A structured, time-limited therapy focused on anxiety/depression and repeating relationship patterns
DIT (Dynamic Interpersonal Therapy) is a structured, time-limited approach that focuses on the link between symptoms (often anxiety and low mood) and repeating interpersonal patterns. It can be particularly helpful when you feel caught in the same relational difficulties, at work, with partners, or in close relationships, and the pattern keeps feeding stress, anxiety, or low mood.
I offer DIT in Central London (W1W) and online. Within my practice, DIT is used when a focused, relational formulation and a clear time-limited structure are the best fit.
When DIT is most helpful
DIT may be a strong fit if you:
- notice repeating relationship patterns (e.g., people-pleasing, withdrawing, conflict avoidance)
- feel your symptoms worsen in response to interpersonal stress
- want a therapy with a clear focus and structure
- prefer a contained, time-limited approach rather than open-ended work
- feel stuck in the same roles (over-responsible, unseen, always “fine”, always accommodating)
DIT is especially useful when symptoms are tied to an identifiable pattern that repeats across relationships and situations.
The DIT view: symptoms and relationships reinforce each other
From a DIT perspective, emotional distress often becomes organised around a repeated interpersonal theme.
A common cycle looks like this:
- A relational trigger happens (criticism, distance, conflict, expectation)
- A familiar emotional response rises (hurt, anger, fear, shame)
- A familiar strategy is used (appease, withdraw, over function, stay silent, become self-critical)
- Short-term stability is maintained
- Long-term cost builds (resentment, loneliness, anxiety, low mood)
- The pattern repeats with the next relationship or situation
DIT helps bring that pattern into focus so it can be understood and changed, rather than repeated.
What DIT looks like in practice
DIT is collaborative and structured. Sessions typically involve:
- identifying the main difficulty and how it shows up in relationships
- agreeing a clear interpersonal-affective focus
- exploring how the pattern plays out in the present (including in the therapy relationship)
- developing new responses that reduce symptoms and shift relational dynamics
The emphasis is on creating change that holds outside the therapy room—in how you respond to people, pressure, conflict, closeness and boundaries.
How DIT fits within an ISTDP-led approach
DIT is one of the structured relational tools I may use when it best matches the problem.
In my practice:
- ISTDP provides the organising framework (emotion, anxiety, defences, and the maintaining cycle in the present)
- DIT provides a time-limited relational structure when a focused interpersonal formulation is the most effective path
This can be especially helpful when symptoms are strongly linked to relationship patterns, and you want a defined focus and timeframe.
Best for (common presentations)
DIT work in my practice is commonly used for:
- anxiety or low mood linked to interpersonal stress
- relationship and attachment patterns that repeat
- difficulty with boundaries, assertiveness, or conflict
- chronic self-criticism shaped by relational expectations
- workplace relational patterns (e.g., approval-seeking, fear of authority conflict)
You may also find these pages helpful:
When DIT may not be the whole answer
If your main difficulty is:
- trauma symptoms driven by specific memories (EMDR may be indicated)
- strong panic/avoidance cycles requiring structured behavioural change (CBT may be indicated)
- persistent physical symptoms where the body cycle is central (PPS-focused work may be indicated)
…DIT may still help, but it may not be the primary tool. We decide this together in early sessions.
What to expect
Early sessions
- clarify your symptoms and goals
- identify repeating relational patterns
- agree a focused interpersonal theme
Ongoing work
- working directly with the pattern as it appears in present relationships
- practising new responses
- reviewing progress so therapy stays focused and useful
Related pages
Frequently asked questions
Is DIT the same as general psychodynamic therapy?
DIT is psychodynamic in its principles, but it is more structured and time-limited with a clear focus.
How long is DIT?
DIT is typically delivered as a time-limited approach. The exact structure is discussed in early sessions.
Do you offer DIT online?
Yes. DIT works well online as well as in person.
Do you offer DIT in person in Central London?
Yes, I work in Central London (W1W) and online.
Next step
If your anxiety or low mood is closely tied to relationship patterns, and you want a structured, focused approach, DIT may be a strong fit.
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