Interpersonal deficit is a term used in interpersonal therapy (IPT) to describe a pattern of difficulty in forming and maintaining close relationships. People with interpersonal deficits may have difficulty expressing their emotions, setting boundaries, or resolving conflict. They may also have a history of being rejected or abandoned by others.

Interpersonal deficit is one of four main problem areas that IPT can address. The other three problem areas are grief, role disputes, and role transitions.

In IPT, the therapist helps the patient to identify their interpersonal deficits and to develop new skills for managing their relationships. The therapist also helps the patient to understand how their interpersonal deficits are affecting their current life.

How to ask “very good” questions to facilitate the patient’s ability to see their own experiences

When asking questions in IPT, it is important to ask questions that are both open-ended and specific. Open-ended questions allow the patient to share their thoughts and feelings in their own words. Specific questions help the therapist to gather more information about the patient’s experiences.

Here are some examples of “very good” questions that a therapist might ask a 75-year-old widower who has been grieving the loss of his wife for 28 months:

• Open-ended questions:
  • What has been the hardest part about grieving your wife?
  • How has your grief affected your relationships with your family and friends?
  • What are you hoping to get out of therapy?
• Specific questions:
  • Can you tell me about a time when you felt particularly lonely since your wife passed away?
  • What do you think your wife would say to you if she saw you now?
  • What are some things you can do to start to rebuild your life?

The goal of asking these questions is to help the patient to see their own experiences in a new light. By understanding their own experiences, the patient can begin to develop new ways of coping with their grief and to rebuild their life.

Here are some additional tips for asking “very good” questions:

• Be present and engaged. Make eye contact and listen attentively to the patient’s responses.
• Use active listening skills. Repeat back what the patient has said to you to show that you are listening and understanding.
• Ask follow-up questions. This will help you to gather more information about the patient’s experiences.
• Be respectful and non-judgmental. Create a safe and supportive environment where the patient feels comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings.

By following these tips, you can ask “very good” questions that will help your patient to see their own experiences and to begin to heal.