Who is in your inner circle?
The people in our inner circle profoundly impact our mental health. They can help us heal or hinder our ability to do so.
Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) is a type of therapy that focuses on the role of interpersonal relationships in mental health. IPT theory posits that our relationships can be supportive or stressful. Supportive relationships can help us to cope with stress and to heal from mental health challenges. On the other hand, stressful relationships can make it more difficult to heal.
The Circle
IPT theory uses the "circle" concept to help clients understand their interpersonal relationships. The circle is a diagram that shows the different people in a client's life and how those people interact with each other. The circle can be used to identify supportive relationships, stressful relationships, and how these relationships are connected.
How Your Interpersonal Relationships Can Hinder Your Ability to Heal
Our interpersonal relationships can hinder our ability to heal in many ways. Some of these ways include:
Negative feedback: When we receive negative feedback from the people in our inner circle, it can make us feel bad about ourselves. This can make it more difficult to feel confident and take healing steps.
Criticism: Criticism from the people in our inner circle can make us feel like we are not good enough. This can make it more difficult to believe in ourselves and to take risks.
Isolation: If we are isolated from the people in our inner circle, we may not have the support we need to heal. This can make it more difficult to cope with stress and to feel better.
Toxic relationships: Toxic relationships are relationships that are characterized by conflict, abuse, or manipulation. These relationships can be very damaging to our mental health and can make it very difficult to heal.
How to Improve Your Interpersonal Relationships
If you are struggling with your interpersonal relationships, there are several things you can do to improve them. Some of these things include:
Identify the supportive relationships in your life: Make a list of the people in your life who are supportive and who make you feel good about yourself. These are the people who can help you to heal.
Identify the stressful relationships in your life: Make a list of the people in your life who are stressful and who make you feel bad about yourself. These are the people who may be hindering your ability to heal.
Set boundaries: If you have stressful relationships, it is important to set boundaries with the people in those relationships. This means limiting how much time you spend with them and how much you share with them.
Seek support: If you are struggling with your interpersonal relationships, it is important to seek support. There are several resources available to help you, including therapy, support groups, and online forums.
Remember, you are not alone. Many people struggle with their interpersonal relationships. Some people can help you to improve your relationships and to heal from mental health challenges.
I hope this blog article has been helpful. If you struggle with your interpersonal relationships, please seek help. There are many resources available to you, and you are not alone.
If you are looking for a therapist or are interested in services offered at Safe Space Therapeutic, please book a free consultation here.
