Depression Counseling in Altadena, CA.

Depression is often a state of confusion resulting from the lack of permission or guidance in processing difficult situations. An opportunity to work through past trauma can help lift depression so there is a greater emotional freedom to move forward and make choices in life. This support to process needs to be kind and understanding while providing a bit of a "push" to find the courage to face whatever scary feelings might be hidden away.

Depression is a condition that can be insidious in that the symptoms are frequently physically and emotionally debilitating. Friends and relatives often suggest as a cure to merely "take a walk" or "think positively" in order to combat those symptoms which usually only increase feelings of shame and encourage patients to further isolate. I don't offer such simple suggestions but construct a treatment plan that includes supportive psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral techniques and integrating an evaluation for medication if indicated and desired by the patient.

Depression has a way of taking away our zest for life, our sense of vitality, and even sometimes our will to live. I begin my work in depression treatment with a thorough assessment of not just the number of symptoms of depression but as importantly the quality of the depression. Depression that stems from guilt has a different feel than that which stems from shame. I observe and interact with my clients and I provide my observations back to them for their assessment and collaboration in this very engaged and intimate process of identification. I make note of how my client is feeling during these conversations and I make my observations and senses my guides in treating depressive feelings.

There are many types of depression. If you believe that you, or someone you care about, is struggling with this common disorder, please reach out for help with us or another qualified mental health professional. Treatments vary, depending upon the type, severity, and duration of the problem. Please know that depression is treatable and that there is hope.

Using the narrative therapy approach, clients will feel dignified by using their values as a compass. A lot of times self-worth is heavily influenced by the world around us and the expectations of it. Part of the work is learning to filter out the static from society and find your authentic self. I notice a lot of clients will come in with doubt as part of the depression but will later learn what feels true to them.

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.

If you or your child / adolescent are suffering with symptoms of depression such as, loss of interest in activities, low self-worth, and mood changes then I would like to help. Untreated depression can negatively impact relationships, productivity, physical and mental well-being. Whether you understand the root cause of your depression or are unsure of why you are struggling, therapy can be the start you need to move towards healing.

Are you feeling helpless & hopeless? Is sadness interfering with your ability to work, eat, sleep, or have fun? If so, you may be struggling with depression. I’d like to show you some ways to overcome your sadness, so you can live the happy, productive life you deserve. There’s a lot we can do to change how you feel: We can explore the thoughts & behaviors that cause your sadness & change them to improve your mood. We can also identify the underlying causes of your sadness & develop a plan to eliminate their negative impact. I’ll create a comfortable, non-judgmental environment where you feel safe being open & honest, so you can tap into your personal strengths to achieve your goals.

Deep sadness is not the only symptom of depression. People experiencing depression may also feel physically fatigued, disconnected from activities they used to enjoy, struggle with sleep issues, or struggle with body weight and appetite. Other people's attempts to help or soothe can sometimes cause further distress, as there isn't always an identifiable "reason" for feeling this way. The way I work with clients experiencing depression balances validation and recognition of the immense pain they feel with exploring lifestyle factors and coping skills they can implement to increase overall wellness and satisfaction with life.

Depression can develop from early attachment deficits as well as from traumatic events, losses in the form of break ups, death and divorce. How and why a person suffers from symptoms of depression can be very difficult to assess and is important, however, attending to the debilitating symptoms of depression are of the utmost importance. When depressive symptoms arise, finding and securing a safe, supportive and empathic therapeutic relationship can be very helpful, let alone life saving.