Interpersonal Therapies
Interpersonal Therapies to Strengthen Social Well-Being
It’s often said that human beings are social creatures. Yet, for many people, social relationships can be a source of anxiety, stress, and apprehension. Humans do indeed need social connections to support their mental and emotional well-being, yet relationships can sometimes prove challenging. The therapists at Integrated Behavioral Health offer interpersonal therapies to our patients who would like to enjoy healthier, stronger, and more fulfilling social relationships.
What is interpersonal therapy?
Interpersonal therapy acknowledges that a person’s social connections and interpersonal relationships can have significant influences on their mental health. As such, interpersonal therapies strive to explore those relationships, develop a better understanding of them, enhance the quality of relationships, and improve the patient’s social functioning.
Interpersonal therapy is a highly focused form of therapy that typically takes place over a relatively short period of time. Unlike some other therapies, this approach only considers past traumas and negative thought patterns as they apply to the patient’s relationships.
Who can benefit from interpersonal therapies?
Our therapists often recommend interpersonal therapies to individuals who struggle with anxiety, social anxiety, and depression. However, it can also prove useful for individuals with any of the following issues:
- Drug and alcohol addiction
- Eating disorders
- Grief and loss
- Bipolar disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Marital conflict
- Postpartum depression
What can I expect from interpersonal therapy?
Interpersonal therapy can address a number of areas, including the following:
- Unfulfilling or one-sided relationships, as well as social isolation
- Unresolved grief and loss
- Challenging life transitions, such as divorce or a long-distance move
- Conflict resolution for interpersonal relationships at home, school, or work
Interpersonal therapy is a time-limited technique because it is so acutely focused on social wellness. Your therapist may recommend 12 to 16 weeks of sessions. Interpersonal therapy sessions typically have the following structure:
- Phase 1 – During the first few sessions, your therapist will conduct an assessment and gather information about your relationships. It’s much like taking an interpersonal inventory. You’ll discuss the problems you’re experiencing with your relationships and your goals for therapy.
- Phase 2 – During most of the rest of the sessions, you and your therapist will work on progressing toward your goals, one at a time. For example, you may decide to focus first on conflict resolution, and then on addressing social isolation by starting new relationships and strengthening existing ones. Expect to have “homework” assignments, along with continuous assessments.
- Phase 3 – During the final sessions, you’ll review your progress with your therapist and discuss any lingering, unresolved issues. Your therapist may refer you for treatment for any issues that were not fully addressed, such as depressive symptoms.
Where can I find an interpersonal therapy provider?
At Integrated Behavioral Health, you can work with a compassionate, non-judgmental therapist who can help you overcome your obstacles in life and learn to thrive. We offer a wide range of therapeutic techniques, including interpersonal therapies. Contact us today to request an appointment with an experienced therapist at one of our eight locations throughout Alabama.