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

What is Imago therapy? Imago therapy is a type of couples therapy that aims to help partners understand and heal their emotional wounds and develop a deeper, more fulfilling relationship. The therapy was developed by Harville Hendrix and his wife, Helen LaKelly Hunt, in the 1980s. The central idea behind Imago therapy is that we all have unresolved issues and wounds from our childhood that affect our adult relationships. The therapy helps couples identify and address these issues by teaching them to communicate more effectively, empathize with each other’s emotions, and become more attuned to each other’s needs. Imago therapy also involves a technique called “mirroring,” in which partners take turns reflecting back what the other person is saying to them. This helps to promote active listening and a deeper understanding of each other’s perspectives. The ultimate goal of Imago therapy is to help couples move beyond their individual emotional baggage and create a more loving and supportive partnership.

Shervan K Shahhian

What is Immersion therapy? Immersion therapy, also known as exposure therapy or prolonged exposure therapy, is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy used to treat anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health conditions. The goal of immersion therapy is to help individuals overcome their fears and anxieties by gradually exposing them to the situations, objects, or memories that trigger their anxiety. Through repeated exposure, individuals learn to tolerate and manage their anxiety symptoms and eventually experience a reduction in their overall anxiety levels. Immersion therapy can take many forms, depending on the specific anxiety or phobia being treated. For example, someone with a fear of flying may undergo a series of exposure sessions that gradually expose them to the airport, the airplane, and eventually takeoff and landing. Similarly, someone with PTSD may work with a therapist to gradually confront and process traumatic memories. It’s important to note that immersion therapy should always be conducted under the guidance of a qualified mental health professional, as it can be emotionally challenging and may not be appropriate for everyone.

Shervan K Shahhian

What is Inner Relationship Focusing? Inner Relationship Focusing (IRF) is a therapeutic approach that combines the principles of Focusing with the theory of Internal Family Systems (IFS). It was developed by Ann Weiser Cornell and Barbara McGavin in the 1990s. At its core, IRF involves exploring one’s inner experience, which is often accompanied by bodily sensations, and developing a compassionate relationship with oneself. The goal of IRF is to help individuals become more aware of their emotions, thoughts, and bodily sensations, and to cultivate a sense of curiosity, acceptance, and non-judgment towards themselves. In IRF, individuals are encouraged to listen to the different parts of themselves, each with its own unique perspective and voice, and to engage in a dialogue with these parts. By doing so, individuals can gain a deeper understanding of their inner experience and develop a greater sense of self-awareness and self-compassion. IRF can be used as a stand-alone therapeutic approach or as a complement to other therapeutic modalities. It has been used to help individuals with a wide range of issues, including anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship problems. Shervan K Shahhian

What is Insight-oriented psychotherapy?

Insight-oriented psychotherapy is a form of talk therapy that aims to help people gain a deeper understanding of their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. This type of therapy is based on the belief that insight into the underlying causes of psychological issues can lead to lasting change.

During insight-oriented psychotherapy, the therapist helps the client explore their past experiences, emotions, and patterns of behavior in order to identify the root causes of their current struggles. The therapist may use various techniques, such as free association, dream analysis, and interpretation of nonverbal cues, to help the client gain insight into their unconscious thoughts and motivations.

The goal of insight-oriented psychotherapy is not just to alleviate symptoms, but also to help the client develop a greater sense of self-awareness, self-acceptance, and emotional resilience. By gaining insight into their inner world, clients are often better able to make positive changes in their lives, develop healthier relationships, and cope more effectively with stress and difficult emotions.

Shervan K Shahhian

What is Institutional psychotherapy? Institutional psychotherapy is a type of psychotherapy that originated in France in the 1950s and 1960s. It is an approach to therapy that takes into account the social and political context in which mental health issues arise. Institutional psychotherapy focuses on the therapeutic relationship between patients and staff, and the therapeutic community that forms within a psychiatric institution. Institutional psychotherapy views psychiatric hospitals and institutions as places where individuals are subjected to dehumanizing treatment and deprived of their autonomy. It seeks to transform psychiatric institutions into places where patients can live in a more humane and supportive environment, with opportunities for social interaction and meaningful activities. Institutional psychotherapy is based on the principles of psychoanalysis, existentialism, and Marxism. It emphasizes the importance of group therapy and the therapeutic community, and encourages patients to participate in the decision-making process of the institution. Overall, institutional psychotherapy seeks to create a more democratic and egalitarian environment in psychiatric institutions, with a focus on improving the well-being of patients and staff alike.

Shervan K Shahhian

What is Integral psychotherapy?

Integral psychotherapy is a holistic approach to psychotherapy that draws from multiple theoretical and practical perspectives. It aims to address the psychological, emotional, physical, and spiritual aspects of a person’s experience to promote healing and growth.

Integral psychotherapy was developed by Ken Wilber, a philosopher and psychologist who is known for his work in the field of integral theory. This approach recognizes that individuals are complex beings with multiple dimensions of experience and that all of these dimensions must be considered in order to provide effective treatment.

Integral psychotherapy integrates various therapeutic modalities, including psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, and transpersonal approaches. It also incorporates mindfulness practices, somatic therapy, and other body-centered approaches. The therapist works collaboratively with the client to explore their unique experience and develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses all aspects of their being.

Integral psychotherapy is rooted in the belief that healing and growth are ongoing processes that require ongoing support and self-awareness. It emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and self-awareness as essential tools for personal transformation. By addressing all dimensions of a person’s experience, integral psychotherapy aims to help individuals achieve greater wholeness and fulfillment in their lives.

Shervan K Shahhian

What is Integrative body psychotherapy?

Integrative Body Psychotherapy (IBP) is a type of therapy that combines body-centered approaches with traditional talk therapy. It is based on the belief that the body, mind, emotions, and spirit are all interconnected and that emotional healing and personal growth can be achieved by addressing these aspects of the self.

IBP incorporates elements of various therapeutic modalities, including psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, and somatic approaches. This integrative approach allows the therapist to tailor the treatment to the individual needs of each client.

In IBP, the therapist works with the client to explore and understand the underlying emotional and psychological issues that may be causing distress. The therapist may use techniques such as mindfulness, breathwork, movement, and touch to help the client connect with and release emotions that may be stored in the body.

The goal of IBP is to help clients develop a greater awareness of their emotional and physical experiences, increase their capacity for self-regulation and self-acceptance, and ultimately, improve their overall well-being.

​Shervan K Shahhian

What is Integrative psychotherapy? Integrative psychotherapy is an approach to therapy that combines and integrates different theoretical orientations and techniques from various schools of psychotherapy. This means that the therapist draws on a variety of theories and practices to tailor the therapy to the individual needs of the client. The integrative approach is based on the idea that no one therapeutic approach is effective for all clients and all problems, and that the therapist must be flexible and responsive to the individual needs of each client. The therapist may combine elements of cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, humanistic therapy, and other approaches to create a customized treatment plan. Integrative psychotherapy also emphasizes the importance of the therapeutic relationship, or the bond between therapist and client, as a key factor in the success of therapy. The therapist works to create a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental environment that encourages the client to explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Integrative psychotherapy has been used to treat a wide range of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction, and relationship problems. It is a flexible and adaptable approach that can be tailored to the needs of each individual client, making it a popular choice for many therapists and clients.

What is Intensive short-term dynamic psychotherapy? Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP) is a form of psychotherapy that aims to help individuals overcome emotional and psychological difficulties by addressing the underlying emotional conflicts that cause them. ISTDP is typically a brief, focused, and intensive form of therapy, often lasting between 12 to 40 sessions, and is designed to help people make significant changes in their emotional functioning in a relatively short amount of time. The therapy is based on the principles of psychodynamic theory and emphasizes the importance of the therapeutic relationship between the therapist and client. The therapist works with the client to help them identify and express their emotions, and to develop greater emotional awareness and self-understanding. This process helps clients to release pent-up emotions, reduce anxiety, and improve their overall emotional well-being. The ISTDP approach also places a strong emphasis on helping clients to develop more adaptive coping strategies and to improve their interpersonal relationships. It often involves the use of specific techniques such as affective experiencing, which involves encouraging clients to become aware of their emotions in the moment, and anxiety regulation, which helps clients to identify and manage the sources of their anxiety. Overall, ISTDP can be an effective form of therapy for individuals struggling with a range of emotional and psychological difficulties, including anxiety, depression, trauma, and personality disorders. However, it is important to note that ISTDP requires a significant level of commitment and effort from the client, as well as a skilled and experienced therapist who is trained in this approach. Shervan K Shahhian

• Parts: The various internal sub-personalities that make up an individual’s personality.
• Self: The core of the person’s being, which is seen as compassionate, curious, and accepting.
• Internal System: The collection of parts and the Self that make up a person’s internal world.
• Internal Family: The analogy used to describe the internal system, where the different parts of the person are like members of a family.
• Parts work: The process of identifying and working with specific parts in therapy.
• Self-leadership: The goal of IFS therapy, where the Self takes a leadership role in managing and integrating the internal system.

IFS therapy has been used to treat a variety of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, trauma, and eating disorders. It is often used in conjunction with other forms of therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or psychodynamic therapy.