Which type of therapy focuses on improving interpersonal relationships and social functioning?

Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) specifically addresses interpersonal relationships and social functioning as its core focus. This therapeutic approach is designed to help individuals understand and improve their interactions with others, which can impact their overall mental health and emotional well-being. IPT emphasizes the connections between mood and interpersonal issues, making it particularly effective for conditions like depression and anxiety, where personal relationships can significantly influence a person's feelings and behaviors.

The therapy often involves exploring current relationships, identifying patterns of behavior, and improving communication skills. By helping individuals to navigate their social environments more effectively, IPT seeks to foster healthier relationships and reduce distress associated with interpersonal conflicts.

Other therapies mentioned, while beneficial in their own contexts, do not primarily center on interpersonal dynamics. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on modifying negative thought patterns and behaviors rather than on social interactions. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) incorporates emotion regulation and mindfulness into its framework, again with less emphasis on interpersonal relationships as the sole focus. Exposure Therapy is primarily used for treating anxiety disorders by gradually exposing individuals to feared situations or stimuli, which does not inherently address interpersonal functioning. Thus, the distinct nature of IPT in targeting interpersonal relationships clearly sets it apart as the correct answer.