Depression Counselling in Lethbridge, AB.

Depression is finally being recognized and accepted as something that any person can experience. I do not believe that there is any one “magic cure” for depression. However, when given the option, the most productive approach seems to be a combination of medication (natural-based or not, depending on preference) and one-on-one therapy (not to exclude group therapy as an additional resource). Without being too simplistic, the root of most depressions is the presence of anger which has been turned inward. Most of my clients have responded well to therapy when they are given a safe, non-judgmental place to explore the roots of their anger (see notation on “Anger Management”).

Research has clearly demonstrated that mindfulness-based approaches to depression are so powerful that they can reduce the chances of having a relapse by 50%! That's a big deal. A depressed mind is busy creating all kinds of negative thoughts. Mindfulness-based therapy will teach you a new way to relate to your thoughts. You don't have to believe everything you think! Especially the bad stuff, becuse it's often not true.

Our thinking and our behaviors can have a significant impact on our mood. Learning to understand the core beliefs that we carry and how they cause us to engage in distorted thinking can make a difference to our mood and joy in life. Changing our actions, can impact how we feel. Motivation and energy are low - making change difficult! Work with me to determine the best ways to get you back to a point of experiencing joy.

When one is depressed the range of thoughts and feelings encompass a wide spectrum. Sadness and despair might be pervasive. One can feel as if they have fallen into a deep dark pit where everything is covered in negativity and hopelessness. In this state, one can feel inadequate, discouraged, unable or unwilling to make decisions. In addition, guilt, shame, profound low self-esteem and loss of interest in relationships, sex, career and even life itself are commonly found. A variety of evidence-based tools, specific to the needs of the individual, applied skillfully at the right time, can dramatically lift one out of that deep, dark pit and help avoid relapse.

Many people may view depression as unhappiness, but, it is simply more than that. Depression can affect sleep, appetite, sex, pain, energy levels, and emotions. Experiencing depression can make a person feel alone, isolated, stuck, and hopeless. If depression has come knocking at your door, I am here to help you open the door and assist in understanding and managing symptoms. You are not alone and you don't have to figure this out on your own.

Depression is a mood disorder that can cause a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest that can interfere with daily functioning. Reaching out for help is a step towards wellness. Symptoms of depression can vary from person to person, but it is a very treatable condition. Therapy for depression helps you overcome the feelings of hopelessness and despair and to gain control of your 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.

In our sessions, we will explore the factors that contribute to feelings of depression and low mood and practice skill-building. We can learn to identify and shift the thinking patterns, accept and process our emotions, and detach ourselves from any expectations that may be keeping us stuck. We can also learn new ways to relate to ourselves and support ourselves through depression.