BT18 Topical Interaction 11 - The Surprising Lessons Learned from Overcoming Depression: A Personal Story - Michele Weiner-Davis, MSW

Description:

This presentation will allow for a dialog with attendees about the presenter's experience with overcoming depression and the important lessons learned for clinical practice in general.

Educational Objectives:

1. Discuss the importance of the therapist-client relationship.
2. Identify the reason hopefulness is essential.
3. Describe two ways to avoid reifying hopelessness. 

*Sessions may be edited for content and to preserve confidentiality*

Outline:

Michelle Weiner Davis' Introduction and Personal Journey

• Introduces herself as a therapist, author, and speaker discussing her personal experience with depression.

• Admits feeling shame and vulnerability despite her professional background.

• Depression triggered by life stressors: work, marriage tension, and her son leaving for college.

Onset of Depression and Early Struggles

• Describes the sudden, overwhelming onset of depression.

• Usual coping mechanisms failed; felt isolated and untethered.

• A friend’s advice—“just get through the day”—became a helpful mantra.

• Experienced anxiety, insomnia, and appetite loss.

Seeking Help and Therapy Experiences

• Started therapy (without meds) which initially helped, but later regressed after a discouraging warning from the psychiatrist.

• Tried many therapies, medications, and self-help tools over time.

• Discovered the value of therapist self-disclosure in creating meaningful connections.

Support and Healing Through Relationships

• Emotional and practical support from friends and family was crucial.

• Benefited most from therapists who provided steady presence and emotional safety.

• Two key therapists: one who held her accountable, another who offered unconditional acceptance.

• Gained greater gratitude and stronger relationships from the recovery process.

Medication Challenges and Self-Disclosure in Therapy

• Shared her personal experience with antidepressants being ineffective.

• Stressed the need for skills-based approaches alongside or instead of medication.

• Advocated for therapists showing genuine humanity and hope to clients.

• Described a case where client insight—not meds—led to growth.

Concerns About Medication and Pharma Influence

• Addressed concerns about Big Pharma’s role in treatment norms.

• Emphasized helping clients find their own path, not over-relying on meds.

• Validated that medication helps some but should not replace skill-building or support.

Power of Therapeutic Relationship and Self-Disclosure

• Participant stories underscored how therapist self-disclosure normalizes clients’ struggles.

• Michelle encouraged thoughtful self-disclosure to deepen trust and connection.

• Shared examples of when disclosure worked and when it didn’t.

• Therapists must read the room and prioritize what serves the client best.

Empathy, Normalization, and Hope

• Stressed the importance of not pathologizing normal human suffering.

• Therapists should instill hope and validate the client’s pain without judgment.

• Her own depression increased her appreciation for life’s small, meaningful moments.

Resilience and Therapist's Role

• Repeatedly emphasized the therapist’s role in conveying hope and normalizing experiences.

• Depression and trauma can be transformed into deeper life appreciation with empathy and support.

• Encouraged therapists to balance vulnerability and professionalism to foster resilience in clients.