Cause of Dysfunction (How does this model view the cause of dysfunction?)

Interpersonal therapy is based on the premise that dysfunctions in interpersonal relationships are significant factors in the onset of mental health disorders, as well likely outcomes of mental health disorders (Rahioui et al., 2015). In this view, dysfunction in interpersonal relationships has a direct effect on the patient’s ability to cope with stressors, and the problematic relationship becomes an additional source of stress, exacerbating the mental health problem.

Key Therapy Technique

(Describe one or two key therapy techniques used in this model.)

One of the primary therapeutic techniques in IPT is the formation of the therapeutic alliance; which is seen as a key element of change. Once the therapeutic alliance has been established, the therapist views themselves as an ally (Rahioui et al., 2015) who works in collaboration with the patient to develop (or improve) social support systems; reduce stress (particularly interpersonal stress); process difficult emotions; and improve the patient’s interpersonal skills (Lipsitz & Markowitz, 2013).

Goal of Therapy (What is the overarching goal of therapy in this model?)

The primary goal of IPT therapy is reduce dysfunctional symptoms by resolving interpersonal conflicts in a patient’s life; this is facilitated by forming an empathic therapeutic alliance between patient and therapist (Lipsitz & Markowitz, 2013). By modeling a healthy interpersonal relationship in the therapy room, the therapist helps the client examine their relationships and create action plans to make those relationships healthier and more functional.

How would this model explain depression?

This model views most problems (including depression) as being caused by one of four primary issues: grief, role transition, role dispute, or interpersonal deficits. Depression could stem from any of these four categories, or a combination thereof (Lipsitz & Markowitz, 2013). IPT also acknowledges the complex etiology of many disorders, including depression (Lipsitz & Markowitz, 2013).

How would this model treat depression?

IPT is a time-limited therapy model, with three distinct phases. In phase one, the therapist evaluates the patient to determine the etiology of their depression (which includes a thorough examination of past and present relationships) and develops a treatment plan. The primary goal of IPT is realized in Phase 2, in which therapist and client address the interpersonal problem and actively work on skill building, processing emotions, reducing stressors, and increasing social support. The final phase is the termination phase.

Cause of Dysfunction (How does this model view the cause of dysfunction?)

Interpersonal therapy is based on the premise that dysfunctions in interpersonal relationships are significant factors in the onset of mental health disorders, as well likely outcomes of mental health disorders (Rahioui et al., 2015). In this view, dysfunction in interpersonal relationships has a direct effect on the patient’s ability to cope with stressors, and the problematic relationship becomes an additional source of stress, exacerbating the mental health problem.

Key Therapy Technique

(Describe one or two key therapy techniques used in this model.)

One of the primary therapeutic techniques in IPT is the formation of the therapeutic alliance; which is seen as a key element of change. Once the therapeutic alliance has been established, the therapist views themselves as an ally (Rahioui et al., 2015) who works in collaboration with the patient to develop (or improve) social support systems; reduce stress (particularly interpersonal stress); process difficult emotions; and improve the patient’s interpersonal skills (Lipsitz & Markowitz, 2013).

Goal of Therapy (What is the overarching goal of therapy in this model?)

The primary goal of IPT therapy is reduce dysfunctional symptoms by resolving interpersonal conflicts in a patient’s life; this is facilitated by forming an empathic therapeutic alliance between patient and therapist (Lipsitz & Markowitz, 2013). By modeling a healthy interpersonal relationship in the therapy room, the therapist helps the client examine their relationships and create action plans to make those relationships healthier and more functional.

How would this model explain depression?

This model views most problems (including depression) as being caused by one of four primary issues: grief, role transition, role dispute, or interpersonal deficits. Depression could stem from any of these four categories, or a combination thereof (Lipsitz & Markowitz, 2013). IPT also acknowledges the complex etiology of many disorders, including depression (Lipsitz & Markowitz, 2013).

How would this model treat depression?

IPT is a time-limited therapy model, with three distinct phases. In phase one, the therapist evaluates the patient to determine the etiology of their depression (which includes a thorough examination of past and present relationships) and develops a treatment plan. The primary goal of IPT is realized in Phase 2, in which therapist and client address the interpersonal problem and actively work on skill building, processing emotions, reducing stressors, and increasing social support. The final phase is the termination phase.