Personal Journeys with Interpersonal Group Therapy: Qualitative Exploration of the Experiences of People Managing Depressive Symptoms in Mosul, Iraq

Interpersonal therapy is a widely used intervention for depression and other mental health conditions, yet its acceptability, cultural appropriateness, and mechanisms of change in different contexts remain insufficiently understood, particularly from the first-person perspective of participants. The study aimed to explore experiences with interpersonal group therapy (IPT-G) and perceived levels of improvement among participants with symptoms of depression in the city of Mosul, Iraq. The study conducted 32 semi-structured interviews (53.13% female; mean age = 28.44) with former IPT-G participants purposefully sampled from different cycles of therapy groups. Interviews explored general perspectives, experiences with techniques, group format, and perceived outcomes. Thematic content analysis revealed that IPT-G provided a space for sharing, receiving emotional support, learning valuable skills, and forming new social connections. These elements facilitate positive changes in participants’ overall well-being. At the same time, the therapy evoked feelings of discomfort for some participants by triggering difficult emotions. It was also described as demanding in practical and organisational terms and, at times, monotonous due to the repetitive structure of sessions. Despite these challenges, IPT-G appeared to fit well in the local context and was experienced as positive and useful. Nevertheless, contextual and cultural factors need to be carefully considered during implementation to enhance both effectiveness and acceptability.