Feeling Better: Beat Depression and Improve Your Relationships With Interpersonal Psychotherapy

Unlike antidepressants, which treat the symptoms, rather than the root causes of depression, interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) alleviates depression — quickly and long-term — by improving relationships. The authors have used IPT for more than twenty years and achieved dramatic, lasting results in eight to twelve weeks. Frustrated by the lack of a good book on the subject they could recommend to their clients, they created this accessible, first-of-its kind guide. Sharing their successful 12-week program, each week / chapter introduces a new topic and teaches skills and tools that allow readers to set and achieve goals, articulate feelings, and make constructive decisions. Paramount is identifying and engaging with allies and supporters, dealing with difficult people, and, if need be, walking away from harmful relationships. The authors have taught clients — diagnosed with depression or not — to use these skills in virtually every life situation from preventing divorce to “consciously uncoupling,” raising healthy children, coping with loss, and dealing with addiction. Writing with wisdom, warmth, and even humor, they are savvy coaches and inspiring cheerleaders who can offer a lifeline to the depressed and life-enrichment to anyone.