We provide a one-day workshop to enhance skills using IPT Brief.
IPT(B) - Brief Interpersonal Psychotherapy Overview
IPT Brief is an eight-session adaptation of IPT (Interpersonal Psychotherapy) for low to moderate depression. It offers a streamlined, efficient approach to treating depression and other mental health conditions by focusing on the most critical interpersonal issue within a limited number of sessions. It is designed to provide rapid symptom relief and improve interpersonal functioning while being more accessible and cost-effective than traditional, longer-term therapy.
IPT-B retains the core principles of IPT while focusing on maximising therapeutic efficiency and maintaining effectiveness.
Therapeutic Focus:
- Targeted Interventions: Brief IPT hones in on one interpersonal problem area, such as grief, role disputes, role transitions, or interpersonal deficits, rather than addressing multiple issues.
- Symptom Relief: The primary goal is to alleviate the symptoms of depression or other mental health conditions by improving interpersonal functioning within a shorter period.
Structure:
- Time-Limited: The therapy is strictly time-bound, usually spanning 8 sessions, which requires a focused and strategic approach to treatment.
- Phases: Despite its shorter duration, Brief IPT still follows the three traditional phases of IPT:
- Initial Phase: Rapid assessment and identification of the primary interpersonal issue.
- Middle Phase: Intensive work on the identified issue, using IPT techniques such as communication analysis, role-playing, and behaviour change strategies.
- Termination Phase: Emphasis on consolidating gains, planning for future interpersonal challenges, and preparing for the end of therapy.
Indications:
- Mild to Moderate Depression: Brief IPT is particularly effective for individuals with mild to moderate depression, where rapid intervention can prevent the escalation of symptoms.
- Situational Depression: It is also suitable for patients’ experiencing depression related to a specific life event or transition, where targeted therapy can address the immediate issue.
Effectiveness:
- Research Support: Studies have demonstrated that Brief IPT can be as effective as traditional IPT, particularly when the therapy is focused and well-implemented.
- Patient Satisfaction: The shorter duration and focused nature of Brief IPT often result in high levels of patient satisfaction, as it meets the needs of those seeking quick and effective treatment.
Benefits:
- Accessibility: Brief IPT is more accessible to patients who may not have the time or resources for a longer course of therapy.
- Cost-Effective: It reduces the overall cost of treatment for patients and healthcare systems.
- Two enthusiastic facilitators who were not shy to clarify the correct usage for ITP-B, which has made it much clearer in my mind of how it differentiates from IPT and when it should be used as an alternative.
- Good pacing and information relevant to application and client suitability of IPT-B. Good cases studies to get us thinking about how to modify IPT
- I found that the material was presented in a clear, logical and ethical way, which presented several light bulb moments of why I have been struggling with my clinical caseload.
- I found the session thought provoking.
- Clarity of presentation - rooted in the trainer's real-life cases. Excellent question about how IPT (B) might 'fail' and what would we do in such a case - often presentations can focus on the positives only, but this question and the accompanying group reflection was spot on.
- Very good reflective questions and process throughout the day as well as the opportunity to think about the brief process, the phases, the focal areas, the general strategies and competencies, the changes which may be required was beneficial and essential.
- The use of small groups and large groups for the above was well structured. I liked how there was good preparation in allocating specific reflective questions to each group. The trainer is clearly experienced and knowledgeable and who facilitated the day in a warm and professional manner.
- The presentation was very clear, and material provided well-structured too.
- General reminder of strategies and how they can be adapted for IPT B
- Excellent slides and a very well-run schedule.
- Clear understanding given on how to work in a brief way. Good use of breakout rooms.
- It was really clear how to adapt the IPT model to brief and what changes are required in the work. I really enjoyed the group discussions
- Great support from the IT and digital lead.
Workshop Trainer
