EP17 Topical Panel 11 - Depression - Jeffrey Zeig, PhD; Michele Weiner-Davis, LCSW; Michael Yapko, PhD

Description:

Depression is one of the most common problems brought to psychotherapists. Treatment options and biological substrates will be discussed.

Educational Objectives:

1. Describe three techniques for working with depression.
2. Describe modern neurobiological perspectives on depression.

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

Outline:

Introduction and Panel Setup

• The Milton H. Erickson Foundation hosts a panel on depression in Anaheim, featuring Jeff Zeig, Michele Weiner-Davis, and Michael Yapko.

• Erving Polster joins by speakerphone due to an injury.

• Panelists and attendees are welcomed to the discussion on depression.

Jeff Zeig's Introduction and Model of Depression

• Zeig is introduced as founder/director of the Erickson Foundation and a leader in psychotherapy.

• Describes depression as a state made up of multiple components (e.g., negative statements, internal focus, physiological symptoms).

• Advocates systemic treatment by addressing small, manageable parts of the depressive state.

Michael Yapko on Depression and Prevention

• Shares experience writing for Encyclopedia Britannica on depression treatment.

• Notes WHO ranks depression as the leading cause of global disability and suffering.

• Stresses prevention over treatment and the importance of building emotional and cognitive skills.

• Identifies hopelessness and rigid attributional styles as core treatment targets.

Michele Weiner-Davis on Personal Experience with Depression

• Reflects on her own bout of severe depression, which shifted her therapeutic approach.

• Depression was triggered by stress and not helped by CBT or medication alone.

• Recovery came through emotionally connected therapists who offered support and hope.

• Emphasizes power of suggestion and the importance of instilling hope regardless of certainty.

Audience Questions and Discussions

• One question challenges the idea of happiness as a therapeutic goal; Yapko promotes realistic, individualized goals.

• On “failure to launch” and substance use, Weiner-Davis advises defining client-specific visions of happiness.

• Zeig suggests a paradoxical strategy: clarifying the problem to motivate forward movement.

• Panelists respond to a question about persistent depression, discussing ECT, ketamine, and other intensive options.

Therapeutic Boundaries and Prevention Strategies

• On teens and social media, Weiner-Davis encourages flexible boundaries like texting to maintain connection.

• Audience questions why treatments like TMS and ketamine aren’t more widely used; speakers note accessibility and integration challenges.

• Yapko underscores that prevention strategies are well-known—early intervention and skill-building are key.

• Zeig concludes by reinforcing the central role of hope and resilience in therapeutic recovery.