Depression Counseling in Irvine, CA.

Depression is a mood disorder that can cause a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest that can interfere with daily functioning. Reaching out for help is a step towards wellness. Symptoms of depression can vary from person to person, but it is a very treatable condition. Therapy for depression helps you overcome the feelings of hopelessness and despair and to gain control of your life.

I work with individuals who experience an inner critical voice that attacks them with messages such as: “I am not enough”; “I need to be a better person”; "I cannot trust others". Some explain feeling overly responsible and share that they have difficulty expressing their authentic feelings to others. I help my clients discover that there is plenty of room for every aspect of their personhood. Shame, depression and anxiety dissipate and self-acceptance is the natural byproduct. Letting go of shame and worry leads to greater joy and fulfillment in interpersonal relationships.

Knowing that you have a certain sadness or even a low mood for consecutive days may indicate that you have depression. Gaining a proper diagnosis and treatment plan with help you on your way to recovery. I work with clients who perhaps can't put their finger on what is really causing their constant low mood. However, just accepting that there is an issue and reaching out for some support takes great strength and courage. This is the first step to not only self actualization but so your path to inner peace.

Everyone experiences sadness at some point in their lives. How do we know if it is depression? You may be feeling sad, empty, anxious, hopeless, and/or irritable. You may feel sleepy or have difficulty in sleeping; changes in your appetite; a loss of interest in activities or trouble concentrating. Studies have shown that talk therapy can be as effective in treating mild to moderate depression as medications. In our therapy sessions together, I will help you explore and manage the feelings of defeat that you may have. In a gentle way, I will work with you to help understand some of the patterns you may have developed that are no longer serving you in a positive way.

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.

Are you spiraling downward and unable to retain a positive outlook? The effects and perceptions of external circumstances can create internal disturbances. Together, in a secure environment, you will be able to express and explore your inner most thoughts and feelings. By increasing awareness of self defeating negative thoughts and patterns of behavior, we will be able to identify alternative choices of being and relating. Acknowledging and reconfiguring our thoughts is often the path to regaining a healthy sense of self and the future.

Tired of seeing the world through a grey sky? Feeling so overwhelmed that the thought of getting out of bed is too much? It sounds like depression has shown up at your door, and it is not welcome. You are not your sadness. Together we will find ways that work for you to lift the weight of depression of your shoulders and bring joy into your life once more. I utilize mindfulness, solution-focused, Narrative and Cognitive-Behavioral techniques to help relieve some of the burden of being down dragged down by depression. Don't allow depression to keep you in isolation, let me lead you through the darkness, onto a brighter day.

Depression is a debilitating condition hallmarked by feelings of hopelessness and futility. Although you may want to isolate when feeling depressed the best thing you can do is to begin to talk about the feelings we have and create a caring support system for yourself. In your treatment you will begin to understand your feelings and find ways of regaining balance and mastery. I can help you to turn depressive feelings around so that you can feel stronger and live a richer and fuller life.

Do you feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders? Does the heaviness make it hard for you to get out of bed? Do you wish you could keep the covers over your head rather than face life right now? Are you sleeping too much or not at all? Are you having difficulty taking care of routine things like paying the bills or cleaning the house? All of these can be signs of depression and there is help. I know it’s hard to reach out when you feel so bad, but doing nothing will be harder in the long run. Please take the first step & give me a call at 714-751-0888. We will work together to release the grip that depression has on you and restore you back to the person you truly are.

In looking at the roots of depression I have found a strong correlation to fear, pain, and at times loss. When we begin to address the root causes underlying depression we may also find that your voice (inner and outer) has been stifled - feeling trapped and alone from people and things. When we sit together we will be able to suss out the difference between being alone vs. loneliness.

My philosophical work on the nature of hope and despair is particularly well suited for working with clients suffering from depression. While my explicit aim is cultivating and creating a space of genuine hope, I also believe it is essential to recognize the reasons for despair and to diligently work through those circumstances. Compassionate understanding and patience facilitate hope.

Clients usually experience a progressive decline in mood, which can impact their emotions, the quality of their sleep, relationships (they may even begin to withdraw from others), and have persistent negative thoughts. Many clients prefer to explore viable holistic and integrative strategies before trying medication. In our collaboration, we will design a plan to explore possible options, strategies to strengthen effective coping mechanisms, and identify a plan to enhance the opportunity for recovery.

I specialize in helping clients find ways to fight depression without resorting to medication. There are a number of ways including creating awareness of thought patterns and how they affect our moods, identifying your own unique downward cycle, and scientifically proven strategies. Schedule a free 20 minute consultation to learn more.