Interpersonal therapy: improving your connection with others

Group at Priory Hospital Roehampton
Learn and develop interpersonal skills
Meet and interact with people alike

Page last updated: Friday, 27 February 2026

Relationships are at the heart of the human experience, yet they can also be the source of our greatest challenges. Whether you’re struggling in your relationship, navigating a difficult dynamic with a parent, or feeling unheard at work, the way we relate to others deeply affects our mental wellbeing.

At Priory Hospital Roehampton, our interpersonal pathway is designed to help you explore these patterns and build the skills you need for healthier, more fulfilling connections.

What are interpersonal skills?

Interpersonal skills, often referred to as people skills or social intelligence, are the tools we use to communicate and interact with others. They go far beyond just being polite or having a conversation. These skills involve how you express your needs, how you listen to others, and how you manage the emotional tone of an interaction.
In a therapeutic context, we focus on several key pillars of interpersonal skill building:

Active listening: This is the ability to fully concentrate on what’s being said rather than just passively hearing the words. It involves noticing non-verbal cues and showing the other person that you understand them
Assertiveness: This is the middle ground between being passive and being aggressive. It allows you to stand up for your own rights and express your feelings in a way that’s honest but also respectful of others
Emotional regulation: This involves managing your own emotions so they don’t take over a conversation. It helps you stay calm and clear-headed even when a discussion becomes difficult
Conflict resolution: These skills help you navigate disagreements in a constructive way. Instead of the interaction breaking down, you learn how to find compromises and move forward
Empathy: The ability to understand and share the feelings of another person is vital for building trust and deep connections

Learning interpersonal skills

Interpersonal therapy (IPT) focuses on our communication and relationships. By strengthening these skills, you can positively influence how you relate to other within your social circle, your workplace and your home life. Our interpersonal pathway at Roehampton provides the safe environment you need to practise these tools in real-time.

This pathway is particularly helpful for people looking to:

Navigate conflict: Learn how to manage disagreements without losing your voice or your temper
Understand attachment: Explore how past experiences and childhood dynamics shape your current relationships
Set boundaries: Gain the confidence to say ‘no’ and negotiate your needs clearly
Reduce isolation: Break the patterns of avoidance or withdrawal that keep you from connecting with others

How IPT can transform your relationships

IPT focuses on the idea that our mental health is deeply connected to how we interact with others. By addressing your communication and relationship patterns, you can make significant changes to your daily life and emotional wellbeing.

It encourages a move from reactive responses to more proactive ways of relating.

Before IPT	After IPT
Passive communication: Avoiding conflict and feeling unheard or resentful.	Assertive communication: Clearly stating your needs while respecting others.
Unclear boundaries: Feeling overwhelmed by the demands of others, or saying ‘yes’ when you mean ‘no’.	Healthy boundaries: Understanding your limits and feeling confident in negotiating them.
Automatic reactions: Responding to old triggers based on past experiences or childhood dynamics.	Mindful choices: Recognising your patterns and choosing how you want to react in the moment.
Isolation: Feeling alone in your struggles and disconnected from the people around you.	Connection: Building a sense of community and strength through shared experiences.

What is an interpersonal pathway?

In a professional setting, a pathway is a structured journey. You can think of it as a roadmap designed by experts to take you from feeling overwhelmed to feeling empowered. Our interpersonal pathway at Roehampton takes place over 6 consecutive Mondays, providing a clear and consistent framework for your progress.

As an open pathway, you don’t need to wait for a specific start date. You can begin any Monday and move through the 6-week cycle with the support of your peers. Every participant is also allocated a dedicated keyworker to act as a consistent point of contact throughout the journey.

A typical day on our interpersonal pathway

Each day of the pathway is carefully balanced between practical skill building and emotional reflection:

9:30am. Assertiveness: Explore different communication styles and build a toolkit for honest, open communication
11:15am. Equine assisted therapy: A reflective session held off-site at nearby Richmond Park, helping you build self-awareness through interaction with horses
12:50pm. Lunch: A shared meal provided in our on-site dining room
1:45pm. Understanding relationships: A session informed by attachment theory that explores how you exist in relation to others, from family members to work colleagues
3:30pm. Supportive psychotherapy: A therapist-led space to share emotions and reflect on the themes of the week with your peers

A unique therapeutic experience: equine therapy in Richmond Park

One of the most powerful elements of this pathway is equine assisted therapy. While most of our sessions are held on-site at the hospital, this specific activity takes place off-site in the natural surroundings of nearby Richmond Park.

Horses are highly sensitive to human emotions and body language. Interacting with them provides a unique mirror for how you relate to others, helping you develop a deeper understanding of your thoughts and behaviours.

No riding involved: You don’t need any experience with horses, as all work is done on the ground
Professional support: Taxis are organised to and from the park, and a member of the Roehampton therapy team accompanies the group for the duration

The strength of the group

The idea of sharing your relationship struggles with a group can feel daunting. However, we ensure you have plenty of time to build trust with your peers. By hearing the experiences of others who face similar challenges, you can begin to realise that you’re not alone. This shared journey often creates a powerful sense of closeness and mutual support.

Expert guidance

Our interpersonal therapists at Priory Hospital Roehampton have undergone rigorous training and have extensive experience in evidence-based support. They work with you to identify your unique needs, ensuring you receive personalised attention within the group setting. To ensure that the interpersonal pathway is the right fit for your needs, you’ll receive a thorough initial assessment from one of our clinicians before starting.

Getting started with our interpersonal pathway

Our interpersonal pathway is available for self-pay patients (£632 per day) and those using private medical insurance (PMI). Please check with your insurer to find out the level of treatment they will authorise.