“What is the difference between cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy?”

The focus of treatment is different in the two forms of treatment. CBT focuses on identifying and correcting faulty, automatic thoughts that lead to emotional problems whereas, in interpersonal therapy, the focus is on relationship issues, role transitions, loss and grief, improving interpersonal skills, etc. Both are time-limited therapies and both are generally highly effective for mild to moderate symptoms. Both involve "homework" in-between sessions to bolster the utility of sessions with the therapist.

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Great question, and as an educational response to help you understand CBT, they both deal with moods and help you to control and function. Difference: IPT is recommended for dealing with interpersonal disputes that emerge from conflicting expectations between partners, family members, close friends, or coworkers. CBT focuses on modifying the processing of distorted information and dysfunctional beliefs (I know such bull hocky is confusing, right?). Suggestion: FIND WHO YOU ARE. Seek to know your life path, karmic lessons, etc. Remember, you know You. Better seek that first, then decide.

Hi,

Thank you for your question. There are a few main differences between cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT), which are both empirically-based psychotherapeutic interventions for mood disorders. Both are diagnosis-targeted, time-limited, present-focused treatments that encourage the client to regain control of mood and functioning.

CBT is short-term and highly effective treatment for many common issues, including depression and anxiety. CBT explores and helps to resolve negative automatic thoughts and underlying core beliefs about the self, other people, and the world using structured activities and specific interventions. CBT also involves behavioral activation and development of new coping skills.

IPT is based on the so-called common factors of psychotherapy: a treatment alliance in which the therapist empathically engages the patient, helps the patient to feel understood, arouses effect, presents a clear rationale and treatment ritual, and yields success experiences. On this foundation IPT builds two major principles:

-Depression is a medical illness, rather than the patient's fault or personal defect; moreover, it is a treatable condition. This definition has the effect of defining the problem and excusing the patient from symptomatic self-blame.
-Mood and life situation are related. Building on interpersonal theory and psychosocial research on depression, IPT makes a practical link between the patient's mood and disturbing life events that either trigger or follow from the onset of the mood disorder.

I hope this has been helpful!

Best,

Jenna Torres, PsyD

IPT focuses on the relationship between mood symptoms and interpersonal relationships. Basically we work to improve problematic relationships that trigger undesirable moods, and as a result of the work the symptoms decrease. We can also work on improving the mood which leads to more positive experiences in the otherwise problematic relationships. With CBT we focus on the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. The premise is that we only need to make a change in one of those 3 areas and that change has an automatic impact on the other two. For example, focusing only on thought- a friend was scheduled to hang out and cancelled at the last minute. As a result, you thought to yourself that the reason the friend cancelled is because they probably didn’t want to hang out with you in the first place, you were probably their “back up” plans, and their ideal plans must have come through. Because you’re convinced that’s likely the case and in fact you start thinking that no one ever wants to hang out with you, you decide to stuff your feelings with junk food and you go to the freezer and eat a pint of Ben and Jerry’s ice cream. Now, same scenario only this time when the cancellation occurs you think to yourself that there may have been a last minute emergency on their end. You decide to use your unexpected free time to organize your photo albums which is a project you’ve had on your to-do list for a very long time. You feel accomplished when you are done. As you can see, the scenario of cancellation hadn’t changed, but your thought response, depending what you deduce for it to be, will have a direct impact on you behaviors and feelings!

See this link for IPT
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapy-types/interpersonal-psychotherapy
or
For CBT
https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-cognitive-behavior-therapy-2795747

CBT is a great modality to use for clients dealing with depression. It works to challenge negative self-talk, irrational beliefs. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a psycho-social intervention that aims to improve mental health. CBT focuses on challenging and changing cognitive distortions and behaviors, improving emotional regulation, and developing personal coping strategies that target solving current problems.

First, meeting with a therapist to determine the best approach for you, is important. Cognitive behavioral therapy deals with understanding negative and distorted thinking processes, learning how to debate reality and reframe negative mindset towards the positive. It is not uncommon that interpersonal therapy also be applied at times, if determined that it is needed, after careful clinical assessment with a therapist. Interpersonal therapy often deals with behaviors and/or responses when interacting with others, and understanding the core issues that trigger such behavior and responses. At times, applying role modeling strategies to improve self awareness, responses or eliminate unhealthy behaviors, that may occur, when interacting with others, may also be used. A qualified mental health provider can assist you on determining the best approach.