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

What is Transference focused psychotherapy?

Transference-focused psychotherapy (TFP) is a form of psychodynamic psychotherapy that focuses on understanding and working with the transference and countertransference dynamics within the therapeutic relationship. It was developed by Dr. Otto F. Kernberg as a treatment for individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD).

TFP is based on the psychodynamic concept of transference, which refers to the unconscious feelings, attitudes, and reactions a person has towards the therapist that are based on their past relationships, particularly early relationships with significant figures such as parents or caregivers. These transference reactions can be positive or negative and can greatly influence the therapeutic process.

In TFP, the therapist actively engages with the patient’s transference and countertransference dynamics. Countertransference refers to the therapist’s emotional reactions and unconscious responses to the patient. By carefully observing and interpreting these dynamics, the therapist helps the patient develop insight into their unconscious conflicts, relationship patterns, and emotional experiences.

The goal of TFP is to help patients understand and modify their maladaptive relationship patterns and develop healthier ways of relating to others. The therapist works collaboratively with the patient to explore the underlying conflicts, defenses, and emotions that contribute to their difficulties in relationships. This exploration often involves examining the patient’s past experiences and the ways in which these experiences influence their current interpersonal functioning.

TFP typically involves weekly individual therapy sessions, and the therapy relationship itself becomes a crucial focus of exploration and understanding. The therapist maintains a neutral and non-judgmental stance while providing interpretations and interventions to facilitate the patient’s insight and growth.

While initially developed for BPD, TFP has also been adapted for the treatment of other personality disorders and related conditions characterized by difficulties in relationships and emotion regulation.

It’s important to note that TFP is a specialized form of therapy that requires training and expertise in psychodynamic approaches. If you’re interested in pursuing TFP or have specific questions about it, it’s recommended to consult with a mental health professional who is trained and experienced in this approach.

Shervan K Shahhian

What is Transactional analysis?

Transactional analysis (TA) is a psychological theory and therapeutic approach developed by Eric Berne in the 1950s. It provides a framework for understanding human behavior, communication, and personal development. TA focuses on analyzing the transactions (interactions) between individuals, and how these interactions are influenced by each person’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

At its core, TA suggests that individuals have three ego states: Parent, Adult, and Child. Each ego state represents a specific set of attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors that people adopt during their interactions. These ego states can influence the dynamics of communication and relationships.

Parent ego state: This ego state represents the internalized values, attitudes, and behaviors we have acquired from our caregivers and authority figures. It can manifest as nurturing and caring (Nurturing Parent) or controlling and critical (Critical Parent).

Adult ego state: The Adult ego state reflects a person’s rational, objective, and logical thinking. It involves processing information based on the present moment, without being influenced by past experiences or emotions.

Child ego state: The Child ego state represents our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that are reminiscent of our childhood experiences. It can be divided into the Natural Child (spontaneous, playful) and the Adapted Child (compliant, conforming).

Transactional analysis examines how individuals switch between these ego states during interpersonal interactions, known as transactions. It also explores the concept of life scripts, which are unconscious patterns of thoughts and behaviors that we develop in childhood and carry into adulthood.

TA therapy utilizes these concepts to help individuals gain insight into their patterns of communication, behavior, and relationships. The aim is to promote self-awareness, personal growth, and effective communication by identifying and changing unhelpful patterns and scripts.

Transactional analysis has found applications not only in therapy but also in fields such as education, organizational development, and interpersonal communication. It provides a framework for understanding and improving relationships, enhancing communication skills, and fostering personal development.

Shervan K Shahhian

What is Thought Field Therapy?

Thought Field Therapy (TFT) is a therapeutic approach that combines elements of cognitive psychology, traditional Chinese medicine, and acupressure. It was developed by Dr. Roger Callahan in the 1980s. TFT is based on the concept that negative emotions and psychological problems are caused by disturbances in the body’s energy system.

According to TFT, specific psychological problems are associated with specific “thought fields” or energy meridians in the body. These thought fields can be accessed and manipulated through a series of tapping or rubbing techniques on specific acupressure points on the body. By tapping on these points in a particular sequence, it is believed that the disruptions in the body’s energy system can be corrected, leading to the alleviation of emotional distress and psychological problems.

TFT is often used to address issues such as anxiety, phobias, trauma, addictive cravings, and emotional disturbances. It involves identifying the specific problem or negative emotion, assessing the intensity of the emotion on a subjective scale, and then applying the appropriate tapping sequence on specific acupressure points. The tapping is usually accompanied by verbal affirmations or repetitions of specific phrases related to the issue being addressed.

Critics of TFT argue that its effectiveness is largely based on the placebo effect and that the underlying theories and mechanisms are not supported by scientific evidence. While there have been some studies suggesting positive outcomes for TFT, the overall body of research is limited, and more rigorous scientific investigations are needed to validate its claims. It is worth noting that variations of TFT, such as Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), have gained more recognition and have been the subject of additional research.

If you are considering using Thought Field Therapy or any other therapeutic approach, it is important to consult with a qualified mental health professional who can guide you through the process and provide appropriate support.

Shervan K Shahhian

What is Therapeutic community?

A therapeutic community (TC) is a structured and immersive treatment environment designed to facilitate personal growth, healing, and recovery from various psychological and behavioral issues. It is commonly used in the field of mental health and addiction treatment.

In a therapeutic community, individuals with similar challenges come together to create a supportive and therapeutic community. The primary goal is to provide a safe and structured environment where individuals can explore and address the underlying causes of their difficulties. The community functions as a microcosm of society, offering opportunities for individuals to learn and practice new behaviors, develop healthy relationships, and acquire skills necessary for successful reintegration into the larger community.

Key features of a therapeutic community may include:

Community as Method: The community itself becomes an essential part of the therapeutic process. Participants engage in various communal activities, such as group therapy, group decision-making, and shared responsibilities within the community.

Peer Support: Mutual support among community members is a fundamental aspect of a therapeutic community. Peers provide encouragement, empathy, and feedback, fostering a sense of belonging and acceptance.

Therapeutic Environment: The physical environment is designed to promote personal growth and self-reflection. This may include comfortable living spaces, common areas for group activities, and spaces for individual reflection.

Holistic Approach: Therapeutic communities typically adopt a holistic approach to treatment, considering the psychological, emotional, physical, and social dimensions of a person’s well-being. Various therapeutic modalities, such as counseling, group therapy, vocational training, and recreational activities, may be incorporated.

Shared Responsibility: Participants are encouraged to actively engage in decision-making processes within the community. This shared responsibility fosters a sense of ownership and accountability, promoting personal growth and autonomy.

Therapeutic communities can be found in residential treatment centers, inpatient facilities, or as part of community-based programs. They are often used in the treatment of substance abuse, mental health disorders, and other behavioral issues, providing individuals with a supportive and transformative environment to facilitate their recovery and overall well-being.

Shervan K Shahhian

What are T-groups?

T-groups, also known as training groups or sensitivity groups, are a form of experiential learning method used in various fields, including psychology, management, and personal development. T-group stands for “training group,” and it was originally developed by Kurt Lewin and his colleagues in the 1940s.

T-groups are designed to provide participants with a structured environment in which they can explore and learn about themselves, their interactions with others, and group dynamics. The primary focus of a T-group is to enhance self-awareness, interpersonal skills, and group effectiveness through experiential exercises and feedback.

Here are some key features of T-groups:

1. Experiential Learning: T-groups emphasize learning through direct experience. Participants engage in various activities and interactions within the group to observe their own behavior and its impact on others.
2. Feedback and Reflection: T-groups offer opportunities for participants to give and receive feedback in a supportive and constructive manner. This feedback helps individuals gain insights into their communication styles, behaviors, and how they are perceived by others.
3. Group Dynamics: T-groups examine the dynamics and processes that occur within a group setting. Participants explore topics such as communication patterns, leadership styles, decision-making processes, conflict resolution, and power dynamics.
4. Emotional Expression: T-groups encourage individuals to express their feelings and emotions openly. This promotes self-awareness, authenticity, and understanding of emotional reactions within interpersonal relationships.
5. Facilitator Role: A skilled facilitator guides the T-group process. The facilitator ensures a safe and respectful environment, provides structure, encourages participation, and offers insights and observations to support individual and group learning.
6. Confidentiality: T-groups typically emphasize the importance of confidentiality. Participants are encouraged to create a safe space where they can share personal experiences and feelings without fear of judgment or repercussions.

T-groups have been used in a variety of settings, including organizational development, leadership training, counseling and therapy, and interpersonal skills development. They provide a unique platform for individuals to learn about themselves, enhance their interpersonal skills, and improve their ability to work effectively in groups.

Shervan K Shahhian

What is Systemic therapy?

Systemic therapy, also known as systemic family therapy or family systems therapy, is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on treating individuals and their problems within the context of their larger social systems. It views individuals as part of interconnected systems, such as families, relationships, or organizations, and recognizes that problems experienced by one person are often influenced by and interconnected with the dynamics of the larger system.

The central premise of systemic therapy is that change occurs through understanding and addressing the patterns of interaction and communication within a system. It recognizes that individuals are not isolated entities but are influenced by and influence the people and relationships around them. Therefore, systemic therapy seeks to understand and intervene in the entire system rather than solely focusing on the individual.

Systemic therapists work collaboratively with individuals, couples, or families to explore the relational dynamics, communication patterns, and beliefs that contribute to the presenting problem. They aim to identify and address dysfunctional patterns, improve communication, and foster healthier relationships within the system. The therapist may use various techniques and interventions, such as reframing, circular questioning, genograms, and enactments, to facilitate understanding and change within the system.

Systemic therapy can be used to address a wide range of issues, including relationship conflicts, family dysfunction, communication problems, behavioral issues in children, mental health disorders, and substance abuse. It is often employed as a short-term, solution-focused approach, although the duration of therapy can vary depending on the complexity of the issues and the goals of the individuals involved.

Overall, systemic therapy offers a holistic perspective that acknowledges the interconnectedness of individuals and their social systems, emphasizing the importance of relationships and their impact on mental health and well-being.

Shervan K Shahhian

What is Systematic desensitization?

What is Systematic desensitization? Systematic desensitization is a therapeutic technique used in psychology to treat phobias, anxieties, and other fear-related disorders. It was developed by psychologist Joseph Wolpe in the 1950s as a form of behavioral therapy. The goal of systematic desensitization is to help individuals overcome their fears and anxieties by gradually exposing them to the feared object or situation in a controlled and safe manner. The technique is based on the principle of classical conditioning, specifically counterconditioning, where a new response is learned to replace an undesirable response. It involves three main steps:

1. Relaxation training: The individual is taught various relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or meditation. The goal is to induce a state of relaxation that can counteract the anxiety response.
2. Creating an anxiety hierarchy: The person and therapist work together to develop a hierarchy of feared situations or stimuli. The hierarchy lists the various scenarios related to the fear, starting from the least anxiety-provoking to the most anxiety-provoking. For example, for someone with a fear of flying, the hierarchy might include looking at pictures of planes, going to an airport, boarding a plane, and eventually taking a flight.
3. Systematic exposure: Starting from the least anxiety-provoking situation, the individual is exposed to the feared stimuli while maintaining a relaxed state. This exposure can occur in imagination (imaginal exposure) or in real-life (in vivo exposure). The individual progresses through the hierarchy, gradually facing more anxiety-provoking situations as they become more comfortable and less anxious. The process continues until the fear response is significantly reduced or eliminated.

The underlying principle of systematic desensitization is that by repeatedly associating relaxation with the feared stimuli or situations, the fear response becomes replaced by a relaxed response. Through this process, individuals can learn to cope with and eventually overcome their phobias or anxieties. It’s important to note that systematic desensitization should be conducted under the guidance of a trained therapist who can ensure the process is tailored to the individual’s specific needs and provide support throughout the treatment.

Shervan K Shahhian

What is Supportive psychotherapy?

Supportive psychotherapy is a therapeutic approach that aims to provide emotional support and encouragement to individuals who are facing various challenges in their lives. It is a type of talk therapy that focuses on building a trusting and empathetic relationship between the therapist and the client. The primary goal of supportive psychotherapy is to enhance the individual’s overall well-being and help them cope with difficulties by fostering a sense of understanding, validation, and comfort.

Supportive psychotherapy typically involves regular meetings between the client and therapist, where the client can freely express their thoughts, feelings, and concerns. The therapist actively listens, offers empathy, and provides validation and reassurance. They may also offer practical advice, problem-solving strategies, and guidance to help the client navigate their challenges more effectively.

This therapeutic approach is often used to support individuals dealing with various issues such as grief, relationship problems, major life transitions, medical illnesses, and stress-related disorders. It can also be beneficial for individuals with mild to moderate mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression.

Supportive psychotherapy differs from other forms of therapy, such as psychodynamic or cognitive-behavioral therapy, in that it primarily focuses on emotional support and the therapeutic relationship, rather than delving deeply into unconscious conflicts or restructuring negative thought patterns. The emphasis is on providing a safe and nonjudgmental space where the client can feel heard, understood, and validated.

Overall, supportive psychotherapy aims to alleviate distress, promote self-esteem and resilience, and assist individuals in developing healthy coping mechanisms and strategies to enhance their overall functioning. It is often used as a standalone treatment or as a complementary approach alongside other interventions, depending on the individual’s needs and therapeutic goals.

Shervan K Shahhian

What is Superhero therapy?

Superhero therapy is an innovative approach to psychotherapy that incorporates elements of popular culture, particularly superheroes, into the therapeutic process. It was developed by clinical psychologist Dr. Janina Scarlet, who recognized the therapeutic potential of superheroes and their stories.

Superhero therapy draws on the idea that superheroes often face challenges, adversity, and trauma, just like real-life individuals. By using superhero narratives, symbols, and characters, therapists can help clients explore their own experiences, emotions, and personal strengths in a relatable and engaging way.

The therapy may involve discussing specific superhero characters and their struggles, identifying with their experiences, and exploring how their stories parallel the client’s own life. Clients can also create their own superhero persona, complete with a unique backstory and set of abilities, which can serve as a metaphor for their personal growth and resilience.

The key goal of superhero therapy is to empower clients and help them develop resilience, self-compassion, and a sense of personal agency. By tapping into the inspiring and heroic qualities portrayed by superheroes, individuals can find motivation to overcome their challenges, confront their fears, and build a positive sense of self.

Superhero therapy has been applied in various therapeutic contexts, including individual counseling, group therapy, and even workshops at conventions or community events. It can be particularly effective for individuals, including children and adolescents, who have a strong connection to superhero narratives and find them meaningful.

It’s important to note that superhero therapy is just one approach among many in the field of psychotherapy, and its effectiveness may vary depending on individual preferences and needs. Consulting with a licensed mental health professional is recommended to determine the most appropriate therapeutic approach for an individual’s specific situation.

Shervan K Shahhian

What is Structural family therapy?

Structural family therapy (SFT) is a therapeutic approach developed by Salvador Minuchin in the 1960s. It is based on the premise that a person’s difficulties are not solely an individual issue but are also influenced by the interactions and patterns within their family system. SFT focuses on identifying and modifying unhealthy family dynamics to bring about positive change.

The central concept of structural family therapy is the notion of family structure, which refers to the organization of relationships, roles, and boundaries within a family. The therapist assesses the family’s structure by observing interactions during therapy sessions and gathering information about family history and dynamics. They pay attention to various elements, such as hierarchies, alliances, coalitions, and boundaries.

The therapist aims to help the family members develop healthier and more functional ways of relating to one another. This is achieved through a collaborative and active therapeutic process, where the therapist takes an active role in orchestrating interventions to restructure the family system. The therapist may use techniques such as joining (establishing rapport with family members), enactment (having family members reenact problematic interactions), and boundary making (clarifying and adjusting boundaries within the family).

SFT also emphasizes the importance of subsystems within the family, such as spousal, parent-child, and sibling relationships. The therapist works with these subsystems to improve communication, strengthen relationships, and foster healthier patterns of interaction. Additionally, SFT often addresses external factors that impact the family system, such as school or work stressors.

Overall, structural family therapy aims to promote adaptive and functional family dynamics, enhance communication, and increase the family’s ability to resolve conflicts. By modifying the family’s structure, SFT seeks to create lasting changes that improve the overall well-being and functioning of all family members.

Shervan K Shahhian