Depression Counseling in Imperial Beach, CA.

Like most issues that people experience today, depression can be caused by un-resolved trauma in one's past. When trauma has not been processed and resolved it can leave a wound, and not delt with, can lead to other issues including depression. An effective way to treat depression is to look at and deal with unresolved trauma in the individuals past and present. An effective way to deal with trauma is through the technique called EMDR. I am trained through the EMDR Institute and have helped individuals process and heal the wounds left by their trauma experiences. When this occurs, the depression can subside and the individual feels better.

Alexandra is collaborative and integrates mindfulness, somatic therapy, family systems, solution-focused, behavioral therapy, and existential techniques. Alexandra is experienced in working with clients who are neurodivergent, and supporting with sexuality and gender identity, attachments, relationships, trauma, open and consensual non-monogamy, kink, trust and self-esteem, life transitions, depression, anxiety, and stress.

Depression can be debilitating and lonely. I understand the complexities of depression and have found that my psychodynamic, psychoanalytically-minded technique is very successful in treating depression. I have found psychotherapy to be very effective in helping individuals find a way to overcome their struggles and reclaim energy and purpose in their lives.

Understanding that there are different types of depression, different levels of severity, and various causes, I work with each individual to assess what kind of depression they are experiencing and possible causes. Often anxiety and depression occur together. Along with providing a safe, non-judgmental place and therapeutic relationship for people to talk about their depressive feelings/emotions and experience, I also utilize research-based therapies that have proven effective for treating depression and anxiety.

Working with the experience of depression is much more than changing our thoughts to change our behavior. Our brains are wired to notice the negative; it's part of our survival. I support my clients in expanding what they notice, and help them discover what works for them by creating a tool kit through experiential relational interventions in session. When I see children, I utilize play therapy as the modality, including Child Centered Play Therapy, Filial Therapy, and Prescriptive Play Therapy. When working with adolescents and adults, I utilize expressive arts, DBT, CBT and Narrative Therapy.

I am an Emotionally Focused therapist (EFT). Research shows that those who suffer from depression actually benefit quite well from EFT therapy. Depression can be very isolating. The pain of isolation is inherently traumatizing. We are meant to be in relationship with others. I work with indiviudals and couples who struggle with depression by strengthening their relationship so that there is a deeper felt sense that the person who is suffering from depression can experience that they do matter, that they are important, that they are cared for and loved by another. This helps create a more secure attachment to self and others which is therapeutic and needed for healing.

Every person has times of sadness and discouragement, however if these feelings persist for long periods of time depression may result. Depression is like a weight that slows a person down and makes everything seem more difficult and strenuous. Depression can affect a person's ability to work, make decisions, focus, concentrate, sleep, eat and socialize. I have found that A key factor in effectively treating depression is motivation. In the first phase of treatment, I assist clients in finding small and simple ways to generate positive feelings as this provides hope that things can get better. Secondly, I assist clients in unloading or unpacking the issues that are weighing them down.

First, it's important to me to understand what my clients mean by "depression" because how one client experiences depression can be very different than another client. This is necessary so I can customize the strategies I use for each specific client based on their unique experience of depression. Ultimately, my clients can expect to discover real-world steps they can take to feel not just "less depressed" but better about their life - and more positive and hopeful.

Research shows that the most effective treatment for depression is psychotherapy. Depression can range from feeling down to major symptoms such as having trouble even getting out of bed or contemplating suicide (if you have suicidal thoughts or plans, call the National Suicide Prevention Line at 1-800-273-8255). Online counseling is effective for depression because it is easy to access: you can start treatment without even leaving the house.

I use a blend of cutting-edge therapeutic techniques such as sensorimotor psychotherapy, internal family systems, and object-relations psychotherapy to create a personalized healing journey. Focused on working with individuals who desire more permanent solutions to their emotional pain, my approach to depression therapy is as compassionate as it is transformative. By engaging with these specifically tailored methods, clients find themselves nurtured, understood, and empowered, unlocking new pathways to well-being and joy. This personalized care provides clients with a value-driven and life-enhancing experience that goes beyond traditional therapy.

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.

Depression is one of the most crippling mental health concerns out there. With therapy, we will look at the thoughts, feelings and behaviors contributing to your experience of depression. Depression puts a dark cloud on things that once were really important to you. In ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) we will look at what small actions you can take in order to have you doing the things that are important to you.

For clients experiencing depression, I help them explore both external and internal circumstances that are impacting their mental health and look for relationships in their lives that are impeding the healing process. Then we do relational work together to move out of a place of hopelessness and helplessness into a place of strength and empowerment.