Depression Counseling in Oakbrook Terrace, IL.

I think that my most important technique is to assist individuals in recognizing that depression is a condition and is not a form of laziness; many individuals have expressed a sense of relief as others have encouraged them to "just get over it". I utilize a combination of support and encouragement, including discussions of successes and challenges. I strongly discourage the use of the word "should" and any judgmental language. In addition, I believe that there is no specific time table for recovery, and that each individual is unique in their recovery.

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.

Being mired in depression is one of the worst feelings in life. When someone feels like they have been turned upside down and the life has been poured out of them - it may seem like an impossible dream to feel better. But depression is often treatable. I approach depression work from a cognitive, behavioral and emotional approach. Once the mood starts to life we then can delve deeper into why you are depressed in the first place to help keep you from going down that hole again.

Depression can happen to anyone and does happen to one in four of us over our lifetimes. Different factors that make it more likely to happen include biological make-up, upbringing, and our reaction to life events. Furthermore, depression is often accompanied by other feelings such as guilt, shame, anger, and anxiety. The good news is that therapy is a very effective way of eliminating depression. When you see me for therapy to treat depression, we will identify any events contributing to it and create a plan together to help you feel better. Give me a call today for a free consultation and we can put together a preliminary plan over the telephone.

From mild to severe, the levels of sadness or depression that may color your world can be oppressive. We can help you understand the complicated nature of your own sadness or depression, including both the bio-chemical aspects as well as the emotional impact. Through this understanding, we develop a plan with you to access your strengths again, and see the world differently.

Research has shown that the most effective approach to depression is a combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy and medication (if appropriate). I provide compassionate support for the painful challenges of depression while teaching you to develop effective coping strategies including the ability to lessen negative thinking and increase their enjoyment of daily life. If you are taking or want to try anti-deprresants, I can help with medication management. I also help family members of those with depression manage the stress it causes them as well as learn to use effective approaches to support their relative.

Isolation feeds depression and then also becomes a breeding ground for negative thought patterns. In session, we challenge those thought processes and take baby steps towards leaving isolation, hopelessness, and helplessness. As your therapist, we do not want you to be alone; we will work to develop skills and techniques that benefit you and that challenge the fog that you may feel that you are stuck in. These skills and techniques are practiced in session and often suggested that it be continued to be practiced outside of session. Then, we regroup, process, and re-strategize as needed.

You may have found that pushing through hard days just isn't working anymore. Maybe it is hard to get out of bed or experience joy as you once did . We use a grace based approach to find positive and healthy solutions to manage your overwhelming feelings so that you can find your energy and purpose. We will look at your life holistically to determine if there are health problems or biochemical reasons for your depression. We want you to be free of shame so you can develop a healthy sense of self worth, competence so you can experience joy and hope!

I've been treating depression and bipolar since 1996 and it is what I do best from chronic lifelong depression to a sad mood that is based on temporary circumstances. I am a constant researcher because I write for several columns a month and keynote speaker at conferences so I am up to date on the implementation of current evidence based therapies that produce results. I am also in an office with a psychiatrist and two psychiatric nurse practitioners if medication management is needed. We all work together providing continuity of care. I am also a top referral source for several local hospitals when a patient is discharged due to depression, bipolar, and anxiety disorders.

Depression is one of the most common human experiences that can rob you of the enjoyment of your life. It's a painful condition makes you want to do the opposite of everything that will make you feel better. It can prevent you from seeing a future for yourself. Therapy is an important tool to help you understand the nature of what's happening and what step to take to begin to turn the tide in a positive direction. It's an opportunity to explore the underlying roots of how you fee and identify ways to create internal and external change. Learn how to break though overwhelm and feeling stuck. We'll focus on finding solutions that help.