Interpersonal Psychotherapy Training (IPT) - Supervising Perinatal

About this training

Perinatal depression is common, with adverse effects identified for the parent(s), infant and wider social system. The perinatal period is associated with reluctance of many to use medical treatments and a preference for talking therapy. Lack of perceived support from significant others, particularly a spouse or partner has been identified as significant contextual factor (O’Hara & Swain, 1996), and an interpersonal approach to treatment and prevention of antenatal and postnatal depression, therefore, may be not only judicious, but also critical. 

IPT has a role in primary treatment and secondary prevention e.g., reducing the risk of postpartum depression by effectively treating antenatal depression. It targets the specific symptoms and interpersonal problem areas experienced not only during the postpartum period (Stuart & O’Hara, 1995) but also during pregnancy. 

The focal areas used to frame IPT address common areas of perinatal and interpersonal distress – the impact of bereavement (neonatally and historically), significant role changes (as a parent and in other significant roles), conflict (with partners and the wider social network) and isolation at time when social support is essential. This course also attends to the challenges for underserved groups, such as neurodivergent parents navigating significant relational and sensory challenges.

Supervising Perinatal IPT (14th December 2023) is free to attend and by joining, attendees commit to providing paid supervision to a trainee from one of the IPT Perinatal trainings.

Aims of the training

The course will highlight key additional considerations when supervising trainees working in specialist perinatal services and summarise and apply the evidence gather over more than twenty years supporting perinatal IPT.

Who is this training for?

This one-day course is designed for IPTUK accredited supervisors who would like to expand their supervisory practice to work with perinatal specialist IPT trainees.