Depression Counseling in Van Buren, MI.

Depression is often a monkey on your back weighing you down. I think the television commercials that depict depression as this internal struggle that causes so much pain, while putting on a face for the outside world are, hit the nail on the head. Depression is very real, whether others around you see it or understand it. Depression can make you feel like you are living in a well of darkness. My approach is to help acknowledge where you are starting, why you got to where you are, help you learn new tools and strategies to overcome depression and help you find your way into the light.

You did not choose to be depressed and it’s not something most people can simply “shake off.” Depression is real. It’s life altering and can trick you in to believing that you can never be happy again. I am here to help. I would be honored to walk with you as we challenge the narrative of your depression while acknowledging how incredibly hard and real it is. You are not alone, and hope can be the beginning to your own healing.

Feeling overwhelmed? Lost in a darkness that you cannot explain. Irritable. Trying to feel a void through overspending and buying unnecessary things? Depression manifests differently and is not only displayed by feeling sad all the time. We will start by gauging the severity of your symptoms and discuss how severely they are affecting your daily life. Then we will go over coping skills to help you crawl out of the darkness and into the light to have energy and joy in your life again!

Treatment of depression is designed to help patients explore the full range of their emotions, including feelings they may not be aware of. By making the nonconscious elements of their life a part of their present experience, therapy helps people understand how their behavior and mood are affected by unresolved issues and unconscious feelings. This can lead to a reduction in depression and an increase in positive feelings.

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.

Although it may seem that you are alone and no one understands you, depression is quite common -- I too have had a personal struggle with depression. The good news is, depression is also very treatable. I can help you develop practical tools to help manage your symptoms, while offering a safe, confidential and nonjudgmental environment in which you can express your feelings openly and honestly.

Depression counseling focuses on trying to help you learn your triggers to depression, coping skills to lift you out of a depressive episode, and evaluation as to whether medication prescribed by a psychiatrist is in your best interests depending on the nature of your depression. We can also exlpore alternative therapy options for mild depressive symptoms. Regardless of the approach, the treatment plan is developed collaboratively with you and builds on your strengths so that you feel empowered on your journey through depression.

Feeling consistently unhappy, or so unhappy you can't function, is a problem you can overcome. Depression can make negative emotions feel overwhelming and keep you from participating in activities you would normally enjoy. Depression does not have to control your life. In counseling, we can work to identify a specific plan that will increase positive activities, improve sleep, and increase your overall sense of wellbeing. You will learn how your thought patterns and behaviors can affect your mood.

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

One of my favorite trick questions to ask patients hospitalized for depression was, "Is the sky ever grey?" Even though most of the time I TOLD them it was a trick question, they usually said, "Yes." Just like the sky only looks grey because clouds are covering up the sun, we can often FEEL "grey" when depression is covering us. My goal is to help you to get rid of the cloud so that your life can be what it was intended to be.

I strive to create a creative, mindful, and contemplative approach towards strengths based positive therapy, led by the client, and based on a shared respect between the client and clinician. I am committed to providing the best professional services by working with clients and developing and implementing the most effective and customized life enhancing change plans, through the promotion of learning and personal growth.

I am a psychotherapist who understands life can feel like a daily struggle. No one should have to endure these feelings alone. As a professional counselor, I compassionately listen and support clients as well as offer a therapeutic relationship that provides clients the opportunity to emotionally move forward and bring a healthy balance back into their lives. It is possible to heal, gain a sense of well-being, restore hope, and rekindle happiness even during the most challenging times. Clients that experience less depression often feel more relaxed, increased energy, less stressed, motivated, experience satisfaction in relationships, and have an easier time coping with life difficulties.

Depression is a state that affects a person's mind, emotions, and body. Depression can create a dysphoric mood, lethargy, profound sadness, low self-esteem, and/or anxiety. Rather than medicating the depression away as a permanent solution, I approach your depression with intense curiosity in an effort to help you understand and heal the source of the depression.

Depression can stem from various situations in your life. Extreme anxiety can result in depression symptoms. A loss, recent or past, can develop into depression. Low self-esteem may look like depression. Whatever the cause, together we can find & understand where your depression symptoms are coming from & develop a plan to help you manage those symptoms.