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 Trance Medium’s:

Parapsychology and Trance Medium’s:

Parapsychology and trance mediums are intriguing topics often associated with the study of phenomena that are considered beyond the realm of conventional science.

Here’s an overview:

Parapsychology

Parapsychology is the study of paranormal phenomena, particularly those related to the mind and consciousness. It includes research into topics such as:

ESP (Extrasensory Perception):

Telepathy: Mind-to-mind communication.
Clairvoyance: Perception of distant or unseen objects/events.
Precognition: Awareness of future events.

Psychokinesis (PK): The ability to influence physical objects or events with the mind.

Survival Studies: Investigating phenomena that suggest consciousness might continue after death, including near-death experiences and reincarnation claims.

Anomalous Phenomena: Includes poltergeists, hauntings, and out-of-body experiences.

Parapsychology is often controversial, as many of its subjects challenge conventional scientific methodologies and materialist views of reality. Despite skepticism, some researchers pursue rigorous experimental designs to explore these phenomena.

Trance Mediums

Trance mediums are individuals who enter an altered state of consciousness (a “trance”) to communicate with spirits or other entities. Trance mediumship has been a central practice in spiritualism and other metaphysical traditions.

Types of Mediumship

Mental Mediumship: Communication occurs through thoughts, visions, or impressions.
Trance Mediumship: The medium allows a spirit to take control of their body to speak or write messages.
Physical Mediumship: Involves physical phenomena like levitation, materialization, or audible voices.

Process of Trance Mediumship

The medium enters a deep state of relaxation or altered consciousness, often through meditation or self-hypnosis.
In this state, they claim to connect with spirits or entities that communicate through them, using their voice, body, or written word.
Skeptics argue that the phenomena could be explained by subconscious processes, creativity, or fraud, while proponents assert it as evidence of a spiritual realm.

Intersection of Parapsychology and Trance Mediumship

Parapsychologists often study trance mediums to explore claims of communication with the dead or non-physical entities. Techniques include:

Recording and analyzing trance sessions for verifiable information.
Studying the brain activity of mediums during trance states using EEG or fMRI.
Comparing trance communication with historical or factual records.

Controversies and Criticism

Scientific Skepticism: Mainstream science generally regards parapsychology and mediumship as pseudoscience due to a lack of reproducible results.
Fraud: History includes cases of mediums using trickery to simulate paranormal abilities.
Philosophical Disputes: Differing beliefs about the nature of consciousness and reality influence acceptance or rejection of these phenomena.

Shervan K Shahhian

Parapsychology and Behavioral Signs of Reincarnation:

Parapsychology and Behavioral Signs of Reincarnation:

Parapsychology is a field of study that explores phenomena not easily explained by conventional science, such as extrasensory perception (ESP), psychokinesis, and reincarnation. The behavioral signs of reincarnation, often studied under parapsychology, involve patterns or traits in individuals — particularly children — that some researchers interpret as evidence of past-life memories.

Below are some notable signs and their interpretations:

Behavioral Signs of Reincarnation

Spontaneous Past-Life Memories

Young children, typically between ages 2–7, sometimes claim to remember events, places, or people from a previous life. These memories often fade as the child grows older.
The details provided can occasionally correspond to actual historical events or deceased individuals, even when the child seemingly had no access to such information.

Phobias or Unexplained Fears

Specific fears or phobias with no apparent cause in the individual’s current life are sometimes attributed to traumatic experiences in a past life.
For example, a child with an intense fear of water might describe drowning in a previous life.

Birthmarks or Physical Traits

Some researchers, like Dr. Ian Stevenson, have documented cases where individuals have birthmarks or physical traits resembling injuries or wounds from their alleged past lives.
These physical signs are believed to correspond with descriptions of how the person claims to have died in their previous life.

Unusual Talents or Skills

Some individuals exhibit advanced skills or knowledge in areas they have not studied, leading to speculation about carryover abilities from a prior life.
For instance, a child with no musical training might play an instrument proficiently.

Behavioral Patterns or Preferences

Strong preferences for certain cultures, cuisines, clothing, or activities not typical for their upbringing may suggest a connection to a prior life.
A child might express longing for a specific region or era they’ve never encountered.

Recognition of People or Places

Some individuals recognize strangers or distant places as familiar, claiming connections from a past life.
These claims are occasionally verified when the individual provides accurate details about these people or places.

Dreams or Nightmares

Vivid, recurring dreams of specific events, especially those involving death or trauma, are sometimes interpreted as past-life memories surfacing.

Parapsychological Research on Reincarnation

Researchers like Dr. Ian Stevenson, Dr. Jim Tucker, and others at institutions like the University of Virginia have extensively documented and studied cases of children claiming past-life memories.
Their work often involves corroborating the child’s statements with historical records or accounts.

Skeptical Interpretations

Skeptics argue that these phenomena may have alternative explanations, such as:

Cryptomnesia: Unconscious recall of forgotten information.
Fantasy Proneness: A vivid imagination leading to the creation of detailed but fictional memories.
Social or Cultural Influences: Parental cues or societal beliefs shaping a child’s narratives.

Shervan K Shahhian

How to Defeat Self-Doubt:

How to Defeat Self-Doubt:

Overcoming self-doubt is a journey that requires patience, self-compassion, and consistent effort.

Here are strategies to help you conquer self-doubt:

1. Identify the Source of Your Doubts

Reflect on what triggers your self-doubt. Is it past failures, criticism, perfectionism, or fear of judgment?
Understanding the root cause can help you address it directly.

2. Challenge Negative Thoughts

Recognize negative self-talk and question its validity.
Replace thoughts like “I’m not good enough” with “I’m learning and improving every day.”

3. Focus on Your Strengths

List your accomplishments and skills. Celebrate even small victories.
Remind yourself of times you succeeded despite challenges.

4. Set Realistic Goals

Break down your objectives into manageable steps.
Celebrate progress rather than expecting perfection.

5. Practice Self-Compassion

Treat yourself with kindness, as you would a friend.
Forgive yourself for mistakes and view them as learning opportunities.

6. Surround Yourself with Supportive People

Seek out individuals who uplift and encourage you.
Limit time spent with those who fuel your insecurities.

7. Take Action

Procrastination often amplifies self-doubt. Start small and build momentum.
Each step forward reinforces your confidence.

8. Learn from Failures

Embrace failure as part of the growth process.
Analyze what went wrong and how you can improve without blaming yourself harshly.

9. Adopt a Growth Mindset

Believe that abilities and intelligence can be developed with effort.
View challenges as opportunities to grow.

10. Seek Professional Help if Needed

Therapists or coaches can provide guidance tailored to your situation.
They can help you identify patterns and develop coping strategies.

11. Practice Gratitude and Mindfulness

Focus on the positive aspects of your life and achievements.
Use mindfulness to stay present and reduce overthinking.

12. Take Care of Your Well-Being

Ensure you’re eating well, exercising, and getting enough rest.
Physical health directly impacts mental resilience.

By consistently applying these strategies, you can gradually build confidence and diminish self-doubt. It’s a process, so be patient and gentle with yourself along the way.

Shervan K Shahhian

How to manage feelings of Sadness & Fatigue:

How to manage feelings of Sadness & Fatigue:

“IF YOU or SOMEONE YOU KNOW IS IN CRISES, PLEASE CALL 911.”

“CALL, TEXT, or CHAT 988 or GO TO THE NEAREST EMERGENCY ROOM or HOSPITAL.”

Managing feelings of sadness and fatigue can be challenging, but there are strategies that may help. These feelings could stem from physical, emotional, or situational causes, so addressing them holistically is often the most effective approach.

Here’s a breakdown of ways to manage them:

1. Acknowledge Your Feelings

Accept your emotions without judgment. Recognizing sadness or fatigue is the first step toward addressing them.
Journaling can help you explore what might be triggering these feelings.

2. Take Care of Your Body

Sleep: Ensure you’re getting 7–9 hours of restful sleep. Establish a consistent sleep schedule and bedtime routine.
Nutrition: Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein. Avoid excessive caffeine or sugar, which can cause energy crashes.
Exercise: Regular physical activity, even gentle exercises like walking or yoga, can boost mood and energy levels by releasing endorphins.

3. Practice Stress Management

Relaxation Techniques: Try mindfulness, meditation, deep breathing exercises, or progressive muscle relaxation.
Set boundaries: Avoid overcommitting to activities or responsibilities that drain your energy.
Break tasks into small steps: Focus on one thing at a time to prevent overwhelm.

4. Seek Social Support

Talk to someone: Share your feelings with a trusted friend, family member, or therapist.
Engage with your community: Participate in activities that connect you with others, whether it’s volunteering, joining a class, or spending time with loved ones.

5. Engage in Activities You Enjoy

Pursue hobbies or activities that bring you joy, even if they feel hard to start at first.
Experiment with creative outlets like painting, writing, or playing music to express your emotions.

6. Limit Negative Influences

Reduce exposure to news or social media if they make you feel worse.
Avoid substances like alcohol or drugs, which can exacerbate feelings of sadness and fatigue.

7. Consider Professional Help

Therapy: A mental health professional can help you process your emotions and develop coping strategies.
Medical Check-up: Persistent fatigue or sadness could indicate underlying conditions like depression, anxiety, or physical health issues (e.g., thyroid problems, anemia). Consult a doctor to rule out these possibilities.

8. Establish a Routine

A daily routine can help you regain a sense of control and stability. Include time for self-care, rest, and enjoyable activities.

9. Be Patient with Yourself

Healing and managing emotions take time. Celebrate small victories and practice self-compassion along the way.

If your feelings of sadness and fatigue persist or worsen, it’s essential to seek professional support. You don’t have to face this alone, and help is available.

Shervan K Shahhian

How to tackle Negative Thoughts:

How to tackle Negative Thoughts:

Tackling negative thoughts can be challenging, but with the right strategies, you can manage them effectively and develop a more positive mindset. Here are some approaches:

1. Understand and Identify Negative Thoughts

Self-awareness: Recognize when negative thoughts arise. Pay attention to triggers, patterns, or situations that lead to them.
Label the thought: Ask yourself, “Is this thought helpful or unhelpful?”

2. Challenge the Thought

Question its validity: Ask, “Is this thought based on facts, or is it an assumption?”
Reframe it: Replace negative thoughts with balanced or positive alternatives. For example, instead of “I always fail,” think, “Sometimes I fail, but I also succeed.”
Evidence check: Look for evidence supporting or contradicting the thought.

3. Practice Mindfulness

Stay present instead of dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.
Use mindfulness techniques like deep breathing or meditation to observe thoughts without judgment.

4. Engage in Positive Activities

Distract yourself with activities that bring joy or relaxation, such as hobbies, exercise, or socializing.
Surround yourself with supportive and uplifting people.

5. Use Affirmations and Gratitude

Affirmations: Repeat positive statements like, “I am capable,” or “I am worthy.”
Gratitude: Reflect on things you’re grateful for daily. This shifts focus from negativity to positivity.

6. Set Realistic Goals

Break large tasks into smaller, achievable steps.
Celebrate small wins to build confidence.

7. Write It Down

Journaling: Write down your thoughts and feelings. This can help clarify your emotions and reduce their intensity.
Thought record: Document the situation, your thought, and a balanced perspective.

8. Practice Self-Compassion

Treat yourself with kindness and understanding, as you would a friend.
Acknowledge that everyone has negative thoughts and makes mistakes.

9. Seek Professional Help

If negative thoughts persist or become overwhelming, consider talking to a therapist or counselor.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is particularly effective for addressing negative thought patterns.

10. Develop a Routine

A consistent routine with healthy habits (e.g., balanced diet, regular exercise, and sufficient sleep) can improve mental well-being and reduce negativity.
“CONSULT WITH A MEDICAL DOCTOR”

Shervan K Shahhian

Understanding First-Episode Psychosis:

Understanding First-Episode Psychosis:

First-episode psychosis (FEP) refers to the initial onset of psychosis, a condition characterized by a disconnection from reality. It often involves symptoms like hallucinations (e.g., hearing voices), delusions (e.g., false beliefs), disorganized thinking, and impaired insight. FEP typically occurs in late adolescence or early adulthood, though it can happen at any age.

Key Aspects of First-Episode Psychosis:

Symptoms: Common symptoms include:

Hallucinations: Sensing things that are not there, like hearing voices or seeing things.
Delusions: Strongly held false beliefs, such as thinking someone is plotting against them.
Disorganized Thinking: Difficulty in maintaining a coherent conversation or making sense.
Negative Symptoms: Lack of motivation, reduced emotional expression, or withdrawal from social situations.
Cognitive Impairment: Problems with memory, attention, or executive functioning.

Causes: The exact cause of FEP is not fully understood, but it often involves a combination of:

Genetic predisposition (family history of psychotic disorders)
Environmental factors (stress, trauma, substance abuse)
Neurobiological factors (brain structure or chemical imbalances)

Diagnosis: FEP is diagnosed based on clinical interviews, medical history, and sometimes imaging or blood tests to rule out other causes like drug use or neurological disorders. Psychiatric evaluations help determine if the symptoms meet the criteria for psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia.

Treatment: Early intervention is crucial for better outcomes. Treatment may include:

Medication: Antipsychotic drugs are commonly used to manage symptoms.
Psychotherapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can help individuals manage symptoms and improve coping strategies.
Support Services: Family therapy, social skills training, and vocational rehabilitation can aid in recovery and reintegration into society.

Prognosis: With early intervention, many individuals can experience significant improvement and even full recovery, though ongoing treatment may be necessary. Some may continue to have episodes or require long-term support.

The first episode of psychosis is often a critical point in the course of mental health disorders. Early detection and intervention can prevent long-term disability and improve quality of life.

Shervan K Shahhian

Parapsychology and Super ESP:

Parapsychology and Super ESP:

Parapsychology is the study of phenomena that cannot be explained by traditional scientific principles, often involving the mind and consciousness. It includes research on extrasensory perception (ESP), psychokinesis, and other paranormal phenomena. While some parapsychologists argue for the existence of abilities like telepathy, precognition, and psychometry, these topics remain controversial, with skepticism from the scientific community.

Super ESP, a term popularized by researchers like Joseph B. Rhine, refers to advanced or extraordinarily high levels of ESP, beyond the usual forms of telepathy, clairvoyance, and precognition. Some theories suggest that Super ESP could manifest as an extreme ability to sense and interpret future events, communicate mentally over long distances, or even influence physical objects. However, the existence of Super ESP or any form of ESP is not universally accepted, and mainstream science has generally dismissed these concepts due to a lack of empirical evidence that can be reliably replicated.

In parapsychology, experiments such as card guessing tests, remote viewing trials, and random number generator studies have been conducted to try to demonstrate ESP under controlled conditions. While some positive results have been reported, they have been difficult to replicate consistently, leading to skepticism about the validity of these findings.

In short, parapsychology and the idea of Super ESP remain fringe topics in scientific inquiry, with ongoing debate about their validity and the methods used to study them.

Shervan K Shahhian

Which steps can boost Brain Health:

“PLEASE consult with a Medical Doctor”

Which steps can boost Brain Health:

Boosting brain health involves maintaining a balanced lifestyle and adopting habits that support cognitive function, emotional well-being, and overall mental health.

Here are some key steps to promote brain health:

1. Healthy Diet

Eat a balanced diet: Focus on brain-friendly foods rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. Examples include leafy greens, berries, fatty fish, nuts, and seeds.
Stay hydrated: Proper hydration is essential for optimal brain function.
Limit sugar and processed foods: High-sugar and processed foods can contribute to inflammation and cognitive decline.

2. Physical Activity

Exercise regularly: Engage in aerobic and strength-training exercises. Activities like walking, swimming, and yoga improve blood flow to the brain and support cognitive function.
Practice coordination exercises: Activities like dancing or playing sports stimulate both the brain and body.

3. Mental Stimulation

Learn new skills: Challenge your brain by learning a language, instrument, or new hobby.
Solve puzzles and games: Engage in activities like crosswords, sudoku, or strategy-based games.
Read and write: Both stimulate cognitive processes and enhance memory.

4. Quality Sleep

Establish a sleep routine: Aim for 7–9 hours of quality sleep each night.
Create a sleep-friendly environment: Reduce screen time before bed, keep your bedroom dark, quiet, and cool.

5. Stress Management

Practice mindfulness or meditation: These techniques reduce stress and improve focus.
Engage in relaxation activities: Spend time in nature, listen to music, or practice deep breathing.

6. Social Interaction

Stay connected: Maintain strong relationships with family and friends.
Participate in group activities: Joining clubs or volunteering can improve emotional well-being.

7. Avoid Harmful Substances

Limit alcohol consumption: Excessive drinking can damage brain cells.
Avoid smoking and recreational drugs: These can harm brain function and structure.

8. Regular Checkups

Monitor health conditions: Manage blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes, as they can affect brain health.
Consult professionals for mental health issues: Seek help for anxiety, depression, or cognitive changes.

9. Protect Your Brain

Wear helmets and seatbelts: Protect against head injuries.
Practice fall prevention: Ensure your living space is free of hazards that could lead to injuries.

10. Positive Lifestyle Habits

Stay curious: Cultivate a mindset of lifelong learning.
Set goals: Working toward meaningful goals can enhance mental well-being.
Laugh often: Humor and joy stimulate the brain and reduce stress.

By integrating these practices into your daily life, you can support your brain’s health, improve cognitive function, and enhance overall quality of life.

Shervan K Shahhian

Parapsychology and the Mystery of Psi:

Parapsychology and the Mystery of Psi:

Parapsychology is the study of phenomena that fall outside of traditional scientific understanding, often referred to as “psi” phenomena. These phenomena include extrasensory perception (ESP), telekinesis (the ability to move objects with the mind), psychokinesis, and other paranormal or unexplained events. Parapsychologists investigate these phenomena with the goal of determining whether they can be explained by conventional science or if they require new, unexplored principles of physics and psychology.

The “mystery of psi” refers to the ongoing debate and research into the existence and nature of these phenomena. Some of the key psi-related phenomena include:

Extrasensory Perception (ESP):

Telepathy: The ability to read or transmit thoughts to others without using the normal senses.
Clairvoyance: The ability to perceive information about an object, person, or event without using the known senses or being in the presence of the object.
Precognition: The ability to predict future events.
Retrocognition: The ability to gain information about past events.

Psychokinesis (PK):

The ability to move or manipulate objects with the mind, without physical interaction.

Other Phenomena:

Near-death experiences (NDEs), out-of-body experiences (OBEs), and ghost sightings are sometimes considered within the scope of parapsychology, though they are not always classified as psi phenomena.

Despite decades of research, parapsychology remains a controversial field. There is a significant divide between proponents, who argue that psi phenomena exist and should be studied scientifically, and skeptics, who assert that there is no empirical evidence to support the existence of psi and that observed phenomena can often be explained by psychological factors, fraud, or experimental error.

Key Issues in Parapsychology

Scientific Recognition: Most of the mainstream scientific community regards parapsychology as pseudoscience due to the lack of reproducible results and a clear theoretical framework.
Experiments and Evidence: Experiments like the Ganzfeld experiments (ESP) and studies of random number generators have shown some intriguing results, but they have not been consistently replicated.
Theoretical Challenges: If psi is real, it challenges existing scientific principles, particularly in physics and biology, and researchers have difficulty explaining how such abilities could work.
Ethical and Social Implications: If psi phenomena were proven to exist, it would raise questions about privacy, human potential, and even the manipulation of the environment.

Ultimately, the mystery of psi remains unresolved, with ongoing debates about the validity of evidence and the interpretation of findings. While parapsychology has garnered some support, especially in fringe scientific circles, mainstream science remains largely skeptical.

Shervan K Shahhian

Parapsychology and The Survival Theory:

Parapsychology and The Survival Theory:

Since the beginning of time there has been billions of stories regarding the survival of the soul/spirit after the death of the body, but certain fundamentalist religious people and materialist scientific individuals do not believe in the survival of the soul/spirit after death or they do not admit to believing in the survival theory publicly.

Parapsychology is the study of phenomena that are beyond the scope of traditional scientific explanation, often relating to the mind’s abilities and experiences that transcend ordinary physical laws. This includes areas like telepathy, clairvoyance, psychokinesis, and precognition.

The Survival Theory in parapsychology is the idea that consciousness or the soul survives bodily death. It suggests that the mind or some aspect of consciousness continues to exist after the physical body ceases to function. This theory has been explored by various researchers who claim to have found evidence in the form of near-death experiences (NDEs), mediumship, and reincarnation studies.

Proponents of the Survival Theory argue that there are cases of people recalling past lives or experiencing communication with deceased individuals through mediums. The theory posits that consciousness is not just a product of the brain, but might be independent of the physical body and capable of surviving death.

Critics of the Survival Theory suggest that there is insufficient empirical evidence to support such claims and that phenomena like NDEs or mediumistic communications may be better explained by psychological or neurological factors, such as the brain’s response to stress or the desire for comfort after the death of a loved one.

Overall, the connection between parapsychology and the Survival Theory remains a contentious and speculative area of study, with some researchers actively exploring the possibility of an afterlife or continued existence, while others remain skeptical, citing the lack of reproducible evidence.

Shervan K Shahhian