Description:

The cutting edge of rapidly expanding scientific evidence highlights that the more we learn about the biology of depression, the more important psychology and social experiences become in shaping recovery on all levels. Participants will learn to utilize therapy as a social process that can teach clients skills experientially in order to reduce and even prevent depression. Interventions involving skill building homework assignments, and experiential methods of hypnosis and mindfulness will be considered in depth through group hypnosis and at least one skill-building exercise. Hypnosis in particular holds great therapeutic potential for its emphasis on empowering and activating some of the most disempowered people there are, namely people suffering the ravages of depression.

Educational Objectives:

1. Describe what we know about depression and pharmaceuticals, in light of new neuroscientific evidence.
2. List reasons why depression isn’t fated by brain chemistry, genes, diet or personal weakness and how interpersonal relationships can be the solution.
3. Discuss how to reduce the “depression inheritance” of children and address the social context of depression.
4. Design active and experiential treatments for specific aspects of depression.
5. Utilize the power of expectations in shaping experience for the treatment of depression.
6. Utilize experiential processes like mindfulness and hypnosis as vehicles for skill building.

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