Author Archives: Shervan K Shahhian, LIBERTY PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION

What is Feminist therapy?

Feminist therapy is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on gender and power inequalities in society and how they impact individuals’ mental health. This approach to therapy recognizes that traditional therapeutic models may not adequately address the unique experiences and challenges faced by women, as well as individuals from marginalized communities.

Feminist therapy aims to empower clients by helping them develop a greater understanding of the ways in which societal norms and expectations have affected their lives. It also seeks to help clients identify and challenge oppressive societal forces that may be contributing to their psychological distress.

Some key principles of feminist therapy include:

• Recognizing the impact of societal factors such as sexism, racism, homophobia, and ableism on mental health.
• Focusing on the experiences of the client rather than solely on the symptoms they present.
• Encouraging clients to take an active role in their therapy and promoting self-advocacy.
• Challenging traditional gender roles and expectations.
• Emphasizing the importance of the therapeutic relationship as a collaborative partnership between therapist and client.

Feminist therapy may be particularly helpful for individuals who have experienced trauma, relationship issues, or discrimination due to their gender or other identities.

Shervan K Shahhian

What is Focusing psychotherapy? Focusing psychotherapy is a form of therapy that emphasizes the importance of paying attention to the body’s sensations and feelings. Developed by psychologist Eugene Gendlin in the 1970s, Focusing is a client-centered therapy that is based on the idea that our bodies hold a wealth of information about our emotions and experiences. By learning to tune in to these bodily sensations and feelings, clients can gain insight into their emotions and develop greater self-awareness. During a Focusing therapy session, the therapist may guide the client in focusing on a particular issue or problem. The client is encouraged to pay attention to any bodily sensations or emotions that arise as they think about the issue. Through this process, the client may gain new insights and perspectives that can help them move forward in a positive way. Focusing psychotherapy has been used to help clients with a variety of issues, including anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship problems. It is often used in combination with other therapeutic approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or psychodynamic therapy. Focusing can also be practiced on one’s own as a form of self-help or personal growth.

Shervan K Shahhian

What is Forensic psychotherapy? Forensic psychotherapy is a specialized branch of psychotherapy that focuses on working with individuals who have engaged in criminal behavior, or who are at risk of doing so. It involves the application of psychological principles and techniques to understand the underlying psychological factors that may have contributed to the individual’s criminal behavior. The goal of forensic psychotherapy is to provide treatment to these individuals in order to reduce their risk of reoffending and to improve their psychological well-being. Forensic psychotherapists work within the criminal justice system, often in prisons or other secure settings, and may collaborate with probation officers, judges, and other professionals involved in the legal system. Forensic psychotherapy may involve a variety of approaches, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and group therapy. The specific approach used will depend on the individual’s needs and the nature of their criminal behavior. The therapist will work with the individual to develop insight into their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and to develop strategies for managing their impulses and behaviors in a more constructive way.

Shervan K Shahhian

What is Freudian psychotherapy? Freudian psychotherapy is a type of psychological therapy developed by Sigmund Freud, the founder of psychoanalysis. This approach is based on the belief that our behavior and emotions are influenced by unconscious thoughts and memories, often stemming from our early childhood experiences. The main goal of Freudian psychotherapy is to bring these unconscious thoughts and memories to the surface, so they can be explored and understood. This process involves a therapist using various techniques to help a patient become aware of their unconscious thoughts and repressed emotions, such as free association, dream analysis, and interpretation of symbolic language. The therapist may also use techniques like transference, where the patient transfers unresolved feelings and emotions from past relationships onto the therapist, to help the patient gain insight into their behavior and emotions. Overall, Freudian psychotherapy is a highly individualized and intensive approach to therapy that seeks to help patients better understand the root causes of their behavior and emotions, and work towards resolving them in a healthy and productive way.

Shervan K Shahhian

What Is Functional analytic psychotherapy (FAP)? Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP) is a type of psychotherapy that emphasizes the importance of interpersonal relationships in shaping our behavior and psychological well-being. It is based on the idea that our patterns of behavior and emotional reactions are shaped and maintained by the interactions we have with others, both in and outside of therapy. FAP seeks to help individuals identify and modify maladaptive patterns of behavior and communication that are causing distress or interfering with their ability to achieve their goals. It focuses on helping individuals improve their social and emotional functioning by developing more effective interpersonal skills and by learning to pay attention to and modify their behaviors and emotional responses in the context of specific interactions. FAP draws from a variety of theoretical perspectives, including behaviorism, cognitive psychology, and humanistic psychology. It is often used to treat a range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, personality disorders, and relationship issues. FAP can be delivered in individual, group, or couples therapy settings, and may be integrated with other treatment approaches as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Shervan K Shahhian

What is Future-oriented therapy? Future-oriented therapy (FOT) is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on helping individuals to create positive change in their lives by setting goals and developing strategies to achieve those goals. FOT is based on the idea that the future is not predetermined, and that individuals have the power to create their own future by taking actions in the present. FOT is a strengths-based approach that emphasizes an individual’s abilities and resources rather than their weaknesses and problems. The therapy aims to help individuals identify their values, strengths, and aspirations and to use these as a foundation for creating a vision of the future that is desirable and achievable. The therapist works collaboratively with the individual to identify obstacles and challenges that may prevent them from reaching their goals and to develop strategies to overcome these barriers. FOT is used to treat a wide range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. It can be used as a standalone treatment or in combination with other forms of therapy. FOT is typically short-term and focused on helping individuals to make positive changes in their lives quickly.

Shervan K Shahhian

What is Gestalt therapy?

Gestalt therapy is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on the present moment and emphasizes the integration of the mind and body. The word “gestalt” comes from the German word meaning “shape” or “form,” and in this context, it refers to the concept of wholeness and completeness.

The goal of gestalt therapy is to help individuals become more aware of their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in the present moment and to work through any unresolved issues that may be interfering with their ability to live in the present. The therapist may use various techniques, such as role-playing, dialogue, and dream work, to help the client gain insight into their experience and to develop new perspectives and ways of coping.

One of the key principles of gestalt therapy is the importance of self-awareness and personal responsibility. The therapist encourages the client to take ownership of their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and to explore how they may be contributing to their problems. The therapist also emphasizes the importance of the therapeutic relationship, as a safe and supportive environment can help the client to explore difficult issues and make positive changes in their life.

Shervan K Shahhian

What is Gestalt theoretical psychotherapy?

Gestalt therapy is a form of psychotherapy that was developed by Fritz Perls and his associates in the 1940s and 1950s. It is based on the principles of Gestalt psychology, which emphasizes the importance of holistic perception and the integration of different parts into a coherent whole.

In Gestalt therapy, the focus is on the present moment and the experience of the individual, rather than on past events or unconscious processes. The therapist works to help the client become more aware of their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and to identify and work through patterns of unfinished business or unresolved conflicts.

Gestalt therapy emphasizes the importance of the therapeutic relationship, and encourages the client to take responsibility for their own experience and growth. The therapist provides support and guidance, but ultimately the client is seen as the expert on their own experience.

Techniques used in Gestalt therapy may include role-playing, guided imagery, dream work, and experiential exercises that allow the client to explore their emotions and perceptions in a safe and supportive environment.

Overall, Gestalt therapy aims to help clients develop greater self-awareness and acceptance, and to live more fully in the present moment.

Shervan K Shahhian

What is Grief counseling? Grief counseling is a form of psychotherapy that helps people cope with the emotional, psychological, and behavioral responses to the experience of loss, such as the death of a loved one, a divorce, a job loss, or a serious illness. The goal of grief counseling is to provide support and guidance to those who are grieving, as they work through the various stages of grief and loss. Grief counseling may involve individual or group sessions, and can be provided by licensed mental health professionals such as psychologists, social workers, or counselors. The counselor may help the client to understand their feelings and emotions, develop coping skills, and find ways to adjust to life without the person or thing they have lost. They may also provide education on the grieving process and offer resources and referrals for additional support.

Shervan K Shahhian

What is Group analysis? Group analysis is a therapeutic approach that focuses on the study and treatment of group dynamics and interactions. It is based on the idea that people’s behavior and emotions are strongly influenced by their relationships with others, particularly in a group context. Group analysis involves bringing a group of individuals together and facilitating a safe and supportive environment for them to explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in relation to each other. The group is usually led by a trained group analyst who helps to guide the process and keep the group focused and productive. The aim of group analysis is to help individuals gain insight into their own behavior and relationships, and to develop better communication skills and coping mechanisms. It can be used to address a wide range of issues, including depression, anxiety, addiction, and relationship problems.

Shervan K Shahhian