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.

Short-term Counseling, why:

Short-term counseling (also called brief therapy) is used because it helps clients address specific issues efficiently, often within a limited time frame. It focuses on creating meaningful change without the need for long-term treatment.

Here are the main reasons why short-term counseling is valuable:

Goal-Focused

It targets a specific problem — such as stress, grief, or a relationship conflict — rather than exploring the entire life history.
The counselor and client identify clear, realistic goals early on.
Time-Efficient

Usually lasts from 6 to 12 sessions, making it practical for clients with limited time or resources.
Useful in settings like schools, community clinics, or workplaces.
Empowers Clients Quickly

Encourages clients to develop coping strategies and practical tools they can apply right away.
Builds self-efficacy by showing that progress is possible within a short period.
Cost-Effective

Requires fewer sessions, reducing the financial burden of therapy.
Evidence-Based Success

Research shows brief interventions (like CBT-based short-term models) can be just as effective as long-term therapy for specific issues such as anxiety, depression, and adjustment problems.
Prevents Problem Escalation

Early, focused counseling can stop small issues from becoming major psychological or behavioral disorders — making it preventive as well as therapeutic.
There are several models of short-term counseling, each with its own focus and method, but all share the goal of producing meaningful change in a limited time. Here are the main models:

Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)
Key idea: Focus on solutions, not problems.
Goal: Help clients identify what’s already working and build on their strengths.
Techniques:
“Miracle question” (“If the problem disappeared overnight, what would be different?”)
Scaling questions (rating progress or motivation from 0–10)
Highlighting exceptions (times when the problem was less severe)
Typical length: 4–8 sessions.
Best for: Goal-setting, motivation, and problem-solving.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (Brief CBT)
Key idea: Thoughts affect feelings and behavior — change the thought, change the outcome.
Goal: Identify distorted thinking and replace it with balanced, realistic thoughts.
Techniques:
Thought records
Behavioral experiments
Cognitive restructuring
Typical length: 6–12 sessions.
Best for: Anxiety, depression, stress, and coping skills.
Brief Psychodynamic Therapy
Key idea: Explore unconscious patterns, early experiences, and emotional conflicts — but in a focused, time-limited way.
Goal: Gain insight into recurring emotional themes that shape current behavior.
Techniques:
Focus on a single “core conflictual theme”
Exploring defense mechanisms and relational patterns
Typical length: 12–20 sessions.
Best for: Interpersonal issues and emotional insight.
Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT — Brief Model)
Key idea: Emotional distress is often linked to current relationship problems.
Goal: Improve communication and resolve interpersonal conflicts or role transitions.
Techniques:
Clarifying emotional needs in relationships
Improving social support and communication
Typical length: 12–16 sessions.
Best for: Depression, grief, and life transitions.
Motivational Interviewing (MI)
Key idea: People are more likely to change when they find their own motivation.
Goal: Strengthen a person’s internal motivation and commitment to change.
Techniques:
Open-ended questions
Reflective listening
Exploring ambivalence
Typical length: 1–6 sessions.
Best for: Substance use, health behavior change, and ambivalence about goals.
Crisis Intervention Model
Key idea: Provide immediate support and stabilization during an acute crisis.
Goal: Restore equilibrium and prevent lasting psychological harm.
Techniques:
Rapid assessment of risk and needs
Emotional support and problem-solving
Safety planning and connection to ongoing help
Typical length: 1–3 sessions.
Best for: Trauma, loss, or sudden life events.
Shervan K Shahhian

Catatonic, explained:

A catatonic episode is a medical emergency because of risks like dehydration, malnutrition, or self-harm.

See a Psychiatrist and or a Neurologist for more information.

Catatonia (or being catatonic) is a psychomotor syndrome — meaning it involves a disruption of movement and behavior that arises from a psychiatric, neurological, or medical condition. It’s not a disorder by itself but a state that can occur in various conditions such as schizophrenia, mood disorders (especially bipolar disorder and major depression), or medical/neurological illnesses.

Here’s a breakdown to help you understand it clearly:

What Catatonia Is
Catatonia is a state of psychomotor disturbance characterized by abnormal movements, behaviors, or postures. A person in a catatonic state may appear frozen, unresponsive, or oddly repetitive in their actions.

⚙️ Common Symptoms (You Only Need 3 for Diagnosis)
According to the DSM-5, catatonia is diagnosed when three or more of the following symptoms are present:

Stupor — No psychomotor activity; not actively relating to the environment.

Catalepsy — Passive holding of a posture against gravity (e.g., arm remains raised when lifted).

Waxy flexibility — The person’s limbs stay in whatever position someone else places them.

Mutism — Little or no verbal response.

Negativism — Resistance to instructions or attempts to be moved.

Posturing — Voluntary assumption of bizarre or inappropriate postures.

Mannerisms — Odd, exaggerated actions of normal behavior.

Stereotypy — Repetitive, non-goal-directed movements (e.g., rocking, hand flapping).

Agitation — Excessive movement not influenced by external stimuli.

Grimacing — Strange facial expressions.

Echolalia — Mimicking another’s speech.

Echopraxia — Mimicking another’s movements.

🩺 Causes and Associated Conditions
Catatonia can occur with:

Schizophrenia (especially catatonic type)

Bipolar disorder (especially manic or mixed episodes)

Major depressive disorder

Neurological or medical conditions (e.g., encephalitis, metabolic disorders)

Substance use or withdrawal

Treatment
Catatonia is a medical emergency if severe (especially if the person stops eating or drinking).

Common treatments include:

A catatonic episode is a medical emergency because of risks like dehydration, malnutrition, or self-harm.

See a Psychiatrist and or a Neurologist for more information.

Treating the underlying condition (psychiatric or medical cause).

Example
A person with bipolar disorder may suddenly stop speaking, stay in one position for hours, and resist movement. Despite appearing “frozen,” they may still be aware of their surroundings — this is a catatonic episode.

Shervan K Shahhian

Main Catatonic Symptoms, explained:

A catatonic episode is a medical emergency because of risks like dehydration, malnutrition, or self-harm.

See a Psychiatrist and or a Neurologist for more information.

The main catatonic symptoms are grouped under three broad categories — motor, behavioral, and speech abnormalities. According to the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition), at least three of the following symptoms are required for a diagnosis of catatonia:

Core Catatonic Symptoms

Stupor, No psychomotor activity; not actively relating to the environment.

Catalepsy, Passive induction of a posture held against gravity (e.g., maintaining an uncomfortable pose).

Waxy flexibility, Slight, even resistance to positioning by the examiner (as if the body were made of wax).

Mutism, Little or no verbal response (not due to aphasia).

Negativism, Opposition or no response to instructions or external stimuli.

Posturing, Spontaneous maintenance of a posture against gravity (e.g., holding arms outstretched).

Mannerisms, Odd, circumstantial caricatures of normal actions.

Stereotypy, Repetitive, non-goal-directed movements (e.g., rocking, hand flapping).

Agitation, Excessive motor activity not influenced by external stimuli.

Grimacing, Fixed or exaggerated facial expressions.

Echolalia, Mimicking another’s speech.

Echopraxia, Mimicking another’s movements.

Simplified Summary

Motor immobility or rigidity (stupor, catalepsy, waxy flexibility)
Decreased verbal/motor response (mutism, negativism)
Repetitive or purposeless behaviors (stereotypy, mannerisms, echolalia, echopraxia)
Agitation or excitement (when catatonia appears as excessive, purposeless activity.)
Shervan K Shahhian

Differentiate Catatonic Symptoms, explained:

A catatonic episode is a medical emergency because of risks like dehydration, malnutrition, or self-harm.

See a Psychiatrist and or a Neurologist for more information.

Catatonic symptoms refer to a group of psychomotor disturbances seen in various mental and medical conditions (most often in schizophrenia, mood disorders, or neurological conditions). These symptoms can range from severe motor immobility to excessive agitation and bizarre movements.

Here’s a breakdown of the main catatonic symptoms and how they differ:

1. Motor Immobility (Stupor)

Definition: Complete lack of movement or response to external stimuli.
Example: A person remains motionless for hours, doesn’t react to being touched or spoken to.
Differentiation: Unlike depression-related slowing, in catatonia the immobility is extreme and may include rigidity.

2. Mutism

Definition: Little or no verbal response despite the ability to speak.
Example: The person is awake but silent, even when directly addressed.
Differentiation: Not due to language comprehension deficits or refusal—it’s a motor inhibition of speech.

3. Negativism

Definition: Resistance to instructions or attempts to be moved, or doing the opposite of what is asked.
Example: When asked to raise their arm, the person resists or lowers it instead.
Differentiation: Different from oppositional behavior; this resistance is automatic, not purposeful.

4. Posturing

Definition: Voluntarily holding a bizarre or rigid posture for long periods.
Example: Standing with arms raised or body twisted in an unnatural position for minutes or hours.
Differentiation: Maintained despite discomfort and without external cause.

5. Waxy Flexibility

Definition: Limbs remain in positions placed by another person, as if the body were made of wax.
Example: If you lift the person’s arm, it stays in that position until moved again.
Differentiation: A key sign of catatonia, showing passive maintenance of imposed posture.

6. Echolalia

Definition: Repeating another person’s words or phrases.
Example: When you say “How are you?” the person responds, “How are you?”
Differentiation: Not purposeful mimicry; it’s automatic repetition.

7. Echopraxia

Definition: Imitating another person’s movements.
Example: If you scratch your head, the patient mimics the movement.
Differentiation: Unlike playful imitation, it’s involuntary and repetitive.

8. Catatonic Excitement

Definition: Extreme, purposeless motor activity; agitation without clear goal.
Example: Running around, grimacing, shouting, or repetitive gestures.
Differentiation: Not driven by external stimuli or internal goals (unlike mania).

9. Stereotypy and Mannerisms

Stereotypy: Repetitive, non-goal-directed movements (e.g., rocking, finger tapping).
Mannerisms: Odd, exaggerated movements with apparent purpose (e.g., saluting repeatedly).
Differentiation: Both differ from tics or compulsions because they lack awareness or intent.

Summary Table

Category	Example Symptom	Key Feature
Decreased Motor Activity	Stupor, Mutism, Waxy Flexibility	Stillness, lack of response
Increased Motor Activity	Catatonic Excitement	Agitated, purposeless movement
Abnormal Motor Behavior	Posturing, Echolalia, Echopraxia	Odd or repetitive movements/speech
Negativistic Behavior	Negativism	Opposition to movement/instruction

Shervan K Shahhian

Catatonic episode, explained:

A catatonic episode is a medical emergency because of risks like dehydration, malnutrition, or self-harm.

See a Psychiatrist and or a Neurologist for more information.

A catatonic episode is a period of time in which a person shows abnormalities in movement, behavior, or speech that are characteristic of catatonia — a psychomotor syndrome that can appear in several mental or medical conditions (like schizophrenia, mood disorders, or neurological illness).

During a catatonic episode, a person may alternate between extreme immobility and agitation, or show peculiar postures, resistance to movement, or echoing behaviors.

Common Features of a Catatonic Episode

A person may show one or more of the following:

Stupor: Little or no movement or response to the environment
Mutism: Minimal or absent speech
Negativism: Resistance to instructions or movement without explanation
Posturing: Holding a rigid or unusual body position for long periods
Waxy flexibility: Limbs stay in the position they’re placed by someone else
Echolalia: Repeating others’ words
Echopraxia: Imitating others’ movements
Agitation: Sudden bursts of purposeless activity
Grimacing or stereotypy: Repetitive, non-goal-directed facial expressions or movements

Causes

Catatonic episodes can occur in:

Schizophrenia (catatonic type)
Bipolar disorder or major depression with psychotic features
Medical or neurological conditions (e.g., infections, metabolic disorders)See a Psychiatrist and or a Neurologist for more information.
Substance use or withdrawal

Treatment

A catatonic episode is a medical emergency because of risks like dehydration, malnutrition, or self-harm.

Treatment may include:

See a Psychiatrist and or a Neurologist for more information.

Treating the underlying condition (psychiatric or medical)

Shervan K Shahhian

Catatonic, explained:

Catatonia is a medical emergency if severe (especially if the person stops eating or drinking).

Catatonia (or being catatonic) is a psychomotor syndrome — meaning it involves a disruption of movement and behavior that arises from a psychiatric, neurological, or medical condition. It’s not a disorder by itself but a state that can occur in various conditions such as schizophrenia, mood disorders (especially bipolar disorder and major depression), or medical/neurological illnesses.

Here’s a breakdown to help you understand it clearly:

What Catatonia Is

See a Psychiatrist and or a Neurologist for more information.

Catatonia is a state of psychomotor disturbance characterized by abnormal movements, behaviors, or postures. A person in a catatonic state may appear frozen, unresponsive, or oddly repetitive in their actions.

Common Symptoms (You Only Need 3 for Diagnosis)

According to the DSM-5, catatonia is diagnosed when three or more of the following symptoms are present:

Stupor — No psychomotor activity; not actively relating to the environment.

Catalepsy — Passive holding of a posture against gravity (e.g., arm remains raised when lifted).

Waxy flexibility — The person’s limbs stay in whatever position someone else places them.

Mutism — Little or no verbal response.

Negativism — Resistance to instructions or attempts to be moved.

Posturing — Voluntary assumption of bizarre or inappropriate postures.

Mannerisms — Odd, exaggerated actions of normal behavior.

Stereotypy — Repetitive, non-goal-directed movements (e.g., rocking, hand flapping).

Agitation — Excessive movement not influenced by external stimuli.

Grimacing — Strange facial expressions.

Echolalia — Mimicking another’s speech.

Echopraxia — Mimicking another’s movements.

Causes and Associated Conditions

See a Psychiatrist and or a Neurologist for more information.

Catatonia can occur with:

Schizophrenia (especially catatonic type)
Bipolar disorder (especially manic or mixed episodes)
Major depressive disorder
Neurological or medical conditions (e.g., encephalitis, metabolic disorders)
Substance use or withdrawal

Treatment

Catatonia is a medical emergency if severe (especially if the person stops eating or drinking).

Common treatments include:

See a Psychiatrist and or a Neurologist for more information.

Treating the underlying condition (psychiatric or medical cause).

Example

A person with bipolar disorder may suddenly stop speaking, stay in one position for hours, and resist movement. Despite appearing “frozen,” they may still be aware of their surroundings, this is a catatonic episode.

Shervan K Shahhian

Catatonia, explained:

See a Psychiatrist and or a Neurologist for more information.

Catatonia is a neuropsychiatric syndrome that affects a person’s movement, behavior, and responsiveness. It can occur in various mental and medical conditions — most commonly in mood disorders (like bipolar disorder or major depression) and schizophrenia, but also due to neurological or medical causes (such as infections, metabolic problems, or drug reactions).

Core Features

Catatonia is characterized by a cluster of psychomotor signs — meaning abnormal or absent movement and speech patterns. According to the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders), catatonia is diagnosed when three or more of the following symptoms are present:

Stupor: No psychomotor activity; not actively relating to the environment.
Catalepsy: Passive induction of a posture held against gravity (e.g., holding an unusual position for long periods).
Waxy flexibility: Slight, even resistance to positioning by the examiner, as if the body were made of wax.
Mutism: Little or no verbal response.
Negativism: Opposition or no response to instructions or external stimuli.
Posturing: Spontaneous maintenance of posture against gravity.
Mannerisms: Odd, exaggerated actions that seem purposeful.
Stereotypy: Repetitive, non-goal-directed movements (e.g., rocking, hand-flapping).
Agitation: Not influenced by external stimuli.
Grimacing: Fixed or inappropriate facial expressions.
Echolalia: Mimicking another’s speech.
Echopraxia: Mimicking another’s movements.

Types of Catatonia

Retarded (Stuporous) Catatonia:
The person is immobile, mute, and unresponsive, often appearing frozen or statue-like.
Excited Catatonia:
Marked by excessive, purposeless movement, agitation, and sometimes aggression.
Malignant Catatonia:
A severe, life-threatening form with autonomic instability (fever, high blood pressure, rapid heart rate) that requires emergency medical care.

Causes and Associated Conditions

Catatonia isn’t a diagnosis by itself—it’s a syndrome that can appear in:

Mood disorders (especially bipolar disorder)
Schizophrenia
Autism spectrum disorder
Medical or neurological illnesses (e.g., encephalitis, epilepsy, lupus)See a Psychiatrist and or a Neurologist for more information.
Substance withdrawal or intoxication

Treatment

See a Psychiatrist and or a Neurologist for more information.

Catatonia could be treatable, maybe when it is recognized early?

Clinical Importance

Catatonia may appear puzzling or dramatic, but it’s a reversible condition when identified early. Left untreated, it can lead to dehydration, malnutrition, or even death (especially in malignant catatonia).

Shervan K Shahhian

Understanding different types of Catatonia:

Catatonia is a medical emergency if severe (especially if the person stops eating or drinking).

See a Psychiatrist and or a Neurologist for more information.

Catatonia isn’t just one single state, it’s a syndrome with several forms that can appear in different psychiatric, neurological, or medical conditions.

Here are the main types of catatonia, based on presentation and underlying features:

1. Retarded (Stuporous) Catatonia

This is the most common type and involves decreased movement and responsiveness.
Key features:

Mutism (not speaking)
Stupor (immobile, unresponsive but awake)
Waxy flexibility (limbs stay in positions placed by others)
Negativism (resistance to movement or instruction)
Posturing (holding odd positions for long periods)
Echolalia or echopraxia (repeating words or movements)

Often seen in major depression, schizophrenia, or medical illnesses (e.g., encephalitis, metabolic disorders).

2. Excited (Agitated) Catatonia

Characterized by excessive, purposeless, or frenzied motor activity.
Key features:

Hyperactivity or agitation
Verbigeration (repetition of meaningless words/phrases)
Impulsivity or combativeness
Stereotyped movements (repetitive gestures)
Sudden emotional outbursts

This type can rapidly switch between agitation and stupor and may be seen in mania, psychotic states, or toxic/metabolic conditions.

3. Malignant (Lethal) Catatonia

A life-threatening form with autonomic instability.
Key features:

Fever
Delirium or confusion
Elevated blood pressure, pulse, and respiration
Rigidity
Rapid progression to stupor or coma

Closely resembles neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) and requires emergency treatment.

4. Periodic or Recurrent Catatonia

Episodes of catatonia that recur intermittently over months or years.
Often linked to mood disorders or genetic susceptibility.

5. Atypical or Mixed Catatonia

Patients show a combination of retarded and excited features or shift between them.
Sometimes seen in bipolar disorder or schizoaffective states.

Shervan K Shahhian

Pinpointing Problematic Behavior: a Practical Guide:

“Pinpointing Problematic Behavior: A Practical Guide”:

This guide is designed to help professionals, educators, leaders, and therapists recognize and understand behaviors that interfere with growth, relationships, or productivity. Problematic behaviors often show up subtly at first - through avoidance, resistance, aggression, or withdrawal - but if left unaddressed, they can escalate and create greater challenges.

Why it matters:

Identifying problematic behaviors early allows for timely intervention.
Understanding the underlying causes (stress, trauma, unmet needs, or environmental triggers) prevents mislabeling or overreacting.
Precise identification guides effective solutions, whether in therapy, education, or workplace leadership.

What the guide offers:
Observation Strategies - Practical steps for noticing patterns without bias.
Behavioral Context - Tools for distinguishing between situational reactions and persistent problems.
Checklists & Frameworks - Therapist- and leader-friendly methods to quickly assess behavior.
Root Cause Exploration - How to look beyond the surface to the psychological, emotional, or environmental drivers.
Intervention Pathways - Evidence-based approaches for responding in ways that de-escalate conflict and promote change.

Practical Use:
For therapists: A structured way to map out behaviors interfering with treatment progress.
For educators: Quick recognition of learning-related or disruptive behaviors in classrooms.
For workplace leaders: Identifying conduct that undermines collaboration and performance.

Here’s a general-purpose explanation of Pinpointing Problematic Behavior: A Practical Guide that works for everyday readers:

Pinpointing Problematic Behavior: A Practical Guide

Problematic behavior can show up in many areas of life - at home, school, work, or in personal relationships. It might look like constant arguing, avoidance of responsibilities, withdrawal, excessive criticism, or patterns of conflict that keep repeating. Left unchecked, these behaviors can damage trust, lower performance, or create unnecessary stress.

What this guide is about:
This practical guide is designed to help people clearly recognize behaviors that are getting in the way of positive growth, healthy communication, and smooth daily life. The goal is not to label or blame but to understand what’s really happening and how to respond constructively.

Key elements of the guide:
Spotting Patterns - Learning how to notice recurring behaviors rather than isolated mistakes.
Understanding Context - Asking why the behavior shows up: is it stress, miscommunication, unmet needs, or something deeper?
Separating the Person from the Behavior - Recognizing that behavior can be changed without attacking someone’s character.
Practical Tools - Simple checklists and questions to help pinpoint the behavior quickly and accurately.
Steps Toward Solutions - Offering strategies for addressing the behavior in ways that encourage cooperation, growth, and mutual respect.

Why it matters:
When we can pinpoint problematic behavior early and clearly, we can:
Prevent small issues from becoming bigger conflicts.
Improve communication and relationships.
Create healthier environments at home, school, and work.
Support personal growth and self-awareness.

Shervan K Shahhian

What is a Manic Episode:

A manic episode is a distinct period of abnormally and persistently elevated, expansive, or irritable mood accompanied by increased energy or activity. In psychiatry, it’s most often associated with Bipolar I Disorder, but it can also occur due to substances, medical conditions, or other mood disorders.

Here’s a clear breakdown:

Core Features of a Manic Episode

Duration: At least 1 week (or any duration if hospitalization is required).
Mood: Abnormally elevated, expansive, or irritable.
Activity/Energy: Abnormally increased, goal-directed activity or energy.

Symptoms:

Inflated self-esteem or grandiosity
Decreased need for sleep (e.g., feels rested after 3 hours)
More talkative or pressured speech
Flight of ideas or racing thoughts
Easily distracted
Increase in goal-directed activities (work, social, sexual) or psychomotor agitation
Excessive involvement in risky activities (spending sprees, sexual indiscretions, reckless investments)

Severity

Severe enough to cause marked impairment in social/occupational functioning, require hospitalization, or involve psychotic features.
Not attributable to substances use/abuse or another medical conditions.

Shervan K Shahhian