DIT Therapy at Heathwell
ABOUT DYNAMIC INTERPERSONAL THERAPY
Dynamic Interpersonal Therapy, often called DIT, is a focused, short-term form of psychodynamic therapy developed to support people experiencing depression. It explores the connection between how you feel and what happens in your relationships, including anxiety that may accompany these difficulties.
Relationships can affect our mood in ways we do not always recognise. Feeling criticised, overlooked or afraid of rejection may lead us to withdraw, become defensive or keep our needs to ourselves. These responses can leave us feeling increasingly isolated, reinforcing the difficulties we are already experiencing.
DIT helps you understand a recurring relationship pattern and how it contributes to your distress. It is an individual therapy, so although relationships are central to the work, you attend on your own.
UNDERSTANDING THE CONNECTION BETWEEN RELATIONSHIPS AND MOOD
Earlier relationships can shape what we expect from other people and how we see ourselves. These expectations may continue to influence us even when our circumstances have changed.
For example, you might expect others to find your needs burdensome, so you avoid asking for support. People around you may assume you prefer to manage alone, leaving you feeling uncared for and confirming your belief that support is unavailable.
DIT focuses on making sense of a pattern like this, including the feelings and expectations that keep it going. Recognising the connection can help you consider different ways of responding and relating to others.
The standard DIT model usually involves 16 weekly sessions, giving the work a defined focus and timeframe. Suitability and the proposed arrangement should be discussed with your therapist.
Meet our DIT Therapist
Dr Funmi Deinde offers Dynamic Interpersonal Therapy online at Heathwell. Her clinical background includes work at the Maudsley and Anna Freud, and she supports adults experiencing depression, anxiety and relationship difficulties. She has a particular specialism in autism, including autism recognised or diagnosed later in life.
Read Funmi’s profile to learn more about her experience, specialist interests and approach.
What can DIT help with?
DIT may be helpful when depression, low mood or associated anxiety are connected with recurring difficulties in relationships. These might include:
Feeling rejected, criticised or misunderstood.
Withdrawing from others when you feel overwhelmed.
Finding it difficult to express your needs or ask for support.
Repeated conflict or disappointment in close relationships.
Feeling lonely despite having people around you.
Difficulties with trust, closeness or fear of rejection.
For neurodivergent adults, these experiences may also involve differences in communication, emotional expression or expectations around closeness. Repeated misunderstandings, the effort of masking or having your needs overlooked can affect how you feel about yourself and what you expect from relationships.
Where DIT is appropriate, it can offer space to explore these patterns and their connection with your mood, while recognising your neurodivergent needs and ways of relating.
Who might benefit from DIT?
DIT may suit someone looking for focused, time-limited therapy who wants to understand the relationship patterns associated with their depression.
You do not need to know what the pattern is before beginning, or be in a romantic relationship. The concerns you bring might involve partners, family, friends or colleagues.
An initial consultation can help you consider whether DIT fits your needs or whether another approach would be more appropriate.
Dynamic Interpersonal Therapy at Heathwell
At Heathwell, Dynamic Interpersonal Therapy is offered online by Dr Funmi Deinde, supporting adults experiencing depression, anxiety and relationship difficulties. Funmi has a particular specialism in autism, including autism recognised later in life, and brings an understanding of neurodiversity to her work.
To enquire about working with Funmi, contact Heathwell and we will connect you with her to discuss an initial consultation. This offers an opportunity to talk about your concerns, ask about her approach and consider whether DIT is right for you.
