How We Work
Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)
Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) is a structured, time-limited approach that focuses on the relationship between your mood and your interpersonal world — understanding how life events, relationships, and transitions affect how you feel, and making changes that improve both.
Evidence-based · Time-limited · Relationships & mood · Creswick, Brisbane & Online
What Is IPT?
Your relationships affect how you feel
IPT was originally developed for depression and is one of the most strongly evidence-based therapies available. It operates from the premise that mood and interpersonal events are deeply connected — that difficult relationships, unresolved grief, role transitions, and interpersonal disputes all contribute to how we feel. By addressing these interpersonal areas directly, IPT produces meaningful improvement in mood.
IPT is structured around four interpersonal problem areas: grief and loss, role transitions (major life changes), interpersonal disputes (conflicts in important relationships), and interpersonal deficits (difficulty forming or maintaining relationships). Your therapist will work with you to identify which area is most relevant, then focus the work there.
Unlike open-ended therapy, IPT is typically delivered over 12–20 sessions with a clear focus and structure. This makes it well-suited to people who want a practical, goal-directed approach, or who need to see improvement within a specific timeframe.
Interpersonal Therapy can help with
- ✓Depression and low mood
- ✓Grief and bereavement
- ✓Major life transitions (new role, relationship change, loss of identity)
- ✓Relationship conflicts and communication difficulties
- ✓Loneliness and social withdrawal
- ✓Post-natal depression
- ✓Adjustment to illness or disability
- ✓Relationship difficulties linked to trauma
The Process
What IPT looks like
Assessment and focus area
Early sessions map the connection between your mood and your interpersonal world. Together with your therapist, you identify the primary problem area to focus on — whether that's grief, a transition, a dispute, or difficulty connecting with others.
Focused interpersonal work
The middle phase focuses on the identified problem area — working through unresolved grief, finding new roles after a transition, improving communication in important relationships, or building social connection. Sessions are active and focused.
Consolidation and ending
IPT pays careful attention to ending — acknowledging what has changed, consolidating the skills and insights gained, and preparing for the future. The ending of therapy is used as an opportunity to practise the interpersonal skills developed throughout.
Available locations
FAQ
Common questions about Interpersonal Therapy
Is IPT only for depression?
IPT was originally developed for depression and has the strongest evidence base there. It is also effective for anxiety, eating disorders, post-natal depression, grief, and adjustment difficulties. Your therapist will assess whether it's the right fit for your situation.
How is IPT different from other therapies?
IPT's defining focus is on the present — specifically on what is happening in your relationships and life circumstances right now. Unlike CBT, it doesn't focus primarily on thought patterns; unlike psychodynamic therapy, it doesn't focus on the past or unconscious processes. The focus is your interpersonal world, now.
Can IPT be combined with medication?
Yes. IPT has been studied extensively alongside antidepressant medication and the combination tends to be more effective than either alone for moderate-to-severe depression. Your therapist can work collaboratively with your GP or psychiatrist.
Ready to Begin?
Ready to improve your relationships and your mood?
Book an appointment or reach out with any questions. We'll help you find the right therapist and the right approach.