Depression Counseling in San Jose, CA.

Does life seem bleak right now? Have you lost interest in the things you used to enjoy? Do you feel sad most of the time? Do you have little to look forward to, and a lot you’d prefer not to look back on? When you are convinced that things will never get better no matter what, you are depressed. I can give you tools and teach you how to use them to dig yourself out of the emotional ditch you’re in. It is possible to feel hope again when you know how.

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.

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.

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.

The Latin origin of the word depression comes from the root, to press down, to depress. A nervous system perspective demonstrates that depression is the result of how we have learned to depress our feelings and emotions. Somehow along the way we've learned it is safer, easier, more acceptable not to show our emotions. Working together, we will learn what it is like to be you, what you have learned so far about emotions and connections and what you might like to learn to do differently.

In the years that I have been treating clients with depression, I have learned that not all depressions are equal; they have different causes. The first thing I do is rule out physical causes by asking my clients to make sure they have had a recent physical exam. Many depressions are caused by illnesses such as thyroid disease. I have many tools up my sleeve to get rid of depression. Many are in- the- moment exercises and some are dredging up past experiences.

I work with a depressed nervous system by working with the body. Often we struggle to sleep, eat, or accomplish relatively simple tasks. Our bodies are stuck with the brake on. When our body thinks it is futile, out mind follows quickly thereafter and we begin to tell ourselves how pointless things are and how worthless we are. I work with the whole body to re-regulate the body to enable you to get back to a whole integrated self.

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.

When struggling with depression, almost all areas of life can become affected and very difficult to manage. I can support your depression recovery by helping you increase behaviors that support a positive change in your mood, helping you change patterns of negative thinking, and also help break life-long held beliefs that keep one stuck. You deserve compassionate and attentive support, and you are capable of change, although this can feel incredibly difficult when depression is present. But recovery is quite possible, and I can support you.

Depression affects millions of people worldwide. Depression can leave you feeling disconnected with yourself and others, frozen in time, and without purpose. Therapy for depression starts with understanding how your symptoms are affecting you. Behavioral activation is a tool for helping to lift your mood. Understanding what may be causing your depression will help you move toward change, self-expression, relief, self-awareness, meaning making, and growth. Healing from depression will result in more vitality, direction, appreciation, and joy.

I use a blend of cutting-edge therapeutic techniques such as sensorimotor psychotherapy, internal family systems, and object-relations psychotherapy to create a personalized healing journey. Focused on working with individuals who desire more permanent solutions to their emotional pain, my approach to depression therapy is as compassionate as it is transformative. By engaging with these specifically tailored methods, clients find themselves nurtured, understood, and empowered, unlocking new pathways to well-being and joy. This personalized care provides clients with a value-driven and life-enhancing experience that goes beyond traditional therapy.

Depression can be so difficult to manage. It can also look very different for different people. One thing is for certain, our society still doesn’t fully understand depression, and so many people suffering from it can get blamed and shamed for their behavior. This can end up making the person suffering feel even worse. I would like to help you move out of the dark and into the light. Let’s take a look at what you are feeling and experiencing and see how we can make a customized treatment plan just for you. No one deserves to suffer.

Depression can be like trying to climb out of a hole that keeps getting deeper. Therapy can help. I use ACT and IFS techniques to help you build a discover compassionate and effective healing. You are ready to: Feel a new sense of purpose, balance, and passion in life. Create boundaries that honor your well-being, Explore how your past may have shaped where you are now. Create fulfilling relationships with yourself, your loved ones, and life. Discover you are enough