Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) is a talking therapy originally developed for depression, but it’s now used to support a range of difficulties. IPT is based on the idea that our relationships and social connections impact how we feel. When something changes, becomes strained, or feels overwhelming, it can affect our mood and when our mood drops, relationships can become harder to manage. IPT looks at the symptoms you’re experiencing, how they connect to your relationships, life changes and emotional wellbeing, you might explore:

• Current symptoms and how they affect daily life
• Relationship patterns – what feels supportive or difficult
• Communication – how you express feelings and needs
• Life changes – such as loss, transitions, or conflict
• Self‑esteem and how you see yourself within relationships

The aim isn’t to analyse your whole past, it is time‑limited and focused, concentrating on what’s happening in your life now and what feels most difficult. Many people find IPT helpful when struggling with changes in relationships, feeling isolated, or noticing that their mood dips during times of stress or transition.

Many people come to IPT because they’ve been asking things such as:

• Why do my relationships feel harder when I’m stressed

• Why do I feel lonely even around people

• Why do I shut down during conflict

• Why do life changes affect my mood so much

• Why do I struggle to say how I feel

IPT directly addresses these questions by helping you understand the emotional impact of relationships and life events and by giving you practical ways to communicate, connect and cope more effectively.