Depression Counselling in Vaughan, ON.

Sadness is a common emotion. However, when sadness lingers in our lives, is long term, and affects our day to day life, then it is something to be addressed. I help clients to take steps towards reducing depression through related actions. Alongside this, I work with clients to understand how the depression is controlling them and what strategies we might consider to reduce this control. For example, clients often find it helpful to engage with others, challenge their thinking, consider their past positive experiences, and consider changes to their environment to begin to feel more and more positive emotions and less depressed.

During childhood and adolescent years, difficulties may arise with emotion regulation, distressing thoughts, and maladaptive behaviours that may contribute to social, emotional, academic, or familial challenges. Making the decision to seek help is not an easy one, and if you are reading this, congratulations on taking this important first step. My team and I provide support for depression in children and youth. We start with a thorough assessment to better understand the full picture and the factors contributing to low mood. We bring in evidence-based approaches to help guide and support each individual's journey to boosting mood and living in line with what is important.

Feeling sad is natural for human beings. But when sadness lasts for prolonged periods or interferes with one's life, that individual may be suffering from depression. It is important to remember that depression is a medical illness which affects the brain, mood and behaviour. The good news is that depression can be treated with a variety of methods including psychiatry, specialists, and most importantly talk therapy. I strive to give my clients a safe and comforting place to express and work together on their depression.

Depression-What it is and what it isn’t. Depression is a common illness worldwide, with more than 264 million people affected. Peoples’ experiences and feelings can differ greatly from mood fluctuations to some feeling suicidal. Affected people can suffer greatly and function poorly at work, at school, or in their relationships. Suicide is the second leading cause of death in 15-29-year-olds. We know at some point, everyone experiences problems with irritability, sadness, or self-blame. Such responses usually don’t last that long. Clinical depression occurs when these feelings, along with a set of additional symptoms, become intense or remain for several weeks.

Depression is problematic in several ways and can feel impossible to break out of. My goal for working with clients struggling with depression is to start imagining a better future. My interest lies in getting to know my clients specifically, because while there may be some general truths about depression treatment, the more specific we can tailor the healing, the more it will fit and sustain itself.

I use Cognitive-behavioural Therapy (CBT) for depression and it starts with education about depression and helping the client establish structure around daily activities (behavioural activation), to become more aware of their mood and challenge intrusive thoughts in order to engage in pleasurable activities. The client and I continue to work together to replace intrusive thoughts with more balanced thoughts the client holds about the self, the world, and the future, which may contribute to feelings of hopelessness.

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.

Depression is a sign that we are no longer able to adapt to the complex and stressful world we live in. Our biological bodies and brains were not designed for the financial, cultural, social, and relational stressors we live with today. We see depression as a pivotal moment in one's life - as a reminder to start listening to our body, mind, and spirit. If you are feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, sad, fearful, stuck or on autopilot, we can help you get at the root of these feelings and work through them to attain relief.

Many years ago depression was called melancholia and was not considered so negatively as it is in our current "performance" focused culture. We are expected to be "up" continuously in today's busy life-styles, with work, children, relationships, and even in our playtime. The result of this sort of expectation can be debilitating and certainly can lead to long bouts of feeling out of control, unfulfilled, unmotivated and ultimately immobilized. Depression can certainly be dealt with through very effective therapeutic techniques. I work with clients to better understand the root cause of their sadness and help them to look at the possible meaning behind their depression and how to best cope.

Depression can make your body feel heavy and tired. You are likely unmotivated, sad most of the time, and see little hope. I want to hear your story and what led you to this point. Let's start there. Then we can start creating a path forward. There is always a path, no matter how hopeless it may seem. As a reminder, you are not broken and there is nothing wrong with you. Healing and freedom are just around the corner.

The warm summer sun can feel impossible to remember when you are looking out into freezing snow-scape and it can be hard to imagine the sun shining again when the world feels drab and cold. You may feel hopelessly stuck in life or unable to move out of the mindset that has dominated you for so long? Allow me to help you make sense of your feelings and work with you to make meaning of the emotions that have kept you feeling this way. The forecast has a tendency to change when you can open yourself to the possibility of seeing the sun again, let me help you to warm up your world. .

The combination of schema therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is an effective approach to dealing with depression. The CBT aspect of the therapy provides insight into HOW depression affects our lives. The schema portion of the therapy addresses the question of WHY depression exists in our lives. The therapy is comprehensive and intense and I encourage you to give it a try.

You have been down for such a long time, or maybe you go in and out of feeling blue and want to get off the rollercoaster. I use Emotion Focused Therapy to help you explore and experience safely the emotional spectrum that underlies depression. I will work slowly and carefully with you to help you to resolve the heaviness that has robbed you for too long so that you can be more resilient and joyful in life.

Treatment for depression is challenging. Depression can make you feel unmotivated and exhausted by daily tasks. However, overcoming depression/depressive symptoms is possible. If you are willing to confront your emotional experiences, accept your limitations, and practice gradual exposure, you will be more likely to experience relief. Like most treatments, treatment for depression varies depending on the individual. Speak with us about a treatment plan that's right for you.

Depressive symptoms include deep sadness or hopelessness that persists for an extended period of time and has multiple impacts on affected individuals. It can greatly hinder an individual's capacity to engage in everyday activities. Fortunately, the effects of depression are highly treatable through therapy, which can serve as a potent remedy. Therapy can help you determine which negative or distorted thought patterns lead to the helplessness and hopelessness that come with depression and set realistic goals that enable you to enhance your emotional well-being. You will regain a sense of control and pleasure in life while incorporating enjoyable, fulfilling activities back into your life.

"Be positive!" "It could always be worse!" - If you suffer from depression, you hear these invalidating phrases often. Improving your mood takes so much more than just changing your thoughts and behaviours. Sessions with me would first provide you a space to be heard, to explore the root causes behind your feelings, and support you in making connections between your current feelings and your past experiences. We will then fill your toolbox with short-term and long-term strategies that will allow you to find relief, make lasting changes, and achieve your goals.

Every single person has experienced significant disappointments and losses in their life at one point or another. Afterwards, it's normal and even healthy to feel sadness, hurt, anger or numbness. But when these feelings stick around for a prolonged period of time - and are perhaps joined by thoughts of self-criticism, worthlessness, loss of purpose, or despair - it's the right time to seek help and speak with a professional. My approach is centred fully on your needs in this space. It's important to me that you feel that someone cares about you, and is walking with you through the dark times of life. I am kind, non-judgemental, empathetic, and a great listener. Reach out today to begin.

Depression can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to face it alone. My approach to depression is client-centred, focusing on understanding your unique experience, and explore the underlying factors contributing to your symptoms, such as past experiences or life circumstances. We will work together to set achievable goals, and empower you with coping skills for long-term emotional health. Take the first step towards healing, and reach out for a free consultation today.

I’ve been helping people lead more intentional lives for over 20 years. Depression can cause you to feel lonely, helpless, and confused. I’m trained in cognitive behavioral therapy, developmental models,and anxiety and depression management. I will support you in creating a set of tools to help you manage your depression. Most importantly, you're a distinctive person, with distinctive needs. My goal is to work with you as a unique individual, and focus on YOUR goals.