Category Archives: Uncategorized

What is Emotionally focused therapy (EFT)? Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is a therapeutic approach that focuses on understanding and managing emotions in intimate relationships. EFT was developed in the 1980s by Dr. Sue Johnson and Dr. Les Greenberg as a way to help couples improve their emotional bonds and resolve conflicts. The theory behind EFT is based on attachment theory, which posits that humans have an innate need for emotional connection and bonding with others. EFT aims to help couples create and strengthen these emotional bonds by identifying and addressing negative patterns of interaction that can cause disconnection and distress. In EFT, the therapist works with the couple to identify and explore the underlying emotions and needs that are driving their behavior and communication patterns. The therapist then helps the couple to reframe their interactions in a more positive and constructive way, leading to increased emotional connection and improved relationship satisfaction. EFT is a short-term, structured therapy approach typically consisting of 8-20 sessions. It has been shown to be effective in treating a range of relationship issues, including communication difficulties, infidelity, and intimacy problems. EFT can be used with individuals as well as couples, and has also been adapted for use with families and groups.

Shervan K Shahhian

What is Encounter groups? Encounter groups are a type of group therapy or personal growth experience that became popular in the 1960s and 1970s. The purpose of an encounter group is to facilitate personal growth and self-awareness through open and honest communication with others in a supportive and non-judgmental environment. During an encounter group, participants are encouraged to share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences with each other. The group typically meets for an extended period of time, often over the course of a weekend or longer, and participants may engage in various activities designed to promote emotional openness and interpersonal connection. Encounter groups often have a facilitator or leader who guides the group and sets ground rules for communication and interaction. Participants may engage in activities such as role-playing, sharing personal stories, and giving and receiving feedback from others in the group. The goal of encounter groups is to help participants develop greater self-awareness, empathy, and emotional intelligence, and to facilitate personal growth and transformation. While encounter groups have fallen out of favor in recent years, they continue to be used in some therapeutic and personal growth contexts.

Shervan K Shahhian

What is Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)? Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a psychotherapy approach that was developed by psychologist Francine Shapiro in the 1980s. EMDR is a type of therapy that can be used to treat various mental health conditions, particularly post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). EMDR involves a series of standardized procedures that incorporate elements from different therapeutic approaches, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and body-centered therapy. During an EMDR session, a trained therapist guides the client through a series of eye movements while they focus on a traumatic memory or other distressing experience. The theory behind EMDR is that traumatic experiences can become “stuck” in the brain, causing ongoing distress and symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, and hypervigilance. The eye movements used in EMDR are thought to stimulate the brain’s information processing system, allowing traumatic memories to be reprocessed and integrated into more adaptive neural networks. EMDR has been found to be effective in treating a range of mental health conditions, including PTSD, anxiety disorders, depression, and phobias. It is typically used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that may also include medication, individual therapy, and group therapy. Shervan K Shahhian

What is Existential therapy? Existential therapy is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on exploring the meaning and purpose of life and the individual’s experience of existence. It is based on the philosophical concept of existentialism, which emphasizes the uniqueness of each person’s subjective experience and the individual’s responsibility to create meaning in their own life. Existential therapy helps clients to understand their own values, beliefs, and attitudes towards life, and to develop a greater sense of self-awareness and personal responsibility. The therapist works with the client to explore their experience of the world, including their fears, anxieties, and existential concerns such as death, freedom, and meaninglessness. The therapy often focuses on the present moment and on the client’s immediate experience, rather than on past events or childhood experiences. The aim is to help clients to live more fully and authentically by accepting their freedom and responsibility for their own lives, and by finding meaning and purpose in their existence. Existential therapy can be helpful for people experiencing a wide range of issues, including depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, and existential crises. It can also be useful for people who are seeking greater clarity and direction in their lives.

Shervan K Shahhian

What is Exposure and response prevention? Exposure and response prevention (ERP) is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy used to treat anxiety disorders, particularly obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The primary goal of ERP is to help individuals confront their fears and anxieties in a controlled and safe manner, gradually reducing their distress and helping them regain control over their thoughts and behaviors. During ERP, a therapist will guide the individual through a series of exposure exercises, where they are gradually exposed to the things that trigger their anxiety or obsessive thoughts. These exposures may be in the form of physical or mental activities, such as touching something that they fear is contaminated or simply imagining it. While going through the exposure, the individual is encouraged to resist the urge to engage in the compulsive behavior or ritual that they would normally do to alleviate their anxiety. By repeatedly exposing the individual to their fears without allowing them to engage in their compulsive behaviors, ERP aims to break the cycle of anxiety and compulsion. Over time, the individual will become desensitized to their fears and better able to manage their anxiety without resorting to compulsive behaviors. ERP is a highly effective treatment for OCD, with many individuals experiencing significant improvements in their symptoms after completing a course of therapy. It is often used in conjunction with other therapies, such as medication or other forms of psychotherapy, to help individuals achieve the best possible outcomes.

Shervan K Shahhian

What is Exposure therapy? Exposure therapy is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy that is used to help individuals confront and overcome their fears and anxiety. The therapy involves exposing the individual to the object or situation that they fear or avoid in a controlled and gradual manner, while providing them with tools to manage their anxiety. The exposure can take many forms, such as imagining the feared object or situation, viewing pictures or videos of it, or actually physically experiencing it. During exposure, the therapist works with the individual to identify and challenge their negative thoughts and beliefs about the feared object or situation, and help them develop more adaptive coping strategies. Exposure therapy is often used to treat anxiety disorders such as specific phobias, panic disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The therapy has been shown to be highly effective, with research suggesting that it can produce long-lasting changes in behavior and reduce the severity of symptoms.

Shervan K Shahhian

What is Expressive therapies? Expressive therapies refer to a range of therapeutic approaches that utilize various forms of creative expression, such as art, music, dance, drama, and writing, to promote healing, personal growth, and well-being. These therapies are based on the idea that creative expression can help individuals to explore and express their emotions, thoughts, and experiences in a non-verbal and non-threatening way. Expressive therapies can be used to address a wide range of issues, including mental health concerns, behavioral issues, trauma, addiction, and physical health problems. They can be used with individuals of all ages and abilities, and can be implemented in various settings, such as schools, hospitals, community centers, and private practice. Some specific examples of expressive therapies include art therapy, music therapy, dance/movement therapy, drama therapy, and poetry therapy. Each of these approaches has its own unique methods and techniques, but they all share the common goal of using creative expression to facilitate emotional and psychological healing and growth.

Shervan K Shahhian

What is Family therapy? Family therapy is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on improving the communication, relationships, and functioning within a family unit. It is based on the idea that problems within a family are often the result of complex interactions between family members, and that addressing these interactions can lead to positive change. Family therapy sessions typically involve all or most family members, and the therapist works to help them identify and address patterns of behavior that are causing conflict or other difficulties. The therapist may use a variety of techniques, such as role-playing, communication exercises, and problem-solving strategies, to help family members learn new ways of interacting with each other. Family therapy can be useful for a wide range of issues, including marital problems, parent-child conflicts, communication difficulties, behavioral problems in children, and mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. The ultimate goal of family therapy is to improve the overall functioning and well-being of the family unit.

Shervan K Shahhian

What is Correctional Clinical Psychology?

Correctional clinical psychology is a specialty area within the field of clinical psychology that focuses on the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of individuals who are involved in the criminal justice system. Correctional clinical psychologists work in a variety of settings, including prisons, jails, juvenile detention centers, and community-based correctional programs.

The primary goal of correctional clinical psychology is to promote positive behavioral change and reduce the risk of recidivism among individuals who have been convicted of a crime. Correctional clinical psychologists use a range of evidence-based techniques and interventions, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and group therapy, to address issues such as substance abuse, anger management, and impulse control.

In addition to providing direct clinical services, correctional clinical psychologists may also be involved in conducting research, developing and evaluating treatment programs, and providing consultation to other professionals in the criminal justice system. They may also be involved in forensic evaluations, such as competency to stand trial and risk assessments.

​Shervan K Shahhian

What is Feminist therapy?

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

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

Some key principles of feminist therapy include:

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

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

Shervan K Shahhian