Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) NYC

Interpersonal Therapy in NYC

We all seek connection, love, and belonging in our journey.

We are social beings, looking to establish meaningful relationships wherever we go—with our family, romantic partners, friends, colleagues, and beyond. However, sometimes we experience difficulties in our interpersonal world.  You may feel anxious about starting a relationship or heartbroken about ending another one.  You might sense your partner has not been there for you, unearthing an immense gap in your bond.  Or maybe you struggle to communicate your emotions, which makes it hard to nurture or form new friendships.
All these relationship issues can be incredibly distressing and impact multiple areas of your life. If you feel lonely, misunderstood, or disconnected from those around you, interpersonal therapy can help. Interpersonal Psychotherapy (also known as IPT) focuses on addressing interpersonal challenges to help you relieve your symptoms and improve your relationships.
Here at Madison Park Psychological Services, our goal is to serve the NYC community with a wide range of therapy options, including IPT. We will support you to navigate your concerns and develop your relational self. If you have any questions about IPT or are ready to book an appointment, contact us today!

Do You Need Interpersonal Therapy?

Interpersonal therapy (or IPT) is a short-term treatment for severe mood symptoms and interpersonal problems associated with them.
IPT was initially developed to treat depression, yet it’s been an effective approach to support teens and adults with other mental health challenges, including:

• Anxiety
• Bipolar Disorder
• Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
• Eating disorders
• Fatigue
• Grief and loss
• Life transitions
• Mood issues
• Panic attacks
• Trauma or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Relationship conflicts
• And more!

You don’t need to suffer from specific problems to benefit from IPT.  If you want to examine your current relationships or improve your interpersonal skills, this therapeutic modality is an excellent avenue to pursue.

Interpersonal Therapy Procedure & Techniques

Interpersonal therapy aims to explore how your relationship difficulties might be affecting your mental health.  It centers on current or more immediate problems instead of childhood or developmental hurdles.
IPT looks at mood symptoms as potential responses to those interpersonal challenges, separating them into four problem areas:

Grief and Loss

Grief and loss problems are related to delayed, unresolved, or unhealthy grief after a loss.  While it is completely natural to mourn the loss of a loved one, sometimes your grief can become dysfunctional and interfere with your quality of life.

Role Transition

Role transition consists of difficulties experienced when trying to adapt to life changes or different social roles.  For example, starting a new relationship, getting a divorce, becoming a parent, or retiring from your job.

Role Dispute

Role dispute involves relationship conflicts that stem from having unmet needs, misaligned expectations, or dissatisfaction.  For instance, when you feel like your best friend is disconnected and not being reciprocal with you.

Interpersonal Deficit

Interpersonal deficit refers to ongoing challenges faced while forming or sustaining relationships—unrelated to specific life events.  This may include communication problems, inability to express emotions, and other beliefs interfering with your social functioning.

What to Expect From Interpersonal Therapy 

Some of the benefits of interpersonal therapy include: 

• Exploring your relational self
• Strengthening your current relationships
• Fostering new connections
• Improving interactions and social skills
• Finding relief from distressing symptoms

Our staff at Madison Park Psychological Services has experience in several therapeutic approaches, including interpersonal therapy.  Our process starts with a psychological consultation, where we will get to know you and your concerns to pair you with the therapist that best suits your needs.
During IPT sessions, you will meet individually or as a group with one of our IPT therapists.  Your therapist will ask you about your symptoms, your most important relationships, and how you feel about them to determine the focus of therapy. The goal is to identify your problem areas (grief and loss, role transition, role dispute, or interpersonal deficit), establish clear goals, and customize a treatment plan.
As therapy continues, your therapist will support you to address the selected problem areas, developing practical solutions and coping strategies. Therapy will also help you enhance your interpersonal skills, including communication, problem-solving, and decision-making.  Your therapist may encourage you to practice what you learn between sessions and recommend follow-up appointments to maintain your progress.

Booking an Appointment for Interpersonal Therapy NYC

At Madison Park Psychological Services, we offer therapy services to teens and adults in NYC and its surrounding areas online via teletherapy. You deserve a chance to belong and connect.  Let us support your journey to healthier relationships and a happier self!
Ready to get started?  Call us at 212-506-5935 or reach out to us to book an interpersonal therapy appointment today!

Related Therapy

• Relational Therapy
• Psychodynamic Therapy
• Person-Centered Therapy

Interpersonal Therapy FAQs

What is interpersonal therapy for depression?

Interpersonal therapy for depression focuses on the link between your current relationships and your symptoms of depression—whether your relationship problems contribute to those symptoms or vice versa. The goal of IPT is to help you alleviate depression by developing your social skills and addressing your interpersonal challenges.

Does interpersonal therapy work?

Interpersonal therapy is an effective treatment for depression and other mental health issues, including anxiety, trauma, grief, and relationship conflicts. Keep in mind that IPT’s effectiveness depends on your motivation, how aware you are of your relationships, and your commitment to work on them.

How long does interpersonal therapy take?

IPT is a structured and time-limited method, ranging from 12 to 16 weeks.  Sessions are typically one hour long, scheduled once a week.  Follow-up sessions may also be necessary, depending on your particular symptoms and progress.

Is interpersonal therapy evidence-based?

Yes, interpersonal therapy is an evidence-based treatment rooted in attachment and communication theories. If you are wondering whether interpersonal therapy is the right method for you, let’s talk.  We will find the best modality and therapist for your specific symptoms, needs, and goals.

What are the benefits of interpersonal therapy?

The main benefits of interpersonal therapy include improving your relationships, enhancing your social functioning, and relieving debilitating symptoms.