Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IP) is a short-term therapy that focuses on common ‘onsets’ of late-life depression. Depression is often triggered by a combination of issues – it’s complicated. This is a ‘focused’ therapy, so determining what to focus on and discuss first is important. The goal is to help people cope, problem-solve, understand and feel better with the loss, conflict or difficulties they’re having in their interpersonal relationships.
Change becomes a part of our life as we age. Generally, there are three main issues of focus:
Some older adults may become depressed or face psychological difficulties because they are experiencing problems in relationships or transitions:
- Loss: spouse, children, friends, family, health, driver’s license, support network, moving
- Alienation from children
- Change of role: from partner to caregiver; move to long-term care, retirement
- Disputes that cause interpersonal issues
- Character issues that affect social function
This therapy helps a person understand the nature of the difficulties they’re having, how they communicate, teaches them how to adjust expectations and helps them find new ways to deal with conflict.
The many ‘adjustments’ that accompany age can cause stress in older adults. For example retirement may mean a loss of status, a change of routine, loss of and change in relationships.
Having to ‘reinvent’ yourself later in life can be a challenge. Some may see it as liberating, but if health issues influence the decision, or a person is forced to retire (their position becomes redundant) that complicates things. Some people deal well with such life changes, but others do not.
Interpersonal therapy helps people cope with the emotional aspects of age-related adjustments and offers strategies and solutions for remaining socially active.
For some mild forms of depression, interpersonal therapy can be as effective as medication, although it may be used in combination with medication as part of a treatment plan.
This therapy is most often practiced one-on-one. It can be done in a group setting, however it is not the same as ‘group’ psychotherapy. Interpersonal applies to the client and the difficulties they’re having in their relationships and situations, not the relationship between the therapist and the client.
Time commitment: Eight to 12 one-hour sessions. Can be up to 20 sessions. Homework may be involved.