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Interpersonal Therapy

Interpersonal Therapy. Laura Williams PSY 4930 Nov. 1, 2005. Interpersonal Theory. Focus on the importance of interpersonal relationships in determining behavior and psychopathology Harry Sullivan, Adolf Meyer (1950s)

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Interpersonal Therapy

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  1. Interpersonal Therapy Laura Williams PSY 4930 Nov. 1, 2005

  2. Interpersonal Theory • Focus on the importance of interpersonal relationships in determining behavior and psychopathology • Harry Sullivan, Adolf Meyer (1950s) • Sullivan (1940): personality is: “the relatively enduring pattern of recurrent interpersonal situations which characterize a human life” (p. xi)

  3. Interpersonal Theory • Although childhood experiences are important, IPT regards current relationships as more important • Family systems theories are also based on IPT • Family relationships are interdepedent • Family systems tend to maintain a certain structure or homeostasis

  4. Interpersonal Theory • IPT does not necessarily assert that psychopathology arises from impaired relationships • But, problems are manifested in these relationships • Research has supported this idea • Individuals with depression have less supportive relationships • Individuals with other problems (e.g., alcohol abuse) more frequently have marital difficulties • Risk of relapse in depression and schizophrenia increases when patients live with critical, negative family members

  5. Interpersonal Therapy • Originally developed by Klerman & Weissman for treatment of depression • Therapist must actively gather information about a patient’s interpersonal interactions and relationships • Usually brief in length • Educate patient about nature of depression

  6. Interpersonal Therapy • Major goal of treatment= change interpersonal functioning by encouraging: • More effective communication • Emotional expression • Increased understanding of behavior in interpersonal settings • IPT assumes that by improving relationships, symptoms and the patient’s life in general will improve

  7. A Case Example

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