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.

Psychomotor Agitation, explained:

Psychomotor agitation is a state of increased, unintentional physical and mental activity that often shows up in people experiencing severe anxiety, mood disorders, or certain medical or neurological conditions.

It isn’t simply “restlessness.” It usually looks like excessive, purposeless movements linked to internal tension.

Common Signs

Restless movements: pacing, fidgeting, tapping fingers, shifting in seat

Repetitive gestures: rubbing hands, pulling at clothes, hair twirling

Speech changes: talking rapidly, interrupting, pressured tone

Difficulty sitting still: constant need to move or walk around

Visible inner tension: irritability, frustration, inability to relax

Associated Conditions

Mood disorders: major depressive disorder (especially with agitation), bipolar disorder (mania/mixed states)

Anxiety disorders

Substance use/abuse or withdrawal (e.g., stimulants, alcohol withdrawal)

Neurological conditions: See a Neurologist

Side effects of medications: See a Psychiatrist

Clinical Relevance

In psychiatry, psychomotor agitation is a key observation in mental status exams: (see a psychiatrist)

It can indicate severity of depression, particularly if accompanied by suicidal thoughts, Crisis support: Please Get Immediate help if suicidal (911 in the US, or 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline).

In neurology/medicine, it can point to different medical conditions, see a Psychiatrist and or a Neurologist.

Shervan K Shahhian

Severe Depression, explained:

Crisis support: Please Get Immediate help if suicidal (911 in the US, or 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline).

Severe depression — often called major depressive disorder (MDD), severe type — is the most intense form of depression. It goes far beyond feeling sad or “down.” It’s a serious mental health condition that can significantly impair daily functioning, relationships, work, and even physical health.

Here’s a clear breakdown:

Core Features

  • Persistent, overwhelming sadness or emptiness nearly every day.
  • Loss of interest/pleasure in activities once enjoyed (anhedonia).
  • Marked changes in sleep (insomnia or hypersomnia).
  • Major changes in appetite/weight (loss or gain).
  • Severe fatigue or loss of energy.
  • Difficulty thinking, concentrating, or making decisions.
  • Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, or hopelessness.
  • Psychomotor agitation or retardation (moving or speaking slower, or appearing restless).
  • Thoughts of death or suicide (this is a medical emergency).Crisis support: Please Get Immediate help if suicidal (911 in the US, or 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline).

To meet the diagnosis of severe depression, the symptoms are usually:

  • Intense (stronger than in mild or moderate depression),
  • Persistent (lasting most of the day, nearly every day for at least 2 weeks),
  • Impairing (significantly interfering with work, school, social or personal functioning).

Specifiers & Variants

  • With psychotic features: delusions or hallucinations (e.g., believing you’re worthless beyond reality).
  • Melancholic features: profound lack of pleasure, worse in the morning, early awakening.
  • Catatonic features: severe motor slowing or unusual movements.

Why It Matters

Severe depression carries the highest risk for suicide and physical complications. It’s not simply a mood issue; it’s a medical condition requiring prompt and effective treatment.

Treatment Options

Typically involves a combination approach:

  • Medication: See a Psychiatrist.
  • Psychotherapy: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), or others.
  • Advanced interventions: See a Psychiatrist.

Crisis support: Please Get Immediate help if suicidal (911 in the US, or 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline).

Shervan K Shahhian

Financial Competence, explained:

Financial competence refers to a person’s ability to effectively manage money and financial decisions in a responsible way. It goes beyond just knowing about money - it’s about applying knowledge and skills in real-life situations.
It usually includes:
Knowledge - understanding basic financial concepts (budgeting, saving, debt, credit, investing, taxes, insurance).
Skills - being able to track expenses, create a budget, make comparisons, and plan ahead.
Judgment - knowing how to evaluate financial risks and opportunities, and making decisions that align with one’s goals and values.
Responsibility - following through on commitments, paying bills on time, and avoiding reckless spending.

In psychology, financial competence is also tied to executive functioning (planning, organizing, self-control) and financial literacy, but with an emphasis on practical, real-world performance.
In clinical and forensic psychology, financial competence usually refers to a person’s capacity to understand, manage, and make responsible decisions about their own finances. It is often evaluated when there are questions of:
Guardianship / Conservatorship - Can this individual manage their own money, or do they need someone legally appointed to do so?
Capacity Evaluations - Does a mental illness, cognitive impairment, or developmental disorder affect their ability to handle finances?
Forensic Assessments - In cases involving exploitation, fraud, undue influence, or competency to stand trial (especially if financial understanding is relevant).

Key Areas of Assessment

A clinician might examine:
Understanding - Can the person grasp basic financial concepts (money value, bills, banking, debt, budgeting)?
Appreciation - Do they understand how these concepts apply to their situation? (e.g., knowing they have rent due, or what income they receive).
Reasoning - Can they compare options (e.g., saving vs. spending, understanding interest rates, evaluating contracts)?
Judgment - Do they demonstrate realistic, consistent decision-making aligned with their needs?
Functional Skills - Paying bills, writing checks, using online banking, safeguarding PINs and cards.

Psychological Factors

Cognitive functioning (memory, attention, executive function).
Mental illness (delusions, mania, severe depression may impair judgment).
Vulnerability to undue influence (especially in elderly or dependent individuals).

Methods

Clinical interview and functional assessment.
Standardized tools (e.g., Financial Capacity Instrument, Lichtenberg Financial Decision Rating Scale).
Collateral information (family, bank records, caregivers).

 In forensic settings, the ultimate question is often:
Does this person have the capacity to manage their financial affairs, or do they require legal/protective intervention?

Shervan K Shahhian

Forensic Mental Health Evaluations, explained:

Forensic mental health evaluations are specialized psychological assessments conducted at the intersection of law and mental health. They are designed to answer legal questions rather than provide traditional therapeutic care. 

Here’s a clear overview:

Purpose

  • To provide courts, attorneys, and other legal professionals with expert opinions about a person’s mental state, abilities, or risks.
  • Focus is on legal relevance rather than clinical treatment.

Common Types of Forensic Mental Health Evaluations

Competency to Stand Trial

  • Determines whether an individual understands legal proceedings and can assist their attorney.

Criminal Responsibility (Insanity Defense)

  • Assesses mental state at the time of the alleged offense — whether the person could appreciate the wrongfulness of their actions.

Risk Assessment

  • Evaluates likelihood of future violence, sexual offending, or recidivism.

Sentencing and Mitigation Evaluations

  • Provides information about psychological factors that may lessen culpability or influence sentencing decisions.

Civil Capacities

  • Assesses decision-making capacity (e.g., guardianship, consent to medical treatment, financial competence).

Child Custody and Parenting Capacity

  • Determines parental fitness and best interests of the child.

Key Features

  • Objective and Neutral: The evaluator’s role is not advocacy but providing unbiased information.
  • Record Review: Includes criminal, medical, and psychological history.
  • Testing & Interviews: Uses psychological tests, structured interviews, and collateral information.
  • Legal Standards: Guided by specific statutes or case law (e.g., Dusky v. United States for competency).
  • Written Report & Testimony: Findings are usually presented in a report and may be defended in court.

Difference from Clinical Evaluations

  • Clinical Evaluation: Focuses on diagnosis and treatment for patient well-being.
  • Forensic Evaluation: Focuses on legal standards, accountability, and risk — sometimes with outcomes that may not benefit the evaluee.

Shervan K Shahhian

Gottman Method, explained:

The Gottman Method is a structured, evidence-based approach to couples therapy developed by Drs. John and Julie Gottman. It’s built on decades of research into what makes relationships succeed or fail. The method focuses on strengthening relationships by deepening friendship, managing conflict constructively, and creating shared meaning.

Here are the core elements:

Assessment: Couples complete questionnaires and share their relationship history. This helps identify strengths and challenges.

Sound Relationship House Theory: The framework at the heart of the method. It includes building trust, commitment, intimacy, and effective conflict management.

The “Four Horsemen”: Criticism, defensiveness, contempt, and stonewalling — communication styles that predict relationship breakdown. Therapy teaches healthier alternatives.

Interventions: Practical, skill-based exercises to improve communication, increase empathy, and strengthen emotional connection.

Focus Areas:

Building love maps (knowing each other deeply)

Expressing fondness and admiration

Turning toward instead of away from each other

Managing conflict through compromise and self-soothing

Supporting each other’s life goals

It’s widely used in couples counseling, marriage enrichment workshops, and even adapted for individual and family therapy.

 An overview of the Gottman Method for couples:

The Gottman Method: Building Stronger Relationships

The Gottman Method is a research-based approach to helping couples create healthier, more fulfilling relationships. Developed by Drs. John and Julie Gottman, it’s designed to strengthen your connection, improve communication, and help you work through conflicts in a respectful and supportive way.

What it focuses on:

Friendship & Connection: Building a strong foundation of love, respect, and understanding.

Managing Conflict: Learning how to handle disagreements without letting them harm your bond.

Shared Goals & Dreams: Supporting each other’s life paths and creating meaning together.

Key Tools You’ll Learn:

Love Maps — Deepening your knowledge of each other’s inner world (likes, worries, dreams).

Fondness & Admiration — Expressing appreciation and noticing the good in each other.

Turning Toward — Choosing connection in small everyday moments (like responding to a smile or a question).

Healthy Conflict Skills — Replacing harmful patterns (criticism, defensiveness, contempt, stonewalling) with calm, constructive communication.

Shared Meaning — Building rituals, traditions, and goals that make your relationship feel purposeful.

What to Expect in Sessions:

You’ll talk about your relationship history and current struggles.

You’ll practice new communication and problem-solving skills with guidance.

You’ll receive practical exercises to strengthen closeness and teamwork.

The Goal:
Not to create a “perfect” relationship, but one where both partners feel safe, respected, and understood — able to grow together through life’s ups and downs.

Shervan K Shahhian

Behavioral Coaching, how:

Behavioral Coaching is a structured approach that helps individuals identify, understand, and change specific behaviors to achieve personal or professional goals. Unlike general coaching, which may focus broadly on aspirations or mindset, behavioral coaching is action- and habit-focused, often grounded in principles from psychology, behavioral science, and cognitive-behavioral techniques.

Here’s a clear breakdown:

Key Features of Behavioral Coaching

  1. Behavior-Centered:
    Focuses on observable actions rather than abstract traits. Example: Instead of “be more confident,” the goal might be “make eye contact during meetings and speak up at least twice per session.”
  2. Goal-Oriented:
    Targets measurable outcomes. Coaches help clients set SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound).
  3. Action Plans:
    Clients are given clear steps or exercises to practice new behaviors, often with accountability structures.
  4. Feedback and Reflection:
    Frequent monitoring and constructive feedback help refine behaviors and reinforce progress.
  5. Use of Psychological Tools:
    Techniques may include habit tracking, behavior reinforcement, cognitive restructuring, and self-monitoring.

Common Applications

  • Workplace performance improvement
  • Leadership and executive coaching
  • Stress and anger management
  • Habit formation and lifestyle change (e.g., exercise, nutrition)
  • Social skills and communication improvement

Example of Behavioral Coaching Process

  1. Assessment: Identify current behaviors and patterns.
  2. Goal Setting: Define clear, behavior-specific objectives.
  3. Strategy Development: Decide on concrete steps to reach goals.
  4. Action Implementation: Client practices new behaviors.
  5. Review and Adjust: Evaluate progress and modify strategies as needed.

Behavioral coaching is especially effective for people who want practical, results-oriented change rather than just motivational guidance.

Shervan K Shahhian

The Path Toward the Reduction of Suffering:

“Compassion Psychology, it’s a modern approach to Psychology, with its practical applications. This theory was conceived by:
Shervan K. Shahhian in Los Angeles, California, USA and it is still developing as a theory of interpersonal development and Compassion. In Compassion Psychology, the effort is made by an individual to understand themselves better by self reflection, contemplation, meditation and helping others. Once a person understands their own strengths and weaknesses they can possibly make better decisions. Compassion Psychology can only work if a person is willing to make positive changes in their thoughts, words and behavior. Self improvement, compassion for self and compassion for all living things are at the core of Compassion Psychology.”
Copyright 2021
Literary Division
United States Copyright Office

The Art of Decoding Problematic Behavior in the Workplace:

A Practical Guide for Leaders, HR, and Therapists

Why it matters
Problematic behaviors — like chronic lateness, passive-aggression, resistance to feedback, or conflict-seeking — often mask deeper issues such as stress, unmet needs, miscommunication, or even mental health struggles.

 Core Elements

Spot the Patterns

  • Attendance and punctuality issues
  • Communication breakdowns
  • Emotional volatility
  • Withdrawal or disengagement

Decode the Signals

  • Is the behavior stress-related?
  • Is it a clash of values or personalities?
  • Is it a sign of burnout, boredom, or lack of recognition?

Contextualize

  • Consider organizational culture and leadership style
  • Understand whether this is an individual or systemic issue

Respond Effectively

  • Use active listening before corrective action
  • Provide constructive feedback (focus on behavior, not character)
  • Offer coaching, mediation, or professional support if needed

Prevention & Growth

  • Foster psychological safety
  • Encourage open communication
  • Recognize and reinforce positive behavior

 Workplace leadership training outline:

The Art of Decoding Problematic Behavior in the Workplace

Leadership Training Outline

1. Introduction

  • Define “problematic behavior” in the workplace
  • Why leaders need decoding skills (impact on productivity, morale, retention)
  • Common misconceptions (behavior ≠ personality flaw)

2. Recognizing Problematic Behavior

  • Observable patterns:
  • Chronic lateness or absenteeism
  • Disengagement or withdrawal
  • Resistance to feedback or change
  • Conflict-seeking, gossip, or passive-aggression
  • Interactive activity: Case scenarios for spotting red flags

3. Decoding the Signals

  • Root causes to consider:
  • Stress, burnout, or personal struggles
  • Misaligned expectations or unclear roles
  • Value clashes or team culture mismatch
  • Lack of recognition or growth opportunities
  • Exercise: Leaders practice “reading between the lines” in sample situations

4. Contextualizing Behavior

  • Individual vs. systemic problems
  • The influence of leadership style & organizational culture
  • When it’s a performance issue vs. a well-being issue

5. Effective Leadership Responses

  • Tools for leaders:
  • Active listening and empathy before judgment
  • Giving behavior-focused feedback (SBI model: Situation–Behavior–Impact)
  • Mediation and conflict resolution basics
  • Knowing when to escalate to HR or external support
  • Role-play: Practicing feedback conversations

6. Prevention & Positive Culture Building

  • Establishing psychological safety
  • Recognizing and rewarding positive behavior
  • Setting clear expectations and accountability
  • Building resilience into teams

7. Action Planning & Wrap-Up

  • Leaders create a personal “Behavior Decoding Action Plan”
  • Group discussion: biggest takeaways
  • Resources for continued learning (books, coaching, HR policies)

Shervan K Shahhian

A good Explanation of Pinpointing Problematic Behavior: A Practical Guide:

Shervan K Shahhian

Shervan K Shahhian

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Here is a clear explanation for “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.

Shervan K Shahhian

Behavioral Health Services, what is it:

Behavioral Health Services are a broad range of professional supports and treatments designed to help people manage challenges related to mental health, emotional well-being, and substance use. The term behavioral health is often used interchangeably with mental health, but it is slightly broader, as it also includes behaviors that affect physical health (like substance use, eating habits, or lifestyle choices).

Here’s a clear breakdown:

1. What Behavioral Health Services Include

  • Mental Health Care — Counseling, psychotherapy, psychiatric evaluations, and medication management for conditions like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD, etc.
  • Substance Use Services — Prevention, assessment, detox programs, outpatient/inpatient rehabilitation, relapse prevention, and recovery support.
  • Crisis Intervention — Hotlines, emergency psychiatric services, mobile crisis units, and hospitalization if necessary.
  • Community Support — Case management, peer support groups, housing assistance, and vocational training.
  • Prevention & Education — Programs in schools, workplaces, or communities that promote coping skills, stress management, and healthy lifestyle behaviors.

2. Who Provides These Services

  • Psychologists, psychiatrists, therapists, counselors
  • Social workers, psychiatric nurses, case managers
  • Peer support specialists (people with lived experience)

3. Where Services Are Offered

  • Hospitals and clinics
  • Community health centers
  • Private practices
  • Rehabilitation centers
  • Schools, workplaces, and even online/telehealth platforms

4. Why They Matter

Behavioral health services don’t just treat illness; they aim to:

  • Improve quality of life and daily functioning
  • Support emotional resilience and coping strategies
  • Reduce stigma around mental health and addiction
  • Prevent crises before they escalate
  • Help integrate mental, emotional, and physical health

 In short: Behavioral health services are about helping people live healthier, more balanced lives by addressing both psychological struggles and the behaviors that impact overall well-being.

Shervan K Shahhian