Oct 2, 20192 min read

Interpersonal Counseling

Interpersonal counseling is derived directly from interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT), an evidence-based psychotherapy that has undergone numerous efficacy studies, and been translated and adapted for cross-cultural use.

Interpersonal Counseling (IPC) is a brief manualized evidence-based treatment for evaluating and triaging patients with depressive symptoms to appropriate levels of care.

It fills the gap between screening and referral of patients who may need more sustained care, while offering support, identifying resources and clarifying the psychosocial triggers that may have brought on the depressive episode. (https://www.aafp.org/afp/2006/1001/p1159.html).

Outline of Three PCP Sessions

Session 1

Review depressive symptoms with patient (a self-report screening form for

symptoms may be used).

Review level of impairment and other comorbid symptom (e.g. alcohol abuse,

anxiety) with patient.

Explain how depression influences and is influenced by co-morbid medical

conditions and/or life events.

Provide education about depression symptoms using the medical model to reduce guilt (“It’s not your fault”).

Give hope (“Your symptoms will improve”).

Problem-solve role performance difficulties resulting from current depression (“Who can help you right now?”).

Explain the course of evaluation.

Explore interpersonal problems associated with the onset of current depressive

symptoms (“What was happening when you started feeling sad and your headaches worsened?”).

Conduct focused interpersonal inventory.

Choose a problem areas on which to focus, and share the plan with the patient.

Explain procedures for the next two sessions (i.e. duration and frequency), as well as triage options.

Session 2

Review reactions from previous session.

Review symptoms and functioning.

Briefly present strategies for dealing with problem areas:

- Grief,

- Disputes,

- Transitions (life changes),

- Boredom, loneliness, and isolation.

Identify general IPT strategies to help the patient:

- Breaking the social isolation,

- Brainstorming alternative options to deal with the problem,

- Identifying others who can help and advocate for patient,

- Improving communication.

Session 3

Review symptoms and functioning.

Review progress on problems, discuss the patient’s clinical needs and triage

preference.

Discuss options at termination:

- No further follow-up;

- As needed, “Call me as you need me”;

- Maintenance treatment monthly;

- Refer for medication and/or psychotherapy (individual or group).

Prior to the first session, the therapist may ask the patients to complete an assessment of

demographics, symptoms, functioning, treatment history, preferences and obstacles and

problems. Depending on the goals and setting, the patient diagnosis may be confirmed by an additional diagnostic assessment. The intervention can be used for patients with depressive additional diagnostic assessment. The intervention can be used for patients with depressive symptoms regardless of primary diagnosis(https://www.researchgate.net/publication/8480322_Interpersonal_counseling_in_general_practice).