Depression Counselling in Parksville, BC.

Depression can feel hopeless and like there aren't any other options left. When I work with individuals struggling with depression, I aim to be non-judgmental because shame can lead to further isolation. I try to explore the surrounding events with the client and see how circumstances lead to thoughts and behaviours. Perhaps some grieving is necessary, so let's work to minimize the stigma and rediscover hope.

Grey Matters International, Inc. and the work of Kevin J. Fleming, Ph.D. handles depression and other emotional disorders in a very unique way. Most of therapy or counseling processes utilize validation, unconditional positive regard, and reframing as common techniques to get someone to heal from their depression. Though this can be helpful, it rarely fixes the core problem behind it and for tough cases we then refer them usually to a psychiatrist for medication which can have tons of side effects. Instead, why not try a natural and arguably more effective way to not just change your mind, but change the brain--where the depression is rooted. Contact us at kevin@kevinflemingphd.com.

Olivia is passionate about supporting individuals struggling with depression and the deep isolation it often brings. Using a cognitive behavioral therapy approach, she helps clients identify and understand the underlying causes of their depression, challenge negative thought patterns, and develop healthier perspectives. Olivia also provides practical, actionable steps to help clients re-engage with life, rebuild connections, and rediscover joy. With empathy and expertise, she creates a supportive space for clients to navigate their emotions, regain hope, and work toward meaningful change. Olivia’s goal is to empower her clients to move forward with resilience and a renewed sense of purpose.

As someone who has a history of depression personally and intergenerationally, I am well aware of the great challenges and opportunities for growth that this experience can bring. For those struggling with depression, healing can feel elusive, as if nothing will ever work. It often requires a wider lens, an eye for patterns and a deeply supportive and holistic orientation to shift this dynamic. My approach comes from my years of experience moving through and finally out of my own depression and integrating the ancestral patterns that laid the foundation for it in my life. I now come to you with a wide-reaching tool kit to support you in your journey.

At the Centre For Expressive Therapy, I offer counselling to adults and children suffering from depression. I use Holistic Expressive Therapy that helps to further explore difficult issues that words sometimes cannot reach. Within the safety of the therapeutic relationship, images are created through drawing, writing, painting, collage, sand play, and photography. These images are then reflected upon for the purpose of finding solutions to underlying issues. My therapy methods help individuals of all ages to not only cope with their life challenges but to learn and grow from them.

I use techniques Cognitive Behaviour Techniques to establish patterns of depressive symptoms and how they impact differing areas within our lives. Using these techniques I can work supportively with the client to examine the basis of the depressive symptoms and include them in building behaviour management strategies that will help decrease the specific impact within the identified areas of their life. I am able to work with support networks within the life of the client to help with building a strong network of support to encourage wellness and manage risk.

Depression is very common amongst a lot of people. Most of us go through various ups and downs in our life, and sometimes we need a little help getting through a down period. When a client is depressed, similar to when a client is angry, I would help them in determining the root cause of the depression as it is critical for treatment planning. Once determined, we would discuss a treatment plan together that is realistically attainable. I would empower my client to recognize their strengths and abilities to manage their depression, such as looking at similar situations from their past that they have managed successfully.

If you're up against depression, we'd collaborate and become a team of sorts. Through thoughtful questioning and listening, we'd begin to identify alternative narratives that challenge your depressive story. By attending to your strengths, resilience and prior successes, you can begin to foster a sense of hope and feel empowered to envision a future where you can live beyond the limitations of depression.

Depression results from a chemical imbalance in the brain. It is not the result of a personal weakness or lack of coping skills. The impairment is real and can result in feeling sad, anxious, overwhelmed and in some cases suicidal. Fortunately, depression can be treated with both medication and counseling; the combination usually being most effective. Counselling can help persons who experience depression in providing an outlet for voicing frustrations and obstacles, identifying support avenues, leaning new coping skills and exploring the most recent avenues of treatment. Counselling offers a non-judgemental and confidential sounding board.

Life's struggles, setbacks, and disappointments bring sadness to our lives which is normal. When the sadness engulfs your day and brings feelings of helplessness, hopelessness and worthlessness, it iss time that you need to seek help. Therapy, life style changes, and practical skills and techniques on how to reframe negative thinking and understanding your triggers will assist you in getting healthy. Understanding the underlying cause of the depression will help you to solve the problem. If depression is the answer, what are the components causing the outcome.

If you are struggling with feelings of sadness, isolation, loneliness, or hopelessness, you are not alone. Depression can narrow one’s inner world and make even small efforts feel heavy or unreachable. I offer a steady, attentive presence and a therapeutic approach that helps you understand what is contributing to the depression and to work with it at a pace that respects your energy and capacity. Rather than adding pressure or demands, therapy can support small, stabilizing shifts that reduce overwhelm, guilt, and self-doubt, and help restore a sense of movement and connection over time. You may also find reflective writing on depression in my blog, if that feels supportive.