Interpersonal Psychotherapy - £65 per session

Introduction

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People seek therapy for many reasons – usually combinations of mood changes, especially anxiety and depression, physical

symptoms associated with forms of stress, problems in making and maintaining relationships and doubts about ourselves. The difficulties outlined above can be associated with the ways we learned to lead our lives, negotiate relationships and manage ourselves during our early years. They may also be associated with recent illness or events in our lives which change how we see our situation. The varying psychological approaches address this from different perspectives and therefore each therapeutic treatment differs in its approach.

 

 

Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) sees problems as developing within a social and interpersonal context. Four particular areas

– grief following the loss of a significant person or situation, a history of difficulties in relationships, conflicts with other people and changes in role, such as the beginning or ending of a career, a move, promotion or diagnosis of an illness can contribute to how problems develop and continue. Treatment involves the therapist and patient developing a shared understanding of the factors involved and how these relate to the current problem. They then work to develop patterns of activity, which can help to overcome the difficulties.

 

 

Approach to problems

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The focus of discussions with the therapist will be on the “here and now “ to develop an understanding of how your mood is linked to changes in relationships.  This will be developed by discussing your past social relationships to gain an understanding of the link between the start of the problem with one of the following areas:

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1. transitions in life such as retirement, change in marital

status, changes in health, becoming a carer

2. bereavement

3. conflicts with significant others

4. long standing difficulty in making and keeping relationships

 

By understanding the links between your feelings and what is happening around you, you will be enabled to develop new ways of relating to your circumstances.

 

 

What to expect in therapy

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You will be expected to take an active part in therapy. The treatment uses specialised techniques such as understanding your communication style, clarifying facts, role play, problem solving and addressing the ending of therapy. You will be expected to discuss with your therapist what you can try to do between sessions and talk about how you got on at your next meeting.

 

 

Practical Information  

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IPT is offered within a time limited number of sessions, usually 50 minutes weekly or fortnightly for up to 16 sessions. The therapist will work with you to develop an understanding of your problems and how they might be resolved. The ending of treatment will be planned with you and your progress reviewed with you during the treatment. You may be offered a monthly maintenance session for up to 12 months, once you have completed your main treatment phase.

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