Free public lecture, National Gallery of Victoria, May 10 and 14, 6.30pm
View the lecture in full
Renowned depression expert Dr Michael Yapko will tell a Melbourne audience this week that depression can be treated and even prevented with specific psychological therapy tools designed to build targeted personal skills.
Dr Yapko, an author and clinical psychologist from the US who has spent 40 years working in the field, says that too often depression is assumed to be caused by ‘bad brain chemistry’ alone. However, current research shows that psychological and social factors play a more significant part than previously realized.
Free public lectures will be given by Dr Yapko in Melbourne on 10 and 14 of May. They are part of the Bringing Psychology to the People lecture series, initiated by APS President Anthony Cichello FAPS, to translate complex scientific information about psychological disorders and treatments to, and for the benefit of, the community.
Mr Cichello says, “Over one million Australians suffer depression each year, so it is vital for people to develop a broad understanding of the condition, why they might be vulnerable and how psychological therapies can aid recovery and prevent relapse.”
Dr Yapko says some of the most basic issues in depression stem from people’s style of dealing with life’s stressors, poor coping skills, problem solving abilities, thinking patterns and lack of social skills to build positive relationships.
“It’s not about a character flaw or a personal weakness,” says Dr Yapko. “It’s about being overwhelmed by life challenges when you may not have the skills to manage life on life’s terms.”
“There are many causes for depression, and just treating it with medication while failing to address the other factors, is going to work against recovery,” says Dr Yapko. “People who take medication alone have the highest relapse rate of anyone being treated.”
Dr Yapko says depression is highly responsive to good psychological therapy, and he will describe some of the specific skills that can make managing mood more deliberate and effective. He will emphasise skills over pills.
Mr Cichello says he is confident that Dr Yapko will be able to arm people with effective strategies to deal with, and prevent, depression that last their whole life.
Note to the editor
Media are invited to attend the lecture.
Dr Yapko’s most recent book, Keys to Unlocking Depression, is available through Amazon or Dr Yapko’s website: www.yapko.com
Dr Yapko has been invited to present his work in more than 30 countries across six continents. His books have been translated into 10 languages.
For more information, or to arrange an interview call the APS Media team on 03 8662 3358 / 0435 896 444, or email. Find the APS Media team on Twitter: @AustPsych
The APS is the largest professional organisation for psychologists in Australia, representing more than 27,000 members. The APS is committed to advancing psychology as a discipline and profession. It spreads the message that psychologists make a difference to people’s lives, through improving psychological knowledge and community wellbeing.