Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) – An Introductory Workshop

Alexandra Klein Rafaeli, PsyD

Workshop: Introduction to IPT
This 2-day workshop will cover the knowledge and research base of IPT with an introduction to clinical practice through cases study examples, videotape segments, and experiential exercises. At the end of this workshop, participants will have a basic understanding of IPT practice and principles.

Workshop Objectives:
To learn basic IPT concepts, both theoretical and practical
To review current research and IPT adaptations
To study clinical vignettes
To practice (experientially) IPT techniques

What is Interpersonal Psychotherapy?
Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) is a short term, evidence-based treatment approach, which focuses on the patient’s current life events, including social and interpersonal functioning, as a means of understanding and treating maladaptive symptoms. IPT was developed by the late Gerald Klerman, MD, and Myrna Weissman, PhD. IPT has shown efficacy in treating major depressive disorder as well as other psychiatric conditions.

Description of the Intervention
The initial sessions of an IPT treatment are devoted to information gathering and to clarifying the nature of the patient’s illness and interpersonal experience. The patient’s illness is explained through a medical model approach and then formulated in interpersonal terms. This phase concludes with the composition of the interpersonal inventory which is essentially a register of the key relationships in the individual’s life. Within the interpersonal inventory, the patient’s social functioning problems are conceptualized as belonging to one of the following four problem areas: Interpersonal Disputes, Role Transitions, Grief, or Interpersonal Deficits. The middle phase of the treatment is then devoted to addressing the social functioning problems experienced by the patient. The relevant problem areas serve as frames for choosing and implementing particular “here and now” techniques. The goal is for the patient to practice and learn alternative methods for communicating and problem-solving around their identified interpersonal challenges. The final sessions address the patient’s accomplishments, feelings about termination, and review how the patient can apply learned skills independent of the therapist.

About the Instructor
Alexandra Klein Rafaeli received her Psy.D. from Yeshiva University in New York City. She also holds an MA in Education from Teachers College, Columbia University. Her clinical training has focused mainly on evidence-based treatment approaches. It included a fellowship at Albert Einstein College of Medicine’s Adolescent Psychoeducational Treatment Program, training and research in Interpersonal Therapy at the NY State Psychiatric Institute/Columbia University, and an advanced Certificate and post-doctoral fellowship in Cognitive/Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapies from the Albert Ellis Institute. Dr. Rafaeli is a member of the International Society for Interpersonal Therapy (ISIPT) as well as the Israeli Association for Interpersonal Therapy. She serves on the certification committee for ISIPT and is recognized as an IPT supervisor internationally. Dr. Rafaeli is an instructor and specialty CBT supervisor at Tel Aviv University’s University Counseling Center, and maintains a private practice in Givat Hen.

This workshop will be conducted in ENGLISH