Depression Counseling in Santa Barbara, CA.

When you’re depressed, it can feel like you’ll never get out from under its shadow. However, depression is a treatable problem. If your depression is keeping you from living the life you want to, don’t hesitate to contact me. Learning about your depression treatment options will help you decide what approach is right for you. From therapy to medication to healthy lifestyle changes, there are many effective treatments that can help you overcome depression and reclaim your life. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has shown in studies to have the best results for depression because it is a practical, hands-on method for challenging automatic negative thoughts.

When you’re depressed it makes life feel like you’re walking through mud, everything is more difficult and tiring and you feel less motivated to do anything. This can make depression incredibly difficult to deal with because it requires taking action to overcome. I have personal and professional experience in recovery from this unpleasant disorder, which gives me an edge and helping people to heal from depression.

Most people will be faced with an episode of depression at least once in their lives. When you first come in we explore whether the depressive feelings are based in the past or the result of current events. Sometimes people who present with depression seem to have unresolved child hood issues. Together we find ways of bringing closure to these unexplored and unexpressed 'childhood wounds'. Clients often report a new sense of joy and more vitality after feelings of sadness, grief or anger have been expressed. Also relationships with parents and or other loved ones usually greatly improve. If the depression is based in current affairs we often use behavioral therapy to increase your coping.

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.

Are you feeling overwhelmed by life? Has the joy been taken out of things you used to enjoy? Common symptoms of depression in adults and children are feelings of sadness, lack of energy, changes in eating or sleeping, and being self-critical. Gently, we can approach these feelings and begin to understand them. Through connecting and understanding them, they can begin to transform them. Some techinques that I have found helpful are mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), EMDR, somatic awareness, and expressive therapies like drawing, sand tray, or collage. Depression can feel heavy and isolating, and you don't need to handle it alone.

Free 30 minute zoom call - Depression often really just means "repression". It is usually a sign that the human system is overwhelmed with thoughts & emotions that have become unmanageable. People with depression are often stuck & unmotivated. A shift in circumstances is usually needed for people suffering from depression AND expressing emotions through a variety of outlets is extremely helpful.

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.

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.

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.