Interpersonal Psychotherapy

What is IPT?

Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) is an evidence-based treatment for depression that focuses on the connection between your mood and your relationships with other people.

IPT is based on the idea that relationship difficulties can affect how we feel, and that depression can also affect our relationships. Therapy helps you understand these links and develop healthier ways of relating to others. The IPT Group offers the opportunity to work alongside others who may be experiencing similar experiences. Many people find that hearing others' perspectives helps them feel less isolated and better understood.

How does the IPT Group work?

The IPT Group brings together people who are experiencing depression and interpersonal difficulties. Sessions follow a structured approach and focus on exploring how relationships and life events may be contributing to low mood.

During the group, you may:

• Talk about current relationship difficulties
• Explore patterns within relationships
• Practise new communication skills
• Consider different ways of responding to interpersonal challenges
• Develop strategies to strengthen supportive relationships
• Learn from the experiences and perspectives of other group members

The IPT Group is:

• Structured – therapy follows a clear model and pathway
• Goal-focused – you will work towards agreed therapy goals
• Collaborative – group members and facilitators work together to support recovery
• Relationship-focused – therapy explores how relationships and life events can affect depression

What will I learn?

IPT can help you to:

• Understand the connection between your relationships and your mood
• Improve communication and problem-solving skills
• Build and strengthen supportive relationships
• Develop strategies for managing relationship difficulties more effectively

Topics covered in the group may include:

• Expectations and values in relationships and friendships
• Communication styles and their impact on relationships
• Communication analysis
• Decision analysis and problem-solving
• Identity, roles, and self-worth
• Relationship patterns and attachment styles
• Managing conflict with others
• Building and using support networks

Is the IPT Group right for me?

The IPT Group may be helpful if:

• Depression is your main difficulty
• You are experiencing difficulties in relationships with partners, family members, friends, or colleagues
• You find yourself repeating unhelpful patterns in relationships
• You regularly experience conflict or misunderstandings with others
• You struggle with communication or expressing your needs
• You often put the needs of others before your own
• Low self-esteem or changes in your sense of self are affecting your relationships
• You would like to build stronger support networks

The IPT Group may not be the best option if:

• You are looking primarily for practical techniques to manage symptoms
• Your main difficulties are not linked to depression, relationships, or significant life changes
• Another therapy approach may be better suited to your needs

Accessing this treatment

To access the IPT Group, you will need to complete an assessment with NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire Talking Therapies.

If you are interested in this group, please let your clinician know during your assessment. If IPT is considered suitable for your needs, it may be offered as part of your care. In some cases, a different treatment or service may be recommended if we believe another approach would better support your needs.