Author Archives: Shervan K Shahhian, LIBERTY PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION, The Most Comprehensive Online Library Regarding Mental Health, Psychology and Parapsychology in the World.

What does the term “neurodiversity” really mean:

The term “neurodiversity” refers to the idea that neurological differences, such as those associated with autism, ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder), dyslexia, and other cognitive or developmental conditions, are natural variations of the human brain and should be recognized and respected as such. It emphasizes the value of diversity in neurological traits, just as there is diversity in other aspects of human existence.

The concept of neurodiversity challenges the traditional medical model of viewing neurological differences solely as disorders or deficits that need to be fixed or cured. Instead, it promotes the understanding that these differences can offer unique strengths and perspectives to individuals and society as a whole.

Neurodiversity advocates often argue for social acceptance, accommodation, and support for individuals with diverse neurological traits, empowering them to live fulfilling lives and contribute positively to their communities. This approach contrasts with historical attitudes that have stigmatized and marginalized neurodivergent individuals.

It is important to note that neurodiversity is not about romanticizing or trivializing the challenges that some individuals may face due to their neurological differences. Rather, it seeks to foster understanding, inclusion, and equal opportunities for everyone, regardless of their neurological makeup.

Shervan K Shahhian

What are some good Substance Use and abuse Interventions:
When dealing with substance use and abuse, effective interventions are essential to support individuals in making positive changes in their lives. Here are some evidence-based interventions that have been proven effective:

Motivational Interviewing (MI): This is a collaborative, client-centered counseling approach that aims to strengthen a person’s motivation for change. The focus is on exploring and resolving ambivalence about substance use. MI is non-confrontational and empowers the individual to identify their own reasons for change.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT helps individuals recognize and modify negative thought patterns and behaviors related to substance use. It assists in developing coping skills, managing triggers, and building strategies to prevent relapse.

Contingency Management (CM): This intervention provides tangible rewards to individuals for achieving specific goals related to abstinence or reduced substance use. The rewards act as positive reinforcement and encourage continued progress.

12-Step Facilitation Therapy: Based on the principles of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA), this approach involves attending and participating in 12-step meetings and working through the 12 steps with a sponsor.

Family Therapy: Substance use issues often impact not only the individual but also their family. Family therapy involves working with the entire family system to improve communication, set boundaries, and address enabling behaviors.

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): This intervention combines behavioral therapies with medication to treat substance use disorders. For example, opioid use disorder can be treated with medications like methadone or buprenorphine, combined with counseling and behavioral therapy.

Support Groups: Participating in support groups, such as AA or NA, provides a sense of community and understanding among individuals facing similar challenges.

Harm Reduction Strategies: Instead of promoting abstinence, harm reduction focuses on reducing the negative consequences of substance use. This approach includes needle exchange programs, safe injection sites, and education about safer drug use practices.

Relapse Prevention Training: This intervention helps individuals recognize and cope with high-risk situations, triggers, and warning signs of relapse. It equips them with strategies to manage cravings and maintain progress.

Peer Recovery Support: Peer support programs involve individuals who have overcome their own substance use issues supporting others on their recovery journey.

It’s important to note that the effectiveness of interventions can vary depending on an individual’s specific circumstances and the severity of their substance use disorder. Tailoring the approach to meet the person’s unique needs is crucial for successful outcomes. Additionally, seeking help from qualified professionals, such as counselors, therapists, or addiction specialists, can significantly improve the chances of success in the recovery process.

Shervan K Shahhian

Do we need to Push the Boundaries of Critical Thinking:

Yes, pushing the boundaries of critical thinking is essential for personal growth, societal progress, and the advancement of knowledge. Critical thinking is the ability to objectively analyze and evaluate information, ideas, and arguments to make reasoned judgments. It involves being open-minded, questioning assumptions, and considering alternative perspectives.

Here are some reasons why pushing the boundaries of critical thinking is crucial:

Innovation and Problem-Solving: Critical thinking encourages creative and innovative solutions to complex problems. By exploring beyond conventional wisdom and challenging existing assumptions, individuals can come up with novel ideas and approaches.

Avoiding Bias and Prejudice: Engaging in critical thinking helps people recognize and overcome their own biases and prejudices, enabling them to make more impartial decisions and form fair judgments.

Informed Decision-Making: Critical thinkers are better equipped to assess the pros and cons of different options, leading to more informed and reasoned decision-making.

Strengthening Arguments: By challenging and refining arguments, critical thinking strengthens the quality of discussions and debates, leading to more robust conclusions.

Lifelong Learning: Pushing the boundaries of critical thinking fosters a thirst for knowledge and a desire to continually learn and grow. It encourages individuals to seek out new information and different perspectives to enrich their understanding of the world.

Fostering Open-Mindedness: Critical thinkers are more open to diverse viewpoints, which promotes tolerance, empathy, and inclusivity in society.

Tackling Complex Global Issues: Many of the world’s challenges, such as climate change, poverty, and geopolitical conflicts, require multifaceted and innovative solutions that can only be developed through rigorous critical thinking.

Adaptability and Resilience: Critical thinking equips individuals with the skills to adapt to changing circumstances and handle uncertainty effectively.

However, pushing the boundaries of critical thinking also requires responsibility and a commitment to intellectual honesty. It’s essential to base one’s exploration on credible evidence, valid reasoning, and respect for differing perspectives. Unchecked skepticism or the acceptance of unfounded claims can lead to misinformation and intellectual confusion.

In conclusion, pushing the boundaries of critical thinking is not only beneficial but also necessary in a rapidly changing world. It empowers individuals to navigate complexities, understand different viewpoints, and contribute to the collective advancement of society.

Shervan K Shahhian

A very good explanation of Psychoanalytic theory or Psychoanalysis therapeutic techniques:

Psychoanalytic theory, developed by Sigmund Freud, and psychoanalysis therapeutic techniques are both integral components of the field of psychoanalysis.

Psychoanalytic theory seeks to understand human behavior and mental processes by exploring the unconscious mind, which Freud believed played a significant role in shaping thoughts, emotions, and behavior. According to this theory, our unconscious contains repressed desires, unresolved conflicts, and early childhood experiences that influence our thoughts and actions. Psychoanalysis aims to bring these unconscious processes into awareness to promote psychological growth and healing.

Psychoanalysis therapeutic techniques are the methods used by psychoanalysts to help patients gain insight into their unconscious mind and address underlying psychological issues. Here are some key techniques used in psychoanalysis:

1. Free association: The patient is encouraged to speak freely and without censorship, expressing whatever thoughts, feelings, or memories come to mind. This technique allows access to the unconscious and reveals hidden conflicts and associations.
2. Dream analysis: Dreams are seen as the “royal road to the unconscious.” Psychoanalysts interpret the symbolic content of dreams to uncover unconscious wishes, fears, and conflicts.
3. Interpretation: The analyst offers interpretations of the patient’s thoughts, behaviors, dreams, and patterns of relating, aiming to make unconscious dynamics conscious. This process helps the patient gain insight into the underlying causes of their difficulties.
4. Transference analysis: The patient may transfer feelings, attitudes, and expectations from past relationships onto the analyst. This transference provides an opportunity to explore unresolved conflicts and emotions in a therapeutic setting.
5. Resistance analysis: Patients may unconsciously resist aspects of the therapeutic process to protect themselves from painful emotions or insights. The analyst helps identify and explore these resistances to facilitate progress.
6. Working through: This involves revisiting and reprocessing past experiences, conflicts, and emotions over time. By working through these issues in the therapeutic relationship, the patient gains a deeper understanding and resolution of their difficulties.

Overall, psychoanalytic theory and its therapeutic techniques aim to bring unconscious processes to consciousness, address unresolved conflicts, and foster self-awareness and personal growth. While the approach has evolved and been critiqued over time, it continues to be influential in the field of psychology and psychotherapy.

Shervan K Shahhian

The very interesting branch of: Phenomenology or phenomenological psychology, a sub-discipline of psychology:

Phenomenology is a philosophical approach that investigates the structures of consciousness and the ways in which we experience and make sense of the world. Phenomenological psychology, on the other hand, is a sub-discipline of psychology that applies phenomenological philosophy to the study of human experience and subjective phenomena.

Phenomenological psychology emerged as a distinct field in the early 20th century, with the work of philosophers such as Edmund Husserl and Martin Heidegger. It aims to understand the subjective experiences and meanings that individuals ascribe to their lived experiences. Phenomenological psychologists are interested in exploring how individuals perceive, interpret, and make sense of the world around them, focusing on the first-person perspective.

Phenomenological psychology employs various qualitative research methods, such as in-depth interviews, phenomenological reflection, and descriptive analysis, to explore the richness and complexity of subjective experience. Researchers in this field seek to uncover the underlying structures, essences, and patterns that shape human consciousness and subjective reality.

Overall, phenomenological psychology offers a unique and insightful perspective on human experience, emphasizing the importance of individual subjectivity and the role of consciousness in shaping our understanding of the world. It provides a valuable alternative to more traditional approaches in psychology that focus primarily on observable behavior or quantifiable data.

Shervan K Shahhian

A detailed look into Individual psychology or Individualpsychologie:

The branch of Individual psychology or Individualpsychologie:

The correct term is “Individual psychology,” which is also known as “Individualpsychologie.” Individual psychology is a psychological perspective and therapeutic approach developed by Alfred Adler, an Austrian psychiatrist, in the early 20th century. It emphasizes the uniqueness of each individual and focuses on understanding an individual’s subjective experience, social context, and their pursuit of personal goals and belongingness. Individual psychology considers factors such as social relationships, striving for superiority, and the influence of early childhood experiences in shaping an individual’s behavior and personality.

A detailed look into Individual psychology or Individualpsychologie:

Individual psychology, also known as Individualpsychologie, is a psychological theory and therapeutic approach developed by Alfred Adler. It offers a comprehensive understanding of human behavior, personality development, and the factors that influence individuals’ lives.

Key Concepts:

Striving for Superiority: Adler proposed that individuals are driven by an innate desire to overcome feelings of inferiority and strive for personal growth, success, and significance. This striving for superiority motivates individuals to pursue their goals and contributes to their overall well-being.

Social Interest: Adler emphasized the importance of social connections and relationships in human life. He believed that individuals are inherently social beings and that their well-being depends on their ability to contribute to the welfare of others. Social interest refers to an individual’s capacity to empathize with others, cooperate, and engage in prosocial behaviors.

Holistic Perspective: Individual psychology takes a holistic approach to understanding individuals. It considers the interplay between various aspects of an individual’s life, such as their physical health, family dynamics, social relationships, and cultural context. Adler believed that these factors are interconnected and influence an individual’s psychological well-being.

Lifestyle: Adler introduced the concept of lifestyle, which refers to an individual’s unique pattern of thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and coping strategies. The lifestyle is shaped by early experiences and beliefs about oneself and the world. It plays a significant role in how individuals navigate life’s challenges and pursue their goals.

Birth Order: Adler proposed that an individual’s position within the family and their interactions with siblings influence their personality development. Birth order can contribute to differences in personality traits, behaviors, and life outcomes. For example, the first-born child may exhibit more traits associated with leadership and responsibility, while the youngest child may be more outgoing and creative.

Therapeutic Approach: Adlerian therapy, based on Individual psychology, focuses on helping individuals gain insight into their lifestyle, understand their goals and motivations, and develop more adaptive behaviors and coping strategies. Some key techniques used in Adlerian therapy include:

Encouragement and Support: The therapist provides a supportive and empathetic environment that encourages clients to explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Clients are encouraged to develop a positive and optimistic outlook on life.

Collaboration: The therapist and client work collaboratively to understand the client’s goals, challenges, and patterns of behavior. They explore how the client’s beliefs and lifestyle contribute to their difficulties and identify alternative ways of thinking and behaving.

Reflection and Interpretation: The therapist helps clients gain insight into their unconscious motivations, early childhood experiences, and the underlying reasons for their behavior. By understanding the connections between past experiences and current patterns, clients can make positive changes in their lives.

Behavioral Interventions: Adlerian therapy incorporates practical interventions aimed at helping clients develop new behaviors and coping strategies. This may involve setting specific goals, practicing new skills, and implementing changes in daily life.

In summary, Individual psychology or Individualpsychologie is a psychological theory and therapeutic approach that focuses on the uniqueness of individuals, their striving for superiority, the importance of social connections, and the influence of early experiences. It offers a holistic understanding of human behavior and provides practical strategies for personal growth and development.

Shervan K Shahhian

Understanding the discipline of Differential psychology:

Differential psychology is a subfield of psychology that focuses on studying and understanding the individual differences in various psychological traits, abilities, and behaviors among people. It aims to identify, describe, and explain the variations in human cognition, personality, intelligence, emotions, and other psychological characteristics.: their psychological attributes and that these differences can have significant implications for various aspects of life, including academic and occupational success, mental health, interpersonal relationships, and overall well-being.

Key areas of study within differential psychology include:

Intelligence: Differential psychologists investigate the nature and measurement of intelligence, exploring how individuals differ in their cognitive abilities, problem-solving skills, and learning potential.

Personality: This area examines the unique patterns of traits and characteristics that differentiate individuals from one another, such as extraversion, neuroticism, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and openness to experience.

Abilities and Aptitudes: Differential psychologists study specific abilities and aptitudes that vary among individuals, such as spatial reasoning, mathematical abilities, musical talents, or athletic prowess.

Motivation and Emotion: Researchers in this field investigate individual differences in motivation, goal-setting, emotional regulation, and emotional experiences.

Developmental Differences: Differential psychology also examines how psychological attributes and abilities change and develop over the lifespan, from infancy through adulthood, and into old age.

Methods employed in differential psychology include psychometric tests, surveys, questionnaires, observational studies, and experimental designs. Researchers use statistical techniques to analyze data and identify patterns and differences among individuals.

The findings and insights gained from differential psychology research have practical applications in various domains, such as educational settings, personnel selection and assessment, clinical psychology, counseling, and organizational psychology. By understanding and appreciating the diversity and uniqueness of individuals, differential psychology helps inform interventions, policies, and practices that promote optimal functioning and well-being.

Shervan K Shahhian

The most humane form of therapy: Humanistic psychology:

Humanistic psychology is a psychological approach that emphasizes the individual’s inherent capacity for personal growth, self-awareness, and self-actualization. It is often considered to be a more humanistic and person-centered approach to therapy compared to other therapeutic modalities.

In humanistic therapy, the therapist creates a supportive and non-judgmental environment where the client can explore their feelings, thoughts, and experiences. The therapist takes a collaborative approach, working together with the client to identify their goals and facilitate personal growth.

One of the key principles of humanistic psychology is unconditional positive regard, which means that the therapist accepts and values the client as a person, without judgment or evaluation. This unconditional acceptance allows the client to feel safe and supported, enabling them to explore their emotions and experiences more freely.

Another important aspect of humanistic therapy is empathy. The therapist strives to understand the client’s perspective and experiences, showing genuine empathy and compassion. This empathic understanding helps the client feel heard and validated, fostering a trusting therapeutic relationship.

Humanistic therapy also emphasizes the concept of self-actualization, which is the inherent drive in every individual to reach their full potential. The therapist helps the client explore their values, beliefs, and goals, and supports them in aligning their actions and behaviors with their authentic selves.

Overall, humanistic psychology seeks to empower individuals and help them develop a greater sense of self-awareness, self-acceptance, and personal growth. By providing a compassionate and non-judgmental space for exploration and self-reflection, humanistic therapy can be a deeply humane and transformative form of therapy.

Shervan K Shahhian

Understanding the nature of descriptive psychology:

Descriptive psychology is a psychological framework that focuses on the analysis and description of mental phenomena, with an emphasis on understanding the structures and processes of human experience. It aims to provide a detailed account of how individuals perceive, think, and behave in various contexts.

The concept of descriptive psychology was developed by American philosopher and psychologist George Kelly in the mid-20th century. Kelly believed that understanding human behavior required an analysis of people’s personal constructs or subjective ways of interpreting the world. He proposed that individuals create mental representations or constructs to make sense of their experiences, and these constructs shape their understanding of themselves, others, and the world around them.

According to Kelly, each person has a unique set of personal constructs that influence their perceptions, judgments, and actions. These constructs are based on the individual’s past experiences and interactions with the environment. Descriptive psychology seeks to uncover and analyze these personal constructs to gain insights into the individual’s psychology.

Descriptive psychology is concerned with studying and describing various aspects of human experience, including perception, cognition, emotion, motivation, and interpersonal relationships. It employs qualitative research methods such as interviews, observations, and self-reports to gather rich and detailed data about individuals’ subjective experiences.

The goal of descriptive psychology is to develop a comprehensive understanding of the structure and dynamics of human experience, allowing researchers and practitioners to make predictions about individuals’ behavior and provide meaningful interventions. By examining the unique personal constructs that shape individuals’ perceptions and actions, descriptive psychology contributes to our understanding of human diversity and individual differences.

It’s worth noting that the term “descriptive psychology” may also be used in other contexts or by different theorists, so the specific nuances of the concept can vary. However, the framework described here represents the main ideas associated with George Kelly’s descriptive psychology.

Shervan K Shahhian

A look into the Ecology of Human Development?

The Ecology of Human Development is a theoretical framework developed by Urie Bronfenbrenner, a renowned developmental psychologist. It explores the complex and dynamic interaction between individuals and their environment in shaping human development. According to Bronfenbrenner, human development is influenced by multiple interconnected systems, which he referred to as ecological systems.

The ecological systems theory consists of several levels, each playing a unique role in an individual’s development. These levels include:

1. Microsystem: The microsystem represents the immediate environment in which an individual interacts directly. It includes relationships with family members, friends, teachers, and other significant individuals. These relationships have a direct and immediate impact on a person’s development.
2. Mesosystem: The mesosystem refers to the connections and interactions between various microsystems. For example, the relationship between a child’s family and school or between their family and religious institution. The mesosystem influences the child’s development by shaping the quality and nature of these connections.
3. Exosystem: The exosystem includes settings or institutions that indirectly influence an individual’s development. Examples of the exosystem include the parent’s workplace, community services, or mass media. While individuals may not directly participate in these settings, they can still be affected by them.
4. Macrosystem: The macrosystem encompasses the broader cultural, societal, and ideological context in which the individual lives. It includes cultural values, beliefs, laws, customs, and economic systems. The macrosystem provides the overarching framework that shapes the other systems and influences human development.
5. Chronosystem: The chronosystem recognizes the role of time and historical context in human development. It acknowledges that both individual and environmental circumstances change over time and can have a significant impact on development. Historical events, transitions, and life changes are all part of the chronosystem.

Bronfenbrenner’s theory emphasizes the bidirectional nature of interactions between individuals and their environments. It highlights the importance of considering multiple layers of influence on human development rather than focusing solely on individual traits or characteristics. The theory also underscores the importance of understanding the dynamic nature of development and the impact of changes in various systems over time.

By examining the ecology of human development, researchers, educators, and policymakers gain a comprehensive perspective on the factors that shape individuals’ lives. It emphasizes the need for creating supportive environments and systems that foster positive development and well-being across all levels.

Shervan K Shahhian