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

What is Guilt Complex? Guilt complex, also known as guilt trip, refers to a psychological state where an individual feels a disproportionate amount of guilt or responsibility for a situation or event, even if they are not directly responsible for it. This can be the result of internalized beliefs or external pressures that make them feel responsible for the emotions or actions of others, or for events beyond their control. Individuals with a guilt complex may constantly blame themselves for things that are not their fault, feel guilty for saying “no” or setting boundaries, and struggle with feelings of self-doubt and low self-worth. They may also feel the need to constantly apologize, seek forgiveness, or make amends for perceived wrongs, even when they have not done anything wrong. A guilt complex can be a sign of underlying mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Treatment may involve therapy to help the individual identify and challenge their negative thought patterns, as well as developing coping strategies to manage their feelings of guilt and responsibility.

Shervan K Shahhian

The History of Hypnotherapy: Hypnotherapy is the use of hypnosis as a therapeutic tool to help individuals achieve a state of relaxation and suggestibility in order to help them make positive changes in their behavior or thought processes. The history of hypnotherapy dates back thousands of years, with evidence of hypnosis being used for healing purposes in ancient cultures such as Egypt, Greece, and India. In the 18th century, a German physician named Franz Mesmer developed a theory of animal magnetism, which involved the use of magnets to balance the flow of energy in the body. He would induce a trance-like state in his patients, which he called mesmerism, and believed it could cure various ailments. In the 19th century, Scottish surgeon James Braid coined the term hypnosis, derived from the Greek word hypnos, meaning sleep. Braid believed that the trance-like state induced by hypnosis was not sleep, but rather a state of heightened suggestibility that could be used to treat various psychological and physical conditions. During the early 20th century, hypnotherapy gained popularity in the field of psychiatry as a treatment for hysteria, a condition characterized by physical symptoms without any underlying medical cause. Sigmund Freud, the founder of psychoanalysis, used hypnosis as a tool for psychotherapy and explored the use of hypnosis in the treatment of anxiety, depression, and other psychological disorders. In the mid-20th century, Milton Erickson, an American psychiatrist and psychologist, developed the concept of indirect hypnosis, which involved using metaphors and storytelling to induce a trance-like state in patients. Erickson believed that each individual had their own unique way of experiencing the world and that hypnosis could be tailored to the individual. Today, hypnotherapy is recognized as a valid form of alternative therapy and is used to treat a wide range of conditions, including anxiety, phobias, addiction, and chronic pain. Hypnotherapy has come a long way since its ancient origins and continues to evolve as a therapeutic tool for helping individuals achieve personal growth and healing.

Shervan K Shahhian

How can Hypnotherapist help those who provide care for our animals? Hypnotherapy can be a useful tool for helping those who provide care for animals by addressing issues related to stress, anxiety, and burnout. Animal care professionals often have to deal with challenging situations, such as dealing with sick or injured animals, difficult clients, and long working hours, which can take a toll on their mental and emotional wellbeing. Hypnotherapy can help by providing a safe and effective way to manage stress and anxiety, and to develop coping mechanisms for dealing with difficult situations. During hypnotherapy sessions, a hypnotherapist can guide the client into a relaxed and focused state of mind, known as a trance state. In this state, the client is more receptive to positive suggestions and can access their subconscious mind, where deeply ingrained thoughts, beliefs, and emotions are stored. The hypnotherapist can use a variety of techniques to help the client manage their stress and anxiety, such as visualization, deep breathing, and positive affirmations. They can also help the client develop a greater sense of self-awareness, identify any limiting beliefs or negative thought patterns, and work to replace them with more positive and empowering ones. Ultimately, hypnotherapy can be an effective way to help animal care professionals take care of their mental and emotional wellbeing, which can in turn help them provide better care for the animals in their care.

Shervan K Shahhian

The importance of Having Boundaries in a Therapeutic setting:

Boundaries are an essential component of any therapeutic relationship. They establish a framework for the relationship and provide a structure for the therapy sessions. The importance of having boundaries in a therapeutic setting cannot be overstated. Here are some reasons why:

1. Establishing a safe space: Boundaries create a sense of safety for both the therapist and the client. Clients need to feel that they can share their deepest and most personal thoughts and emotions without fear of judgment or repercussion. Boundaries set clear guidelines for what is and is not acceptable behavior in the therapy setting.
2. Maintaining a professional relationship: Boundaries help maintain a professional relationship between the therapist and the client. This means that the therapist is there to help the client with their problems, but not to become their friend or partner outside of the therapy setting.
3. Avoiding conflicts of interest: Boundaries help avoid conflicts of interest that can arise when the therapist and client have a personal relationship outside of the therapy setting. This could compromise the therapeutic relationship and undermine the client’s progress.
4. Protecting the therapist’s well-being: Boundaries help protect the therapist’s emotional and psychological well-being. Therapists need to be able to maintain a certain level of emotional distance from their clients to avoid burnout and to remain objective.
5. Enhancing the therapeutic process: Boundaries help enhance the therapeutic process by establishing clear expectations and goals for the therapy sessions. This helps the therapist and client to stay focused on the task at hand and to work towards achieving the desired outcomes.

In conclusion, having boundaries in a therapeutic setting is critical to establishing a safe and productive therapeutic relationship. Boundaries help to protect both the therapist and the client, and to ensure that the therapeutic process is as effective as possible.

Shervan K Shahhian

What is Ageism? Ageism refers to prejudice, stereotyping, or discrimination against people based on their age, particularly against older individuals. It involves treating individuals unfairly or differently because of their age, and can take various forms, such as negative attitudes, language, or behavior towards older adults. Ageism can be explicit or implicit, intentional or unintentional, and can occur in various settings, including the workplace, healthcare, media, and public policy. It can have serious consequences for the well-being, health, and quality of life of older individuals, as well as for society as a whole. ​Shervan K Shahhian

Hypnosis and hypnotherapy are two related but distinct concepts. Hypnosis refers to the state of deep relaxation and focused attention that a person experiences while under the guidance of a trained hypnotherapist. In this state, the person is more receptive to suggestions and is able to access their subconscious mind more easily. Hypnotherapy, on the other hand, refers to the use of hypnosis as a therapeutic tool to help people overcome various mental and physical problems. It involves the use of hypnosis to facilitate behavioral, emotional, or cognitive changes that can lead to improved well-being and quality of life. In other words, hypnotherapy is a form of therapy that uses hypnosis as a tool to help individuals achieve their goals, while hypnosis is simply the state of relaxation and focused attention that facilitates this process. While hypnosis can be used for entertainment or relaxation purposes, hypnotherapy is specifically geared towards addressing mental and physical health issues such as anxiety, phobias, addiction, and chronic pain. ​Shervan K Shahhian

What is the Addictive Behavior? Addictive behavior refers to patterns of behavior that can lead to the development of an addiction, which is characterized by the compulsive use of a substance or engagement in an activity despite negative consequences. Addictive behaviors can include the use of drugs, alcohol, or tobacco, as well as behaviors such as gambling, overeating, or engaging in risky sexual behavior. These behaviors can create feelings of pleasure, relief from stress or anxiety, or a sense of escape from reality, which can lead to the development of an addiction over time. The development of addictive behavior can be influenced by a variety of factors, including genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and psychological or emotional factors such as stress, trauma, or mental illness. Treatment for addictive behavior typically involves a combination of therapy, medication, and support groups to help individuals overcome their addiction and develop healthy coping strategies. ​Shervan K Shahhian

What is the Opioid Epidemic?

The opioid epidemic refers to the widespread use and abuse of opioid drugs, both prescription and illicit, that has led to an alarming increase in overdose deaths and addiction in the United States and other countries. Opioids are a class of drugs that include prescription pain relievers like oxycodone, hydrocodone, and fentanyl, as well as illegal drugs like heroin.

The opioid epidemic began in the 1990s when pharmaceutical companies aggressively marketed prescription opioids as safe and effective pain relievers. This led to a significant increase in the number of opioid prescriptions, which in turn contributed to a rise in opioid addiction and overdose deaths.

Since then, the opioid epidemic has only grown worse, with millions of people addicted to opioids and tens of thousands of deaths each year. Many people who become addicted to prescription opioids eventually turn to illegal drugs like heroin, which is cheaper and easier to obtain. The opioid epidemic has had devastating consequences for individuals, families, and communities, and has sparked a public health crisis that continues to this day.

Shervan K Shahhian

What is Abnormal Psychology?

Abnormal psychology is a subfield of psychology that focuses on the study of abnormal behavior, thoughts, and feelings. It involves the examination of psychological disorders and mental illness and their causes, symptoms, and treatments.

Abnormal psychology looks at the various factors that contribute to the development of mental disorders, including biological, psychological, and social factors. It also examines how these disorders affect an individual’s daily functioning, relationships, and overall quality of life.

Some of the topics covered in abnormal psychology include anxiety disorders, mood disorders, personality disorders, schizophrenia, and substance use disorders. The field also encompasses research on the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of these disorders, including both pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches.

Abnormal psychology plays an important role in helping individuals with mental health issues by providing effective treatments and therapies to manage and overcome their symptoms. Additionally, it helps to reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness by increasing awareness and understanding of these conditions.

Shervan K Shahhian

What is Biopsychology? Biopsychology, also known as behavioral neuroscience or psychobiology, is the scientific study of the biological processes that underlie behavior and mental processes. It is an interdisciplinary field that combines the principles and methods of psychology and biology to understand how the brain, nervous system, and other physiological systems influence human behavior and cognition. Biopsychologists study a wide range of topics, including sensation and perception, learning and memory, emotion and motivation, language and communication, social behavior, and neurological and psychiatric disorders. They use a variety of research methods, including experiments on animals and humans, brain imaging techniques, and genetic and molecular approaches, to investigate the biological basis of behavior and mental processes. The field of biopsychology has led to many important discoveries and advancements in understanding how the brain and body work, as well as how they can be affected by disease, injury, and environmental factors. It has also contributed to the development of new treatments and therapies for a variety of neurological and psychiatric disorders.

Shervan K Shahhian