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

What is Suicide intervention?

Suicide intervention refers to the actions and strategies aimed at preventing someone from taking their own life. It involves recognizing the signs and risk factors of suicide, providing immediate help and support to individuals who are in crisis or at risk, and connecting them with appropriate resources for professional assistance.

The goal of suicide intervention is to intervene in the suicidal thought process, provide emotional support, and help the person find alternative solutions to their problems. It is essential to approach suicide intervention with empathy, compassion, and a non-judgmental attitude.

There are various approaches to suicide intervention, and some common methods include:

Active Listening: Providing a safe and non-judgmental space for the person to express their feelings and thoughts.

Risk Assessment: Evaluating the severity of the situation and determining the level of risk the person is facing.

Safety Planning: Collaborating with the individual to develop a safety plan that includes strategies for coping with suicidal thoughts, identifying supportive people in their life, and accessing professional help.

Crisis Intervention: Taking immediate action when someone is in immediate danger, such as contacting emergency services or staying with the person until they receive professional help.

Referral and Resource Linking: Connecting the individual with mental health professionals, helplines, support groups, or other appropriate resources for ongoing assistance.

It’s important to note that suicide intervention is a serious matter and should be handled by professionals whenever possible. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please seek help from emergency services or a helpline specific to your country or region.

Shervan K Shahhian

What is Solution-focused brief therapy?

Solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) is a goal-oriented, strengths-based therapeutic approach that focuses on identifying and developing solutions rather than analyzing problems. It is a brief and future-focused form of therapy that emphasizes clients’ abilities to create positive change in their lives.

SFBT was developed in the 1980s by Steve de Shazer, Insoo Kim Berg, and their colleagues at the Brief Family Therapy Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The approach emerged as an alternative to traditional problem-focused therapies that often delve extensively into analyzing the origins and causes of problems.

Key principles of Solution-focused brief therapy include:

Future focus: SFBT places a strong emphasis on exploring clients’ desired future outcomes rather than dwelling on past difficulties. It encourages clients to envision their preferred future and work toward achieving it.

Solution-building: Rather than extensively exploring the problem, SFBT focuses on identifying and amplifying clients’ existing strengths, resources, and exceptions to the problem. Therapists help clients identify times when the problem is less severe or absent and work on applying those exceptions to create solutions.

Brief and goal-oriented: SFBT is typically brief in duration, aiming to achieve meaningful change in a short period. The therapy focuses on setting specific, realistic, and achievable goals that are collaboratively established between the therapist and the client.

Client collaboration: SFBT is a collaborative process where the therapist and the client work together as equal partners. The therapist assists the client in identifying and implementing solutions but does not prescribe specific solutions or provide direct advice.

Feedback and measurement: SFBT uses feedback and outcome measures to track progress and ensure that therapy is effective. The therapist and client regularly evaluate progress and make adjustments as needed.

The SFBT approach can be applied to various settings and client populations, including individuals, couples, families, and organizations. It has been used effectively in diverse areas such as counseling, psychotherapy, coaching, education, and social work.

Overall, Solution-focused brief therapy is a practical and collaborative approach that emphasizes clients’ strengths, resources, and the possibilities for change. By focusing on solutions and goals, it helps clients gain clarity, motivation, and strategies to move toward their desired outcomes.

Shervan K Shahhian

What is Senior peer counseling?

Senior peer counseling is a form of counseling or support provided to older adults by their peers who are also seniors. It involves trained volunteers or individuals who are close in age to the recipients of the counseling, providing emotional support, companionship, and guidance.

The aim of senior peer counseling is to address the unique needs and challenges faced by older adults. It recognizes that seniors often benefit from interacting with others who have experienced similar life stages and can offer empathy and understanding.

Senior peer counselors typically undergo specialized training to develop active listening skills, empathy, and an understanding of the issues commonly faced by older adults. They may offer one-on-one sessions or group discussions where seniors can freely express their concerns, share experiences, and receive guidance.

The topics covered in senior peer counseling can vary widely and may include coping with loss or grief, managing health issues, adjusting to retirement, dealing with loneliness or isolation, maintaining relationships, finding meaning and purpose, and navigating changes in life circumstances.

Senior peer counseling programs can be found in various community centers, senior centers, or non-profit organizations. These programs not only provide support to older adults but also promote social connections, enhance emotional well-being, and empower seniors to maintain an active and fulfilling life.

Shervan K Shahhian

What is Social work?

Social work is a profession that focuses on helping individuals, families, groups, and communities to enhance their well-being and improve their quality of life. It is rooted in principles of social justice, human rights, and the belief in the inherent dignity and worth of every person.

Social workers aim to address social issues, alleviate social problems, and promote social change. They work in various settings such as hospitals, schools, mental health clinics, community organizations, government agencies, and private practice. Social workers often collaborate with other professionals, including psychologists, counselors, doctors, and educators, to provide comprehensive support to individuals and communities.

The core functions of social work include:

Assessment: Social workers assess the needs and strengths of individuals, families, or communities to determine the appropriate interventions and services required.

Intervention: Social workers provide direct services and interventions to address the identified needs. This can involve counseling, advocacy, case management, crisis intervention, and connecting individuals with necessary resources and support.

Prevention: Social workers strive to prevent problems and promote well-being by implementing programs and initiatives that address social issues at a broader level. This may involve community organizing, policy advocacy, and education.

Evaluation: Social workers evaluate the effectiveness of their interventions and programs to ensure they are meeting the desired outcomes and making a positive impact.

Social workers work with a wide range of populations, including children, adolescents, adults, older adults, individuals with disabilities, individuals experiencing homelessness, refugees and immigrants, individuals with mental health or substance abuse issues, and those affected by domestic violence or other forms of trauma.

Overall, social work is a profession dedicated to helping individuals and communities overcome challenges, improve their circumstances, and promote social justice and equality.

Shervan K Shahhian

What is a School counselor?

A school counselor, also known as a guidance counselor, is a trained professional who works in educational settings to support the academic, social, emotional, and personal development of students. Their primary role is to help students succeed academically and navigate various challenges they may face during their educational journey.

The specific duties and responsibilities of school counselors can vary, but they typically include:

Academic Guidance: School counselors assist students in developing educational plans, setting academic goals, and selecting appropriate courses. They may also provide guidance on college and career planning, helping students explore different options and make informed decisions about their future.

Personal and Social Support: School counselors offer support and guidance to students dealing with personal and social issues. They provide a safe and confidential environment for students to discuss their concerns, such as family problems, peer relationships, bullying, and mental health issues. They may also organize programs and workshops to promote social and emotional well-being.

Counseling Services: School counselors provide individual and group counseling to students facing difficulties or experiencing emotional distress. They may address issues like stress, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and behavior management. Additionally, they can offer crisis intervention and collaborate with other professionals to ensure students’ safety and well-being.

Conflict Resolution: School counselors mediate and facilitate conflict resolution among students, helping them resolve disputes, improve communication, and develop effective problem-solving skills. They may also work with teachers, administrators, and parents to address behavioral concerns and promote positive discipline strategies.

Collaboration and Consultation: School counselors collaborate with teachers, administrators, and parents to support students’ overall development. They may participate in team meetings, provide input on student progress, and make recommendations for interventions or accommodations. They also serve as a resource for parents, offering guidance on parenting strategies and connecting families with community resources.

Overall, school counselors play a crucial role in promoting the well-being and academic success of students. By providing guidance, support, and counseling services, they help students overcome challenges, develop essential life skills, and thrive in their educational journey.

Shervan K Shahhian

Rehabilitation counseling is a specialized field of counseling that focuses on helping individuals with disabilities or limitations achieve their personal, social, educational, and vocational goals. The primary aim of rehabilitation counseling is to assist people in overcoming the barriers they face due to physical, mental, cognitive, or emotional impairments and enabling them to live independent and fulfilling lives.

Rehabilitation counselors work with a diverse range of clients, including individuals with physical disabilities, mental health conditions, substance abuse disorders, developmental disabilities, and chronic illnesses. They employ a holistic approach to assess clients’ strengths, limitations, and aspirations, and then develop personalized plans to facilitate their rehabilitation and integration into society.

The role of a rehabilitation counselor includes:

Assessment: Conducting comprehensive evaluations to determine clients’ needs, abilities, and barriers to independent functioning. This involves reviewing medical records, conducting interviews, and administering assessments.

Counseling: Providing individual and group counseling to help clients cope with the emotional, psychological, and social challenges they face due to their disabilities. Rehabilitation counselors may use various therapeutic techniques to address issues such as grief, depression, anxiety, and adjustment difficulties.

Treatment planning: Collaborating with clients to establish realistic goals and develop individualized treatment plans. This may involve identifying vocational options, educational opportunities, assistive technologies, and support services that can enhance clients’ quality of life and promote their independence.

Advocacy: Advocating for clients’ rights and needs in various settings, including educational institutions, workplaces, and government agencies. Rehabilitation counselors may help clients access disability accommodations, secure employment, or navigate social service systems.

Vocational guidance: Assisting clients in identifying suitable career paths, acquiring job-seeking skills, and exploring vocational training opportunities. This may involve vocational assessments, job placement services, and providing guidance on resume building, interview skills, and workplace accommodations.

Case management: Coordinating and monitoring services for clients, including referrals to medical professionals, occupational therapists, vocational training programs, and community support organizations. Rehabilitation counselors may serve as liaisons between clients, their families, and other professionals involved in their care.

Rehabilitation counselors work in various settings, such as rehabilitation centers, hospitals, mental health clinics, vocational rehabilitation agencies, community-based organizations, and private practice. They collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and often work closely with other professionals, such as physicians, psychologists, social workers, and educators, to ensure comprehensive care for their clients.

Overall, rehabilitation counseling aims to empower individuals with disabilities to lead meaningful lives, maximize their independence, and participate actively in their communities.

Shervan K Shahhian

Re-evaluation Counseling (RC), also known as Co-Counseling, is an approach to personal growth and emotional healing developed by Harvey Jackins in the 1950s. It is a form of peer counseling that emphasizes mutual support and the release of emotional distress.

The core principle of Re-evaluation Counseling is that every person has innate, natural abilities to heal and recover from emotional and psychological wounds. The method involves two individuals taking turns as counselor and client, with the goal of creating a safe and non-judgmental space for emotional expression.

During an RC session, the counselor provides active listening and support while the client shares their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. The process encourages the release of suppressed emotions, such as fear, anger, sadness, and trauma, through talking, crying, shaking, laughing, or other forms of emotional discharge. The counselor helps the client by offering empathy, reassurance, and encouragement.

The underlying theory behind Re-evaluation Counseling is that past traumatic experiences and negative patterns of thinking can interfere with a person’s ability to function optimally in the present. By providing a supportive environment and allowing emotional discharge, RC aims to help individuals re-evaluate and reframe their past experiences, facilitating emotional healing and personal growth.

Re-evaluation Counseling also incorporates various techniques and tools to address specific issues. These can include attention to physical sensations, visualization, affirmations, and exploring different perspectives on a given situation.

RC is often practiced in peer-led support groups and workshops, where participants take turns counseling each other. The ultimate goal is to develop emotional resilience, gain insight into one’s own patterns and beliefs, and build stronger connections with others.

It is important to note that while Re-evaluation Counseling can be a helpful personal growth tool, it is not a substitute for professional therapy or medical treatment. In cases of severe mental health concerns or trauma, it is recommended to seek guidance from qualified mental health professionals.

Shervan K Shahhian

The dangers of Resentment?

Resentment is an intense feeling of bitterness, anger, and indignation towards someone or something, typically arising from a perceived injustice, mistreatment, or unfairness. While it is a natural human emotion and can be a response to real or perceived wrongs, resentment can have several dangers and negative effects on both individuals and relationships. Here are some of the dangers associated with resentment:

Emotional and Mental Health Issues: Holding onto resentment can lead to significant emotional and mental health problems. It often involves harboring negative thoughts and feelings, which can contribute to increased stress, anxiety, and even depression. Resentment can consume a person’s thoughts and create a constant state of negativity, making it challenging to find happiness and peace of mind.

Poisoning Relationships: Resentment can be toxic to relationships. When someone holds onto resentment, it can lead to a breakdown in communication, trust, and intimacy. It often festers and grows, causing rifts between individuals and creating a hostile environment. Unresolved resentment can erode the foundation of a relationship and eventually lead to its demise.

Self-Destruction: Resentment is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to suffer. Holding onto resentment can harm the person carrying it more than anyone else. It keeps individuals stuck in the past and prevents personal growth and healing. It can lead to self-destructive behaviors, such as isolation, self-sabotage, or engaging in harmful coping mechanisms like substance abuse.

Physical Health Consequences: Resentment can also impact physical health. Research has shown that chronic resentment and unresolved anger are associated with increased risks of high blood pressure, cardiovascular problems, weakened immune system, and other stress-related conditions. The mind-body connection is powerful, and negative emotions like resentment can take a toll on overall well-being.

Missed Opportunities for Resolution: Holding onto resentment often prevents individuals from seeking resolution or finding closure. It can hinder forgiveness, which is crucial for personal healing and moving forward. By staying focused on past grievances, individuals may miss opportunities for personal growth, improved relationships, and finding peace within themselves.

Negativity Bias: Resentment can create a negativity bias, where a person tends to focus more on negative experiences and interpret neutral or positive events in a negative light. This bias can distort perceptions, hinder problem-solving abilities, and limit one’s overall outlook on life.

To address and overcome resentment, it is important to acknowledge and understand the underlying causes, express emotions in a healthy way, practice empathy and forgiveness, and seek support if needed. Letting go of resentment can lead to emotional freedom, improved relationships, and enhanced well-being.

Shervan K Shahhian

What is Psychiatric and mental health nursing?

Psychiatric and mental health nursing is a specialized field of nursing that focuses on the care and treatment of individuals with mental health disorders and psychiatric illnesses. Psychiatric nurses work in various settings, including hospitals, psychiatric hospitals, clinics, community health centers, and residential treatment facilities.

The primary goal of psychiatric and mental health nursing is to provide comprehensive and holistic care to individuals experiencing mental health issues. Psychiatric nurses are trained to assess, diagnose, plan, implement, and evaluate nursing care for patients with mental health conditions. They work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and occupational therapists, to develop and implement individualized treatment plans.

Some of the key responsibilities of psychiatric and mental health nurses include:

Assessment: Conducting thorough assessments of patients’ mental health status, including their emotional, psychological, and social well-being.

Medication Administration: Administering and monitoring psychiatric medications as prescribed by the healthcare team, while monitoring for any side effects or adverse reactions.

Therapeutic Interventions: Implementing therapeutic interventions, such as counseling, psychoeducation, and behavior modification techniques, to help patients manage their symptoms and develop coping strategies.

Crisis Intervention: Providing immediate support and intervention during mental health crises or emergencies to ensure the safety and well-being of the patient.

Patient Education: Educating patients and their families about mental health conditions, treatment options, medication management, and self-care techniques.

Collaborative Care: Collaborating with other healthcare professionals to develop and implement a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses the patient’s physical, emotional, and social needs.

Advocacy: Advocating for the rights and needs of individuals with mental health disorders, promoting awareness, reducing stigma, and facilitating access to appropriate resources and support services.

Psychiatric and mental health nursing requires specialized knowledge and skills to provide compassionate and evidence-based care to individuals with diverse mental health needs. Psychiatric nurses play a vital role in supporting patients on their journey towards recovery, promoting mental health, and improving the overall quality of life for individuals with mental health conditions.

Shervan K Shahhian

What is a Psychiatrist?

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. They are trained in both medicine and psychology, allowing them to understand the complex interactions between physical and mental health.

Psychiatrists are licensed physicians who have completed medical school and obtained a medical degree (M.D. or D.O.). After medical school, they undergo specialized training in psychiatry during a residency program, which typically lasts four years. During their residency, psychiatrists gain practical experience in various psychiatric settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and research institutions.

As medical doctors, psychiatrists are qualified to assess the overall physical and mental well-being of individuals. They can conduct thorough evaluations to diagnose mental illnesses, including anxiety disorders, mood disorders (such as depression and bipolar disorder), schizophrenia, substance use disorders, and more. Psychiatrists are trained to differentiate between psychological conditions and medical conditions that may have psychiatric symptoms.

Once a diagnosis is made, psychiatrists develop and implement treatment plans for their patients. They can prescribe medications, such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, or mood stabilizers, to help manage symptoms. Additionally, psychiatrists may provide psychotherapy or recommend other non-pharmacological interventions, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), or psychosocial interventions.

Psychiatrists often collaborate with other healthcare professionals, including psychologists, social workers, and counselors, to provide comprehensive care to individuals with mental health concerns. They may also work in research, academia, or administration, contributing to advancements in the field of psychiatry and mental health.

It’s important to note that while psychiatrists are mental health professionals, not all mental health professionals are psychiatrists. Other professionals in the field include psychologists, psychiatric nurses, licensed clinical social workers, and licensed professional counselors, each with their own training and scope of practice.

Shervan K Shahhian