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Interpersonal Therapy

The interpersonal therapy definition states that interpersonal therapy is a form of therapy for depression which is based predominantly on interpersonal interactions and existing social roles. While the interpersonal therapy like a depression therapist, may lead one to believe that the treatment is only effective for depression, it is used for several other mood and non-mood disorders as well. In interpersonal therapy, the therapist usually singles out one or two problem areas in the life of the patient and tackles with them accordingly. Some of the common areas covered under the interpersonal therapy definition include co-workers, friends, family, role changes, loss, grief, divorce, retirement and trauma.

Types of Interpersonal Therapy

Depending on the interpersonal therapy effects and methodology in question, the therapy can be divided into two subtypes. In the first kind of treatment, a short term methodology is adopted to deal with an episode of depression. Here, the patient and therapist meet once every week or once every couple of weeks and the sessions are continued for a few months until the symptoms subside.

In the second type of treatment, the required interpersonal therapy effects are a bit more complex so the treatment is long-term in nature and answers to things like what is serotonin and so on. Here, the goal of the treatment is to tackle present episodes and also prevent any future possibilities of depression episodes. This treatment may be administered on a monthly basis and it can go on for a few years.

Aims And Benefits Of Interpersonal Therapy

Interpersonal therapy effects are used to tackle depression and mood disorders arising from different potential situations. In fact, four major problem areas have been identified in order to formulate the right course of treatment to make the most of interpersonal therapy benefits. The problem area that seems most influential is spotted and the treatment is directed towards addressing this particular problem area.

The following are some of the major problem areas that are addressed in interpersonal therapy:

–  Unresolved grief is the first of them. In most cases, when people are faced bereavement, they usually return to normalcy within a matter of months. However, in the case of unresolved grief, the individual experiences the ill effects of the grief long after the event has passed. The individual may not experience immediate emotions of grief but the symptoms of grief still linger around. Interpersonal therapy benefits  can be used to tackle this situation.

– Again, some people go through depression when they are unable to adjust to role changes in their lives. This situation arises when there is a major shift in the role he/she plays in life. Interpersonal therapy benefits help individuals cope with depression arising from these situations.

– Similarly, people also undergo role disputes if significant people in the patient’s life have a major shift in expectation from the patient. Interpersonal therapy makes individuals better adjusted to these changes in expectations.

– Many patients also have a problem forging and maintaining high quality relationships in general. Interpersonal therapy helps people cope with these interpersonal deficits and attain a well-adjusted position in life.