What is Progressive counting (PC)?

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Shervan K Shahhian

What is Progressive counting (PC)?

Shervan K Shahhian

What is Progressive counting (PC)?

Progressive counting (PC) is a therapeutic technique used in trauma-focused therapy. It is specifically designed to help individuals process and resolve traumatic memories and related emotional distress. PC is often utilized within the context of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, a widely recognized and evidence-based approach for trauma treatment.

During PC, the individual focuses on a specific traumatic memory or distressing event while the therapist guides them through a series of mental exercises. The primary goal is to facilitate the natural processing of traumatic memories and alleviate associated negative emotions and sensations.

The procedure typically involves the following steps:

Identifying the target memory: The individual and therapist collaborate to select a specific memory related to the traumatic event that will be the focus of the PC session.

Rating distress levels: The individual rates the level of distress associated with the target memory on a scale from 0 to 10, with 10 representing the highest level of distress.

Dual attention stimulation: The therapist uses various forms of bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements, hand tapping, or auditory tones, to create a dual attention focus. This dual attention helps the individual maintain awareness of both the traumatic memory and the present moment.

Counting and breaks: The therapist instructs the individual to mentally count the number of traumatic elements within the target memory while simultaneously engaging in the bilateral stimulation. After a predetermined number of elements, the individual takes a brief break from the stimulation.

Reevaluation: After each set of counting and breaks, the individual is asked to reassess the level of distress associated with the memory. This allows them to monitor changes in their emotional and physiological responses.

Repetition and desensitization: The process of counting, breaks, and reevaluation is repeated multiple times until the distress associated with the target memory significantly decreases or is completely resolved. The individual may shift their focus to other aspects of the memory or related memories as needed.

PC aims to desensitize the individual to the distressing memory by allowing the natural processing mechanisms of the brain to take place. By integrating the traumatic memory into their overall life narrative, individuals can experience a reduction in symptoms and achieve a greater sense of resolution and well-being.

It’s important to note that PC is a specific technique used within the broader context of trauma therapy. It should be administered by trained mental health professionals who are well-versed in trauma treatment modalities such as EMDR.

Shervan K Shahhian

What is Process psychology?

Process psychology, also known as process-oriented psychology or process work, is a comprehensive and holistic approach to psychology developed by Dr. Arnold Mindell. It combines elements from various psychological, philosophical, and spiritual traditions to explore and work with the underlying processes and patterns that shape human experience and behavior.

Process psychology views the individual as a dynamic and interconnected system, emphasizing the importance of both conscious and unconscious aspects of the psyche. It recognizes that psychological symptoms and conflicts can contain valuable information and potential for growth, and seeks to bring awareness and understanding to these processes.

Key principles and concepts in process psychology include:

Unfolding Process: Process psychology focuses on understanding the ongoing process of an individual’s experience, rather than trying to fix or change specific symptoms. It views symptoms as expressions of deeper patterns and dynamics that are seeking resolution or transformation.

Awareness and Consciousness: The approach emphasizes developing awareness of one’s experiences, including sensations, emotions, thoughts, and relational dynamics. By increasing awareness, individuals can gain insights and make conscious choices that lead to personal growth and change.

Deep Democracy: Process psychology recognizes that conflicts and polarities within individuals and groups hold valuable information and can be catalysts for transformation. Deep democracy refers to the idea of inclusiveness and respecting all voices, even those that are marginalized or in conflict. By engaging with different perspectives, individuals can gain a more comprehensive understanding of themselves and the world around them.

Multidimensionality: Process psychology acknowledges and explores various dimensions of human experience, including the physical, psychological, social, and spiritual realms. It recognizes that different levels of reality coexist and influence each other.

Facilitating Processes: Process-oriented practitioners use a range of techniques and interventions to work with individuals and groups. These may include amplification (exaggerating and exploring specific aspects of an experience), role-playing, dream work, body awareness, and creative expression. The specific approach used depends on the needs and preferences of the client.

Process psychology has been applied in various contexts, including individual therapy, couples therapy, group work, conflict resolution, organizational development, and community building. It offers a framework for understanding and working with the complexity and diversity of human experiences, with the aim of supporting personal growth, well-being, and social change.

Shervan K Shahhian

What is Process oriented psychology?

Process-oriented psychology, also known as Process Work or Process-Oriented Psychology, is a psychological approach developed by Dr. Arnold Mindell in the 1970s. It is based on the premise that every individual and group has its own unique inner dynamics and processes that influence their thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and relationships.

Process-oriented psychology integrates elements from various psychological theories, including Jungian psychology, Gestalt therapy, Taoism, and quantum physics. It emphasizes the exploration and understanding of the unconscious and the ways in which it manifests in an individual’s experience.

One of the key concepts in Process-oriented psychology is the idea of “dreambody.” It suggests that the body and its symptoms can be seen as a form of communication from the unconscious. Dreams, body symptoms, and other seemingly random or unusual experiences are considered to contain valuable information about an individual’s underlying conflicts, aspirations, and personal growth.

Process-oriented psychology also recognizes the importance of diversity and focuses on working with and embracing different states of consciousness, cultural backgrounds, and social identities. It views conflicts and disturbances as potential sources of creativity and growth, seeking to facilitate the integration of all parts of an individual’s experience.

In practice, Process-oriented psychology employs various techniques, including dream work, body awareness, role-playing, amplification of symptoms, and working with the environment and social context. It can be applied in individual therapy, couples therapy, group work, organizational development, and conflict resolution.

Overall, Process-oriented psychology aims to help individuals and groups become more aware of and embrace their unique inner processes, resolve conflicts, develop greater self-awareness, and create more harmonious and fulfilling lives.

Shervan K Shahhian

What is Primal Integration?

What is Primal Integration?

Primal Integration, also known as Primal Therapy or Primal Scream Therapy, is a form of psychotherapy developed by psychologist Dr. Arthur Janov in the late 1960s. It is based on the belief that many psychological issues stem from unresolved childhood traumas and repressed emotions. According to Primal Integration, painful experiences in early childhood can cause individuals to develop defense mechanisms and repress their true emotions. These repressed emotions are believed to remain stored in the subconscious mind and can have a negative impact on mental and emotional well-being. The goal of Primal Integration is to help individuals access and release these repressed emotions, particularly through the expression of intense emotions such as screaming, crying, and physical movements. The therapy process typically involves a one-on-one interaction between the therapist and the client. During a therapy session, the therapist aims to create a safe and supportive environment for the client to explore and express their deep-seated emotions. The therapist may use various techniques to help the client regress back to early childhood experiences and encourage the release of suppressed emotions associated with those experiences. Primal Integration suggests that by reliving and expressing these repressed emotions, individuals can gain insight into the origins of their psychological issues and experience emotional healing. It is believed that through the process of catharsis, clients can achieve greater self-awareness, self-acceptance, and personal growth. It’s important to note that Primal Integration has been a subject of debate within the field of psychology, with some experts expressing skepticism about its effectiveness and scientific basis. While some individuals report positive experiences with Primal Integration, its therapeutic techniques and theories are not widely accepted or supported by mainstream psychological research. If you are considering therapy or are interested in a particular approach, it’s advisable to consult with a qualified mental health professional who can provide you with personalized guidance based on your specific needs and circumstances.

Shervan K Shahhian

What is Primal therapy?

Primal therapy is a form of psychotherapy that was developed by psychologist Arthur Janov in the late 1960s. It is based on the belief that repressed childhood experiences and emotions are the root cause of psychological and emotional disturbances in adulthood. Primal therapy aims to help individuals access and express these repressed emotions in order to achieve emotional healing and personal growth.

According to Janov, many psychological issues stem from unresolved traumas and emotional pain experienced during early childhood. He believed that these experiences, often held deep within the subconscious, continue to influence a person’s emotions, behaviors, and relationships in adulthood. Primal therapy seeks to uncover and release these repressed emotions through a process known as “primal” experiences.

In a primal therapy session, the therapist creates a safe and supportive environment for the client to explore their deepest emotions. The client is encouraged to re-experience and express the pain, anger, and other intense emotions associated with past traumatic events. This may involve crying, screaming, or engaging in other forms of cathartic release. The therapist provides guidance and support throughout the process, helping the client to fully experience and integrate these emotions.

The ultimate goal of primal therapy is to achieve a state of emotional healing and resolution. By accessing and expressing repressed emotions, individuals are believed to gain a greater understanding of themselves, their past experiences, and their patterns of behavior. Janov claimed that through primal therapy, individuals can achieve long-lasting emotional and psychological well-being.

It’s worth noting that while primal therapy gained some popularity in the 1970s, it has also been met with criticism and controversy within the field of psychology. Some experts argue that the therapy lacks empirical evidence and scientific support. Others express concerns about the potential for retraumatization or the reliance on cathartic release as the primary method of healing. As with any therapeutic approach, it’s important to carefully consider the potential benefits and limitations and consult with a qualified mental health professional.

Shervan K Shahhian

Positive psychotherapy (PPT)

Positive psychotherapy (PPT)

Positive psychotherapy (PPT) is an approach to psychotherapy that focuses on enhancing well-being and promoting positive emotions, personal strengths, and resilience. It is based on the principles of positive psychology, which is a branch of psychology that emphasizes the study and cultivation of positive aspects of human functioning.

Positive psychotherapy aims to help individuals develop a positive outlook on life, improve their self-esteem, and build healthy relationships. It emphasizes the importance of positive emotions such as joy, gratitude, hope, and love in enhancing overall well-being.

PPT incorporates various therapeutic techniques and interventions to facilitate positive change. Some common strategies used in positive psychotherapy include:

Identifying and utilizing personal strengths: The therapist helps individuals identify their unique strengths and encourages them to utilize these strengths in their daily lives to achieve their goals.

Cultivating positive emotions: The therapy focuses on increasing positive emotions and experiences, such as teaching gratitude exercises, encouraging acts of kindness, and promoting mindfulness and relaxation techniques.

Promoting optimism and hope: The therapist helps individuals develop a positive and optimistic mindset by challenging negative thoughts and beliefs, promoting positive thinking patterns, and fostering a sense of hope for the future.

Enhancing self-esteem and self-efficacy: Positive psychotherapy aims to improve self-esteem and self-confidence by exploring personal values, setting achievable goals, and providing support and encouragement.

Building resilience: The therapy aims to enhance resilience, the ability to bounce back from adversity, by teaching coping skills, problem-solving strategies, and stress management techniques.

Positive psychotherapy can be used to address a range of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and stress-related disorders. It is often implemented in individual or group therapy sessions and can be integrated with other therapeutic approaches to provide a holistic treatment approach.

It is important to note that positive psychotherapy does not ignore or dismiss negative emotions or problems but rather seeks to balance the focus on strengths and positive aspects of individuals’ lives alongside addressing challenges and difficulties.

Shervan K Shahhian

What is Positive psychology?

What is Positive psychology?

Positive psychology is a branch of psychology that focuses on the study of human well-being, flourishing, and optimal functioning. It is concerned with understanding and promoting positive aspects of human experience, such as happiness, fulfillment, resilience, gratitude, and personal strengths.

Positive psychology emerged in the late 1990s as a response to the prevailing emphasis on pathology and mental illness within psychology. Instead of primarily focusing on psychological disorders and their treatment, positive psychology seeks to identify the factors that contribute to a meaningful and fulfilling life.

The field of positive psychology explores various topics and constructs, including positive emotions, positive character traits, positive relationships, positive institutions, and the cultivation of personal strengths. It aims to enhance individuals’ quality of life and overall well-being by studying and promoting the factors that lead to positive mental health and optimal functioning.

Positive psychologists often conduct research to better understand the factors that contribute to happiness and well-being. They also develop interventions and strategies to help individuals cultivate positive emotions, foster healthy relationships, build resilience, discover and utilize their strengths, and find meaning and purpose in life.

Positive psychology is not about dismissing or ignoring negative experiences or emotions. Rather, it acknowledges the importance of addressing and understanding the challenges individuals face while also emphasizing the potential for growth, happiness, and well-being. By focusing on positive aspects of human psychology, positive psychology offers a balanced and comprehensive approach to understanding human flourishing.

Shervan K Shahhian

What is Poetry therapy?

What is Poetry therapy?

Poetry therapy is a form of expressive therapy that involves the use of poetry and other forms of literature to promote emotional and mental health. It is a type of therapeutic intervention that utilizes the power of language and creative expression to help individuals explore and understand their emotions, experiences, and inner thoughts.

Poetry therapy can involve a range of activities, including reading and discussing poems, writing original poetry, and engaging in group discussions or workshops focused on poetry and literature. It can be used to address a variety of emotional and psychological issues, including depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, and self-esteem issues.

The goal of poetry therapy is to help individuals gain insight into their emotions and experiences, develop self-awareness and self-expression, and find new ways to cope with challenges and stressors. It is often used in conjunction with other forms of therapy, such as talk therapy or cognitive-behavioral therapy, to enhance the overall effectiveness of treatment.

Shervan K Shahhian

What is Play therapy?

Play therapy is a form of therapy that uses play as a means of communication and expression for children. It is based on the understanding that play is a natural and fundamental way in which children learn about the world around them, express themselves, and work through difficult emotions and experiences.

During play therapy sessions, a trained therapist provides a safe and structured environment where children can engage in play activities that are carefully selected to address their specific needs and goals. The therapist may use a variety of toys, games, and art materials to facilitate the child’s exploration and expression of emotions, thoughts, and behaviors.

Play therapy can be used to address a wide range of issues that may affect children, such as behavioral problems, anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, and social skills deficits. It can also be used to support children with developmental or learning disabilities, as well as those who have experienced abuse or neglect.

Overall, play therapy is a powerful tool for helping children to feel heard, validated, and empowered to navigate life’s challenges in a healthy and adaptive way.

Shervan K Shahhian

What is Person-centered therapy?

Person-centered therapy, also known as client-centered therapy, is a humanistic approach to psychotherapy that emphasizes the individual’s unique experiences, values, and personal growth. This therapy was developed by Carl Rogers in the 1950s, and it focuses on the belief that individuals have within themselves the potential for personal growth and healing.

In person-centered therapy, the therapist provides an environment that is empathetic, non-judgmental, and understanding, allowing the client to feel safe and comfortable in exploring their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. The therapist helps the client to clarify their own feelings and values, and encourages them to make their own decisions and find their own solutions to problems.

Person-centered therapy is based on the idea that people are inherently good and have the capacity for self-awareness and self-growth. The therapist’s role is to facilitate this process by providing a safe and supportive environment, listening actively, and helping the client to develop their own insights and understanding. The focus is on the client’s experience and their own unique perspective rather than on the therapist’s interpretation or diagnosis.

Shervan K Shahhian