Depression: Causes and Cures
Presented by Cynthia Lubow, MS, MFT

Web Conference Description

This Web Conference will explore the causes and cures for depression. I believe depression is not one thing, but a catch-all word for many different experiences. In fact, five different people with depression symptoms can have five very different experiences. For example, one person may feel like it would take a crane to get him out of bed, yet not feel at all suicidal or question his value as a person. Another person might silently attack herself all day for ways she thinks she’s defective or not good enough, but still have plenty of energy and hope. Another person may feel terribly sad and not be able to stop crying, or may even be incapable of feeling joy like other people do. This person might hold death as a plan B at all times, finding comfort in it. All of these people suffer, and all of them experience symptoms of depression, but confusingly, any of them might not meet the medical criteria for depression. So what is going on here?

I don’t see the world as divided into depressed people and non-depressed people, because there’s so much variation, and because virtually everyone experiences some version of depression at some time. So I think it makes more sense to understand depression as a communication that something needs attention, rather than see it as an illness. Just as a rumbling stomach is a communication that we need food, depression can tell us we need rest, human companionship, a change in our work or relationship lives, a chance to process losses and traumas emotionally, or an adjustment in our brain chemistry. What’s important is not whether or not a person fits into one diagnosis or another. What’s important is that people suffer in many different ways, and that suffering can tell us, if we listen carefully, where it came from and what is needed to relieve it.

About Cynthia Lubow, MS, MFT

Cynthia Lubow, MS, MFT

Cynthia W. Lubow, MS, MFT, a licensed California marriage and family therapist, consultant, and teacher, has specialized in psychotherapy with women and depression for almost 25 years. She has worked with hundreds of women to resolve their depression, and the self-esteem, anxiety, trauma, grief, relationship, and other issues that can drive depression. Cynthia is the author of WomensPsychotherapy.com and two books: Ending the Blues: A Psychotherapist’s Guide to Living Depression-Free, and Higher Power for Recovering Cynics: Developing a Unique, Personalized Spiritual Life Without all the B#*$#t. She is also author of a chapter called, “Transforming Depression into Empowerment” in Goddess Shift: Women Leading for a Change, an anthology of some of the most recognized leaders (such as Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey, Helen Mirin, J.K. Rowling, Sonia Gandhi, Suze Orman, Maya Angelou and many more) in a variety of fields. The article describes her process of developing a working relationship with her own depression. She is also co-owner of EMDRinAction.com, where people learn about EMDR trauma treatment through professional-quality videos, and find qualified EMDR therapists to help them. Cynthia sees depression as a multi-dimensional phenomenon that includes everything from a natural, universal, and even useful bodily function to a disabling, destructive, long-term, unbearable internal beast. For most people, depression is a communication and can be relieved once the message is heard, understood, and given a full response. To learn more about Cynthia, you can visit her profile on GoodTherapy.org or her website at www.womenspsychotherapy.com.

Continuing Education (CE) Information

There are no CE credits available for this program.

How the Web Conference Works

In short, participants will have two options for participating in this event. Option one, listening to the event by calling into our teleconference center. Option two, listening to the event by calling into the teleconference and viewing the event online. Prior to the event all participants will be sent an email with instructions on how to log in to the teleconference and videoconference center. This event will include lecture, interaction, and question & answer periods.

Registration Information

This program is free to the public.