Learn Interpersonal Psychotherapy from Coursera

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Syllabus

Course information

Welcome to the the Learn Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) Coursera Course! IPT is a brief, structured psychotherapy treatment that has been shown to be effective, especially for depression. Throughout the course there will be many clinical demonstration videos and case studies to illustrate IPT principles in practice, along with interactive questions to help you to consolidate your learning. This course is divided into nine lessons that you can complete at your own pace. This first short lesson includes welcome messages to the course and information about how to use the course.

The IPT Model and Therapeutic Foundations

The second lesson will start with an introduction to the foundational principles and structure of interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT). This lesson will teach you the foundational requirements of establishing and maintaining a good therapeutic alliance. The lesson will conclude with a review of how to recognize individual patient differences of culture, trauma histories and patterns of relating, and how these differences will affect IPT practice.

The IPT Beginning Phase

The third lesson will introduce you IPT’s clinical guidelines and the therapeutic tasks of the beginning phase of IPT, such as conducting the Interpersonal Inventory and providing psychoeducation. The beginning-phase therapeutic tasks help the IPT therapist link the onset of the patient’s depressive symptoms to an interpersonal problem area focus—either grief, role transitions, role disputes or interpersonal sensitivity.

The IPT Middle Phase

Now that you have learned about the IPT beginning-phase tasks, we will proceed to the middle-phase therapeutic guidelines. This fourth week focuses on the middle-phase strategies that are used in all of the differing IPT problem areas of focus. Subsequent lessons will discuss each IPT focal area with specific context exploration guidelines. Please be sure to complete the interactive, case-based exercises and check-in questions to help to consolidate your learning.

Focus-Specific IPT Middle-Phase Tasks: Grief

You have now learned about the middle-phase IPT strategies used in all four of the IPT focal areas. Continuing with the middle-phase of IPT, the next four lessons will examine each of the four IPT focal areas: grief, role transitions, role disputes and interpersonal sensitivity. This next lesson focuses on grief, with a case example of someone whose spouse has died. Be sure to do all of the interactive exercises and end-of-lesson quiz to consolidate your learning.

Focus-specific IPT Middle-Phase Tasks: Role Transitions

Life changes and social role transitions are common, and even when planned for, can be associated with the onset or worsening of depression. This lesson presents the IPT clinical guidelines for the focus area of role transitions and includes a case-based example of a woman with post-partum depression. Be sure to complete the interactive exercises to help consolidate your learning.

Focus-Specific IPT Middle-Phase Tasks: Role Disputes

This next lesson focuses on role disputes or conflicts in close relationships that can trigger or be associated with an onset or worsening of depression. Throughout the lesson there are video demonstrations of the focus-specific IPT tasks applied to the case of “Anna,” a patient who is experiencing depressive symptoms relating to conflict with her father, and whom you first encountered in Lesson 3. Be sure to complete all of the interactive exercises and end-of-lesson quiz to help to consolidate your learning.

Focus-Specific IPT Middle-Phase Tasks: Interpersonal Sensitivity/Loneliness

This next lesson focuses on interpersonal sensitivities or loneliness that can be associated with an onset or worsening of depression. Throughout the lesson there are video demonstrations of the focus-specific IPT tasks applied to case of “Ethyl,” a patient who is experiencing depressive symptoms relating to increasing social isolation, and whom you first encountered in Lesson 3. Be sure to complete all of the interactive exercises and end-of-lesson quiz to help to consolidate your learning.

The IPT Ending Phase

This final lesson reviews clinical principles of the ending phase tasks of IPT with several video demonstrations. Interactive exercises are embedded in the videos and also appear throughout this lesson to help to consolidate your learning about the termination, concluding phase tasks of IPT.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops skills for resolving interpersonal conflicts, a core skill for leaders and managers

Taught by Paula Ravitz, a psychologist known for her work in IPT

Provides case studies and demonstrations for practical learning

Offers a comprehensive overview of IPT, from theory to practice

Suitable for healthcare professionals seeking to enhance their skills in treating depression

Requires prior knowledge in psychology or a related field

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Learn Interpersonal Psychotherapy with these activities:

Review Basic Interpersonal Communication Skills

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Review fundamental interpersonal communication skills to strengthen the foundations of IPT practice.

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Read through notes or materials on basic interpersonal communication.
Practice active listening techniques in daily interactions.
Engage in role-playing exercises to simulate interpersonal scenarios.

Review the DSM-5

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Reviewing the DSM-5 will help you to understand the diagnostic criteria for depression and other mental health conditions commonly treated with IPT.

View Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental... on Amazon

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Read the introduction and sections on depression and related disorders.
Identify the different types of depression and their symptoms.
熟悉 the diagnostic criteria.

Review Interpersonal Psychotherapy: Theory and Practice

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Reviewing this book will provide you with a strong theoretical foundation for IPT, including its history, principles, and techniques.

View The Guide to Interpersonal Psychotherapy on Amazon

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Read the introduction and first two chapters.
Summarize the key concepts of IPT.
Identify the different types of interpersonal problems that IPT can address.

Eight other activities

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Explore online resources on IPT

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Exploring online resources on IPT will supplement your learning and provide you with additional insights into the theory and practice of IPT.

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Search for reputable websites and organizations that provide information on IPT.
Identify specific tutorials or articles that address the topics covered in the course.
Review the resources and take notes.

Join an IPT study group

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Joining an IPT study group will provide you with a supportive environment to discuss the course material, ask questions, and learn from your peers.

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Find a study group or start your own.
Set regular meeting times.
Discuss the course material and case studies.
Share resources and insights.

Conduct Mock IPT Sessions

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Gain hands-on experience by conducting mock IPT sessions to apply theoretical knowledge.

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Identify a case study or scenario that presents an interpersonal problem.
Develop an IPT treatment plan based on the case study.
Conduct a mock IPT session with a partner or group.
Reflect on the session and identify areas for improvement.

Conduct mock IPT sessions

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Conducting mock IPT sessions will allow you to practice the skills you learn in the course and receive feedback from your peers.

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Identify a case study or scenario.
Prepare a treatment plan.
Role-play the IPT session.
Receive feedback from your peers.

Create a case study presentation

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Creating a case study presentation will help you to synthesize your knowledge of IPT and apply it to a real-world scenario.

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Select a case study that you have worked on or observed.
Develop a treatment plan based on IPT principles.
Create a presentation that outlines your case study and treatment plan.
Present your case study to your peers.

Develop a treatment plan for a client with depression

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Developing a treatment plan for a client with depression will allow you to apply your knowledge of IPT to a real-world scenario.

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Conduct a comprehensive assessment of the client.
Identify the client's interpersonal problems.
Develop a treatment plan that addresses the client's interpersonal problems.
Monitor the client's progress and make adjustments to the treatment plan as needed.

Develop a Case Study Presentation

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Deepen understanding of IPT by developing a case study presentation that demonstrates the application of principles.

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Select a case study that showcases the use of IPT for a specific interpersonal problem.
Analyze the case study and identify the key therapeutic interventions.
Create a presentation that outlines the case, IPT interventions, and outcomes.
Present the case study to peers or a small group for feedback.

Attend an IPT workshop

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Attending an IPT workshop will provide you with the opportunity to learn from experts in the field and to practice your skills in a supportive environment.

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Research and identify reputable IPT workshops.
Register for a workshop that aligns with your learning goals.
Attend the workshop and actively participate in the sessions.
Follow up with the workshop organizers or presenters if you have any questions.

Career center

Learners who complete Learn Interpersonal Psychotherapy will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Psychiatrist

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders. IPT is a valuable tool for Psychiatrists, as it can help their patients resolve interpersonal problems that are contributing to their depression. This course will provide you with the knowledge you need to use IPT in your work with patients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Psychiatrist

Researcher

Researchers design and conduct studies to investigate the causes and treatments of mental health disorders. IPT is a valuable tool for Researchers, as it can help them to understand the role of interpersonal problems in the development and maintenance of depression. This course will provide you with the knowledge you need to use IPT in your research.

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Educator

Educators teach students about a variety of subjects, including mental health. IPT is a valuable tool for Educators, as it can help them to teach students about the role of interpersonal problems in the development and maintenance of depression. This course will provide you with the knowledge you need to teach students about IPT.

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Marriage and Family Therapist

Marriage and Family Therapists help couples and families resolve conflict and improve their relationships. IPT is a great tool for Marriage and Family Therapists, as it can help clients identify and resolve the interpersonal problems that are contributing to their relationship issues. This course will provide you with the skills you need to use IPT in your work with couples and families.

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Military Social Worker

Military Social Workers provide support to military personnel and their families, including those who have experienced trauma. IPT is a valuable tool for Military Social Workers, as it can help clients resolve interpersonal problems that are contributing to their mental health issues. This course will provide you with the skills you need to use IPT in your work with military personnel and their families.

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Addiction Counselor

Addiction Counselors help people overcome addiction to drugs and alcohol. IPT is a valuable tool for Addiction Counselors, as it can help clients resolve interpersonal problems that are contributing to their addiction. This course will provide you with the skills you need to use IPT in your work with clients.

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Hospice Social Worker

Hospice Social Workers provide support to patients and families facing end-of-life issues. IPT is a valuable tool for Hospice Social Workers, as it can help patients and families resolve interpersonal problems that are interfering with their ability to cope with end-of-life issues. This course will provide you with the skills you need to use IPT in your work with patients and families.

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Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Counselor

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Counselors provide support to employees with a variety of personal and work-related issues, including mental health issues. IPT is a valuable tool for EAP Counselors, as it can help employees resolve interpersonal problems that are interfering with their work performance. This course will provide you with the skills you need to use IPT in your work with employees.

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Forensic Social Worker

Forensic Social Workers provide support to individuals involved in the criminal justice system, including inmates and their families. IPT is a valuable tool for Forensic Social Workers, as it can help clients resolve interpersonal problems that are contributing to their criminal behavior. This course will provide you with the skills you need to use IPT in your work with clients.

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Mental Health Counselor

Mental Health Counselors provide therapy to individuals and families struggling with mental health issues. IPT is a valuable tool for Mental Health Counselors, as it can help clients resolve interpersonal problems that are contributing to their depression. This course will provide you with the skills you need to use IPT in your work with clients.

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Clinical Psychologist

As a Clinical Psychologist, you are responsible for assessing, diagnosing, and treating mental health disorders. Much of your work will involve administering therapy, and Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) is one of the most effective treatments for depression. This course will help you build a foundation in IPT, so that you can provide your patients with the best possible care.

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School Counselor

School Counselors provide support to students with academic, social, and emotional issues. IPT is a valuable tool for School Counselors, as it can help students resolve interpersonal problems that are interfering with their academic and social development. This course will provide you with the skills you need to use IPT in your work with students.

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Geriatric Social Worker

Geriatric Social Workers help older adults navigate the challenges of aging, including mental health issues. IPT is a valuable tool for Geriatric Social Workers, as it can help older adults resolve interpersonal problems that are contributing to their depression. This course will provide you with the skills you need to use IPT in your work with older adults.

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Youth Counselor

Youth Counselors provide support to young people facing a variety of challenges, including mental health issues. IPT is a valuable tool for Youth Counselors, as it can help young people resolve interpersonal problems that are contributing to their depression. This course will provide you with the skills you need to use IPT in your work with young people.

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Social Worker

Social Workers help people navigate the challenges of life, including mental health issues. IPT is a valuable tool for Social Workers, as it can help clients resolve interpersonal problems that are contributing to their depression. This course will provide you with the skills you need to use IPT in your work with clients.

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