Phases of IPT

IPT is time-limited and distinct phases of treatment exist that contain specific responsibilities for the client and the therapist.  The first phase takes place over four to five sessions.  The patient assumes the sick role and would be diagnosed as BN.  The prevalence of interpersonal difficulties among individuals with eating disorders is discussed along with the importance of bringing awareness to these difficulties.  The phases of treatment are described and it is emphasized that it is the client’s responsibility to identify current challenges.  An important part of the this phase is to establish the client’s interpersonal history, with special attention put on interpersonal events associated with the onset and maintenance of the eating disorder.  This includes histories of eating problems and of problems with self-esteem and depression.  The therapist would suggest one or two potential problems to focus on.  Four interpersonal problem areas are the focal points in IPT.  These include grief, role transitions, role disputes, and interpersonal deficits.

The majority of phase two is spent exploring her interpersonal communication patterns and recognizing the similarities in her family, work, and social relationships.  In phase three, the final phase, the therapist would review the client’s progress, which would include a better understanding of her relationship with food, cessation of binge eating, increased self-esteem, improved mood, and enhanced relationship skills.  IPT is receiving increasing empirical validation and is becoming a more population treatment choice.  IPT has been demonstrated effective for the treatment of BN.  The findings favor CBT, but of note is that IPT has a more sustained impact.  CBT remains the treatment of choice and has a quicker rate of change than IPT, but interpersonal dynamics take time to change and a t 12-month follow-up CBT and IPT have been found to have equivalent recovery rates.  

Feel free to call me to discuss further.  I am Experienced and trained in a variety of treatment methods.  Contact a licensed mental health professional or your family doctor if you have concerns about an eating disorder. Prairie Owl Psychology & Counselling is waiting to help with all your Edmonton psychologist needs, call Today.