Work with Dr. Margaret Rutherford
Interactive workshops and keynotes on Perfectly Hidden Depression, emotional transparency, and mental health awareness for organizations, conferences, and professional groups.
Work with Dr. Margaret Rutherford
Interactive workshops and keynotes on Perfectly Hidden Depression, emotional transparency, and mental health awareness for organizations, conferences, and professional groups.
For more than thirty years, I’ve sat with people in their hardest moments. That work has taught me something I believe deeply: healing happens faster when people feel safe enough to risk, even if it’s a tiny step. My workshops are built on that principle. They are not lectures. They are conversations, designed so your audience can ask questions, share their own experiences, and leave with something real they can use.
I’ve been told my presentations are “vibrantly engaging and theoretically well-crafted.” What I care about more is whether the person sitting in the back row feels like I’m speaking directly to them.
Interactive Workshops for Deeper Growth
Workshops offer a more intimate, collaborative setting, whether virtual or in person. They move beyond listening and invite active engagement, reflection, and dialogue.
Participants are guided in exploring how perfectionism may be shaping their lives or the lives of those they serve, and what makes emotional transparency and genuine self-acceptance difficult. In settings ranging from professional teams to community groups and students in training, this shared exploration builds insight, connection, and meaningful momentum for change.
Topics
I tailor every workshop and keynote to the audience and the setting, but these are the themes I return to most often. Each one draws from decades of clinical work and real patient stories (with all identifying details changed).
Perfectly Hidden Depression: The Depression Nobody Sees
The foundational workshop. This session introduces the concept of Perfectly Hidden Depression, the ten characteristics, and why traditional screening misses it entirely. It is designed for audiences who may include people hiding their struggles behind success, productivity, and the appearance of having it all together.
Best for: Corporate wellness programs, mental health conferences, therapy practices, university counseling centers
Emotional Transparency: The Courage to Be Known
This workshop explores what it means to share who you really are with the people you trust, and why that practice is so difficult for so many of us. It addresses perfectionism, people-pleasing, and the fear of vulnerability, and offers practical steps toward more honest relationships.
Best for: Leadership teams, couples retreats, personal development conferences, faith communities
The Perfectionism Trap: When Your Greatest Strength Becomes Your Greatest Risk
A workshop designed for high-achieving environments where perfectionism is rewarded and burnout is normalized. This session helps participants recognize when their drive for excellence has crossed the line into self-harm, and what to do about it.
Best for: Corporate teams, medical professionals, legal professionals, academic environments
For Clinicians: Recognizing Perfectly Hidden Depression in Your Practice
A professional development workshop designed for therapists, counselors, and mental health professionals. This session covers how to identify Perfectly Hidden Depression in clients who present as high-functioning, the clinical nuances of working with this population, and practical therapeutic approaches.
Best for: Therapy practices, counseling centers, clinical training programs, continuing education
Formats
Flexible Formats – I work with organizers to design the format that best serves their audience and goals
Who Hires Dr. Margaret
My workshops are designed for any organization where people are expected to perform, to lead, and to hold it together, which is to say, most organizations.
Nonprofit Organizations – For teams doing emotionally demanding work who need support and awareness
Corporate Wellness Programs – For companies that recognize mental health affects performance, retention, and culture
Conferences and Summits – Mental health, psychology, personal development, women’s leadership, and wellness events
Therapy Practices and Counseling Centers – Professional development for clinicians who want to better serve high-functioning clients
Universities and Academic Institutions – For counseling centers, student wellness programs, and faculty development
Healthcare Organizations – For medical professionals who experience high rates of burnout and hidden depression
Faith Communities – For churches and organizations that want to address mental health with compassion and honesty
Speaking and Media Highlights
TEDx Boca Raton – “Perfectly Hidden Depression” (2+ million views)
The School of Greatness with Lewis Howes
MedCircle – Featured expert
Sex with Emily – Guest appearance
Psychology Today – Monthly Columnist
Sword Health invideo series on depression in Portugal
Cigna Health’s Visibility Gap Podcast with Dr. Jen Ashton
Speaking and Media Highlights
TEDx Boca Raton – “Perfectly Hidden Depression” (2+ million views)
The School of Greatness with Lewis Howes
MedCircle – Featured expert
Sex with Emily – Guest appearance
Psychology Today – Monthly Columnist
Sword Health in video series on depression in Portugal
Cigna Health’s Visibility Gap Podcast with Dr. Jen Ashton
How to Book a Workshop
The process is straightforward:
- Reach out.
Use the form below or email to tell me about your organization, your audience, and what you have in mind. Even if you are not sure yet, that is a fine place to start. - We talk.
I will schedule a short call to learn more about your goals and to answer any questions. There is no obligation. - I prepare.
Once we agree on the topic, format, and logistics, I will tailor the session to your specific audience and context. - We work together.
On the day of the workshop, I show up prepared to create a space where your people feel safe being honest. That is what I do best.
Frequently Asked Questions About Working with Dr. Margaret
What topics does Dr. Margaret Rutherford speak about?
Dr. Margaret Rutherford offers interactive workshops and keynotes on Perfectly Hidden Depression, emotional transparency, perfectionism, and mental health awareness. She tailors each session to the audience, whether it is a corporate wellness program, a mental health conference, a therapy practice, or a university. All workshops are grounded in her thirty years of clinical experience.
Does Dr. Margaret Rutherford do keynote speeches?
Yes, she does. Dr. Margaret can be booked for keynotes on emotional transparency, perfectionism, and mental health awareness.
What formats are available for Dr. Margaret’s workshops?
Dr. Margaret offers in-person workshops (half-day or full-day), in-person presentations (60-90 minutes), virtual workshops, and continuing education sessions for mental health professionals. Each format can be tailored to your audience and goals. Workbook integration is also available.
Does Dr. Margaret travel for speaking engagements?
Yes, Dr. Margaret is available for in-person engagements. She is based in Fayetteville, Arkansas in the US, and travels for workshops and presentations. Virtual options are also available for organizations that prefer remote delivery.
Can Dr. Margaret’s workshops include the Perfectly Hidden Depression Workbook?
Yes. Any workshop format can include the Perfectly Hidden Depression Workbook (launching April 1, 2026) as a companion resource for participants. Bulk pricing is available for organizations that want to provide workbooks to attendees.
How do I book Dr. Margaret for an event?
You can fill out the contact form on this page or reach out by email. Dr. Margaret will schedule a short call to understand your needs and discuss how the workshop can be tailored to your audience. There is no obligation for the initial conversation.
What is the cost for a workshop or speaking engagement?
Workshop pricing depends on the format, duration, audience size, and travel requirements. After your initial conversation with Dr. Margaret, she will provide a proposal tailored to your specific event.
Is Dr. Margaret available for virtual workshops?
Yes. Dr. Margaret offers live, interactive virtual workshops for remote teams and distributed organizations. Virtual workshops maintain the same conversational, participatory format as in-person sessions.
Let’s Start the Conversation
If you are considering bringing this work to your organization, your conference, or your community, I would genuinely love to hear from you. Even if you are not sure what format would work best, that’s what the first conversation can be.
The people in your audience who look the strongest may be the ones who need this the most. Let’s give them the space to be honest.
