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

Doctored Degree in Clinical Psychology (PSYD) (ABD) All But Dissertation, a Masters (M.A.) in Clinical Psychology, a Bachelor's Degree (B.A.) in Psychology, a Associate Degree (AA) in Liberal Arts with an emphases in Psychology, Certification in Anger Management, Certification in MRT-Moral Reconation Therapy®, Certification in Clinical Hypnotherapy, and Certification in Advanced Hypnotherapy.

Parapsychology and the Purpose of Psi:

Parapsychology and the Purpose of Psi

Parapsychology is the study of phenomena that are outside the realm of conventional scientific understanding, typically involving purported abilities like telepathy, clairvoyance, psychokinesis, and precognition. These phenomena, often referred to as “psi” (a term used to denote psychic phenomena), are believed to be outside of normal sensory and physical processes.

The purpose of psi, or the reason why such abilities might exist (they do), is a topic of significant debate. Various theories attempt to explain their purpose or role:

Survival Theory: Some proponents of parapsychology suggest that psi abilities may serve as evidence of an existence beyond the physical body. This ties into the idea of an afterlife, where psychic abilities might allow for communication with the deceased or an extended form of consciousness. In this view, psi could be an aspect of spiritual survival after physical death.

Evolutionary Theory: Another theory posits that psi abilities could have evolved as a survival mechanism. For example, telepathy might have served as an intuitive way for individuals to sense the intentions or emotions of others, offering a survival advantage in social or predatory environments. Precognition might have been useful for avoiding dangers or making beneficial decisions.

Information Theory: Some scientists and parapsychologists propose that psi is a way to access information beyond normal sensory perception. This could involve accessing a hidden network of information or tapping into a “universal consciousness,” similar to Carl Jung’s idea of the collective unconscious. In this framework, psi may be a tool for gaining insights, understanding complex phenomena, or facilitating decision-making.

Spiritual or Mystical Purpose: From a metaphysical or spiritual perspective, psi abilities could serve a higher, transcendent purpose, facilitating personal growth, self-realization, or enlightenment. Psi could be viewed as a means of connecting with the divine, exploring non-material dimensions, or uncovering hidden truths about the nature of existence.

Quantum Consciousness: A more recent hypothesis suggests that psi might be a manifestation of quantum processes in the brain. In this theory, the mind might interact with quantum fields, allowing for non-local effects (such as telepathy) or precognition, where the boundaries of time and space are not strictly observed. This view suggests that psi might be a byproduct of the brain’s ability to tap into the fundamental structure of reality.

Despite various theories, empirical evidence for psi remains controversial, and mainstream science often regards parapsychology with skepticism. Nevertheless, the exploration of psi continues to intrigue both researchers and the public, driven by curiosity about the nature of consciousness and the possibility of human potential beyond current scientific understanding.

Shervan K Shahhian

Clinical Hypnotherapy and Mental Suggestions:

Clinical Hypnotherapy and Mental Suggestions:

Clinical hypnotherapy is a therapeutic approach that uses hypnosis to help individuals address various psychological and behavioral issues. It involves inducing a relaxed state of focused attention, often referred to as a trance, during which the therapist can make suggestions to the subconscious mind to promote healing and change. This technique is commonly used to manage conditions like anxiety, stress, chronic pain, phobias, smoking cessation, and weight loss.

Mental suggestions in the context of clinical hypnotherapy refer to the verbal cues or instructions given by the therapist to the client while they are in the hypnotic state. These suggestions are designed to guide the individual’s thoughts, behaviors, or perceptions in a positive direction. The underlying idea is that the subconscious mind is more open and receptive to suggestions during hypnosis, allowing for deep-seated changes that might be difficult to achieve through conscious efforts alone.

How Mental Suggestions Work:

Relaxation and focus: During hypnosis, the person enters a deep state of relaxation, reducing the influence of distractions. This creates an optimal environment for the mind to accept therapeutic suggestions.
Positive reinforcement: Suggestions are often framed positively to encourage self-empowerment, such as “You are confident and calm in social situations.”
Rewiring thought patterns: Suggestions can be used to reframe negative beliefs or behaviors, replacing them with more positive and adaptive responses.
Access to subconscious resources: In a relaxed, focused state, individuals may tap into subconscious resources and memories, leading to insights or new perspectives.

Applications of Hypnotherapy with Mental Suggestions:

Stress and Anxiety Management: Hypnotherapy can help people manage stress by teaching relaxation techniques and providing positive suggestions to foster a sense of calm and control.
Behavior Modification: Suggestions can be used to change habits, such as quitting smoking, managing overeating, or reducing procrastination.
Emotional Healing: Mental suggestions can help resolve emotional issues by reframing negative memories or fostering self-compassion and emotional resilience.
Performance Enhancement: Athletes or individuals aiming to improve their performance can use mental suggestions to increase confidence, focus, and mental clarity.

Shervan K Shahhian

How to overcome Perfectionism:

How to overcome Perfectionism:

Overcoming perfectionism can be challenging, but it’s possible with consistent effort and some practical strategies.

Here are some steps to help manage and reduce perfectionist tendencies:

1. Recognize Perfectionism

The first step is to identify perfectionist thoughts and behaviors. These might include setting unrealistically high standards, excessive self-criticism, and procrastination.
Notice when you start striving for perfection or fear making mistakes.

2. Shift Your Mindset

Embrace Imperfection: Understand that nobody is perfect, and mistakes are a part of growth. Perfectionism can hold you back, whereas learning from mistakes can help you improve.
Change the “All or Nothing” Thinking: Perfectionists often think in extremes (e.g., “I must do this perfectly, or I’ve failed”). Try to adopt a more balanced mindset where progress and effort are valued.

3. Set Realistic Goals

Break tasks into smaller, manageable steps and set realistic, achievable goals instead of aiming for unattainable perfection.
Focus on completing a task well rather than obsessing over every detail.

4. Challenge Perfectionist Thoughts

When you catch yourself thinking something needs to be perfect, ask yourself, “What’s the worst that could happen if it’s not perfect?” Often, the consequences are less severe than you think.
Reframe negative self-talk into more constructive thoughts.

5. Practice Self-Compassion

Be kind to yourself, especially when you don’t meet your own high standards. Recognize that everyone has strengths and weaknesses.
Allow yourself to make mistakes and learn from them rather than criticizing yourself.

6. Limit the Time Spent on Tasks

Set a time limit for tasks to prevent overthinking or spending too much time trying to perfect something. This helps you focus on completion rather than perfection.
Try to commit to the “good enough” standard for tasks, and move on once you’ve met your objectives.

7. Focus on the Process, Not Just the Outcome

Enjoy the process of doing something rather than just focusing on the final result. This can help reduce the pressure to achieve perfection.

8. Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection

Acknowledge your efforts and improvements, even if they are not perfect. Celebrate small wins along the way.

9. Seek Support

Sometimes, perfectionism can be linked to underlying anxiety or stress. Talking to a therapist or counselor can help you work through perfectionistic tendencies.
Discuss your struggles with trusted friends or family, who can offer encouragement and help you gain perspective.

10. Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness helps you stay present and focus on the task at hand, reducing the need to overanalyze every detail.
Techniques like meditation or deep breathing can also help calm the inner critic that fuels perfectionism.

Remember, overcoming perfectionism takes time, and progress might be gradual. Patience with yourself and a commitment to change will help you shift toward a healthier, more balanced approach to life and work.

Shervan K Shahhian

How can Mental Health professionals help Overwhelmed Individuals:

How can Mental Health professionals help Overwhelmed Individuals:

Mental health professionals play a crucial role in supporting individuals who feel overwhelmed by providing effective strategies, guidance, and emotional support.

Here are some ways they can help:

Assessment and Diagnosis:

They can assess the individual’s emotional and mental state to identify underlying issues like anxiety, depression, burnout, or trauma that may contribute to their feeling of being overwhelmed.
Understanding the root cause allows the professional to tailor interventions effectively.

Therapeutic Techniques:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This helps individuals identify negative thought patterns that exacerbate feelings of being overwhelmed and work on replacing them with more positive, realistic thinking.
Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: These strategies, like meditation, breathing exercises, and grounding techniques, help manage stress and anxiety.
Stress Management Techniques: Mental health professionals can teach ways to reduce and manage stress, such as time management, prioritization, and setting boundaries.

Emotional Support:

Listening without judgment allows individuals to express their feelings openly. Just talking through their overwhelming emotions can help them feel understood and less isolated.
Validation of their feelings is key to helping them feel supported.

Building Coping Skills:

Mental health professionals can teach coping mechanisms that enhance resilience. These could be behavioral skills or emotional regulation strategies that help people handle difficult situations better.

Goal Setting and Problem Solving:

Professionals can assist clients in breaking down complex problems or tasks into smaller, manageable steps, thus reducing the sense of being overwhelmed.
Setting achievable short-term goals can help restore a sense of control and accomplishment.

Self-Care Strategies:

Encouraging individuals to prioritize their physical and mental well-being through healthy routines, exercise, proper sleep, and nutrition can improve their ability to handle stress.

Providing Resources and Referrals:

Mental health professionals can connect individuals with support groups, crisis intervention services, or even other specialists if the individual requires more comprehensive support, such as medication or long-term care.

Promoting Healthy Relationships:

Often, feelings of being overwhelmed are linked to relationship issues. A mental health professional can guide individuals in setting boundaries, improving communication, and building healthier relationships that alleviate stress.

Psychotherapy for Underlying Trauma:

If past trauma contributes to the overwhelming feelings, trauma-focused therapies, such as EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) or trauma-focused CBT, can help process and reduce emotional distress.

By helping individuals understand their emotions, build coping strategies, and improve their overall mental health, professionals can empower them to regain balance and control over their lives.

Shervan K Shahhian

Parapsychology and Past Life Personalities:

Parapsychology and the Past Life Personalities:

Parapsychology is the study of phenomena that are considered outside the scope of normal scientific understanding, often referred to as psychic or paranormal phenomena. One area of parapsychology that overlaps with spiritual and metaphysical beliefs is the exploration of past life personalities, which suggests that individuals may have lived previous lives before their current incarnation.

Past Life Personalities
The idea of past lives, or reincarnation, is not exclusive to parapsychology. Many religions, particularly in Eastern traditions like Hinduism and Buddhism, embrace the concept that individuals can be reborn into new lives. In Western thought, past-life regression and belief in reincarnation are more controversial but have gained interest in the context of therapeutic and spiritual practices.

The key concept in the parapsychological exploration of past lives is the possibility that a person’s current identity may be connected to memories, behaviors, or experiences from previous lives. These ideas are often explored through:

Past Life Regression Hypnosis: This is a therapeutic technique where individuals are guided under hypnosis to access memories from supposed past lives. Some claim to recall vivid experiences, people, locations, and emotions from former existences, leading to the belief that they are tapping into memories from other lifetimes.

Childhood Memories: Some parapsychologists and researchers investigate cases where children seem to recall detailed memories of previous lives. These memories may include names, places, and other specific facts that are later verified.

Reincarnation Research: Researchers like Ian Stevenson and Jim B. Tucker have investigated cases of children who claimed to remember past lives. Stevenson, for example, documented thousands of cases where children seemed to recall specific details of previous lives that could be verified.

Mechanisms and Theories
Various theories are proposed to explain these phenomena:

Reincarnation: The belief that the soul or consciousness is reborn into a new body after death, carrying memories or traits from a previous life.
Cellular Memory: Some proponents believe that memories or experiences from past lives may be stored in the body, particularly in the cells or brain, and can emerge under certain conditions, such as hypnosis or deep meditation.
Collective Memory: This theory posits that memories of past lives could be part of a collective unconscious, shared by all humans, as suggested by Carl Jung. These memories may surface in certain individuals due to spiritual or psychological conditions.
Criticism and Skepticism
Despite the interest in past-life personalities and reincarnation, parapsychology remains a highly controversial field. Critics argue that past-life memories could be the result of cognitive biases, imagination, or the brain’s ability to create false memories. Skeptics also point to the lack of empirical evidence supporting the existence of past lives or reincarnation.

Parapsychology’s Role
Within parapsychology, the study of past lives is often intertwined with other phenomena, such as:

Near-Death Experiences (NDEs): Some people who have had near-death experiences report encountering past-life memories or visions of previous incarnations during their journeys.
Psychic Abilities: Certain individuals, through psychic practices or meditation, claim to access past life information via extrasensory perception (ESP).
The exploration of past life personalities in parapsychology is therefore both a psychological and metaphysical investigation, often blending spiritual, anecdotal, and experiential evidence with more formal methods of research.

In sum, parapsychology and the exploration of past life personalities offer fascinating, though controversial, areas of inquiry into the nature of the self, consciousness, and life after death. It raises significant questions about identity, memory, and the possibility of life beyond the physical body.

Shervan K Shahhian

Parapsychology and the purpose of Reincarnation:

Parapsychology and the purpose of Reincarnation:

Parapsychology is the study of phenomena that lie beyond the scope of traditional scientific understanding, often dealing with experiences or abilities that are considered paranormal. This includes phenomena such as telepathy, psychokinesis, near-death experiences, and, notably, reincarnation.

Reincarnation is the belief or philosophical concept that after death, the soul or consciousness of a being is reborn into a new body. This idea is found in various religious and spiritual traditions, such as Hinduism, Buddhism, and certain New Age beliefs.

In parapsychology, reincarnation is often explored through cases of past-life memories, which sometimes appear in children who claim to have lived before. Researchers like Dr. Ian Stevenson, a professor of psychiatry at the University of Virginia, have documented thousands of such cases, often noting verifiable details about the past lives these children claim to remember.

The purpose of reincarnation, according to various spiritual teachings, can vary but often focuses on the soul’s growth, learning, and evolution. Some interpretations suggest that reincarnation is a means by which the soul works through unresolved karma, learns from experiences, and continues to grow toward enlightenment or a higher state of consciousness. It is believed that each life provides the opportunity to resolve unfinished business from past lives, improve one’s character, and develop spiritually.

In some philosophical systems, reincarnation is seen as a cyclical process that continues until the soul achieves a state of perfection or enlightenment, at which point it may transcend the cycle of rebirth and merge with a higher spiritual reality (as seen in Hinduism and Buddhism).

For others, reincarnation is a mechanism for experiencing multiple aspects of existence — learning from diverse life experiences, relationships, and challenges — ultimately leading to greater understanding and wisdom.

Though reincarnation is often approached through religious or spiritual lenses, parapsychologists investigate whether there is scientific evidence or explanations for past-life memories, reincarnation phenomena, and their potential purpose.

Shervan K Shahhian

Parapsychology and Xenoglossy:

Parapsychology and Xenoglossy:

Parapsychology is the study of paranormal phenomena, typically involving aspects of human experience that go beyond the scope of traditional psychology and the physical sciences. This field examines occurrences that are often considered supernatural, such as telepathy, psychokinesis (mind-over-matter), near-death experiences, and other phenomena that cannot easily be explained by conventional scientific methods.

Xenoglossy is a specific phenomenon studied within parapsychology, where an individual is able to speak or understand a language that they have never learned or been exposed to. This may occur during a state of altered consciousness, such as in deep hypnosis or during a so-called past-life regression. There are two types of xenoglossy:

Receptive xenoglossy: This involves understanding or comprehending a language that the individual has never been exposed to.
Productive xenoglossy: This involves the ability to speak or write in a language the person has not learned.

The phenomenon is controversial and has been reported in various anecdotal cases, but there is no scientific consensus that supports the existence of xenoglossy, as it challenges conventional ideas of how language acquisition works. Critics argue that the cases could be due to the power of suggestion, unconscious memory, or other psychological factors, rather than evidence of paranormal phenomena.

Both parapsychology and xenoglossy are highly debated subjects, with critics questioning the validity of the claims and proponents continuing to explore these mysterious occurrences.

Shervan K Shahhian

Deep Trauma, what is it, and how to manage it:

Deep Trauma, what is it, and how to manage it:

Deep trauma refers to severe emotional, psychological, or physical harm that leaves a lasting impact on an individual’s mental health and overall well-being. It is often the result of overwhelming or life-threatening experiences that disrupt a person’s sense of safety, stability, or self-worth. Deep trauma can stem from events like abuse, neglect, accidents, loss of a loved one, war, or natural disasters. It often manifests in conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), complex PTSD (C-PTSD), anxiety, depression, or dissociation.

Characteristics of Deep Trauma

Emotional Distress: Persistent feelings of sadness, fear, anger, or numbness.
Intrusive Thoughts: Flashbacks, nightmares, or recurrent memories of the traumatic event.
Avoidance: Avoiding places, people, or activities that remind the individual of the trauma.
Hyperarousal: Increased vigilance, irritability, or difficulty relaxing.
Identity and Relationship Issues: Difficulty trusting others, low self-esteem, or challenges in forming healthy relationships.

Managing Deep Trauma

Managing deep trauma involves a combination of strategies and professional interventions tailored to the individual’s needs. Here are some approaches:

1. Professional Therapy

Trauma-Focused Therapy: Techniques like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), or somatic therapy are commonly used.
Psychodynamic Therapy: Helps uncover and address underlying issues related to the trauma.
Group Therapy: Provides support from others who have experienced similar challenges.

2. Self-Care Practices

Mindfulness and Relaxation: Practices like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises can help regulate emotions.
Healthy Lifestyle: Adequate sleep, balanced nutrition, and regular physical activity support mental health.
Journaling: Writing about thoughts and feelings can provide emotional release and clarity.

3. Building a Support System

Trusted Relationships: Lean on friends, family, or support groups for emotional backing.
Community Support: Engaging with supportive communities can reduce feelings of isolation.

4. Learning Coping Skills

Grounding Techniques: These help bring focus back to the present moment during times of distress.
Stress Management: Identifying triggers and developing coping strategies to address them.

5. Medication

In some cases, medications like antidepressants or anti-anxiety drugs may be prescribed to manage symptoms. Always consult a healthcare provider.

6. Alternative Therapies

Activities like art therapy, music therapy, or equine-assisted therapy can offer creative outlets for healing.

Long-Term Healing

Healing from deep trauma is often a gradual process. It requires patience, commitment, and the willingness to confront and process difficult emotions. Progress might come in stages, and setbacks are normal. The key is to remain consistent in seeking support and employing effective strategies.

If you or someone you know is struggling with deep trauma, seeking help from a mental health professional is crucial. They can provide personalized guidance and a safe space for healing.

Shervan K Shahhian

The benefits of Group Coaching in Mental Health:

The benefits of Group Coaching in Mental Health:

Group coaching in mental health settings offers a variety of benefits for participants and facilitators.

These benefits stem from the unique dynamics of group interactions and the supportive environment they create. Here are some key advantages:

Shared Experiences and Normalization
Sense of Community: Group coaching fosters a sense of belonging as participants realize they are not alone in their challenges.
Normalization: Hearing others share similar struggles helps individuals feel understood and reduces feelings of isolation or stigma.

2. Cost-Effectiveness
Group sessions are often more affordable than one-on-one coaching, making mental health support accessible to more individuals.

3. Peer Support and Feedback
Participants benefit from diverse perspectives and insights shared by others in the group.
Peer support can inspire hope and motivate individuals to take action.

4. Skill Development in a Safe Environment
Group coaching provides a space to practice communication, social, and coping skills in real-time with others.
Facilitators can guide participants through exercises and discussions, helping them apply learned skills in their daily lives.

5. Enhanced Accountability and Motivation
Groups provide built-in accountability through shared goals and regular check-ins.
Witnessing others’ progress can encourage participants to stay committed to their own goals.

6. Empowerment Through Collective Wisdom
Participants draw on the collective knowledge and experiences of the group, which can lead to creative problem-solving and personal growth.
Sharing successes reinforces a sense of achievement and empowerment for both the individual and the group.

7. Therapeutic Effects of Giving
Contributing advice, support, or encouragement to others can be empowering and therapeutic for participants.

8. Diverse Perspectives
The variety of backgrounds and experiences in a group enriches discussions and widens understanding of mental health issues.

9. Structured yet Flexible Approach
Group coaching often follows a structured curriculum or framework, while allowing room for individual and group needs to guide discussions.

10. Efficiency for Coaches
Coaches can work with multiple clients simultaneously, maximizing their impact and time.

11. Adaptable to Various Needs
Group coaching can address a wide range of mental health topics, such as stress management, resilience building, or improving self-esteem.
Examples of Group Coaching Applications in Mental Health:
Mindfulness and Stress Reduction Groups: Teaching participants mindfulness techniques in a collaborative setting.
Resilience and Coping Skills: Helping individuals develop tools to manage anxiety, depression, or other challenges.
Behavioral Health Groups: Focused coaching for individuals with shared goals, such as weight management or addiction recovery.
Group coaching can be a powerful complement to individual therapy or coaching, offering unique benefits derived from group dynamics and shared human connection.

Shervan K Shahhian

Media Psychology, a great explanation:

Media Psychology, a great explanation:

Media Psychology is the branch of psychology that focuses on understanding how people interact with media and technology, and how these interactions affect their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It bridges the gap between traditional psychological principles and the evolving world of media, including television, film, video games, social media, and virtual reality.

Key Areas of Media Psychology:

Cognitive Effects: Examining how media content influences attention, memory, decision-making, and learning processes. For instance, how does binge-watching a series affect cognitive functioning?

Emotional Impact: Studying the ways media triggers emotional responses, from joy and excitement to fear and anxiety. An example would be how suspense in movies generates physiological arousal.

Social Influence: Investigating how media shapes social behaviors, attitudes, and norms. This includes the role of influencers, online communities, and media campaigns in changing societal perspectives.

Identity and Self-Perception: Exploring how media affects self-esteem, body image, and personal identity, especially in the context of social media, where curated images and lifestyles are often on display.

Media Usage Patterns: Analyzing consumption habits, such as screen time, multitasking, and preferences for different types of content. Researchers look at how these habits affect daily life and productivity.

Persuasion and Advertising: Understanding how media is used to persuade, whether through commercials, political campaigns, or branded content. Media psychologists study what makes messages effective and how they influence consumer behavior.

Technology Interaction: Investigating human interaction with new technologies like artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and augmented reality. This includes how immersive experiences can influence behavior and learning.

Developmental Aspects: Considering how different age groups, from children to the elderly, engage with media and the unique psychological effects on each demographic.

Practical Applications:

Entertainment: Designing engaging and emotionally resonant content for films, TV, and video games.
Education: Creating media-based learning tools that enhance understanding and retention.
Health and Well-being: Developing interventions, such as apps or campaigns, to promote mental health and positive behaviors.
Marketing and Communication: Crafting persuasive messages to influence consumer attitudes and behaviors.

Media Psychology emphasizes both the positive and negative effects of media, aiming to maximize its benefits while mitigating potential harms. It’s a dynamic and evolving field, adapting alongside rapid technological advancements.

Shervan K Shahhian