Interpersonal Therapy (IBT)
Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) at Cognitive Counselling
Relationships play a fundamental role in our emotional well-being. When those relationships are strained—due to conflict, loss, life transitions, or unresolved issues—we often feel the emotional impact in deep and lasting ways. Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) is a structured, evidence-based approach that helps individuals improve the quality of their relationships and address the emotional challenges that arise within them.
At Cognitive Counselling, we offer IPT to support clients who are experiencing interpersonal difficulties, grief, or social isolation, as well as those navigating changes in life roles. Our goal is to help you improve how you relate to others and feel more connected, confident, and supported in your everyday life.
What Is Interpersonal Therapy?
Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) is a short-term, focused psychotherapy that centers on improving communication patterns, addressing relational conflicts, and strengthening social support. Unlike some therapies that focus primarily on internal thought patterns, IPT is grounded in the idea that our relationships and life events have a significant impact on our emotional health.
Rather than exploring the distant past, IPT focuses on the present—helping you understand how relationship dynamics contribute to feelings of sadness, anxiety, or disconnection, and guiding you toward more fulfilling interactions and emotional well-being.
What Does IPT Help With?
IPT is most commonly used to treat:
-
Depression and mood-related disorders
-
Grief and complicated bereavement
-
Interpersonal conflicts and communication issues
-
Life transitions (e.g., becoming a parent, divorce, retirement, relocation)
-
Social withdrawal or isolation
-
Low self-esteem in relationships
It is particularly effective when emotional struggles are closely linked to relationship stress or disruptions in your social support system.
How Interpersonal Therapy Works
In IPT, you and your therapist identify one or two key relationship areas that are contributing to your distress. These may fall into categories such as:
-
Unresolved grief
-
Role disputes (e.g., ongoing conflict with a partner or family member)
-
Role transitions (e.g., changes in identity, responsibilities, or relationship dynamics)
-
Interpersonal deficits (e.g., difficulty initiating or maintaining relationships)
Together, you’ll explore how these issues are affecting your mental health and develop strategies to address them through healthier communication, emotional processing, and practical changes.
IPT is typically a time-limited approach (often 12–20 sessions) that provides both structure and flexibility, helping clients see progress and build confidence in their relationships.
Is IPT Right for You?
Interpersonal Therapy is ideal for individuals who are struggling with emotional distress that stems from relational challenges, loss, or major life changes. It can be especially beneficial for those who:
-
Feel stuck in unhealthy communication cycles
-
Have experienced recent loss or relationship changes
-
Struggle with social connection or loneliness
-
Want to understand and improve how they relate to others
If you value a structured approach that focuses on current relationships and real-life social dynamics, IPT may be a strong fit.
Begin Rebuilding Connection and Confidence
At Cognitive Counselling, we believe that healing doesn’t happen in isolation. By improving your relationships, you can also improve your overall emotional well-being. Our therapists provide a safe, supportive space to help you explore, process, and strengthen the connections that matter most.
Ready to explore Interpersonal Therapy? Contact us to learn more or book your first session.
