Interpersonal therapy (IPT)

A short-term, goal-focused therapy that improves mood by improving relationships— targeting grief, role transitions, conflicts, and social isolation with practical steps.

What is IPT?

IPT links symptoms with what’s happening in your relationships. You and your clinician identify one or two focus areas, practice new communication patterns, and track how changes in your support network affect mood and daily functioning.

When it helps

  • Depression tied to loss, conflict, or life changes
  • Strain with a partner, family member, or coworker
  • Social withdrawal or loneliness
  • Role transitions (new parent, caregiver, retirement)

How sessions work

  1. Map symptoms and recent interpersonal events.
  2. Choose a focus (grief, role dispute, role transition, interpersonal deficits).
  3. Practice skills (scripts, boundary setting, problem-solving).
  4. Review progress and plan maintenance strategies.

Skills you’ll practice

Emotion labeling Boundary setting Assertive communication Perspective taking Problem-solving Support building

Try Interpersonal therapy with Emma

Brief, structured sessions with clear goals you can apply between visits.

Start free trial Log in