info@psychologymelbourne.com.au
1300 161 639
Interpersonal Therapy, or Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT), is a relatively new approach, developed in the 1970s and becoming more widely known in the late 1990s. It is now included in the Better Access to Mental Health scheme which makes it eligible for Medicare rebates. To some extent, that has enhanced its popularity in Australia.
IPT is suitable for clients with interpersonal issues that can be explored in a narrative format. At the beginning of treatment, the psychologist will determine whether IPT is suitable for the client by viewing how the client describes their issues, and considering why the client is having interpersonal problems.
An interpersonal inventory will be created, to explore and clarify all relationships important to the client; the history of those relationships, and the type of communication and attachment style involved, among other factors. This information is then used to move forward with IPT interventions.