Depression Counseling in Silverdale, WA.

Depression. It's one of the most core maladies to all of humanity. Catholic monks used to call it "acedia" or the noon day demon; robbing one's will, the ability to freely engage in life. In the modern day, we have more methods than ever to "escape" the feelings we don't like. Yet depression is one of the ones that stick around. My work focuses on facing depression while not villainizing it. I pay particular attention to both your life story and who you are here and now. Through this we can learn to work with our emotions and find new ways of dealing with the messiness of life.

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.

We all feel down sometimes. But what about when the blues just don't go away? Or what about when you feel so overwhelmed that you just feel paralyzed? Or when you have lost a sense of hope about yourself or the future...when nothing is fun anymore, and you feel down more days than not? That's a time to get some help to find your way out of the depths of despair. Our counselors at Mill Creek Family Services walk together with you through that darkness to a growing light on the other side of depression. With care and compassion, we assist you with proven strategies that help you start feeling better and living life again.

Tearfulness, not taking care of yourself, feeling overwhelmed, not wanting to leave home, avoiding people, and not keeping up with responsibilities are ways some people experience depression. But depression can also be harder to detect. You might feel numb or disconnected while still managing do autopilot your way through the day. You might present as funny, enthusiastic, and a go-getter. In that case, likely no one knows you’re suffering, which reinforces your sense of isolation. Funny and happy are not the same thing. In our work together, you'll learn to identify and challenge thoughts that aren't serving you, build greater compassion for yourself, identify your personal values and goals,

Depression can be an endless weight that interferes with a sense of purpose, meaning, and connection in your life. Together, you and your therapist will explore what is contributing to your depression (cognitively, behaviorally, biologically, and situationally), brainstorm manageable solutions, build skills to implement those solutions, and create plans that support lasting change.

My approach to treating depression is to first create relational trust with you as a client. Then in the process of our weekly sessions we can interpret various environmental factors that add to your depression. We may also find earlier stories in your life that affect your current moods. Depending on the severity of your depression I may recommend that we coordinate with a naturopath or family doctor to check your thyroid, vitamin D levels and any other possible medical concerns. Depending on those results a nutritionist or psychiatrist may also help stabilize your mood. Once you feel more stable we can then delve into deeper places of your narrative for healing.

There is a way to move beyond depression and make sense of suffering. We will work together to help you develop a new and different relationship with your painful thoughts, feelings, and behaviors so you can have greater life satisfaction. Struggling with your feelings pulls you away from the life experiences you want. By learning ways to let go of the painful struggle with difficult thoughts and feelings, you are free to connect with what is meaningful to you. I want to help you become more grounded in the present moment, gain clarity on what really matters to you, and commit to living a full, satisfying life.

Depression is sometimes describes as sadness. While sadness is often a very real part of depression, there is often much more to it than that. Feelings of emptiness inside, hopelessness about the future, feelings of guilt, worries and anxieties about the future, and a feeling of being weighed down by life in a manner that becomes suffocating often accompany depression. It is a very real problem that we are finding has very real negative effects in the lives of individuals, communities, and places of work. Treating depression takes time and commitment, but the truth is there is hope that you will not always have to feel this way.

Depression is a devastating disease and can significantly impact everything in your life. If you suspect you or someone you know is depressed but aren't sure, contact me for a brief assessment. I can help you understand more about your struggles and how you might begin to address and overcome this terrible disease in a matter of minutes. I look forward to helping you move beyond the overwhelming and hopeless feelings of depression and into a place of peace and contentment.

Depression feels like a hole you can't escape, no matter how hard you try. Together, we'll work on reconnecting with the sense of vitality, peace and joy within your body. We'll understand the roots of your depression and find ways to compassionately hold those feelings while still being able to live the happy, joyous life you desire. We'll listen to your body for any signals of unresolved trauma or relational wounding and work gently with the body to heal.

Depression can stop us in our tracks. In those moments, it can feel like life is passing us by. I address depression from a relational and theological approach that has seen great results. As we take time to explore the potential origins of your current depression, you will benefit from the hope that is offered as well as a new sense of purpose and meaning.

When depression takes over, saps all color from life, drains passion from relationships and interest in activities, takes you by the throat, squeezing your chest, deadening your limbs, making it difficult to breathe or move, I hear a cry for the authentic being within to be truly seen, heard, loved, and accepted. We work to gently help the true you rise through the layers of pain, layers of expectations and lies, layers of imposed identity, that bury your heart and spirit. We work to release or transform all those layers, creating a foundation for and affirming the worth of your authentic self and rebuilding your sense of purpose.

Depression keeps millions from gaining a sense of self and identity in the world while keeping them in darkness. Do not suffer alone. Therapy will bring to light issues you are struggling with and help you gain control of your life and meet the goals you've set for yourself. There are many ways to tackle depression, I've found that psychotherapy, self-exploration, CBT and RET works wonders with clients going through depression.

Depression is often a way for the body to provide safety from overwhelming emotions - feelings like sadness, loneliness and fear. My approach is to work closely with the person feeling depressed, following their lead, to uncover the feelings underlying the depression, and allow those feelings to be experienced. Once this happens, the depression loses its power and healing can begin.

We want to acknowledge how strong you are for looking for help. Our therapists cultivate a safe and nurturing environment to explore your emotions, thoughts, and behavioral patterns. Throughout therapy, you will gain valuable coping strategies to challenge negative cognitive patterns, foster self-compassion, and engage in meaningful activities that boost purpose and happiness.

I work with many clients who are depressed and am generally very good at assessing which clients would benefit from medication in addition to talk therapy and which clients would benefit from therapy alone. I am very good at relating to depressed clients and try to help them regain connection to self and others as well as find meaning in their suffering.