For example, you may be worried because you have to introduce yourself to some people you've never met before at a work meeting. Your co-worker seems completely at ease in that situation. You can learn to be more at ease by watching and coping his or her behavior. For example, if you want to ask for a larger salary, you practice asking for a raise with a friend who plays the role of your boss. This technique uses relaxation exercises to successfully handle an event, like giving a speech before a large group, that causes anxiety.
Interpersonal behavior focuses on unhealthy relationships that can lead to or worsen depression.
During interpersonal therapy, the psychologist focuses on how a person's depression affects his or her relationships with others. For example, a depressed woman is reluctant to express her needs to her family and co-workers. Consequently, they ignore her needs, which in turn worsens her feelings of inadequacy. In interpersonal therapy, she learns to show healthy self-assertion. Record medications, dosages, and moods.