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

What is Research Psychology?

Research psychology is a branch of psychology that involves the scientific investigation of human behavior and mental processes. It seeks to understand how people think, feel, and behave by using empirical methods to study various aspects of human psychology.

Research psychologists typically use a range of research methods, such as experiments, surveys, and observational studies, to collect data and test hypotheses about various psychological phenomena. They may focus on topics such as memory, perception, motivation, emotion, social behavior, and personality.

The goal of research psychology is to generate new knowledge and insights into human psychology, and to develop theories and models that can help us better understand and explain human behavior. The findings of research psychology can have practical applications in fields such as education, healthcare, business, and social policy.

Shervan K Shahhian

What is Practice Psychology? Practice psychology, also known as applied psychology, is a subfield of psychology that focuses on the practical application of psychological principles and theories to solve real-world problems. It involves using psychological knowledge to improve people’s lives and to address a wide range of issues in various settings, such as in schools, businesses, hospitals, and government agencies. Practice psychologists use their expertise to develop and implement interventions and programs aimed at promoting mental health and well-being, preventing and treating psychological disorders, enhancing performance, and improving interpersonal relationships. They may work as clinicians, consultants, researchers, educators, or administrators, depending on their specific areas of expertise and interests. Some examples of areas of practice psychology include clinical psychology, counseling psychology, industrial-organizational psychology, educational psychology, and forensic psychology. These subfields focus on different aspects of human behavior and apply psychological knowledge in diverse settings and contexts.

Shervan K Shahhian

What is Abreaction therapy?

Abreaction therapy is a type of psychotherapy that aims to release and resolve repressed emotions or traumatic memories that may be causing psychological distress or dysfunction. The term “abreaction” comes from the Latin words “ab” (away from) and “reagere” (to react), and it refers to the process of bringing suppressed emotions and memories to the surface and allowing them to be expressed and processed.

During abreaction therapy, the therapist helps the patient recall and re-experience past traumatic events or emotions that have been suppressed or forgotten. The patient is encouraged to express their feelings and emotions related to the traumatic event, and the therapist provides support and guidance throughout the process. The goal of the therapy is to help the patient integrate the suppressed emotions and memories into their consciousness, allowing them to move beyond the traumatic experience and reduce psychological distress.

Abreaction therapy is typically used to treat conditions such as anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other trauma-related conditions. It is a form of psychotherapy that should only be conducted by a trained and licensed therapist with experience in this type of therapy.

Shervan K Shahhian

What is Accelerated experiential dynamic psychotherapy (AEDP)? Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP) is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on helping individuals to process and transform difficult emotions by promoting positive emotional experiences. The therapy was developed by Dr. Diana Fosha in the 1990s and draws on attachment theory, affective neuroscience, and body-based techniques. AEDP emphasizes the importance of the therapeutic relationship in facilitating emotional healing and growth. The therapist provides a safe and supportive environment where the client can explore and express difficult emotions, while also facilitating the emergence of positive emotions and experiences. AEDP uses a range of techniques to help clients transform negative emotions, including mindfulness, visualization, somatic experiencing, and emotion-focused interventions. The therapy also encourages clients to identify and build upon their existing strengths and resources, helping them to develop a greater sense of self-awareness and self-compassion. AEDP has been used to treat a range of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, trauma, and addiction. Research studies have shown promising results for the effectiveness of AEDP in reducing symptoms and improving overall mental health and well-being.

Shervan K Shahhian

What is Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)?

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a form of psychotherapy that aims to help individuals develop psychological flexibility and achieve a greater sense of well-being by learning to accept their thoughts and emotions rather than trying to control or eliminate them.

ACT is based on the idea that many of the problems people experience in life are a result of their attempts to avoid or control uncomfortable thoughts, feelings, or sensations. These avoidance strategies can actually make the problems worse, and can create a sense of being “stuck” in a negative cycle.

ACT uses a combination of mindfulness, acceptance, and behavior change techniques to help individuals become more present and engaged in the present moment, and to develop a more flexible and values-driven approach to their lives. This can help them to cope more effectively with difficult thoughts and emotions, and to take action towards their goals and values, even in the presence of discomfort or uncertainty.

Some of the core principles and techniques of ACT include:

• Mindfulness: learning to be fully present and aware in the moment, without judgment or resistance.
• Acceptance: developing a willingness to experience uncomfortable thoughts and emotions without trying to control or eliminate them.
• Defusion: learning to recognize and distance oneself from unhelpful thoughts and beliefs, rather than getting caught up in them.
• Values: identifying and clarifying one’s most important values and using them as a guide for behavior.
• Committed Action: taking concrete steps towards one’s goals and values, even in the face of discomfort or uncertainty.

ACT has been shown to be effective for a wide range of mental health problems, including anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and chronic pain.

Shervan K Shahhian

What is Adlerian therapy?

Adlerian therapy is a form of psychotherapy that was developed by Austrian psychiatrist Alfred Adler (1870–1937) in the early 20th century. Adlerian therapy is based on the premise that humans are social creatures and that our behavior is shaped by our interactions with others.

Adlerian therapy emphasizes the importance of the individual’s subjective perception of the world and how their beliefs and values influence their behavior. It also takes into account the individual’s early life experiences, particularly their childhood, and how these experiences shape their beliefs and behaviors.

One of the central concepts of Adlerian therapy is that people have a need to belong and to feel significant in their relationships with others. This need drives our behavior and can lead to both positive and negative outcomes.

Adlerian therapy also emphasizes the importance of a collaborative relationship between the therapist and the client, with the therapist acting as a supportive guide rather than an authority figure. The therapist works with the client to identify and challenge their negative beliefs and behaviors and to develop more positive and adaptive ways of thinking and behaving.

Overall, Adlerian therapy is a holistic and humanistic approach to psychotherapy that focuses on the individual’s strengths and potential for growth, while also taking into account their social and cultural context.

Shervan K Shahhian

What is Adventure therapy? Adventure therapy is a form of psychotherapy that utilizes outdoor and experiential activities to promote personal growth, insight, and healing. It typically involves a combination of physical challenges, team-building exercises, and other outdoor activities like rock climbing, wilderness expeditions, ropes courses, and group games. Adventure therapy is based on the belief that outdoor experiences can help individuals develop greater self-awareness, build confidence, and develop new skills that can be applied to everyday life. It is often used as a complementary approach to traditional therapy, particularly for individuals struggling with issues such as addiction, trauma, anxiety, depression, and behavioral problems. The ultimate goal of adventure therapy is to help individuals develop a sense of personal responsibility and independence, while also learning to trust and rely on others. It is typically conducted in small groups with trained facilitators who help participants process their experiences and emotions.

Shervan K Shahhian

What is Analytical psychology? Analytical psychology is a school of psychology founded by Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung. It is a theoretical and therapeutic approach that emphasizes the exploration of the unconscious mind, the study of dreams and symbols, and the integration of the individual’s conscious and unconscious experiences. Analytical psychology focuses on the individual’s psyche as a whole, rather than just specific behaviors or symptoms. It acknowledges the existence of both the personal unconscious, which contains repressed and forgotten experiences unique to the individual, and the collective unconscious, which contains universal archetypes and symbols shared by all human beings. Jung believed that the process of individuation, which involves integrating and harmonizing the various aspects of the psyche, was the goal of human development. Analytical psychology therefore emphasizes self-discovery, personal growth, and the pursuit of meaning and purpose in life. Analytical psychology has influenced many fields, including psychotherapy, art, literature, and religion. Its concepts and theories have been used to explore the human experience and provide insights into the nature of the psyche.

Shervan K Shahhian

What is Animal-assisted therapy?

Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is a type of therapy that involves animals as part of the treatment process. The goal of AAT is to help people improve their physical, social, emotional, and cognitive functioning through interactions with animals.

During an AAT session, a therapist works with a trained animal, typically a dog or a horse, and their handler. The therapist and animal work together to engage the patient in activities that help them meet their therapy goals. These activities might include petting, grooming, walking, or playing with the animal.

AAT has been shown to be effective in treating a variety of conditions, including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), autism, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The presence of an animal can help reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and increase feelings of well-being.

It’s important to note that AAT is different from service animal therapy, in which an animal is trained to assist a person with a specific disability or condition. AAT is a more general form of therapy that can benefit people of all ages and abilities.

Shervan K Shahhian

What is Art therapy?

Art therapy is a form of therapy that involves the use of art-making as a means of expression and communication to promote healing and personal growth. It combines the creative process with psychological theory and practice to enhance mental, emotional, and physical well-being.

Art therapists work with clients of all ages, from children to the elderly, and with a wide range of challenges, such as anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction, and chronic illness. Through art-making and discussion, clients are encouraged to explore their feelings, thoughts, and experiences in a non-threatening and non-judgmental environment.

Art therapy can include a variety of art forms, such as painting, drawing, sculpture, collage, and even performance art. The focus is not on producing a work of art but on the process of creating and the emotions and thoughts that arise during that process.

Art therapy has been shown to be effective in reducing stress and anxiety, improving mood and self-esteem, promoting self-awareness and insight, and enhancing communication and interpersonal relationships.

Shervan K Shahhian