![Four stone paths meeting at a small lawn under a wisteria pergola, with the lavender armchair at the centre](https://viacara.com/img/content/approaches-interpersonal-therapy-feature-light.webp) # Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) Learn how interpersonal therapy links your mood to your relationships and life changes, what a course involves and what NICE and the research say. ## What is interpersonal therapy? Interpersonal therapy, or IPT, is a structured talking therapy with a set number of sessions. It looks at how your relationships and the events in your life affect your mood. It works on the present rather than on your childhood. The focus is the people in your life now, and the changes you are living through. Gerald Klerman and Myrna Weissman developed it in the 1970s, as a treatment for depression. Their manual came out in 1984. You may also see it called interpersonal psychotherapy, which is the same therapy. Sources: [WHO: group IPT for depression](https://viacara.com/approaches/interpersonal-therapy/#ref-1), [Markowitz & Weissman 2012](https://viacara.com/approaches/interpersonal-therapy/#ref-2) ## How it *works* IPT links how you feel to what is happening between you and other people. The link runs both ways. A row or a loss can lower your mood, and a low mood can strain your relationships. IPT does not claim that relationships cause depression. It sees depression as an illness, not a personal fault. Then it works on mood and relationships together. You and your therapist choose one focus, or sometimes two, from four areas: - **Grief.** After the death of someone important to you - **Conflict.** When a relationship at home or at work is stuck in arguments - **Life changes.** A move, a new job, an illness or a relationship starting or ending - **Loneliness.** When it is hard to start or keep close relationships The phases of *IPT* 1. **Agree a focus** You review your relationships and choose an area connected with your difficulties. 2. **Work on that area** You explore recent events and practise different ways to respond. 3. **Prepare for the ending** You review the work and consider how to continue after sessions finish. The phases overlap. IPT focuses on a current relationship difficulty; dynamic interpersonal therapy uses a different model. Sources: [NHS England: IPT curriculum](https://viacara.com/approaches/interpersonal-therapy/#ref-4), [Markowitz & Weissman 2004](https://viacara.com/approaches/interpersonal-therapy/#ref-3), [IPT UK: stages](https://viacara.com/approaches/interpersonal-therapy/#ref-6) ## What *sessions* look like A course is often 16 weekly sessions, and sometimes eight to twelve. You agree the number at the start, and your therapist counts down the sessions left. 16 sessions in a typical IPT course sometimes 8 to 12 [NHS England: IPT curriculum](https://viacara.com/approaches/interpersonal-therapy/#ref-4) In the first few sessions, your therapist asks how you have been feeling. They also ask about the important people in your life, past and present. IPT calls this review the interpersonal inventory. In the middle sessions, you talk through the past week with your therapist. You look at what happened with people, and how your mood changed. There is no formal homework. Your therapist may practise a hard conversation with you, so you can try it for real between sessions. The last few sessions look back at what has changed. They also plan how you will stay well once the course ends. Sources: [NHS England: IPT curriculum](https://viacara.com/approaches/interpersonal-therapy/#ref-4), [IPT UK: stages](https://viacara.com/approaches/interpersonal-therapy/#ref-6), [Markowitz & Weissman 2004](https://viacara.com/approaches/interpersonal-therapy/#ref-3) ![One of the paths seen from the armchair, its lanterns lit and a gate open into the next garden](https://viacara.com/img/content/approaches-interpersonal-therapy-mid-light.webp) Interpersonal therapy links how you feel to what is happening with the people around you ## Who it may *suit* IPT can be a good fit if: - Your mood dropped around the time of a loss, a falling-out or a big change - You keep clashing with someone close to you and cannot find a way through - You feel lonely or cut off, even with people around you - You want a set course with a clear focus and a clear end - You would rather work on your life now than go back over your childhood IPT is short and focused. Its UK network says it is not designed to change your personality or resolve every difficulty. If you want to explore your past in depth, [psychodynamic therapy](https://viacara.com/approaches/psychodynamic/) is closer to that. Source: [IPT UK: overview](https://viacara.com/approaches/interpersonal-therapy/#ref-5) ## IPT and *CBT* Both are structured, time-limited and focused on the present. Cognitive behavioural therapy, or [CBT](https://viacara.com/approaches/cbt/), works on how your thoughts, feelings and actions interact. It also sets homework. IPT aims to change relationship patterns, rather than working directly on your thoughts. Sources: [Markowitz & Weissman 2004](https://viacara.com/approaches/interpersonal-therapy/#ref-3), [NICE NG222](https://viacara.com/approaches/interpersonal-therapy/#ref-12) ## Not the same as *dynamic* interpersonal therapy Dynamic interpersonal therapy, or DIT, is a different therapy with a similar name. It is a brief form of [psychodynamic therapy](https://viacara.com/approaches/psychodynamic/). It explores how difficult things from the past still affect how you feel and act. IPT works on a current problem instead. The two have separate trainings and separate professional bodies. Sources: [NHS: talking therapies](https://viacara.com/approaches/interpersonal-therapy/#ref-9), [NHS England: talking therapies manual](https://viacara.com/approaches/interpersonal-therapy/#ref-11) ## IPT on the *NHS* In England, you can refer yourself to NHS Talking Therapies, or ask your GP to refer you. The service offers IPT as one of its therapies for depression. IPT is a small part of that service. What you can get depends on your area. NICE lists IPT among the treatments to discuss for a new episode of depression, whether less or more severe. It says IPT may be helpful when depression is linked to relationship difficulties, loss or a change of role. For more severe depression, NICE found some evidence that IPT works. It judged IPT less cost effective than some other options, but kept it because it may help some people. Sources: [NHS: find talking therapies](https://viacara.com/approaches/interpersonal-therapy/#ref-10), [NHS England: talking therapies manual](https://viacara.com/approaches/interpersonal-therapy/#ref-11), [NHS: talking therapies](https://viacara.com/approaches/interpersonal-therapy/#ref-9), [NICE NG222](https://viacara.com/approaches/interpersonal-therapy/#ref-12), [NICE NG222 rationale](https://viacara.com/approaches/interpersonal-therapy/#ref-13) ## Finding an IPT therapist IPT training asks for an existing qualification in a mental health profession. To be accredited, a therapist completes supervised cases, with every session recorded for review. Someone without that background can train only to practise within an employer. IPT UK says that route is not accreditation. Interpersonal Psychotherapy UK (IPT UK) keeps a register of accredited members. Each member must also be on a professional register. The IPT UK register is not accredited by the Professional Standards Authority. Anyone in the UK can call themselves a psychotherapist or a counsellor. So ask which register your therapist is on. Look for one accredited by the Professional Standards Authority. Sources: [IPT UK: accreditation](https://viacara.com/approaches/interpersonal-therapy/#ref-7), [IPT UK: PSA update](https://viacara.com/approaches/interpersonal-therapy/#ref-8), [POST: regulation of professionals](https://viacara.com/approaches/interpersonal-therapy/#ref-17), [PSA: accredited registers](https://viacara.com/approaches/interpersonal-therapy/#ref-18) ## The *evidence* IPT has a large research base. By 2017, at least 133 trials of IPT had been carried out around the world. A 2011 review drew together 38 studies of IPT for depression. IPT did better than control groups, and about as well as other talking therapies. Only about a quarter of the studies met all its quality criteria. about 1 in 4 of the review's studies met every quality criterion 38 studies of IPT for depression [Cuijpers et al. 2011](https://viacara.com/approaches/interpersonal-therapy/#ref-20) A 2016 review of 90 studies, which Weissman co-wrote, reached a similar view. IPT combined with medication did better than IPT alone. Most of the studies carried some risk of bias. A 2021 review of 331 trials compared the main talking therapies for depression. IPT, CBT and most others did about equally well. The authors suggest your preference, and what is available, may matter more. Research has also looked at IPT for eating disorders, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. NICE does not recommend IPT for any of these. In one large early trial, people with long-standing relationship difficulties did least well in every treatment, especially IPT. Our [grief](https://viacara.com/support/grief/) and [depression](https://viacara.com/support/depression/) pages start from what you are going through. Sources: [Weissman 2020](https://viacara.com/approaches/interpersonal-therapy/#ref-19), [Cuijpers et al. 2011](https://viacara.com/approaches/interpersonal-therapy/#ref-20), [Cuijpers et al. 2016](https://viacara.com/approaches/interpersonal-therapy/#ref-21), [Cuijpers et al. 2021](https://viacara.com/approaches/interpersonal-therapy/#ref-22), [Markowitz et al. 2015](https://viacara.com/approaches/interpersonal-therapy/#ref-23), [NICE NG69](https://viacara.com/approaches/interpersonal-therapy/#ref-14), [NICE CG113](https://viacara.com/approaches/interpersonal-therapy/#ref-15), [NICE NG116](https://viacara.com/approaches/interpersonal-therapy/#ref-16), [Markowitz & Weissman 2012](https://viacara.com/approaches/interpersonal-therapy/#ref-2) On this page [What is interpersonal therapy?](https://viacara.com/approaches/interpersonal-therapy/#what-is-interpersonal-therapy) [How it works](https://viacara.com/approaches/interpersonal-therapy/#how-it-works) [What sessions look like](https://viacara.com/approaches/interpersonal-therapy/#what-sessions-look-like) [Who it may suit](https://viacara.com/approaches/interpersonal-therapy/#who-it-may-suit) [IPT and CBT](https://viacara.com/approaches/interpersonal-therapy/#ipt-and-cbt) [Not the same as dynamic interpersonal therapy](https://viacara.com/approaches/interpersonal-therapy/#not-the-same-as-dynamic-interpersonal-therapy) [IPT on the NHS](https://viacara.com/approaches/interpersonal-therapy/#ipt-on-the-nhs) [Finding an IPT therapist](https://viacara.com/approaches/interpersonal-therapy/#finding-an-ipt-therapist) [The evidence](https://viacara.com/approaches/interpersonal-therapy/#the-evidence) Related [Low Mood and Depression](https://viacara.com/support/depression/) [Grief Counselling](https://viacara.com/support/grief/) [Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)](https://viacara.com/approaches/cbt/) [Psychodynamic Therapy](https://viacara.com/approaches/psychodynamic/) [Counselling](https://viacara.com/approaches/counselling/) [Understanding Different Approaches](https://viacara.com/guides/understanding-approaches/) Thanks for your interest. We're not taking on new clients at the moment. ## Looking for *interpersonal* therapy? We ask what matters to you, then find professionals who fit. Leave your email and we'll let you know as soon as we're ready for you. This conversation helps us find you the right support. What you share helps us understand what you're looking for and find someone who fits. Your email keeps you updated on what's happening next and isn't shared with anyone we introduce you to. [Privacy policy](https://viacara.com/privacy/) [Terms of service](https://viacara.com/terms/) ## References 1. World Health Organization and Columbia University (2016). *Group interpersonal therapy (IPT) for depression*. [who.int](https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/WHO-MSD-MER-16.4) 2. Markowitz, J. C. & Weissman, M. M. (2012). *Interpersonal psychotherapy: past, present and future*. Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy. [doi:10.1002/cpp.1774](https://doi.org/10.1002/cpp.1774) 3. Markowitz, J. C. & Weissman, M. M. (2004). *Interpersonal psychotherapy: principles and applications*. [pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1414693/) 4. NHS England (2023). *Curriculum for practitioner training in interpersonal psychotherapy, version 1.1*. [hee.nhs.uk (PDF)](https://www.hee.nhs.uk/sites/default/files/documents/HIT%20Interpersonal%20Psychotherapy%20for%20Depression_suitable%20for%20BABCP%20accredited%20counsellors%20and%20other%20qualified%20mental%20health%20professionals%20Dec%202023.pdf) 5. Interpersonal Psychotherapy UK (2026). *About IPT*. [iptuk.net](https://www.iptuk.net/about-ipt.html) 6. Interpersonal Psychotherapy UK (2026). *Stages of IPT*. [iptuk.net](https://www.iptuk.net/stages-of-ipt.html) 7. Interpersonal Psychotherapy UK (2026). *Accreditation standards*. [iptuk.net](https://www.iptuk.net/accreditation-standards.html) 8. Interpersonal Psychotherapy UK (2025). *PSA update*. [iptuk.net](https://www.iptuk.net/psa.html) 9. National Health Service (2025). *Talking therapies*. [nhs.uk](https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/talking-therapies/) 10. National Health Service (2025). *Find NHS talking therapies for anxiety and depression*. [nhs.uk](https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/mental-health-services/find-nhs-talking-therapies-for-anxiety-and-depression/) 11. NHS England (2024). *NHS Talking Therapies for anxiety and depression manual, version 7*. [england.nhs.uk (PDF)](https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/nhs-talking-therapies-manual-v7.1-updated.pdf) 12. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (2022). *Depression in adults: treatment and management (NG222)*. [nice.org.uk](https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng222) 13. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (2022). *Depression in adults: rationale and impact (NG222)*. [nice.org.uk](https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng222/chapter/Rationale-and-impact) 14. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (2017). *Eating disorders: recognition and treatment (NG69)*. [nice.org.uk](https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng69) 15. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (2011). *Generalised anxiety disorder and panic disorder in adults: management (CG113)*. [nice.org.uk](https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg113) 16. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (2018). *Post-traumatic stress disorder (NG116)*. [nice.org.uk](https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng116) 17. Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (2025). *Regulation of psychological professionals in mental health care*. [post.parliament.uk](https://post.parliament.uk/regulation-of-psychological-professionals/) 18. Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care (2024). *Accredited Registers*. [professionalstandards.org.uk](https://www.professionalstandards.org.uk/accredited-registers) 19. Weissman, M. M. (2020). *Interpersonal psychotherapy: history and future*. American Journal of Psychotherapy. [doi:10.1176/appi.psychotherapy.20190032](https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.psychotherapy.20190032) 20. Cuijpers, P., Geraedts, A. S., van Oppen, P., Andersson, G., Markowitz, J. C. & van Straten, A. (2011). *Interpersonal psychotherapy for depression: a meta-analysis*. American Journal of Psychiatry. [doi:10.1176/appi.ajp.2010.10101411](https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ajp.2010.10101411) 21. Cuijpers, P., Donker, T., Weissman, M. M., Ravitz, P. & Cristea, I. A. (2016). *Interpersonal psychotherapy for mental health problems: a comprehensive meta-analysis*. American Journal of Psychiatry. [doi:10.1176/appi.ajp.2015.15091141](https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ajp.2015.15091141) 22. Cuijpers, P., Quero, S., Noma, H., Ciharova, M., Miguel, C., Karyotaki, E. and colleagues (2021). *Psychotherapies for depression: a network meta-analysis covering efficacy, acceptability and long-term outcomes of all main treatment types*. World Psychiatry. [doi:10.1002/wps.20860](https://doi.org/10.1002/wps.20860) 23. Markowitz, J. C., Petkova, E., Neria, Y., Van Meter, P. E., Zhao, Y., Hembree, E. and colleagues (2015). *Is exposure necessary? A randomized clinical trial of interpersonal psychotherapy for PTSD*. American Journal of Psychiatry. [doi:10.1176/appi.ajp.2014.14070908](https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ajp.2014.14070908) ## Related ### [Low Mood and Depression](https://viacara.com/support/depression/) Low mood that lasts two weeks or more can be a sign of depression. It is common and treatable. Find a professional who works with low mood. ### [Grief Counselling](https://viacara.com/support/grief/) Grief has no timeline. Find a counsellor who can sit with you while you find your way through loss, in your own time and on your own terms. ### [Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)](https://viacara.com/approaches/cbt/) Learn how CBT works, what happens in sessions and what NICE says about it, and read about its forms for sleep, pain and self-help. ### [Psychodynamic Therapy](https://viacara.com/approaches/psychodynamic/) Learn how psychodynamic therapy works, what to expect in sessions and how exploring your past can change your present. ### [Counselling](https://viacara.com/approaches/counselling/) Learn what counselling is, what sessions look like, how it differs from CBT and psychotherapy and how to find a counsellor on a recognised register. ### [Understanding Different Approaches](https://viacara.com/guides/understanding-approaches/) A plain-English guide to the main therapeutic approaches including CBT, person-centred therapy, psychodynamic and integrative methods.