Stress is an indispensable part of our lives, and when it is in a certain dose, it is a driving force that makes us more alert and ready for what life brings. Sometimes it is an enhancer that we have to overcome by fighting when it exceeds the dose. Although this source of alertness and elevation is often under our control, it can sometimes exceed our tolerance, and sometimes it can be quite intense and can tire us out and cause some problems. At this point, it is best to get support to get out of the situation we are in. This support may include sharing with a friend or relative who has had a similar experience; It can also be in the form of support from someone who will understand us and be able to help. Sometimes the severity and effects of stress are too intense or the current support received is not sufficient. At this stage, it is best to get help from an expert. An expert is a person who will try to help by using different techniques in line with his professional knowledge. These techniques may include the use of psychotherapy methods or the use of medication when necessary.
Psychotherapies essentially aim to provide the individual with new strategies for coping with stress. The main purpose of psychotherapy is; It is for individuals to be aware of the situation they are in, to recognize the factors that lead to this situation, and to learn ways to overcome this problem now and in the future. Although this is the basic aim, each school of therapy follows a different basis and method in achieving this aim.
Different perspectives on problems and the use of different strategies in overcoming problems have naturally led to different schools of therapy. While there are psychotherapy methods that try to solve the individual's current problem by finding the underlying dynamics of the current problem, but progress over a period of years, there are also shorter-term psychotherapy schools that aim only to correct the thought system and behavior that cause the problem, without focusing on the underlying causes. Some others focus on raising awareness about experiences or values. In general, unlike other schools of psychotherapy that aim to make change by focusing directly on the individual, the focus in Interpersonal Relationship Psychotherapy (IPT) is on the person's close relationships. . IPT aims to make a transformation in the individual's relationships in order to cope with stress. In other words, IPT is a short-term psychotherapy that guides the individual to use interpersonal support and resources for repair and development.
The most important life events that cause stress are usually age-role transition-conflict or general interpersonal relationship-related problems. It occurs due to lack of skills. Individuals' need for closeness and trust increases when there is a loss that causes intense sadness, a significant change in the course of life, or a significant conflict with a close person. An individual who can access the support and resources he needs in such times can overcome the distressing situation and adapt to the normal flow of life. However, from time to time, individuals may have difficulty in overcoming this problem and feel the need for help due to the predispositions brought about by their own biology, the severity and intensity of the problem, and their inability to access support resources. In such cases, the IPT therapist focuses on one or more of these problem areas that cause distress for the individual and helps repair the problem with special techniques.
The death of an important relative in life or the end of a relationship with an important person, work or Loss of current position may be a cause for mourning. Unlike other therapies, IPT does not aim to forget the lost person, but rather to help them adapt to their absence by strengthening their ties with them. Moments of not being able to meet with a close and important person and causing distress lead us to focus on the conflict problem area. When focusing on this problem area; The main goal is to provide communication skills that will repair relationships. In case of difficulties that may be experienced at important junctions such as divorce, starting school, becoming an adolescent, marriage, and becoming a parent, the aim is for the individual to gain the necessary skills to adapt to role changes and those left behind.
IPT therapist helps the individual develop new relationships in the outside world, It guides and supports the individual by using special techniques so that they can strengthen their relationships with others and get the help they cannot receive.
IPT is a short session applied once a week in 12-16 sessions, each lasting 45-50 minutes. It is a long-term therapy. However, this period can be shortened or increased depending on the individual's needs and possibilities. The therapist-patient relationship does not end completely after therapy is completed. The maintenance phase is started, where longer meeting intervals are determined by the joint decision of the patient and therapist, as needed.
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