Psychodynamic Interpersonal Therapy (PIT) Therapy

PIT is grounded in psychodynamic and interpersonal theory. It is based on the understanding that:

• Emotional difficulties often arise in the context of relationships

• Early relational experiences shape how we relate to others and ourselves

• These patterns can continue into adulthood, sometimes causing distress

PIT focuses on understanding emotions as they arise between people, including within the therapeutic relationship itself, to support insight and meaningful change.

PIT is a relational and reflective therapy. Together, we explore:

• Your current emotional difficulties

• Important relationships past and present

• Repeating interpersonal patterns

• Emotional experiences as they arise in sessions

Therapy focuses on:

• Increasing emotional awareness

• Understanding the meaning of emotional responses

• Exploring how relationship patterns may contribute to distress

• Supporting new ways of relating

PIT does not use techniques or homework tasks in the same way as CBT. Instead, it values emotional understanding, reflection, and relational insight.

Psychodynamic Interpersonal Therapy can be helpful for a range of emotional and psychological difficulties, particularly where relationships and emotions are central.

This includes:

• Depression and persistent low mood

• Relationship difficulties

• Interpersonal conflict

• Emotional distress linked to life events

• Loss, grief, and transitions

• Low self-worth or self-criticism

• Long-standing emotional difficulties

PIT is especially helpful when distress feels relational or emotionally complex rather than symptom-specific.

PIT was originally developed for the treatment of depression.

It helps by:

• Exploring emotional experiences linked to low mood

• Understanding how relationships influence feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or anger

• Identifying patterns of emotional suppression or self-criticism

• Supporting more open emotional expression and connection

Rather than focusing on symptom management alone, PIT helps address the emotional and relational roots of depression.

PIT places relationships at the centre of therapy.

It helps by:

• Identifying repeating relational patterns

• Understanding how expectations of others develop

• Exploring how emotional needs are expressed or blocked

• Supporting healthier emotional communication and connection

This can lead to improved relationships, boundaries, and emotional closeness.

PIT supports people who:

• Feel overwhelmed by emotions

• Struggle to identify or express feelings

• Experience emotional withdrawal or emotional intensity

• Feel disconnected from others

Therapy helps increase emotional understanding and tolerance, allowing feelings to be experienced safely and meaningfully rather than avoided or overwhelming.

IT is sometimes misunderstood. It is not:

• Advice-giving

• Behavioural skills training

• Symptom-focused therapy alone

• A rigid or manualized approach

At Atticus Psychotherapies, PIT is delivered in a warm, attuned, and collaborative way.

• • An initial assessment focusing on emotional and relational experiences

  • A shared understanding of current difficulties

  • Regular reflection on emotional experiences within therapy

  • A consistent, supportive therapeutic relationship

  • A pace guided by emotional safety and readiness

  PIT values depth, emotional honesty, and relational understanding.

• PIT may be helpful if you:

  • Want to understand emotional and relational patterns more deeply

  • Experience depression or ongoing emotional distress

  • Struggle in relationships or feel disconnected

  • Prefer a reflective, relational therapeutic approach

  If you’re unsure, this can be explored together in an initial consultation.