Depression Counseling in West Los Angeles, CA.

I have witnessed countless clients struggle from the weight of depression. I have also seen how quickly therapy can work to dismantle depression. Therapy, under my guidance, is extremely effective in diminishing many of the symptoms of depression. The benefits of therapy for treating depression are tremendous and multifarious. You do not need to live a life of sadness and 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

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.

Depression presents itself uniquely in each individual. Further, in working with children and young adults, they can too often be misdiagnoses as their behavioral presentation is labeled as disruptive and oppositional. Having a clear understanding of depression impacts the behavioral outlook of the individual is pivotal on developing an effective plan in addressing these concerns. By working with my clients and families in understanding the depression we are often able to shape the environment in which the depression exists. Joining this with cognitive behavioral and evidenced based interventions, we are then able to more effectively address these symptoms in our pursuit of long term goals.

I use several methods for helping you overcome depression. I support you in maintaining safety. Using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, I help you to identify unhelpful thoughts and learn how to restructure your thoughts. I help you identify root causes of your depression and find ways to reduce their impact by replacing them with activities and relationships that support you in increased positive mood and personal responsibility. Depression can be comorbid with other issues you may be struggling with and I take a holistic approach to help you address what is needed in order to become a more fulfilled, and satisfied individual.

Depression can feel like quicksand. It can be a full body experience that leaves you gasping for air. And it is often difficult to explain to others what you are feeling. We would all love a quick fix - to hear the steps or magic words to make us feel better. I offer longer-term work that gets at the root of the problem. Real change that is sustainable takes time. I believe in the therapy process and will partner with you to facilitate healing and a new sense of freedom.

Sadness is a part of life, but depression can lead to serious problems if not treated correctly. If you are suffering from a sadness that goes on day after day you may have a clinical depression that is in need of professional help. If you are not sure if you are depressed we can help you figure that out. Don't let the cost of therapy stop you. We have over 25 therapists with fees ranging from $45 to $250 per session so we will find just the right person to help. You don't have to suffer another day, give us a call.

Sadness vs. Depression? Which is it? Treatable YES! Everyone feels sad or 'blue' on occassion. People tend to grieve over a loss, but usually, the feelings of grief tend to lessen over time. Depression occurs when feelings of extreme sadness or despair last for at least 2 weeks or longer and tend to interfere with activities of everyday living. Deperessed feelings include helplessness, hopelessness and even thoughts of death and possibly suicide. People with these feelings may feel overwhelmed. Causes may be from body chemistry which influence mood and thought. Chronic illness can accompany depression. Start feeling better. Give me a call and make an appointment now. Dr. Sobo

Depression is more than a situation that causes you to feel down for a period of time. It is a debilitating state that affects all aspects of your life. Learning how to increase coping skills and learn the negative self thoughts that are underlying the depressed feelings will help you to understand the mind and body connection. I offer support and a whole person approach to treating depression.

Are you feeling hopeless, isolated and not your usual self? I want you to know that you are not alone and there are people who can help. Many of my clients find relief in realizing that their struggle does not own them and that there are many options available to once again have hope for their lives. I understand the social stigmas that come with label of being depressed, and thus aim to help clients sort out their environmental, biological and circumstantial factors while offering support and care through a very dark time in their lives. If you are hoping to finally lighten this load and feel like yourself again, contact me today for a free consultation.

Among the most common events leading to depression are; experiencing changes in our daily functioning & feeling a loss of control in our lives, such as in our relationships, health, careers, family, divorce, death, history of abuse, finances, sex lives, or even moving. In dealing with depression, I utilize a holistic, strengths based approach. We will explore how these changes are impacting you physically, personally and socially. Together, we will draw on the positive aspects of your existing supports & routines that remain intact, reinforce or rebuild these, & work toward helping you maneuver through the depression you are experiencing.

Depression is a particularly cruel and insidious companion, often working in tandem with other problems to try to silence us, to steal joy and passion, and to convince us of our uselessness. Depression may try to convince us that there is one truth - our own unworthiness - to the exclusion of all others. Together we will challenge depression's version of your story.

Depression is not something that exists "in" you. It is something you experience in a context. When we are out of connection with others we can become depressed. My approach to healing depression is not to simple help people get "over" their depression but by helping people move in and through it. That means, feeling into the pain and potential danger of feeling the feelings that are in you. When we are not alone in our feelings they can change.

Depression affects every area of our lives and is extremely common. It is estimated that more than 19 million Americans deal with depression, but the good news is that it is very treatable. The first thing I like to do is tap into and build on existing strengths and skills. The tools we already have can easily be forgotten when depression comes over us. At the same time, we work on adding new skills and tools that can be used to boost mood and improve other symptoms of depression. Because the roots of depression have a variety of factors, the most important part of treatment for long term results is exploring and working through the underlying cause.

Again deep breathing is the key here. The inhale will energize you and the exhale will relax you. Low energy is a key symptom of depression. Also hopelessness and helplessness. Changing the way you breathe will directly change your nervous system and change the way you feel physiologically. It will also change the way you perceive reality. If you have clinical depression (not situational) then medication in addition to psychotherapy may be advised. Mostly I help people get off medication. Exercise is as effective in treating depression as medication.

Depression is far more common than has been generally thought. Folks find themselves feeling hopeless, unable to concentrate, lacking initiative, having difficulty making decisions, trouble sleeping etc. Depression involves a slowing down of the entire human organism as well as lowered self-esteem. Often our dreams and images can lead us to discover the deeper meaning of the depression. Therefore sometimes depression can be a pathway to self-discovery. As we explore how you feel, I listen in a way that provides the client with clarity, offer guidance without imposing decisions, accept the client as they are, without making judgments, as they move forward in achieving

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.

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.

When struggling with depressed moods, everything feels heavy and you lack a sense of meaning and purpose. Even the most simple tasks can feel impossible. If you find yourself turning to alcohol, substances, or other addictive behaviours to cope with depressed moods, there is a way out. I help clients with addictions overcome the depressed moods causing them to turn to substances or addictive behaviours to cope. Everyone is different, so I work with you to develop a plan that fits your unique situation. If you are unsure where to start, send me a message. If I'm not the right fit, I can connect you to resources that will allow you to start getting help today, without having to wait.

Depression is a common mental health disorder, affecting all age groups, that causes intense & persistent feelings of hopelessness, sadness and personal emptiness. Depression affects how you feel, think, behave and could lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems, left untreated. If you are struggling with depression you don't have to be alone, seeking help is the first step to improving your symptoms. Psychotherapy has shown to improve the symptoms of depression. Together will develop a comprehensive treatment plan specific to your concerns, needs and symptoms to improve the quality of your life.

Depression should be seen as normal in that all of us experience depression periodically. Too much depression is discouraging and can be treated. Find out of your depression is "normal" or clinically troubling. Relief from depression is available for most depressed persons. Often depressed persons are understimuated with not enough fun or activity. On the other hand depression can be seen as the opposite of "expression" where thoughts, feelings and needs are not sufficiently acknowledge and expressed.

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.

You don't need to live with depression, feelings of hopelessness and sadness. Understanding what happened to create the depression is helpful but creating the life you want is my job to help you with, so you can get out from under the influences of depression. I use many techniques to help you through, hypnosis, cognitive behavioral, solution-focused. We can also explore if natural or drug treatments are appropriate. I use the types of therapy that are the right fit for you.

You can fight depression by exploring how your present emotions relate to past experiences. These insights, gained under the guidance of a caring professional, can deliver release, increase your understanding, build self-esteem and lead to healing. In parallel, you can learn ways to examine your thoughts regarding negativity, distortions etc. This helps you create more positive and realistic thoughts, moving away from having no control towards taking control. In addition, relaxation/meditation techniques can bring you a sense of balance and peace. If poor exercise, nutrition, sleep and social support contribute to your depression, I'll guide you to make changes and keep track of them

For depression, research studies have indicated a similar level of effectiveness when comparing psychotherapy with antidepressants. One significant difference, however, is that the effects of psychotherapy last longer than those of medication if/when you stop both. With that said a common approach to treatment is to incorporate both into the plan. For medication, a referral to a qualified psychiatrist is necessary. For psychotherapy, I begin with the 3 foundational pillars of my approach which are improving and regulating our diet, sleep, and exercise. Building upon this foundation is the integration of grounding and mindfulness-based skills, including present-moment awareness and focus.