Depression Counseling in Lake Forest, CA.

Are you feeling a loss of hope or less interest in the things that used to bring you pleasure? While we all get low, persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” feelings may be indicators of depression. When you are experiencing feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness that aren’t going away, it’s time to get help. Often when people are experiencing these emotions they feel isolated and that life will always be this way I treat people who are experiencing these feelings and help them to address the causes and symptoms associated with their depression, so that they can enjoy life again. Call me today at 949.370.4726 or email at info@southoccounseling.com.

It can often seem like society expects us to be happy and positive at all times, that any admission of sadness or a loss of motivation, energy, or engagement with life is a personal failure. But Depression isn't a personal failure, and it is also more than just "feeling sad". If you find yourself down in the hole of disconnection, surrounded by a fog that is interfering with your life and relationships, you need a hand to help you climb out. A trained therapist understands the mechanics of depression and can help you understand it and find strategies to make your way up and out of it, and back into the light. Please contact me so we can begin to work on this process together.

When you’re depressed it makes life feel like you’re walking through mud, everything is more difficult and tiring and you feel less motivated to do anything. This can make depression incredibly difficult to deal with because it requires taking action to overcome. I have personal and professional experience in recovery from this unpleasant disorder, which gives me an edge and helping people to heal from depression.

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.

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.

Depression is often a result of unprocessed losses in life. Taking the time to work through those things that have not been properly grieved, can greatly lessen the amount of depression you feel. A trained professional can come alongside you and help you sort through what has accumulated and is now a burden that inhibits living a full and satisfying life. We often carry a 'preserved mood' from our childhood that represents a place we were left alone to process, without the ability to do so. We can visit those old, stuck places and help free you up to move forward in life.

Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. More than just a bout of the blues, depression isn't a weakness and you can't simply "snap out" of it. Depression may require long-term treatment. But don't get discouraged. Most people with depression feel better with medication, psychotherapy or both.

Are you struggling with sadness, loss of motivation, low energy, feeling down, hopelessness or helplessness? Life these days are not easy and can bring on depression and loneliness. I want to be a support to you and help you through this part of your life. I will help you find hope and identify coping skills to manage your symptoms. It would be my pleasure to walk by your side and find a new path of hopefulness!