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

Who are Mental health professionals?

Mental health professionals are trained individuals who specialize in the assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and support of individuals experiencing mental health issues or psychological distress. They possess expertise in various fields and utilize their knowledge and skills to promote mental well-being and address mental health concerns.

Here are some examples of mental health professionals:

Psychiatrists: Medical doctors who specialize in mental health. They can diagnose mental health disorders, prescribe medication, and provide various forms of treatment, including therapy.

Psychologists: Professionals with advanced degrees in psychology who assess and treat mental health disorders through therapy and counseling. They may also conduct psychological testing and research.

Counselors: Professionals who provide counseling and guidance to individuals, couples, families, or groups. They may have specialized training in areas such as marriage and family therapy, addiction counseling, or school counseling.

Clinical social workers: Professionals with a master’s degree in social work who provide therapy and support to individuals, families, and communities. They often focus on addressing social and environmental factors impacting mental health.

Psychiatric nurses: Registered nurses with additional training and specialization in mental health. They can provide therapy, administer medication, and support individuals with mental health challenges.

Licensed professional counselors: Trained professionals who provide mental health counseling services and help individuals cope with various issues, such as anxiety, depression, trauma, or relationship difficulties.

Marriage and family therapists: Professionals who specialize in helping couples and families improve their relationships and address mental health challenges within a family context.

These are just a few examples, and there are other types of mental health professionals as well. It’s important to note that the specific roles and qualifications of mental health professionals can vary depending on the country, state, or region in which they practice.

Shervan K Shahhian

Client confidentiality is of critical importance in mental health treatment for several reasons:

Trust and therapeutic alliance: Client confidentiality is a cornerstone of establishing trust between the client and mental health professional. When clients know that their personal information will be kept confidential, they are more likely to open up, share sensitive information, and engage in an honest and open therapeutic process. This trust forms the foundation of a strong therapeutic alliance, which is essential for effective treatment outcomes.

Privacy and autonomy: Respecting client confidentiality is essential for upholding their right to privacy and autonomy. Mental health treatment often involves discussing deeply personal and sensitive information, including past traumas, personal relationships, and other confidential matters. Ensuring client confidentiality allows individuals to feel safe and secure in sharing their experiences without fear of judgment or unauthorized disclosure.

Open communication and self-disclosure: Effective therapy relies on open and honest communication between the client and the mental health professional. Client confidentiality encourages clients to freely express their thoughts, feelings, and experiences, including sensitive or embarrassing information. Without the assurance of confidentiality, clients may hesitate to share certain details that could be crucial for accurate assessment and treatment planning.

Stigma reduction: Many mental health conditions carry social stigmas that can discourage individuals from seeking help. Assuring client confidentiality helps reduce the fear of judgment or potential negative consequences associated with disclosing mental health concerns. When confidentiality is protected, individuals are more likely to seek treatment, which can lead to earlier intervention, improved outcomes, and decreased stigma surrounding mental health.

Legal and ethical obligations: Mental health professionals have legal and ethical obligations to maintain client confidentiality. Laws and professional codes of ethics typically require mental health practitioners to protect the privacy of their clients and to obtain informed consent before sharing information. Breaching client confidentiality can result in legal consequences, loss of professional licensure, and damage to the reputation of the mental health professional.

It is important to note that while client confidentiality is generally upheld, there are exceptions when it is ethically or legally necessary to disclose certain information. These exceptions typically include situations where there is a risk of harm to the client or others, suspected child abuse, or a court order requiring disclosure. However, mental health professionals should strive to maintain confidentiality to the greatest extent possible and communicate any necessary disclosures clearly to their clients.

Shervan K Shahhian

What is Superiority complex?

Superiority complex is a psychological term used to describe an exaggerated belief or feeling of superiority, importance, or grandiosity that an individual holds about themselves. It is a defense mechanism that people may develop to compensate for underlying feelings of inferiority or low self-esteem.

Individuals with a superiority complex tend to have an inflated sense of self-worth and a deep need for validation and recognition from others. They often display a condescending attitude towards others, believing themselves to be more intelligent, talented, or capable than those around them. They may constantly seek opportunities to assert their dominance or prove their superiority, disregarding the feelings and opinions of others.

Underlying this complex is often a fragile self-image, and the individual may be highly sensitive to criticism or perceived threats to their self-perceived superiority. They may go to great lengths to maintain their self-image, such as belittling others, exaggerating their accomplishments, or seeking positions of power and authority.

It is important to note that a superiority complex is considered maladaptive and can negatively impact personal relationships and social interactions. Individuals with this complex may struggle to form genuine connections with others due to their constant need to establish dominance. Additionally, their grandiose self-perception can hinder personal growth and prevent them from recognizing their own flaws or seeking improvement.

It’s worth mentioning that the term “superiority complex” is not used in clinical psychology as a formal diagnosis, but rather as a descriptive concept to understand certain behavioral patterns and attitudes in individuals.

Shervan K Shahhian

What is an Inferiority complex?

An inferiority complex is a psychological condition characterized by an individual’s persistent feelings of inadequacy, worthlessness, and incompetence. People with an inferiority complex tend to have an exaggerated sense of their own shortcomings and believe they are inherently inferior to others. This complex can manifest in various aspects of life, such as work, relationships, and social interactions.

The concept of an inferiority complex was first introduced by the Austrian psychiatrist Alfred Adler, who believed that feelings of inferiority were a central motivating force in human behavior. According to Adler’s theory, individuals develop an inferiority complex when they perceive a significant gap between their own perceived abilities or achievements and the standards set by society or their own internal expectations.

Several factors can contribute to the development of an inferiority complex. Childhood experiences, such as excessive criticism, neglect, or constant comparison to others, can play a significant role. Traumatic events, bullying, or a prolonged sense of failure can also contribute to the development of this complex.

People with an inferiority complex often exhibit certain behavioral patterns. They may constantly seek validation and approval from others, fear failure, avoid taking risks, or feel intense jealousy and resentment toward those they perceive as superior. These individuals may develop compensatory behaviors to mask their feelings of inferiority or overcompensate by striving for perfection in specific areas of life.

Overcoming an inferiority complex typically requires a combination of self-reflection, therapy, and personal growth. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can be beneficial in challenging negative thought patterns and developing healthier self-perceptions. Building self-confidence, setting realistic goals, and embracing personal strengths and achievements are also essential in the journey toward overcoming an inferiority complex.

Shervan K Shahhian

What is Psycho-Cybernetics?

Psycho-Cybernetics is a self-help book written by Dr. Maxwell Maltz in 1960. It is a pioneering work that explores the relationship between the mind and the body and how it affects our self-image and overall success in life. The term “cybernetics” in the title refers to the study of control and communication systems in both machines and living organisms.

The central idea behind Psycho-Cybernetics is that individuals possess a self-image, a mental representation of themselves, which influences their thoughts, actions, and overall performance. According to Maltz, our self-image acts as an internal guidance system or “servomechanism” that directs our behavior and determines the outcomes we achieve.

Maltz argues that by consciously shaping and improving our self-image, we can overcome self-limiting beliefs, develop positive habits, and achieve our goals. He emphasizes the power of visualization, mental rehearsal, and positive affirmations in reprogramming the subconscious mind and aligning it with our desired outcomes. By doing so, we can enhance our self-confidence, improve our performance in various areas of life, and experience personal growth and success.

Psycho-Cybernetics has had a significant impact on the field of self-help and personal development. Its ideas have been influential in areas such as sports psychology, business coaching, and motivational training. The book provides practical techniques and exercises to help individuals transform their self-image and unlock their full potential. It emphasizes the importance of aligning our thoughts and beliefs with our desired goals and using the power of the mind to create positive change in our lives.

Shervan K Shahhian

What is Telepathy?

Telepathy refers to the hypothetical ability to communicate thoughts, feelings, or information from one person’s mind to another person’s mind without the need for verbal or written communication or any known sensory channels. It is often considered a form of extrasensory perception (ESP).

In the concept of telepathy, information is believed to be transmitted through means beyond the known senses, such as through direct mind-to-mind communication. This would imply a direct exchange of thoughts, emotions, or mental images between individuals.

It is important to note that telepathy is not scientifically proven and is widely regarded as pseudoscience. Despite numerous anecdotal accounts and claims of telepathic experiences, there is no substantial scientific evidence supporting its existence.

In popular culture, telepathy is often depicted as a superpower or ability possessed by certain fictional characters, allowing them to communicate or perceive the thoughts of others. However, in the real world, the existence of telepathy remains a subject of debate and skepticism among scientists and researchers.

Shervan K Shahhian

What is Automatic writing?

Automatic writing, also known as psychography, is a technique used in various disciplines, including literature, psychology, and spiritual practices. It involves the process of writing or typing without conscious thought or deliberate control over the content being produced.

In automatic writing, individuals aim to bypass their rational mind and allow their subconscious or spiritual influences to guide their writing. The process typically begins with the person entering a relaxed state of mind, often through meditation or focused concentration. They then start writing or typing whatever comes to mind, without filtering or censoring the thoughts or words.

The idea behind automatic writing is that it allows access to deeper layers of consciousness, including the subconscious or spiritual realms. It is believed that during this state, individuals can tap into their intuition, higher guidance, or even communicate with entities or spirits.

Automatic writing has been used for various purposes. In literature, writers have used it as a creative technique to access imaginative or subconscious thoughts and ideas. In psychology, it has been employed as a therapeutic tool for self-exploration, uncovering hidden emotions or beliefs, and accessing the unconscious mind. In spiritual practices, automatic writing is often seen as a means of receiving messages from higher powers, spirit guides, or the spiritual self.

It’s worth noting that automatic writing can be a deeply personal and subjective experience, and interpretations of the content produced can vary. Some people believe in the authenticity and spiritual significance of the messages received through automatic writing, while others may view it as a product of the subconscious mind or creative imagination.

Shervan K Shahhian

What is Psychography?

Psychography, also known as graphology or handwriting analysis, is a field of study that aims to interpret an individual’s personality traits, character, and psychological state based on their handwriting. It suggests that various aspects of a person’s handwriting, such as the size, slant, pressure, spacing, and overall appearance, can provide insights into their emotions, behavior, and underlying psychological attributes.

The practice of psychography assumes that handwriting is a reflection of the subconscious mind and that patterns and features in a person’s writing can reveal information about their personality, temperament, mood, and even potential psychological disorders. Psychographers analyze various elements of handwriting, including the shape and form of letters, the placement of dots and crosses, the baseline, the degree of legibility, and many other factors.

Psychography has its roots in ancient times, but it gained popularity in the late 19th century with the work of Frenchman Jean-Hippolyte Michon, who is often considered the father of modern graphology. Since then, numerous theories and approaches to psychography have emerged, leading to different schools of thought within the field.

Critics argue that psychography lacks scientific evidence and is more akin to pseudoscience. While some studies have shown correlations between certain handwriting traits and personality characteristics, the overall scientific validity and reliability of psychography remain contentious. As a result, it is generally considered more of an art or a tool for self-reflection rather than a scientifically supported diagnostic tool.

Shervan K Shahhian

What is Psychography?

Psychography, also known as graphology or handwriting analysis, is a field of study that aims to interpret an individual’s personality traits, character, and psychological state based on their handwriting. It suggests that various aspects of a person’s handwriting, such as the size, slant, pressure, spacing, and overall appearance, can provide insights into their emotions, behavior, and underlying psychological attributes.

The practice of psychography assumes that handwriting is a reflection of the subconscious mind and that patterns and features in a person’s writing can reveal information about their personality, temperament, mood, and even potential psychological disorders. Psychographers analyze various elements of handwriting, including the shape and form of letters, the placement of dots and crosses, the baseline, the degree of legibility, and many other factors.

Psychography has its roots in ancient times, but it gained popularity in the late 19th century with the work of Frenchman Jean-Hippolyte Michon, who is often considered the father of modern graphology. Since then, numerous theories and approaches to psychography have emerged, leading to different schools of thought within the field.

Critics argue that psychography lacks scientific evidence and is more akin to pseudoscience. While some studies have shown correlations between certain handwriting traits and personality characteristics, the overall scientific validity and reliability of psychography remain contentious. As a result, it is generally considered more of an art or a tool for self-reflection rather than a scientifically supported diagnostic tool.

Shervan K Shahhian

What is Psychokinesis?

Psychokinesis, often abbreviated as PK, refers to the alleged ability of individuals to influence or manipulate physical objects or events using the power of their mind, without any direct physical interaction. It is also sometimes referred to as telekinesis. According to the concept of psychokinesis, individuals with this ability can exert a force on objects or alter their physical properties through the power of their thoughts or intentions alone. This could involve moving objects, bending metal, influencing the outcome of random events, or even manipulating the elements of nature. However, it is important to note that psychokinesis is considered a controversial and highly debated topic within the scientific community. The existence of psychokinesis has not been scientifically proven, and some studies and investigations have failed to provide conclusive evidence supporting its reality. Many skeptics argue that reported instances of psychokinesis can often be attributed to trickery, misinterpretation of events, or other psychological phenomena. Despite the lack of scientific consensus, psychokinesis continues to capture the imagination of many people and remains a popular subject in various forms of fiction, such as movies, books, and games.Shervan K Shahhian