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

What is Existential counseling?

Existential counseling is a philosophical and therapeutic approach that focuses on exploring and understanding the fundamental questions and concerns of human existence. It emerged from existential philosophy, which addresses themes such as freedom, meaning, choice, responsibility, and the search for purpose in life.

Existential counseling acknowledges that individuals grapple with existential dilemmas, such as the fear of death, the quest for personal identity, the experience of isolation, and the recognition of the inherent meaninglessness of life. It aims to help individuals confront and make sense of these existential issues, ultimately leading to greater self-awareness, personal growth, and a more authentic and fulfilling life.

Key concepts in existential counseling include:

Existential anxiety: The inherent anxiety and unease individuals experience when confronted with the realities of existence, such as the uncertainty of the future or the awareness of their own mortality.

Authenticity: Encouraging individuals to live in alignment with their own values, beliefs, and desires, rather than conforming to societal expectations or external pressures.

Personal responsibility: Emphasizing that individuals have the freedom and responsibility to make choices and shape their lives, despite the limitations and constraints they may face.

Meaning-making: Exploring the search for meaning and purpose in life, and helping individuals develop a personal understanding of what gives their existence significance.

Existential isolation: Recognizing the inherent sense of aloneness and separateness individuals experience, while also emphasizing the importance of connections with others and the broader human experience.

Death and mortality: Acknowledging the awareness of one’s own mortality as a central existential concern and using it as a catalyst to live more fully and authentically.

Existential counselors often engage in deep philosophical conversations with their clients, encouraging them to reflect on their values, beliefs, and choices. The goal is to help individuals gain insight into their lives, develop a sense of meaning, and make deliberate decisions that align with their authentic selves.

Shervan K Shahhian

What is Disciplinary counseling?

Disciplinary counseling refers to a form of counseling or guidance provided to individuals who have engaged in behavior that violates rules, policies, or codes of conduct within a particular organization or institution. It is commonly employed in educational settings, such as schools and colleges, as well as in the workplace.

The primary purpose of disciplinary counseling is to address the misconduct or inappropriate behavior of individuals and help them understand the consequences of their actions. The counseling process typically involves a series of meetings or sessions between the counselor and the person who has been disciplined. During these sessions, the counselor aims to explore the underlying causes of the misconduct, identify any contributing factors, and assist the individual in developing strategies to prevent further infractions.

Disciplinary counseling can cover a range of issues, including academic misconduct, workplace policy violations, ethical breaches, harassment, substance abuse, and more. The counselor may employ various therapeutic techniques to promote self-reflection, personal growth, and behavioral change. The sessions may involve discussing the impact of the misconduct on others, exploring alternative approaches, setting goals, and developing action plans to address the problematic behavior.

It’s important to note that disciplinary counseling is distinct from punitive measures, such as suspension, termination, or legal consequences. While disciplinary counseling may be a component of the disciplinary process, its focus is primarily on assisting individuals in understanding and rectifying their behavior rather than solely imposing punishment.

Overall, disciplinary counseling aims to support individuals in learning from their mistakes, making amends, and ultimately reintegrating into the educational or work environment with a renewed sense of accountability and improved behavior.

Shervan K Shahhian

What is a Crisis hotline?

A crisis hotline is a telephone service that provides immediate and confidential support to individuals who are experiencing emotional distress, crisis situations, or mental health emergencies. These hotlines are typically operated by trained volunteers or professionals who are equipped to offer emotional support, information, and referrals to appropriate resources.

The purpose of a crisis hotline is to offer a non-judgmental and compassionate listening ear to people in distress, helping them cope with their immediate crisis and providing them with guidance and resources to address their situation. The callers may be dealing with a variety of issues, such as depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, relationship problems, domestic violence, substance abuse, or any other personal crisis.

Crisis hotlines are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, ensuring that help is accessible at any time. They are often toll-free and confidential, allowing individuals to seek support anonymously if they prefer. Callers can talk openly about their feelings and concerns, knowing that their conversations will remain private and confidential.

Crisis hotlines are an essential part of mental health services, providing immediate assistance to those in need and potentially preventing more severe crises. They offer a listening ear, emotional support, and guidance, while also connecting callers with appropriate local resources, such as mental health professionals, counseling services, or emergency services if necessary.

In addition to telephone hotlines, crisis support services may also be available through other channels like online chat, text messaging, or even mobile apps, providing various options for individuals to seek help and support in times of crisis.

Shervan K Shahhian

What is Connectionism?

Connectionism is a theoretical framework within cognitive science and artificial intelligence (AI) that models mental processes, learning, and knowledge representation based on the interconnectedness of simple processing units called “neurons.” The concept of connectionism draws inspiration from the structure and functioning of the human brain.

In connectionist models, information is processed through networks of interconnected artificial neurons, known as artificial neural networks (ANNs). Each neuron receives input from multiple other neurons, performs a simple computation on the inputs, and produces an output signal that can be passed to other neurons. These connections between neurons can be weighted to signify the strength or importance of the connection.

The key idea behind connectionism is that complex cognitive processes and behaviors can emerge from the collective activity of interconnected, relatively simple processing units. Learning in connectionist models typically involves adjusting the weights of connections based on experience, allowing the network to adapt and improve its performance over time.

Connectionist models have been used to study various cognitive processes, such as pattern recognition, language processing, memory, and problem-solving. They have also been employed in various AI applications, including speech recognition, image recognition, natural language processing, and autonomous systems.

It’s worth noting that connectionism is just one approach among many in cognitive science and AI, and it contrasts with other paradigms, such as symbolic or rule-based systems. Connectionism emphasizes the importance of distributed and parallel processing, learning from data, and the emergence of complex behavior through interconnected networks.

Shervan K Shahhian

What is Career counseling?

Career counseling is a process that helps individuals make informed decisions about their career paths and development. It involves the guidance and support provided by trained professionals, known as career counselors, who assist individuals in assessing their interests, strengths, skills, and values to determine suitable career options.

The primary objective of career counseling is to help individuals explore and understand their career-related goals and make choices that align with their abilities and aspirations. Career counselors use various tools and techniques to facilitate this process, such as career assessments, aptitude tests, personality inventories, and interviews.

During career counseling sessions, individuals may discuss their educational background, work experience, personal preferences, and goals. Career counselors help clients explore different career options, provide information about job markets and industry trends, and offer insights into various occupations. They may also assist with resume writing, interview preparation, and job search strategies.

Career counseling is not limited to students or job seekers. It can be beneficial at any stage of a person’s professional life, whether they are considering a career change, seeking advancement opportunities, or facing challenges in their current job.

The ultimate goal of career counseling is to empower individuals to make well-informed decisions about their careers, enhance their job satisfaction, and achieve their professional goals. It provides guidance, support, and resources to help individuals navigate the complex world of work and maximize their potential.

Shervan K Shahhian

What is Dance therapy?

Dance therapy, also known as dance movement therapy or dance/movement psychotherapy, is a form of expressive therapy that integrates movement and dance with psychological and emotional well-being. It is based on the principle that the body and mind are interconnected, and by engaging in therapeutic movement and dance, individuals can enhance their physical, emotional, cognitive, and social integration.

Dance therapy utilizes various movement techniques, improvisation, and choreography to explore and express emotions, promote self-awareness, and facilitate personal growth and healing. The movement and dance sequences are tailored to meet the needs and goals of each individual or group.

In dance therapy sessions, a trained dance therapist or movement psychotherapist works closely with clients to create a safe and supportive environment. The therapist helps individuals explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences through movement, encouraging them to express themselves non-verbally and embody their emotions.

Dance therapy can be used with diverse populations, including children, adolescents, adults, and older adults, and it is employed in various settings such as mental health centers, schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and community organizations. It can be beneficial for individuals dealing with a wide range of conditions, including anxiety, depression, trauma, body image issues, eating disorders, and stress-related disorders.

The goals of dance therapy may include enhancing self-esteem and body image, improving emotional regulation and self-expression, increasing physical coordination and flexibility, fostering social interaction and communication skills, and promoting overall well-being and personal growth.

It’s important to note that dance therapy is typically conducted by professionals who have completed specialized training in dance/movement therapy and hold appropriate credentials from accredited programs or organizations.

Shervan K Shahhian

What is Academic advising?

Academic advising is a process that involves providing guidance and support to students in making informed decisions about their educational and career goals. It is a collaborative relationship between an academic advisor and a student, where the advisor helps the student navigate their academic journey and make choices that align with their interests, abilities, and aspirations.

The primary role of an academic advisor is to assist students in understanding the requirements and opportunities within their chosen academic program. They help students develop an educational plan that aligns with their goals, select appropriate courses, and ensure they meet all the necessary prerequisites and graduation requirements.

Academic advisors also offer support and resources to help students overcome challenges and make the most of their educational experience. They may provide information on campus resources, study skills, time management, and strategies for academic success. Additionally, advisors can help students explore career options, discuss internship or co-op opportunities, and provide guidance on post-graduation plans.

The specific responsibilities of academic advisors can vary depending on the institution and level of education. Some advisors work with students in a general advising capacity, while others specialize in specific academic departments or programs. Ultimately, the goal of academic advising is to empower students to make well-informed decisions and maximize their educational and personal growth.

Shervan K Shahhian

What is Behavior modification?

Behavior modification refers to a systematic approach to changing or modifying human behavior. It is based on the principles of learning theory and seeks to bring about desired changes in behavior through the use of various techniques and strategies. The primary goal of behavior modification is to increase desired behaviors or decrease unwanted behaviors by applying positive or negative consequences.

Behavior modification is often used in various settings, such as schools, workplaces, and clinical settings, to address a wide range of behavioral issues. It involves identifying the target behavior that needs to be changed, setting specific goals, and implementing interventions to achieve those goals.

There are several techniques commonly employed in behavior modification, including positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement, punishment, shaping, and modeling. Positive reinforcement involves providing rewards or incentives to strengthen desired behaviors. Negative reinforcement involves the removal of unpleasant stimuli when a desired behavior is performed. Punishment involves applying negative consequences to discourage or decrease unwanted behaviors. Shaping refers to gradually guiding behavior toward a desired outcome by reinforcing successive approximations. Modeling involves demonstrating and encouraging desired behaviors through observational learning.

Behavior modification techniques can be applied to various behavioral problems, such as reducing aggression, promoting healthy habits, improving academic performance, managing phobias, addressing substance abuse, and treating psychological disorders. It is important to note that behavior modification should be conducted ethically and with respect for the individual’s autonomy and well-being.

Overall, behavior modification provides a structured and evidence-based approach to behavior change, focusing on observable behaviors and their consequences to promote positive behavioral outcomes.

Shervan K Shahhian

What is Behaviorism?

Behaviorism is a psychological theory and approach that focuses on observable behaviors and external stimuli, rather than on internal mental processes. It emerged as a dominant school of thought in psychology during the early 20th century, primarily associated with the work of John B. Watson and B.F. Skinner.

According to behaviorism, the study of human behavior should be based on observable actions, as these can be objectively measured and studied. It disregards subjective experiences, thoughts, and emotions as they cannot be directly observed. Behaviorists believe that all behaviors, including complex ones, are learned through a process of conditioning.

There are two main forms of conditioning within behaviorism: classical conditioning and operant conditioning. Classical conditioning, proposed by Ivan Pavlov, involves the association of a neutral stimulus with a meaningful stimulus to elicit a response. For example, in Pavlov’s famous experiments, a dog learned to associate the sound of a bell (neutral stimulus) with food (meaningful stimulus) and would eventually salivate in response to the bell alone.

Operant conditioning, developed by B.F. Skinner, focuses on the consequences of behavior. It suggests that behaviors can be strengthened or weakened through reinforcement or punishment. Reinforcement increases the likelihood of a behavior occurring again, while punishment decreases it. Skinner introduced the concept of the Skinner box, a controlled environment used to study operant conditioning in animals.

Behaviorism has been influential in various fields, including education, therapy, and animal training. It emphasizes the importance of environmental factors and learning processes in shaping behavior. However, behaviorism has been criticized for its neglect of internal mental processes, individual differences, and the role of cognition in behavior. Over time, other psychological approaches, such as cognitive psychology, have emerged to complement and expand upon behaviorism’s ideas.

Shervan K Shahhian

What are a List of psychotherapies?

There are numerous types of psychotherapies used to treat various mental health conditions and improve overall well-being. Here is a list of some commonly known psychotherapies:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Focuses on identifying and modifying negative thought patterns and behaviors to promote healthier coping mechanisms.

Psychodynamic Therapy: Explores the unconscious processes and unresolved conflicts to gain insight into one’s emotions, relationships, and behaviors.

Humanistic Therapy: Emphasizes personal growth, self-acceptance, and self-actualization, aiming to enhance self-awareness and fulfillment.

Gestalt Therapy: Encourages individuals to focus on the present moment, promoting self-awareness and personal responsibility.

Family Therapy: Involves working with families to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and enhance family dynamics.

Couples Therapy: Focuses on improving communication, resolving conflicts, and enhancing the overall relationship satisfaction between partners.

Narrative Therapy: Helps individuals reframe their personal narratives, empowering them to change their perceptions and create more positive life stories.

Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT): Concentrates on identifying and building on an individual’s existing strengths and resources to find solutions to specific problems.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Primarily used to treat borderline personality disorder and focuses on emotional regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Encourages individuals to accept their thoughts and feelings while committing to actions aligned with their values.

Psychodrama: Utilizes role-playing and group dynamics to explore and resolve emotional issues.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): Primarily used to treat trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) by targeting distressing memories and facilitating their reprocessing.

Art Therapy: Incorporates artistic expression to promote self-discovery, emotional healing, and personal growth.

Play Therapy: Primarily used with children, it allows them to express their thoughts, emotions, and experiences through play.

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT): Combines aspects of CBT with mindfulness practices to help individuals manage negative thoughts and prevent relapse in depression.

It’s important to note that this is not an exhaustive list, and there are many other psychotherapies and therapeutic approaches available. Therapists often integrate different techniques and modalities based on their training, the client’s needs, and the specific goals of therapy.
​Shervan K Shahhian