Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) is based on the idea that relationships and life events affect mood, and vice versa. It is a short term therapy that is meant to be completed within 12 - 16 weeks. IPT and CBT are the 2 psychosocial interventions that psychiatrists are mandated to learn in the US.
The objective of IPT is to help clients gain an understanding of their relationship issues, and equip them with better communication skills to help them build better relationships. This allows the client to form better interpersonal relationships and create social support networks that will help him/her through periods of stress.