Interpersonal Therapy

Interpersonal Therapy services offered in Houston, TX

Relationships are at the heart of human experience, and when those relationships become strained, it can deeply affect a person’s emotional well-being. Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) is a supportive, structured approach that focuses on improving communication, resolving conflict, and strengthening social connections. Whether someone is facing a difficult transition, grieving a loss, or struggling with ongoing relationship patterns, Leann Smith, PhD, and the team at The Mending Place PLLC provide IPT that offers a safe space to explore these challenges and build healthier interpersonal skills. To learn more about IPT, call the office in Houston, Texas, or request an appointment online today.

Interpersonal Therapy Q & A

What is interpersonal therapy?

Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) is a short-term, focused form of psychotherapy that helps individuals understand how their relationships and social roles influence their mental health. Rather than dwelling heavily on past experiences or unconscious motivations, IPT helps people explore present-day relationship patterns and emotional responses to life changes.

Sessions typically explore four key areas: grief and loss, role disputes (such as ongoing conflict with a loved one), role transitions (such as divorce or becoming a parent), and interpersonal deficits (such as social isolation). The therapist works collaboratively with the individual to identify patterns, improve communication, and develop strategies for more satisfying relationships.

What kinds of issues can interpersonal therapy help with?

IPT was originally created to treat depression, but it has since been adapted to help with a variety of emotional and behavioral health concerns. It can be particularly helpful for individuals experiencing:

Relationship conflict or communication problems
Grief and loss after the death of a loved one
Major life transitions, such as moving, changing careers, or ending a relationship
Social withdrawal or isolation
Low self-esteem rooted in interpersonal challenges
Mood disorders, including depression, anxiety, and postpartum depression
Eating disorders and some personality disorders

Because IPT focuses on real-life interactions and current emotional stressors, it often feels highly relevant and actionable for those navigating difficult social or emotional territory.

What are the benefits of interpersonal therapy?

The goal of IPT is not just to relieve symptoms but also to improve the quality of an individual’s relationships and daily life. Benefits may include:

Better communication and conflict-resolution skills
Increased emotional awareness and self-understanding
Stronger, more supportive relationships
Reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety
Improved ability to cope with change, loss, or stress
Greater confidence in social or professional interactions

Many people find that as they grow more confident in their ability to connect and communicate, they also begin to feel more stable, hopeful, and empowered in other areas of their lives.

How does interpersonal therapy differ from other forms of therapy?

While many therapies explore past experiences or focus on internal thought patterns, IPT places relationships at the center of treatment. It’s structured, time-limited, and goal-oriented—typically lasting 12–16 sessions. Rather than analyzing childhood experiences or subconscious drives, IPT focuses on what’s happening in the person’s life right now and how those experiences are impacting their emotional health.

This present-focused and practical approach can make IPT feel especially accessible to those looking for concrete tools to navigate relationship struggles or emotional distress. For anyone feeling stuck in a pattern of conflict, loss, or disconnection, interpersonal therapy can offer a compassionate, skills-based path forward.

Are you ready to experience the benefits of IPT for yourself? Call The Mending Place PLLC or request an appointment online today.