BT18 Great Conversation 04 - Depression - Judith Beck, PhD and Michele Weiner-Davis, MSW, LCSW

Description:

Depression is a complex of psychosocial, biological, and environmental factors. Perspectives on evaluation and treatment will be offered.

Educational Objectives:

1. Describe a typical symptom complex for depression.
2. Given a patient with depression, list two methods for beginning treatment.  

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

Outline:

Introduction and Speaker Backgrounds

• Judith Beck: President of the Beck Institute for Cognitive Behavior Therapy, trains clinicians internationally.

• Michelle Weiner-Davis: Works with couples on the brink of divorce; introduces a personal angle on depression.

• Format: Judith covers CBT for depression; Michelle shares personal and clinical insights.

Judith Beck on CBT for Depression

• Slides available for download; presentation includes treatment methods and case examples.

• Shares story of Aaron Beck’s work with recovery-oriented CBT for schizophrenia.

• CBT effective for depression but relapse can occur; not all clients respond.

Cognitive Model and Core Beliefs

• Key idea: Reactions stem from perceptions, not situations themselves.

• Core beliefs fall into 3 categories: helplessness, unlovability, worthlessness.

• These beliefs fuel automatic negative thoughts and maladaptive behaviors.

Building Alliance and Behavioral Activation

• Strong therapeutic alliance is essential for depressed clients.

• Address hopelessness by identifying meaningful goals.

• Use behavioral activation: have clients “act as if” they’re not depressed.

• Involve friends/family to challenge distorted beliefs.

Michelle Weiner-Davis’ Personal Story

• Shares own experience with severe depression; impacted by psychiatrist’s hopeless comment.

• Highlights how hope and strong therapeutic relationships enabled her recovery.

• Credits two key therapists for her personal and professional transformation.

Therapeutic Relationship and Hope

• Both speakers emphasize that hope and connection are central to healing.

• Michelle uses personal stories and self-disclosure to build rapport.

• Judith stresses flexibility—tailor methods to fit individual clients.

Addressing Resistance in Long-Term Clients

• Strategies include exploring interfering beliefs and using creative techniques.

• Michelle focuses on deeply understanding the client’s perspective.

• Both stress the power of rapport and self-disclosure to overcome resistance.

Medication and Therapy Discussion

• Audience asks about when to suggest medication.

• Judith: medication decision should be collaborative and case-specific.

• Michelle: prefers non-medication approaches; underscores therapist skill.

Final Thoughts and Audience Insights

• Audience emphasizes the value of instilling hope, especially during crises.

• Michelle and Judith agree: being present and optimistic is vital.

• Offer strategies for working with therapy-resistant clients by shifting tactics and reframing issues.