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

What is Strategic family therapy?

Strategic family therapy is an approach to psychotherapy that focuses on the interactions and patterns within a family system. It was developed in the 1950s and 1960s by theorists and practitioners such as Jay Haley, Milton Erickson, and Don Jackson.

The central premise of strategic family therapy is that individuals’ behavior and psychological issues are influenced by their interactions within the family system. This approach considers the family as a complex network of relationships, where changes in one part of the system can have ripple effects throughout.

Strategic family therapists often view symptoms or problematic behaviors as serving a purpose within the family system. They believe that individuals develop these symptoms as strategies to cope with dysfunctional patterns or maintain equilibrium within the family. The therapist’s goal is to understand the underlying dynamics and help the family create new, healthier patterns of interaction.

Key principles of strategic family therapy include:

Focus on the here and now: Strategic family therapists concentrate on the immediate problem or issue that brings the family to therapy, rather than exploring past events in great detail.

Brief and goal-oriented: This approach is typically time-limited, aiming to produce change within a relatively short period. Therapists collaborate with the family to set specific, achievable goals and work toward them.

Use of interventions: Therapists employ a range of techniques to disrupt dysfunctional patterns and facilitate change. These interventions might involve prescribing tasks or behaviors for family members to try outside of therapy sessions.

Strategic positioning: Therapists strategically position themselves within the family system to observe and influence interactions. They may take on a more active and directive role to challenge established patterns and encourage new ways of relating.

Relational hierarchy: Strategic family therapists often pay attention to power dynamics and hierarchies within the family. They may work to create or restore a healthier balance of power and authority among family members.

Overall, strategic family therapy seeks to bring about change by altering the interactions and patterns within a family system. It aims to help families develop more functional and adaptive ways of relating to one another, thereby alleviating individual symptoms and improving overall family functioning.

Shervan K Shahhian

What is Somatic psychology?

Somatic psychology is a field that combines traditional psychology with an understanding of the mind-body connection. It focuses on the ways in which psychological experiences and emotional states are expressed and stored in the body. The term “somatic” refers to the body, and somatic psychology emphasizes the importance of bodily sensations, movements, and physical experiences in the therapeutic process.

Somatic psychology recognizes that our bodies hold valuable information and wisdom related to our emotions, memories, and overall well-being. It acknowledges that psychological and emotional experiences can manifest as physical sensations and symptoms in the body. By working with the body’s sensations and movements, somatic psychology aims to access and address the underlying emotional and psychological issues.

Practitioners of somatic psychology use various approaches and techniques to facilitate healing and personal growth. These may include body-centered therapies, such as somatic experiencing, sensorimotor psychotherapy, and body psychotherapy. These approaches often involve practices like breathwork, mindfulness, movement exercises, and body awareness techniques.

The goal of somatic psychology is to help individuals develop a deeper connection with their bodies, become more aware of their physical sensations and emotions, and integrate their psychological and physical experiences. By working with both the mind and body, somatic psychology can support individuals in resolving trauma, reducing stress, improving self-regulation, and enhancing overall well-being.

Shervan K Shahhian

Somatic Experiencing (SE) is a therapeutic approach developed by Dr. Peter A. Levine to address trauma and its effects on the body and nervous system. It is grounded in the understanding that trauma is not just a psychological experience but also a physiological one that can get stored in the body.

SE recognizes that when an individual experiences a traumatic event or overwhelming stress, their body’s natural response may become dysregulated. This dysregulation can manifest as physical sensations, emotions, and behaviors that are connected to the traumatic experience.

The goal of Somatic Experiencing is to help individuals release and resolve the trapped energy and nervous system dysregulation associated with trauma. This is done by focusing on bodily sensations and promoting the renegotiation of the trauma response in a safe and controlled way. The therapist guides the individual to become more aware of their body sensations, allowing them to gradually and safely experience and discharge the physical and emotional energy associated with the trauma.

Somatic Experiencing does not rely heavily on recounting or reliving the traumatic event through talking. Instead, it emphasizes tracking bodily sensations and impulses, promoting a gradual discharge of accumulated stress and tension. By supporting the individual’s natural self-regulating capacity, SE aims to restore a sense of safety, resilience, and empowerment.

SE has been used effectively in the treatment of various trauma-related conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and other stress-related disorders. It is typically conducted by licensed therapists who have received specific training in Somatic Experiencing techniques.

Shervan K Shahhian

What is Solution focused brief therapy?

Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) is a goal-oriented, brief psychotherapy approach that focuses on finding solutions to the client’s problems rather than dwelling on the problems themselves. It is a collaborative and strength-based therapeutic approach that emphasizes the client’s strengths, resources, and abilities to create positive change in their lives.

SFBT was developed in the 1980s by social workers Steve de Shazer and Insoo Kim Berg at the Brief Family Therapy Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It is influenced by systems theory, constructivist philosophy, and the work of Milton Erickson and the Mental Research Institute (MRI) in Palo Alto, California.

Key principles of Solution-Focused Brief Therapy include:

Goal-oriented: SFBT focuses on defining clear and specific goals that the client wants to achieve. The therapist helps the client identify their preferred future and explore steps to move toward it.

Solution-focused: Instead of analyzing the problem in depth, SFBT focuses on identifying exceptions to the problem and exploring times when the problem is less intense or not present. This approach helps the client discover their own solutions and strengths.

Brief and time-limited: SFBT is designed to be a short-term therapy approach. The therapist and client work together to achieve change within a limited number of sessions, typically ranging from 3 to 12 sessions.

Collaboration: SFBT emphasizes a collaborative and equal partnership between the therapist and the client. The therapist guides the conversation, asks powerful questions, and helps the client generate ideas and solutions.

Focus on strengths and resources: SFBT assumes that the client possesses strengths, abilities, and resources to overcome their difficulties. The therapist helps the client identify and utilize these strengths to achieve their goals.

Small steps and incremental change: SFBT recognizes that even small changes can lead to significant improvements. The therapist helps the client break down their goals into manageable steps and encourages them to take action.

SFBT can be applied to various areas, including individual therapy, couples therapy, family therapy, and organizational settings. It has been used effectively in diverse contexts such as mental health, addiction, relationship issues, school counseling, and workplace challenges.

Overall, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy offers a practical and positive approach that helps clients focus on solutions, build on their strengths, and create meaningful change in their lives.

Shervan K Shahhian

Social therapy is a form of therapeutic intervention that focuses on improving social functioning, interpersonal relationships, and overall social skills. It is designed to help individuals develop and enhance their ability to interact effectively with others in various social contexts.

Social therapy is typically employed to assist individuals who may experience difficulties in areas such as communication, assertiveness, social anxiety, self-confidence, and forming and maintaining relationships. It aims to address social and emotional challenges by providing a supportive and structured environment where individuals can learn and practice new social skills.

The specific techniques and approaches used in social therapy can vary depending on the therapist and the needs of the individual. Common methods may include role-playing, social skills training, group therapy, and cognitive-behavioral techniques. The therapy sessions often involve discussions, feedback, and experiential exercises to facilitate learning and growth in social interactions.

Social therapy can be beneficial for a wide range of individuals, including those with social anxiety disorder, autism spectrum disorder, interpersonal difficulties, or individuals who simply wish to enhance their social skills and build more meaningful connections. By addressing social challenges, social therapy aims to improve overall well-being and enhance the quality of relationships and social experiences.

Shervan K Shahhian

What Intimacy psychotherapy?

Intimacy psychotherapy, also known as couples therapy or relationship therapy, is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on improving the quality and functioning of intimate relationships. It typically involves a trained therapist working with a couple or partners to address and resolve issues or difficulties they may be experiencing in their relationship.

The goals of intimacy psychotherapy vary depending on the specific needs and concerns of the couple, but some common objectives include:

Communication improvement: Couples therapy often emphasizes enhancing communication skills within the relationship. This includes learning to express needs, feelings, and concerns more effectively and to listen actively to one another.

Conflict resolution: Many couples face conflicts or disagreements, and therapy can help them develop healthy ways to address and resolve these issues. Couples learn strategies for managing conflicts constructively and finding mutually satisfactory solutions.

Rebuilding trust: Trust is crucial in intimate relationships, and therapy can help couples rebuild trust that may have been damaged due to infidelity, breaches of boundaries, or other reasons. Therapists assist partners in understanding the factors that contribute to trust and guide them in the process of rebuilding it.

Enhancing emotional connection: Intimacy psychotherapy aims to deepen emotional bonds between partners. Therapists help couples explore their emotional needs, develop empathy for each other, and foster a sense of closeness and connection.

Increasing intimacy and sexual satisfaction: Couples therapy may address issues related to intimacy and sexuality within the relationship. Therapists help partners communicate their desires, explore any barriers or challenges, and work towards enhancing sexual and emotional intimacy.

During therapy sessions, couples typically engage in discussions facilitated by the therapist. The therapist may also assign exercises or homework to practice new skills outside of therapy sessions. The duration of therapy varies depending on the complexity of the issues and the progress made, ranging from a few sessions to several months.

It’s important to note that intimacy psychotherapy is not limited to romantic couples. It can also be beneficial for other types of relationships, such as parent-child relationships, friendships, or family relationships, where the focus is on improving emotional connections and resolving conflicts.

Shervan K Shahhian

What is Sensory integration therapy?

Sensory integration therapy, also known as sensory integration intervention or sensory integration disorder, is a form of therapy that aims to help individuals who have difficulties processing and integrating sensory information from their environment. It is often used as a treatment approach for children with sensory processing disorders, although it can also be beneficial for individuals of all ages.

The theory behind sensory integration therapy is based on the idea that individuals with sensory processing difficulties have challenges organizing and interpreting sensory input, such as touch, movement, sight, sound, and proprioception (the sense of body position). These difficulties can result in behavioral, emotional, and developmental issues.

Sensory integration therapy involves the use of specifically designed activities and exercises in a controlled environment, typically under the guidance of an occupational therapist trained in sensory integration techniques. The therapy sessions are tailored to meet the individual’s specific sensory needs and challenges.

During therapy, various sensory experiences are provided to help individuals improve their ability to process and respond appropriately to sensory information. These experiences can include activities such as swinging, jumping, climbing, playing with textured materials, and engaging in deep pressure activities.

The primary goals of sensory integration therapy are to improve sensory processing, enhance adaptive responses to sensory stimuli, promote self-regulation, and enhance overall functional skills. By addressing sensory processing difficulties, the therapy aims to improve an individual’s ability to participate in daily activities, enhance their attention and concentration, promote motor skills development, and reduce behavioral issues.

It’s important to note that sensory integration therapy is a controversial topic within the medical and scientific communities. While some professionals and families report positive outcomes, there is limited scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness as a standalone treatment. As with any therapy, it’s recommended to consult with a qualified healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate interventions for an individual’s specific needs.

Shervan K Shahhian

What is Sensorimotor psychotherapy?

Sensorimotor psychotherapy is a therapeutic approach that integrates elements of somatic (body-based) therapy and traditional psychotherapy. It was developed by Pat Ogden, a psychologist and pioneer in the field of somatic psychology. Sensorimotor psychotherapy focuses on the relationship between the body and the mind, recognizing that traumatic experiences can be stored in the body and impact a person’s overall well-being.

The approach combines principles from neuroscience, attachment theory, and cognitive psychology to address the impact of trauma on an individual’s nervous system and bodily experiences. It emphasizes the importance of somatic awareness, meaning the ability to notice bodily sensations, movements, and patterns as they arise in the present moment.

Sensorimotor psychotherapy views the body as a source of valuable information and a pathway for healing. It recognizes that trauma can result in dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system, leading to symptoms such as hypervigilance, dissociation, or chronic pain. By integrating mindfulness and body-oriented techniques, the therapy aims to help individuals develop a greater awareness of their bodily sensations, discharge pent-up energy related to trauma, and re-establish a sense of safety and regulation.

During sensorimotor psychotherapy sessions, the therapist may guide the client to pay attention to their physical sensations, notice patterns of movement, explore the impact of past experiences on their body, and practice techniques to regulate their nervous system. By working through traumatic memories in a safe and embodied way, individuals can process and release stored trauma, promote integration of body and mind, and improve their overall well-being.

Sensorimotor psychotherapy is often used to address various types of trauma, including but not limited to developmental trauma, attachment-related issues, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It can be used as a standalone therapy or integrated into other therapeutic modalities, depending on the needs and preferences of the individual.

Shervan K Shahhian

School-based family counseling is a type of counseling service that is provided within the school setting to address the needs of students and their families. It involves bringing together the student, their family members, and a trained counselor or therapist to work on improving the overall well-being and functioning of the student and their family.

The primary goal of school-based family counseling is to enhance the academic, social, and emotional development of the student by addressing any issues or challenges that may be impacting their well-being and ability to succeed in school. It recognizes that family dynamics and relationships play a crucial role in a student’s life and can significantly influence their overall functioning.

The counseling sessions typically involve a collaborative approach, where the counselor works closely with the student and their family members to identify and address specific concerns or difficulties. These concerns may include academic struggles, behavioral problems, communication issues, conflict resolution, stress management, parenting challenges, or other family-related issues.

School-based family counseling may employ various therapeutic techniques and interventions, such as individual counseling for the student, family therapy sessions, group discussions, skill-building exercises, and parent education. The counselor may also collaborate with other school personnel, such as teachers and administrators, to develop strategies and interventions that can support the student’s well-being and academic success.

By providing counseling services within the school environment, school-based family counseling aims to increase accessibility and convenience for families. It recognizes that school is a central and familiar place for students and offers a supportive and collaborative approach to address their emotional and family-related needs, ultimately promoting a positive school experience and overall well-being.

Shervan K Shahhian

What is Schema therapy?

Schema therapy is a therapeutic approach that integrates principles from cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, and attachment theory to help individuals with deep-seated emotional and relational difficulties. It was developed by psychologist Jeffrey E. Young in the 1980s.

The main focus of schema therapy is to identify and address maladaptive schemas, which are deep-rooted emotional and cognitive patterns that develop early in life and continue to influence a person’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. These schemas are often formed in response to unmet emotional needs or traumatic experiences during childhood.

Schema therapy aims to help individuals recognize their maladaptive schemas, understand their origins, and work towards changing them in order to improve their overall well-being and relationships. It typically involves several core components:

Cognitive techniques: Schema therapy uses cognitive techniques to help individuals identify and challenge their negative and self-defeating beliefs. This involves exploring the underlying assumptions, automatic thoughts, and cognitive distortions that contribute to the maintenance of maladaptive schemas.

Emotional techniques: Emotions play a crucial role in schema therapy. Therapists help individuals identify and express their emotions related to the maladaptive schemas, providing a safe space for emotional exploration and processing. This can involve techniques such as imagery, chair work, and experiential exercises.

Behavioral techniques: Schema therapy also incorporates behavioral techniques to address maladaptive coping strategies and promote healthier behaviors. Individuals are encouraged to engage in activities that go against their schema-driven patterns and develop new, adaptive behaviors.

Relational techniques: Given the influence of early attachment experiences on schema development, schema therapy places emphasis on the therapeutic relationship. The therapist provides a safe and empathetic environment, modeling healthy interactions and helping the individual develop a secure and trusting bond.

Schema therapy is typically a longer-term treatment compared to traditional CBT, as it aims to address deep-seated patterns and achieve lasting change. It is commonly used to treat a range of psychological disorders, including personality disorders, chronic depression, anxiety disorders, and relationship difficulties.

Shervan K Shahhian