Depression Counseling in San Diego, CA.

Depression and anxiety often occur together and treatment is similar from a cognitive view. However, treating depression requires some special approaches to stop the cycle of negative thinking, loss of energy, and feelings of hopelessness and guilt. My approach is to first explore if there are events or situations that might explain the depression. When there are no apparent reasons for depression, then it is likely that there is a biological or genetic underpinning. Most important is for the person suffering from depression to recognize that treatments can and do work to break the depressive cycle.

Depression can be caused by many different factors originating from internal (biological) and/or external (social) sources or a combination of inner and outer. In addition, there are many different kinds of depression because each of us has developed a unique way of coping with distress. Also, each of us has a unique personality which also will influence how we may experience depression. Regardless of the starting point or the manner in which it is manifested, depression is usually experienced as defeat. Feeling defeated can lead to psychological paralysis if left unaddressed. I help my patients overcome their feelings of defeat so they can feel hopeful about their future.

Experiencing the symptoms of depression can be debilitating. Individuals do not have to suffer in silence with depression. Effective treatment is available to alleviate symptoms of depression. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a research-validated treatment approach to eradicating depression. Freeing oneself from depression will allow the individual to reclaim their life, improve their mood and return to a previous level of functioning. Living free of depression is essential to attaining a high quality of life and a meaningful existence.

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.

As a licensed clinical psychologist with over 20 years experience, I know how to treat depression. Depression is a very common and devastating condition. It affects your self-esteem and motivation to enjoy life, your ability to concentrate and work, and often effects your relationships. I use a variety of treatment modalities tailored to your unique needs to reduce your depressive symptoms as quickly as possible. My goal is for you to go back to fully enjoying your life as soon as possible.

Depression is accompanied by sadness or despair. It can be extremely difficult to endure, especially since Christians are taught to "count it all joy." In some cases, there may be a chemical imbalance which will require medical intervention. However, having someone walk this painful journey with you as a guide and provide a safe place to share the pain has proven helpful.

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.

All our feelings begin with thoughts, just like depression. I provide a safe non-judgmental place to therapeutically process life experiences and negative thoughts that lead us to feel depressed, unloved and unworthy. We used to think that increasing a strong self-esteem fights depression. Studies now show that self-esteem can be harmful. Instead, we are now learning that self-compassion creates a strong foundation where one can learn to become content in whatever situation they find themselves in. Through therapeutic mindfulness you can learn to let go of those things that are holding you back, and find your inner joy and contentment.

If you are experiencing sadness that just won't go away, or a hopelessness that is immobilizing you, it may be clinical depression. There are a variety of very effective ways to treat depression, from cognitive therapy, exercise, nutritional supplements, biblio-therapy, or medication. The least effective is to get a medication from your primary physician and wait. I will help you plan a full intervention that will give you the earliest relief possible. Whether your depression is mild or crippling, I know how to take care of you. Sometimes, just getting to be listened to brings new hope and some relief. But we will do whatever it takes to bring you to health again.

Every life has times of sadness. When that sadness becomes depression, it is important to get support from a therapist. You can’t “just snap out of it,” and the effects can be devastating. Signs that you might be suffering from depression include a depressed mood most of the day, a loss of interest or pleasure in activities you previously enjoyed, poor or excessive, loss of energy, significant increase or decrease in appetite, thoughts of death. If you are experiencing these types of symptoms, don’t wait to get the support you need. Help is available. I provide a compassionate and supportive environment to assess your situation and work together toward relief. Contact me today.

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.

Have you had more "down" days recently, felt like not engaging in your usual activities, or had difficulty with sleep, eating, concentrating? Depression ranges from just feeling stuck in life to greater suicidal thoughts and gestures, There are many degrees of depression and not all symptoms apply to everyone. Many times there are specific instances which have lead to depression, and other times it is in conjunction with a chemical, clinical depressed state of mind. I can help you sort out how to feel better and understand what is contributing to your depression and what to do about it.

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.