The Interpersonal Problems Workbook
Hyun Orth
The authors of the study, Gerald Klerman and Myrna Weissman, found that major depression was a diagnosable and treatable psychiatric illness greatly influenced by a focus on interpersonal factors (Dietz, Weinberg, & Mufson, 2018).
This article introduces IPT and examines interventions and techniques that support the treatment of mental disorders through the link between the quality of interpersonal relationships and mental health.
Before you continue, we thought you might like to download our three Positive CBT Exercises for free. These science-based exercises will provide you with detailed insight into Positive CBT and give you the tools to apply it in your therapy or coaching.
Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) was initially developed as a time-limited treatment for depression. It has since been extended to treat several other mood and non-mood disorders and validated in multiple clinical research studies (Weissman, Markowitz, & Klerman, 2000).
The underlying principle of IPT is that while the problem presented by a client may have many factors and causes, it typically occurs within a social and interpersonal context. Losing a job, divorce, death of a loved one, relocation, and retirement impact our environment and relationships.
They point out the different approaches that several therapeutic models might use in treatment. The biological psychiatrist may suggest antidepressants, while the psychoanalyst will most likely propose talking therapy to deal with unresolved childhood difficulties.
The authors conclude that there is no single, dominant approach (we have only listed a selection; there are others) to the treatment of mental illness, but that crucially it occurs within the environment of interpersonal relationships (Weissman et al., 2000; Dietz et al., 2018).
IPT suggests that clinical depression and other mood disorders occur within an interpersonal context. When directed at such relationships, appropriate psychotherapeutic interventions can facilitate recovery (Weissman et al., 2000).
IPT interventions correct maladaptive interpersonal problems, increase self-awareness while deepening emotions associated with interpersonal needs, and are highly successful in treating generalized anxiety disorder (Lipsitz & Markowitz, 2013).
While limited research exists regarding the direct relationship between IPT and emotional intelligence, studies confirm the link between improvements in empathy and emotional processing and enhanced emotional intelligence (Nelis, Quoidbach, Mikolajczak, & Hansenne, 2009).
This visual guide identifies mood changes and how they link to different interpersonal events (for example, in class or at home). It is especially effective for children who are less practiced at spotting moods and potentially related events (Dietz et al., 2018).
Ask the client to complete the Mood Thermometer worksheet to capture times in their life when they felt the mood described at each point along the continuum. The information and awareness gained can be helpful for discussion and insights.
The closeness circle is a valuable way to identify patterns of difficulty in maintaining strong interpersonal relationships. The diagram focuses attention on and encourages the development of interpersonal skills (Dietz et al., 2018).
The Interpersonal Relationships worksheet provides helpful prompts to explore each relationship, uncover what makes them special, and determine their impact on the client (modified from Dietz et al., 2018), such as:
These 17 Positive CBT & Cognitive Therapy Exercises [PDF] include our top-rated, ready-made templates for helping others develop more helpful thoughts and behaviors in response to challenges, while broadening the scope of traditional CBT.
While IPT arose from an investigation into treatments for depression, it has since been extended, its tools and techniques proving highly successful in treating other mental health issues (Weissman et al., 2000).
Indeed, research studies have shown IPT to be highly effective in treating mood and other disorders. Not only does it offer a valuable tool for the therapist in its own right, but it can also be used in conjunction with other treatments (Lipsitz & Markowitz, 2013).
About the author Jeremy Sutton, Ph.D., is an experienced psychologist, consultant, and coach. Jeremy also teaches psychology online at the University of Liverpool and works as a coach and educator, specialising in positive psychology, performance psychology, sports psychology, and strength-based psychology. How useful was this article to you? Not useful at all Very useful 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Submit Share this article:
Individuals in community-building and social movement work can experience experience difficult interpersonal conflict with comrades or colleagues, too. This workbook offers exercises for self and group exploration to build collective self-awareness and conflict resilience. These tools will help resolve interpersonal tensions and increase the capacity to work together to dismantle oppressive systems and create regenerative ones.
Deanna, who has over 20 years of experience as an administrative professional for various nonprofit organizations, is proud to call the Bay Area home. Her journey includes active involvement in local activism such as the Oscar Grant movement, where she honed skills in organization and community advocacy. Currently pursuing studies in Chinese medicine in Berkeley, CA, Deanna is passionate about expanding access to natural holistic medicine for communities facing barriers. Beyond her work, she cherishes time with her daughter and loved ones, and savoring moments filled with music, good food, and new experiences.
If you are interested in leveraging your resources for deeper, lasting impact, an MSC DAF is your philanthropic tool to drive change. Reach out to Simone Champagnie, Director, Individual Giving, at [email protected], to learn more about the DAF program and explore partnership opportunities.
Shannon is a creative systems thinker and operations focused professional who has worked in the nonprofit sector for over 25 years. Her commitment to social justice is exemplified by her background in creating and providing robust support and infrastructure that is crucial in movement work and allows movement leaders to focus on what is most important. Shannon lives in Oakland and loves her Bay Area community. She enjoys spending time with her loved ones and animal friends, making art, sewing, listening to music, dancing, and adventuring along the coastline, hanging at the river, and wandering the forests.
Lalaine is an experienced CPA with over 18 years of expertise in finance, auditing, and accounting. She is also knowledgeable on single audit requirements, the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), financial reporting, and SEC publicly reporting companies. Aileen joined Noble Accounting, LLC, in April 2023. Previously, Lalaine held positions at nonprofit, technology, and consumer product organizations as a controller and director of financial reporting and compliance, handling budgets of up to $30 million annually. Having spent a good deal of time administering various finance, budget, and accounting projects, Lalaine takes pride in providing financial leadership to various organizations.
Sihle is currently the chief financial officer at Tides Advocacy, and was previously the finance director and interim deputy director of operations at MSC. She is passionate about supporting highly impactful nonprofit infrastructure, with over 20 years of finance and operations experience. Sihle currently serves as board treasurer for Urban Tilth and has previously worked with the YMCA of San Diego County, the Garment Worker Center and other grassroots organizations. A mother, consummate volunteer and novice gardener, Sihle is dedicated to efficiency and accountability within social justice organizations. A California native, Sihle holds a degree in Economics and Accounting from Claremont McKenna College.
Bridgette joins MSC with 28 years of human resources experience including 23 years in healthcare, where she started as an HR coordinator and later became a district director of human resources. Bridgette was born and raised in Fort Worth where she was involved in community initiatives including volunteering with the North Texas Food Bank, Cowtown Marathon, Texas Clean Up, and in feeding the homeless. She loves walking, especially the annual 2.5 mile Opal Lee Walk. She also enjoys family, praise dancing, learning sign language and outdoor adventures, but what she holds most dear are her three daughters.
Karmella has spent her professional career in Austin working with local nonprofits, community stakeholders, and artists to curate art shows, engage diverse audiences, and support the local cultural arts scene. Her expertise is in grant writing, multicultural programming, community outreach strategy, and actively cultivating partnerships that sustain our culture, our stories, and our future. She has over a decade of experience in direct client services and program administration; and her professional practice has exposed her to a wide range of responsibilities and individuals.
Aileen is an experienced CPA with over 25 years of expertise in finance, audit, and accounting. She is also a certified government finance manager who is knowledgeable on single audit requirements, the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), time studies, and financial reporting. Aileen joined Noble Accounting, LLC. in June 2021. Previously, Aileen held positions at government, nonprofit, and entertainment organizations as chief financial officer, controller, and director of corporate accounting, handling budgets of up to $50 million annually. Having spent a good deal of time administering various finance, budget, and accounting projects, Aileen takes pride in providing financial leadership to various organizations.
Mo has over 25 years of combined strategic leadership experience in philanthropy, design, and the nonprofit sector, leading philanthropic strategies at PVH, at NGOs including Custom Collaborative and North American Passive House Network, and serves on the board of Her Future Coalition, an anti-human trafficking nonprofit. Her focus is on radical change in racial, health, and education equity and environmental, economic, and gender justice via workforce and leadership development, community driven planning, civic engagement, and art activism among women and BIPOC and immigrant communities. She joined MSC in January 2021 and oversees fundraising, regranting, fund development, and communications, while challenging oppressive systems in philanthropy. She is based in New York City and is an artist, art activist, and loves storytelling, animals, pebble beaches, and adventure travel.
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