Michael D. Yapko, Ph.D.

Michael D. Yapko, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist and marriage and family therapist residing in Fallbrook, California. He is internationally recognized for his work in depression and outcome-focused psychotherapy, routinely teaching to professional audiences all over the world. To date, he has been invited to present his innovative ideas and strategic methods to colleagues in 30 countries across six continents, and all over the United States.

Dr. Yapko has had a special interest which spans three decades in the intricacies of brief therapy, the clinical applications of hypnosis and other directive methods, and strategically treating the disorder of major depression. He is the author of ten books and editor of three others, and numerous book chapters and articles on the subjects of the brief therapy of depression and the use of strategic psychotherapies. These include his newest book (to be released in September, 2009 from The Free Press) called Depression is Contagious: How the Most Common Mood Disorder is Spreading Around the World and How to Stop It, Breaking the Patterns of Depression, Hand-Me-Down Blues: How to Stop Depression From Spreading in Families, the award-winning Treating Depression With Hypnosis: Integrating Cognitive-Behavioral and Strategic Approaches, Hypnosis and the Treatment of Depressions, and Trancework: An Introduction to the Practice of Clinical Hypnosis, 3rd edition. He also produced popular self-help hypnosis-based audio CD programs for overcoming depression and anxiety, including Focusing on Feeling Good and Calm Down! His works have been translated into nine languages. More information about Dr. Yapko's books and self-help programs is available on his website: www.yapko.com.

Dr. Yapko is a member of the American Psychological Association, a clinical member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, a past Fellow of the Royal Society of Medicine's Division of Hypnosis and Psychosomatic Medicine (in England), a member of the International Society of Hypnosis, and a Fellow of the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis. Dr. Yapko was honored to be chosen to write the authoritative sections on "Treating Depression" and "Brief Therapy" for the Encyclopedia Britannica Medical and Health Annuals. He is the recipient of numerous awards for his contributions to the fields of hypnosis and brief psychotherapy.

On the personal side, Dr. Yapko is happily married to his wife, Diane, a pediatric speech-language pathologist who specializes in treating autism spectrum disorders. Together, they enjoy hiking in the Great Outdoors in their spare time.

His PT blog is The Social Side of Depression.