Psychotherapy Essentials to Go: Interpersonal Psychotherapy for Depression

A quick-reference, multi-media guide to using interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) to treat depression.

Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) is an evidence-supported, short-term therapy that focuses on universal life problems involving change, loss, and conflict in relationships, particularly when these problems relate to depression. At its heart is an emphasis on relationships as a healing force during stressful life events. This guide walks readers through the core principles of IPT treatment―how to consider underlying psychological and biological factors that may predispose a client to depression, including insecure attachment; how to effectively communicate with clients to improve their relationship problems; and how to conduct “interpersonal inventories” to help clients connect to a support system that may be helpful in their recovery process.

Included in this comprehensive guide are a DVD of sample therapy sessions and clinical explication that describe how to implement the protocol, as well as a laminated pocket reminder card. An on-the-go package of practical tools that busy clinicians won’t want to be without.

Sophie Grigoriadis, PhD, MD, is head of the Women’s Mood and Anxiety Clinic: Reproductive Transitions, a research scientist at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, and Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Toronto. Her academic and clinical work focus on depression and its treatments, particularly in women during the perinatal and perimenopause periods.

Priya Watson, MD, is Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Toronto, and the head of the Divisional Program in Child and Adolescent Psychotherapies. She is also a psychiatrist at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto, with a clinical focus in the treatment of children, youth, and their families.

Robert Maunder, MD, is Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Toronto and head of research for Mount Sinai Hospital’s Department of Psychiatry. His primary research interest is the role of interpersonal attachment on health.

Paula Ravitz, MD, is Associate Professor, Morgan Firestone Psychotherapy Chair, and Associate Director of the Psychotherapy, Health Humanities, and Education Scholarship Division for the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Toronto, where she leads IPT training. She is also the director of the Mt. Sinai Psychotherapy Institute. Her clinical practice, teaching, and research focus on IPT and attachment informed psychotherapy.