Interpersonal Reconstructive Therapy and
Structural Analysis of Social Behavior
are two, related methods for helping a wide range clients in psychotherapy, especially those with longstanding interpersonal problems, complex trauma, and personality disorder

What are IRT and SASB?

Interpersonal Reconstructive Therapy (IRT), created by Dr. Lorna Smith Benjamin, is a compassionate and attachment-oriented way of intervening that is tailored based on an individualized understanding of the deep, tricky, unyielding ways we subconsciously hold on to our self-destructive patterns. 

Structural Analysis of Social Behavior (SASB) is a tailorable tool that IRT clinicians (and clinical researchers) use to measure, understand, and make it possible to work with even very complex relationship patterns spanning across an individual’s life history

Workshops & Webinars

IRT Peer Consult Group with Dr. Ken Critchfield

For advanced IRT practitioners for ongoing maintenance of skills and support for work with difficult cases. CE’s available.

For acceptance into the sequence email Dr. Critchfield

Monday, May 12, 12pm – 1:15pm EDT

Clinical Practice with Complex Cases: Using Structural Analysis of Social Behavior and Interpersonal Reconstructive Therapy Methods to Chart a Course

Presenter: Ken Critchfield, Ph.D.

Host: Ontario Psychological Association

Registration and CEs available from OPA


Wednesday, June 11, 11:00am – 1:00pm EDT

PBTA Journal Club: The “Gift of Love” as a Candidate Mechanism of Psychopathology and Change in Interpersonal Reconstructive Therapy for Patients with High-Acuity Clinical Needs

Presenter: Ken Critchfield, Ph.D.

Host: Philadelphia Behavior Therapy Association

CEs available from PBTA

TBD in August

A CE training event co-hosted by the IRT Institute with the PBTA

This will be a 3 hour workshop/training on using the SASB-Based Intrex Questionnaire in Clinical Practice

November 7, 9:00am -12pm EST (3-6pm central European time)

The SASB model with a Focus on Case Formulation

A webinar sponsored by the Society for Psychotherapy Research – Italy Chapter

Registration will be posted when available

Coming Soon!

IRT Certification training sequence. Anticipated to be 12-15 sessions, for experienced/established mental health practitioners, with CEs available.

Sign up with your email below to be notified!

Just released!

Dr. Lorna Smith Benjamin and Dr. Ken Critchfield

Dr. Lorna Smith Benjamin is the founder and creator of Interpersonal Reconstructive Therapy and Structural Analysis of Social Behavior. She is Professor Emerita of Psychology at the University of Utah and Founder of the Interpersonal Reconstructive Therapy Clinic at the University of Utah Neuropsychiatric Institute (UNI). Dr. Benjamin is now in retirement and is not formally or directly affiliated with the IRT Institute

Dr. Ken Critchfield is a therapist, supervisor, and Program Director of the Clinical Psychology Program of the Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology at Yeshiva University. He is the co-author of the SASB Guide for Clinical Use, and continues to help share the invaluable insights Lorna brought into the world. He has spent is life dedicated to understanding and helping those who have needed a higher level of care and compassion as they work towards healing.

Drs Benjamin and Critchfield have worked closely together for almost 2 decades and the ongoing development of her life's work in SASB and IRT is central to the institute's mission. Their wisdom and compassion continue to help those who have needed more than standard treatment to heal.