflect on or review the shortcomings of the relationships once faced by the patient and if they have made any progress or so.

What Are the Uses of Interpersonal Therapy?

Interpersonal therapy is designed to focus on and help people suffering from mental health disorders. Initially, it was only used as a therapy for depression; however, currently, interpersonal therapy is employed to manage and treat other mental illnesses too. Other mental disorders treated under the supervision of interpersonal therapy are:

  1. Anxiety disorders.

  2. Eating disorder (bulimia nervosa)

  3. Dysthymia (persistent depressive disorder).

  4. Substance abuse disorder.

  5. Bipolar disorder.

  6. Postpartum depression.

  7. Clinical depression.

  8. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

  9. Borderline personality disorder (BPD).

  10. Perinatal depression.

  11. Social anxiety disorder.

  12. Major depressive disorder (MDD).

  13. Depression or depressive episodes due to chronic diseases (such as cancer or HIV).

  14. Panic attacks or disorder.

  15. Attachment issues.

  16. Chronic fatigue.

  17. Mood disorders.

What Are the Benefits of Interpersonal Therapy?

Interpersonal therapy, time and again, has proven to be an effective and versatile therapy option. Therapy sessions for depression have proven to be effective in adjunction with antidepressants. Interpersonal therapy has a wide variety of benefits for both mental and physical health.

Some of the benefits are:

  • Improved relationships.

  • Reduced depression level.

  • Better communication skills.

  • Symptomatic relief.

  • Ease anxiety and panic attacks.

  • Reduced risk of self-harm.

  • Increased ability to express one’s emotions.

Interpersonal therapy acknowledges that depression is not just an individual’s issue; it can also be caused due to relationship issues.

What Are the Limitations of Interpersonal Therapy?

Interpersonal therapy works in a great way to modify an individual’s life; however, focusing on just the positive aspect is not enough. One must look both ways before crossing the street similarly; looking at both the benefits and limitations is essential. Some of the limitations of interpersonal therapy include:

  • Interpersonal therapy is based on the conception that the patient is willing to share shortcomings and personal information.

  • Committing to therapy and willing to change are two different behavior skills. An individual willing to undergo therapy is committing to the therapy, but it takes effort to change oneself.

  • An individual must be self-aware, knowing where they went wrong and the change in their behavior due to their mental illness. Changes caused due to mental illness and getting a grasp on their situation is a very crucial part of the therapy.

  • Since it is a short-term therapy, it might or might not have a long-lasting effect.

  • Being a short-term therapy also means that the interaction time is limited, and the individual might not open up to the therapist in order to resolve their issues and conditions.

Conclusion

Interpersonal therapy or psychotherapy focuses on resolving any interpersonal issues and providing symptomatic relief and recovery. Interpersonal therapy is also referred to as empirically supported treatment (or EST) and is a defined structured therapy that deals with treating an individual suffering from mental illnesses. Therapy consists of 12 to 16 weeks long sessions. Opting for interpersonal therapy might be a good choice, but not for everyone.

Considering the limitations before opting for therapy is crucial. Motivation and admission to help are the key features one should have before admitting to therapy. It is important to note that mental illnesses such as depression and eating disorders are often recurrent conditions. Even after complete treatment and therapy, an individual requires post-therapy sessions or maintenance sessions to help prevent relapses or recurrences and to maintain the progress state of an individual.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.

Which Are the Four Interpersonal Problems?

Four main problem areas in interpersonal relationships are grouped into:
- Grief - A significant loss may result in grief that is delayed or remains for a long time after the loss. In such cases, the person may experience other symptoms, such as depression, insomnia, or fatigue, rather than feeling emotional.
- Role Dispute - It involves disconnection between real life and expectations, often leading to depression. People expect particular behavior from a relationship that can cause role disputes when not met.
- Role Transition - Certain life transitions cause a change in roles, such as getting married, becoming a parent, or getting divorced. Incapability to cope with these changes can cause depression.
- Interpersonal Deficits - Identifying areas of deficit that prevent maintaining good quality relationships can take time and effort. Interpersonal therapy helps to determine those areas leading to improved communication.

2.

Which Therapy Is Most Beneficial?

Cognitive behavioral therapy is the most preferred and beneficial psychotherapy. It leads to significant improvement in quality of life and functioning. In addition, the therapy is beneficial in identifying and coping with specific challenges in life.

3.

How Does Interpersonal Therapy Benefit?

Interpersonal therapy helps to improve interpersonal functioning and addresses current problems and relationships. The therapy is considered beneficial, focusing on communication skills and improving relationships in different situations.

4.

What Does Interpersonal Barrier Mean?

Any disruption in communication, such as in listening, orally, or nonverbal, can cause interpersonal barriers. These may involve a lack of participation, trust in one another, an inability to listen to others, conflicts in the workplace, cultural differences, and differences in language.

5.

What Does Interpersonal Deficit Mean?

The interpersonal deficit is a problem when no clear acute event is associated with difficulty initiating and sustaining relationships despite having a desire. This can cause the person to feel lonely, isolated, or depressed.

6.

What Are the Ways to Resolve Interpersonal Problems?

Interpersonal problems can be managed by reviewing potential resolution methods, such as
- Defining the source of conflict can help to resolve the conflict.
- Practicing listening can enable everyone to say their views without interrupting.
- Showing empathy and listening to others' concerns and frustrations.
- To shift the focus to essential tasks than on conflict.
- To develop communication to avoid further conflicts and promote healthy communication.

7.

What Are the Basics of Interpersonal Skills?

Good interpersonal skills can improve communication and relationships at home and the workplace. Some of the do’s and don’ts of Interpersonal skills are
- To be a good listener and maintain eye contact with the person talking.
- Avoid engaging in nonverbal activities, such as yawning, signing, or other mental or physical fatigue signs.
- Use simple and polite language.
- Behave confident and communicate with a clear voice.
Some of the things to avoid may include
- Avoid interrupting when someone is talking, as it hampers the thought process.
- Avoid complicating messages that can cause barriers to effective communication.
- Avoid negative body language and foul language.
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Daniyal Riaz
Daniyal Riaz

Psychologist/ Counselor

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