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

What is Regulation-focused psychotherapy?

Regulation-focused psychotherapy (RFP) is a therapeutic approach developed by Dr. Allan Schore, a prominent researcher and clinician in the field of developmental neuroscience and psychotherapy. RFP integrates principles from neuroscience, attachment theory, and psychodynamic therapy to address emotional dysregulation and promote emotional well-being.

The core concept in Regulation-focused psychotherapy is the emphasis on the regulation of emotional states. It recognizes that emotional dysregulation lies at the root of many psychological disorders, including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and borderline personality disorder. The goal of RFP is to help individuals develop and enhance their capacity for self-regulation, which involves the ability to modulate and manage emotions effectively.

RFP draws upon attachment theory, which suggests that early relationships and experiences shape an individual’s capacity for self-regulation. The therapist helps the client explore and understand their attachment patterns and how these patterns impact their emotional regulation. The therapeutic relationship itself becomes an important source of emotional regulation, providing a secure base for the client to explore and process difficult emotions.

The therapeutic techniques used in Regulation-focused psychotherapy vary depending on the individual’s needs, but they often involve a combination of talk therapy, emotion-focused techniques, mindfulness practices, and somatic (body-oriented) interventions. The therapist aims to help clients increase their awareness of their emotional states, identify triggers and patterns of dysregulation, and develop strategies to regulate their emotions more effectively.

RFP can be particularly beneficial for individuals who have experienced early trauma or disrupted attachment relationships, as it addresses the underlying neurobiological and emotional processes that contribute to their difficulties. By promoting emotional regulation and fostering healthier attachment patterns, RFP aims to improve overall psychological well-being and enhance individuals’ ability to form healthy relationships.

Shervan K Shahhian

What is Re-evaluation counseling?

Re-evaluation counseling, also known as Co-Counseling or RC, is a form of peer-based counseling and personal development that aims to help individuals overcome the effects of past distressing experiences. It was developed in the 1950s by Harvey Jackins, an American social activist and therapist.

The fundamental principle of Re-evaluation counseling is that everyone has inherent worth and potential and that they can heal and grow through connection and mutual support. The process involves two people, referred to as co-counselors, who take turns counseling each other in structured sessions.

During a counseling session, one person acts as the client and shares their thoughts, feelings, and experiences while the other person serves as the counselor, providing a supportive and non-judgmental environment. The counselor listens attentively, encourages the client to express emotions, and offers empathy and understanding. The goal is to create a safe space where individuals can explore and release past traumas, gain insight into patterns of thinking and behavior, and develop new perspectives and strategies for living.

Re-evaluation counseling emphasizes the importance of discharging emotions related to past hurts through techniques such as crying, shaking, or laughing, as a way to release and heal from these experiences. The underlying belief is that through this process, individuals can regain their natural abilities, creativity, and full emotional range, leading to personal growth and empowerment.

Re-evaluation counseling has been used to address a wide range of issues, including trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, and personal development goals. It is often practiced in peer-led support groups and workshops, where individuals can receive ongoing support and connect with others on a similar healing journey.

It’s important to note that while Re-evaluation counseling has been beneficial for many individuals, it is not a substitute for professional therapy or mental health treatment. If you are seeking help for significant mental health concerns, it’s advisable to consult with a qualified therapist or counselor.

Shervan K Shahhian

What is Recovered-memory therapy?

Recovered-memory therapy (RMT) refers to a controversial and now largely discredited form of therapy that emerged in the 1980s and 1990s. It involved a therapeutic approach aimed at helping individuals recover repressed or forgotten memories of traumatic events, particularly childhood sexual abuse.

The underlying premise of RMT was that traumatic memories were stored in the unconscious mind and could be accessed and brought to conscious awareness through various therapeutic techniques. Therapists who practiced RMT used methods such as hypnosis, guided imagery, suggestion, and other memory retrieval techniques to assist their clients in recalling and confronting these allegedly repressed memories.

However, the validity and scientific basis of RMT have been heavily criticized. Numerous studies have demonstrated that memory is highly malleable and subject to distortion, and that false memories can be inadvertently implanted through suggestive techniques used in therapy. There have been cases where individuals undergoing RMT have claimed to recover memories of abuse that were later proven to be false or unsubstantiated.

As a result of these concerns, many professional organizations, such as the American Psychological Association, have discredited RMT and issued statements cautioning against its use. The potential for harm, including the creation of false memories and the distress caused to individuals and their families, has led to a significant decline in the use of RMT in clinical practice.

It’s important to note that therapy approaches have evolved over time, and evidence-based practices focus on the well-being and mental health of individuals through methods that are grounded in scientific research and ethical standards.

Shervan K Shahhian

What is Rebirthing-breathwork?

Rebirthing breathwork, also known as breathwork or conscious connected breathing, is a holistic healing practice that involves utilizing the breath to access and release deep-seated emotional and physical blockages. It is a form of experiential therapy that aims to promote self-awareness, personal growth, and healing.

During a typical rebirthing breathwork session, an individual lies down in a comfortable position and engages in a specific breathing pattern. The breathwork facilitator guides the person to breathe consciously and continuously without pauses between inhalation and exhalation. This rhythmic and deep breathing is believed to activate the body’s natural healing mechanisms and increase the flow of life force energy.

The continuous and intentional breathing pattern in rebirthing breathwork aims to release physical and emotional tension, trauma, and suppressed emotions held within the body. It is thought that these unresolved experiences and emotions can create energetic blockages and contribute to various physical, mental, and emotional imbalances.

As the individual breathes deeply and consistently, they may experience a range of sensations, emotions, and memories. It is not uncommon for people to have intense emotional releases, cathartic moments, or vivid insights during the breathwork session. The facilitator provides a supportive environment and guidance throughout the process, helping the individual navigate and integrate their experiences.

The term “rebirthing” in rebirthing breathwork refers to the idea that through conscious breathing, one can experience a symbolic rebirth or a deep sense of renewal and transformation. It is believed that by releasing suppressed emotions and accessing deeper levels of self-awareness, individuals can move towards greater emotional well-being, personal growth, and spiritual development.

It’s important to note that rebirthing breathwork should be practiced under the guidance of a trained facilitator who can provide a safe and supportive environment. This practice may not be suitable for everyone, particularly those with certain respiratory conditions or mental health concerns. It’s always recommended to consult with a qualified professional before engaging in any alternative healing modality.

Shervan K Shahhian

What is Rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT)?

Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) is a form of psychotherapy developed by psychologist Albert Ellis in the 1950s. It is based on the premise that our emotions and behaviors are primarily influenced by our thoughts and beliefs about events, rather than the events themselves. REBT focuses on identifying and changing irrational beliefs and replacing them with more rational and constructive thoughts, leading to healthier emotional and behavioral responses.

REBT operates under the ABC model:

A stands for activating event: It refers to the external situation or event that triggers an individual’s emotional response. For example, receiving criticism from a colleague.

B stands for beliefs: These are the thoughts, interpretations, and beliefs that individuals hold about the activating event. In REBT, there are typically two types of beliefs: rational and irrational. Rational beliefs are flexible, realistic, and helpful, while irrational beliefs are rigid, unrealistic, and unhelpful. For example, a rational belief might be “It’s normal to receive criticism, and I can learn from it,” while an irrational belief might be “I must be perfect, and if someone criticizes me, it means I’m worthless.”

C stands for emotional and behavioral consequences: These are the emotional and behavioral reactions that result from the beliefs individuals hold about the activating event. In the example above, a rational belief might lead to feelings of disappointment or motivation to improve, whereas an irrational belief might lead to feelings of worthlessness or anger.

REBT aims to help individuals identify their irrational beliefs and challenge them through a process of dispute. This involves examining the evidence, considering alternative perspectives, and applying logical reasoning to counter the irrational beliefs. Through this process, individuals can develop more rational beliefs, which in turn lead to healthier emotional responses and more adaptive behaviors.

REBT is an active and directive therapy that emphasizes the client’s responsibility in their own emotional well-being. It typically involves homework assignments, role-playing exercises, and other techniques aimed at practicing and applying rational thinking in real-life situations.

Overall, REBT is focused on helping individuals develop a rational and resilient mindset to navigate life’s challenges, reduce emotional distress, and improve overall psychological well-being.

Shervan K Shahhian

What is Rapid resolution therapy?

Rapid Resolution Therapy (RRT) is a therapeutic approach that aims to address emotional and psychological issues quickly and effectively. It was developed by Dr. Jon Connelly, a licensed mental health counselor, and it combines elements of various therapeutic modalities, including hypnosis, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and neurolinguistic programming.

Rapid Resolution Therapy focuses on resolving emotional distress by targeting the root cause of the issue and facilitating rapid change at a subconscious level. It is based on the premise that unresolved traumatic experiences and negative beliefs can continue to influence a person’s thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, even if they are not consciously aware of it.

During a Rapid Resolution Therapy session, the therapist guides the client through a process of identifying and reprocessing negative or traumatic experiences in a safe and supportive environment. The therapist may use techniques such as visualization, metaphorical storytelling, and eye movement to facilitate the processing and resolution of these experiences.

One key aspect of Rapid Resolution Therapy is that it aims to create positive and lasting change without re-traumatizing the individual. The process is generally gentle and non-invasive, and it does not require the person to relive or extensively discuss their traumatic experiences.

Rapid Resolution Therapy has been used to address a wide range of psychological issues, including trauma, phobias, anxiety, depression, grief, and relationship difficulties. It is often praised for its ability to produce relatively quick results, with many individuals reporting significant improvements in their symptoms after just a few sessions.

It’s important to note that while Rapid Resolution Therapy has gained popularity and positive feedback from many clients, its effectiveness may vary depending on the individual and the specific issue being addressed. As with any therapeutic approach, it’s recommended to consult with a qualified therapist or mental health professional to determine if Rapid Resolution Therapy is appropriate for your specific needs.

Shervan K Shahhian

The term “Psychotherapy and Social Action Model” is not a widely recognized or established model in the field of psychology or psychotherapy. It’s possible that you may be referring to a specific therapeutic approach or intervention that combines elements of psychotherapy and social action, but without further information, it is difficult to provide specific details.

However, I can offer some general information about psychotherapy and social action to give you an understanding of their individual concepts:

Psychotherapy: Psychotherapy is a collaborative process between a trained therapist and a client or clients. It aims to alleviate psychological distress, improve mental health, and promote personal growth and well-being. Psychotherapists use various theoretical orientations and techniques to help individuals explore their thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and relationships, with the ultimate goal of resolving difficulties and improving overall functioning.

Social Action: Social action refers to efforts taken by individuals, groups, or communities to address social issues and create positive change in society. It involves identifying and challenging systemic injustices, advocating for marginalized populations, and promoting social equality and human rights. Social action can take many forms, such as community organizing, political activism, lobbying, and engaging in social justice initiatives.

While the integration of psychotherapy and social action may not be a specific model, some therapists or practitioners may incorporate social justice principles into their therapeutic work. This approach recognizes the impact of social and cultural factors on an individual’s mental health and aims to address these broader contextual issues within the therapeutic process. It may involve exploring social inequalities, power dynamics, and systemic barriers that contribute to psychological distress, and may also empower clients to engage in social action to create change both in their own lives and in society at large.

It’s important to note that the field of psychotherapy is diverse, and there are numerous theoretical orientations and approaches. If you have more specific information or context regarding the “Psychotherapy and Social Action Model” you are referring to, please provide additional details for a more accurate response.

Shervan K Shahhian

Psychosynthesis is a holistic and integrative approach to psychology that was developed by Italian psychiatrist Roberto Assagioli in the early 20th century. It aims to address the various dimensions of an individual, including the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects, with the goal of achieving self-realization and personal growth.

Psychosynthesis considers individuals as more than just their symptoms or problems. It recognizes the inherent potential for growth and development within each person and seeks to support the integration of various aspects of the self into a harmonious whole. The approach combines insights and techniques from both Western and Eastern psychology, incorporating elements from psychodynamic, cognitive, and transpersonal approaches.

Key concepts in psychosynthesis include:

Self: Psychosynthesis views the “Self” as a central guiding force in an individual’s life. The Self represents a unifying and transcendent aspect of the person, incorporating the conscious and unconscious, personal and transpersonal dimensions.

Personal and collective unconscious: Like other psychodynamic approaches, psychosynthesis acknowledges the influence of the unconscious mind on thoughts, feelings, and behavior. It explores the individual’s personal unconscious as well as the collective unconscious, which contains archetypal patterns shared by humanity.

Subpersonalities: Psychosynthesis recognizes that individuals consist of various subpersonalities, or different aspects of the self that may have conflicting needs, desires, or beliefs. The process of psychosynthesis involves acknowledging and integrating these subpersonalities to create a sense of wholeness.

Will and purpose: Psychosynthesis emphasizes the importance of personal will and purpose in shaping one’s life. It encourages individuals to connect with their inner sense of purpose and align their actions with their values and aspirations.

Techniques and methods: Psychosynthesis employs a range of techniques and methods tailored to the individual’s needs. These may include guided imagery, creative expression, meditation, journaling, and dialogue between subpersonalities, among others.

Psychosynthesis is often applied in therapeutic settings to help individuals address personal challenges, develop self-awareness, and foster personal growth. It can also be used in coaching, counseling, and other personal development contexts.

Shervan K Shahhian

What is Displaced anger?

Displaced anger refers to a psychological defense mechanism where a person directs their anger or frustration towards a target that is not the actual source of their emotions. Instead of expressing anger towards the real cause, they redirect it towards another person, object, or situation that is perceived as safer or more socially acceptable to confront.

People may experience displaced anger for various reasons. It could be due to fear of retaliation, a desire to avoid conflict, feelings of powerlessness, or difficulty in expressing emotions directly. The displaced anger may be projected onto someone close, such as a family member, friend, or partner, or it could be directed at an unrelated person or situation.

For example, someone who is frustrated with their boss but feels unable to confront them directly may come home and vent their anger on their spouse or children over minor issues. In this case, the real cause of the anger is the boss, but it is displaced onto innocent parties who are unrelated to the actual problem.

Displaced anger can have negative consequences for relationships and emotional well-being. It may lead to misunderstandings, conflict, and damage trust between individuals. Recognizing and addressing the underlying causes of anger and finding healthier ways to express and manage it is important to maintain healthy relationships and emotional balance.

Shervan K Shahhian

What is Psychodynamic psychotherapy?

Psychodynamic psychotherapy is a form of talk therapy that explores how unconscious thoughts and past experiences influence a person’s current thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. It is based on the principles of psychodynamic theory, which emphasizes the importance of early childhood experiences, unconscious motivations, and the dynamics of interpersonal relationships in shaping a person’s psychological well-being.

In psychodynamic psychotherapy, the therapist and client work together to uncover and understand the underlying causes of psychological distress or difficulties. The therapy typically involves open-ended discussions where the client freely expresses their thoughts, feelings, and memories. The therapist actively listens, interprets, and analyzes the client’s words and behaviors to identify patterns, conflicts, and unresolved issues.

Central concepts in psychodynamic psychotherapy include:

Unconscious processes: Psychodynamic theory suggests that many of our thoughts, emotions, and motivations operate outside of conscious awareness. These unconscious processes can influence our behavior and cause difficulties in our lives.

Defense mechanisms: People often employ defense mechanisms to protect themselves from experiencing painful or threatening emotions. Psychodynamic psychotherapy helps individuals identify and explore their defense mechanisms to gain insight into their underlying emotions and conflicts.

Transference and countertransference: Transference refers to the client’s tendency to unconsciously transfer feelings and attitudes from past significant relationships onto the therapist. Countertransference occurs when the therapist develops their own emotional reactions toward the client. These dynamics provide valuable information about unresolved issues and relationship patterns.

Insight and self-awareness: The primary goal of psychodynamic psychotherapy is to increase self-awareness and insight into unconscious processes, conflicts, and motivations. By gaining a deeper understanding of oneself, individuals can make changes, resolve conflicts, and improve their overall psychological well-being.

Psychodynamic psychotherapy is often a longer-term therapy, typically extending over months or even years, as it aims to address deep-seated psychological issues. It is frequently used to treat a range of mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety disorders, personality disorders, and relational difficulties.

It’s important to note that psychodynamic psychotherapy has evolved over time, and there are different variations and approaches within the field. Some therapists may integrate elements from other therapeutic modalities, such as cognitive-behavioral techniques, while maintaining the core principles of psychodynamic theory.

Shervan K Shahhian