Workshop Overview

 

This course will introduce Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT), a time-limited and evidence-based psychotherapy developed specifically to treat depression and later adapted for other conditions. It has been referred to as an attachment-based psychotherapy and social work best practice. There will be a mix of didactic learning, small group role plays and video demonstrations with an emphasis on experiential learning and group discussion.

 

Who should attend

• Mental health professionals, including psychologists, social workers, psychiatric nurses, occupational therapists, psychiatrists and family physicians, or graduate students/medical residents with clinical experience and good basic therapeutic skills.

• Clinicians who have an interest in using interpersonal psychotherapy techniques in their day-to-day work with clients.

• Previous experience in IPT is not necessary.

 

Learning objectives

• To develop an understanding of the IPT model.

• To be familiar with the IPT targets, tactics and techniques.

• To be able to apply the IPT model to conduct IPT sessions.

• To know about the application of IPT to other modalities and special patient populations.

• To know about opportunities for further IPT training.

 

Note to Participants: The manuals, The Guide to Interpersonal Psychotherapy by Weissman, Markowitz and Klerman and Interpersonal Psychotherapy: A Clinician’s Guide (second edition) by Scott Stuart and Michael Robertson are referred to in this course. It is not necessary to purchase copies, but some, particularly those who are planning on further training, may find it helpful to know this in advance.

 

Workshop Outline

 

Day One

 

8:30   Doors Open/Registration

 

9:00   Introduction

          Course Overview & Format

          What is IPT? Background/Theory/Research

 

10:30 Refreshment Break

 

10:45 Beginning IPT-Initial or Assessment Phase

          Interpersonal Inventory

                  Explanation

                  Role Play in Dyads

                  Large Group Debrief

 

12:00 Lunch provided

 

1:00   Suitability/Patient Selection

                   Reviewing Symptoms/Making Diagnosis; Assessing

                   Attachment & Communication Style

 

2:30   Refreshment Break

 

2:45   Interpersonal Formulation

                   Explanation

                   Choosing a Focus - Working in Tables to Create a

                   Formulation

                   Discussion

 

4:00 End of Day One

 

Day Two

 

8:30   Doors Open

 

9:00   Presenting the Formulation

                   Example

                   Role Play in Dyads

                   Large Group Debrief

 

10:30 Refreshment Break

 

10:45 Middle or Working Phase

                   The Treatment Agreement

                   Techniques

          Interpersonal Problem Areas

                   Grief (& Loss)

                   Role Transitions

                            Life Event Timeline Exercise

                            Large Group Discussion

 

12:00 Lunch provided

 

1:00   Middle Phase (continued)

                   Interpersonal Role Disputes

                            Case Example

                   Interpersonal Deficits/Sensitivity

 

2:30   Refreshment Break

 

2:45   Concluding IPT

                   Video Demonstration & Discussion

          Adaptations

          Next Steps - Reading, Websites, Training

 

4:00   End of Day Two