health – Page 6 – LIBERTY PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION

Identifying Key Challenges in Everyday Life:

Identifying Key Challenges in Everyday Life:
When we talk about key challenges in life, we’re usually referring to recurring obstacles or difficulties that most people face at some point. These challenges can be personal, relational, professional, or existential. Here’s a clear breakdown:

Personal Growth & Self-Understanding
Identity & Purpose: Figuring out “Who am I?” and “What is my purpose?” can feel overwhelming.
Self-esteem & Confidence: Struggling with self-worth or constantly seeking external validation.
Habits & Discipline: Breaking bad habits or building productive routines can be a long-term challenge.
Relationships & Social Life
Family Dynamics: Conflicts with parents, siblings, or partners.
Romantic Relationships: Trust issues, compatibility struggles, or loss.
Friendship & Community: Feeling isolated or struggling to connect meaningfully with others.
Health & Well-being
Physical Health: Maintaining fitness, managing illness, or coping with disabilities.
Mental Health: Anxiety, depression, stress, or burnout.
Work-Life Balance: Overcommitment leading to exhaustion.
Career & Financial Stability
Job Satisfaction: Finding meaningful work or dealing with a difficult work environment.
Financial Security: Debt, insufficient savings, or unpredictable income.
Career Growth: Facing obstacles in achieving goals, promotions, or recognition.
Decision-Making & Life Transitions
Major Choices: Education, relocation, marriage, or career shifts.
Coping with Change: Adapting to unexpected events, loss, or failures.
Risk & Uncertainty: Fear of failure or the unknown.
Existential & Spiritual Concerns
Meaning & Fulfillment: Searching for purpose beyond material success.
Mortality & Impermanence: Facing fears about death or aging.
Belief Systems: Struggling with doubts, ethics, or personal values.
Practical Tip:
A helpful way to approach these challenges is to identify them early, break them into manageable steps, and seek support - through mentors, therapy, or trusted friends. Life’s challenges are less about “avoiding problems” and more about learning resilience and adaptability.

Here’s a practical Life Challenge Checklist you can use to quickly assess which areas in your life may need attention. You can mark each item as “Low,” “Moderate,” or “High” challenge to see patterns.

Life Challenge Checklist

Personal Growth & Self-Understanding
☐ Understanding my purpose and life goals
☐ Feeling confident and worthy
☐ Managing habits, discipline, and self-control
☐ Coping with fear, self-doubt, or procrastination
Relationships & Social Life
☐ Quality of family relationships
☐ Romantic or partner relationships
☐ Friendships and social support
☐ Feeling lonely or isolated
Health & Well-being
☐ Physical health and fitness
☐ Mental health (stress, anxiety, depression)
☐ Sleep and energy levels
☐ Maintaining work-life balance
Career & Finances
☐ Job satisfaction and purpose
☐ Career growth and skill development
☐ Financial stability and planning
☐ Coping with work-related stress
Decision-Making & Life Transitions
☐ Managing major life decisions
☐ Adapting to change and uncertainty
☐ Coping with failures or setbacks
☐ Taking calculated risks confidently
Existential & Spiritual Concerns
☐ Finding meaning beyond material success
☐ Aligning life with personal values
☐ Coping with fear of death or impermanence
☐ Sense of inner peace and fulfillment

How to Use It
Rate each item as Low / Moderate / High challenge.
Identify the areas where challenges are High - these are priority areas.
Break each high-challenge area into small, actionable steps.
Review every few months to track progress.
Shervan K Shahhian

How to Navigate Problematic Behavior, Detection and Solutions

Navigate Problematic Behavior, Detection and Solutions:

Here’s a polished and structured way to frame “Navigating Problematic Behavior: Detection and Solutions” in a psychological or therapeutic context:

Navigate Problematic Behavior, Detection and Solutions

1. Understanding Problematic Behavior

Problematic behavior refers to patterns of actions, reactions, or habits that negatively impact an individual’s well-being, relationships, or daily functioning. These behaviors can range from mild avoidance to aggressive outbursts, compulsions, or self-sabotaging habits.

2. Detecting Problematic Behavior

Therapists, counselors, or even individuals themselves can identify problematic behaviors through:

Observation of Patterns

Recurring negative interactions in relationships or work.
Frequent emotional distress triggered by specific situations.

Self-Report and Reflection

Journaling thoughts, feelings, and actions.
Identifying recurring themes of frustration, shame, or avoidance.

Feedback from Others

Constructive input from friends, family, or colleagues.
Noticing discrepancies between self-perception and others’ observations.

Functional Assessment

Determining how behaviors affect daily functioning.
Evaluating the costs and benefits of certain habits or reactions.

Addressing Problematic Behavior

Effective solutions usually combine awareness, skills development, and support systems:

Awareness & Insight

Mindfulness techniques to notice triggers and responses.
Psychoeducation to understand why a behavior occurs.

Skill Development

Cognitive-behavioral strategies to challenge unhelpful thought patterns.
Emotional regulation skills to manage anger, anxiety, or impulses.
Communication skills to reduce interpersonal conflicts.

Behavioral Interventions

Setting small, realistic goals for change.
Positive reinforcement for desired behaviors.
Gradual exposure to challenging situations to reduce avoidance.

Support Systems

Therapy, support groups, or mentoring.
Family or peer involvement for accountability and encouragement.

Continuous Monitoring

Regular reflection on progress.
Adjusting strategies as needed to prevent relapse or stagnation.

4. Practical Tips

Start small: Focus on one behavior at a time.
Track progress: Journals, apps, or feedback loops can help.
Celebrate improvements: Recognize even minor positive changes.
Be patient: Behavior change is gradual, not instant.

Shervan K Shahhian

Understanding and Recognizing Problematic Behavior:

Understanding Identifying the Problematic Behavior:

Identifying the Problematic Behavior:
Mental Health/Psychological/Therapeutic Sense:
Got it. In a psychological or therapeutic sense, identifying problematic behavior involves observing patterns that cause distress, dysfunction, or harm to oneself or others. Here’s a structured approach:

Look for patterns of distress or dysfunction

Does the behavior consistently lead to emotional pain (e.g., anxiety, guilt, shame)?
Does it interfere with daily functioning (work, school, relationships, self-care)?

Examples:
Avoiding responsibilities due to procrastination or fear
Compulsive behaviors like overeating, gambling, or excessive checking

Check for harm or risk

Is the behavior physically, emotionally, or socially harmful to the person or others?
Does it put the person in unsafe situations?

Examples:
Self-harm, substance abuse, or aggression toward others
Lying or stealing that creates significant consequences

Examine rigidity and lack of control

Does the person feel unable to stop or control the behavior despite negative consequences?
Is the behavior inflexible across situations or contexts?

Examples:
Compulsive hand-washing, chronic avoidance of social situations, or persistent anger outbursts

Identify interference with goals or values

Does the behavior conflict with the person’s long-term goals or moral/ethical values?
Does it prevent meaningful relationships or personal growth?

Examples:
Repeatedly prioritizing short-term relief over long-term health
Engaging in destructive coping mechanisms instead of seeking support

Consider cognitive and emotional patterns

Are there distorted thoughts, irrational beliefs, or emotional triggers tied to the behavior?
Is there excessive anxiety, guilt, shame, or anger around the behavior?

Examples:
“If I fail, I’m worthless,” leading to avoidance or perfectionism
Magical thinking, superstition, or intrusive thoughts that drive behavior

Practical Approach in Therapy:
Observation & self-report: Ask the client to track behavior, triggers, and consequences.
Functional analysis: Identify antecedents (triggers), behaviors, and consequences (ABC model).
Pattern recognition: Look for repetitive cycles and their emotional or social impact.
Collaborative discussion: Help the client see connections between behavior and negative outcomes without judgment.

Here’s a practical, concise checklist therapists can use to identify problematic behaviors in clients:

Checklist for Identifying Problematic Behaviors

Distress
Does the behavior cause emotional pain (anxiety, guilt, shame, sadness)?
Does the client report frustration or dissatisfaction with this behavior?
Dysfunction
Does it interfere with daily life (work, school, home, relationships)?
Does it limit the client’s ability to pursue goals or self-care?
Harm
Could the behavior cause physical, emotional, or social harm?
Does it put the client or others at risk (e.g., aggression, self-harm, substance abuse)?
Loss of Control
Does the client feel unable to stop or regulate the behavior?
Is the behavior repetitive or compulsive despite negative consequences?
Rigidity / Inflexibility
Does the behavior persist across different situations or contexts?
Does the client have difficulty adapting or finding alternatives?
Conflict with Values or Goals
Does the behavior contradict the client’s personal, moral, or ethical values?
Does it prevent long-term progress or meaningful relationships?
Cognitive & Emotional Patterns
Are distorted thoughts, irrational beliefs, or excessive worry linked to the behavior?
Are there strong emotional triggers that predict or maintain the behavior?
Frequency & Intensity
How often does the behavior occur?
How severe is the impact when it occurs?
Client Awareness
Is the client aware of the behavior and its consequences?
Are they motivated to change or explore alternatives?

Shervan K Shahhian

Practicing Mindfulness, how:

Practicing Mindfulness:

Practicing mindfulness is all about cultivating a focused, non-judgmental awareness of the present moment. It’s a skill you can develop with consistent practice, and it can help reduce stress, improve emotional regulation, and enhance overall well-being.

Here’s a clear overview and some practical ways to practice it:

Core Principles of Mindfulness

Present-Moment Awareness — Paying attention to what’s happening right now, rather than ruminating on the past or worrying about the future.

Non-Judgmental Observation — Not labeling experiences as “good” or “bad,” just noticing them as they are.

Acceptance — Allowing thoughts, emotions, and sensations to exist without trying to change them immediately.

Gentleness — Being kind to yourself when your mind wanders, rather than criticizing yourself.

Simple Mindfulness Practices

Mindful Breathing

Focus on the sensation of your breath entering and leaving your body.
If your mind wanders, gently bring it back to the breath.
Try for 2–5 minutes to start, gradually increasing over time.

Body Scan

Slowly move your attention through different parts of your body, noticing sensations without judgment.
Helps release tension and develop body awareness.

Mindful Eating

Eat slowly, noticing the taste, texture, and smell of each bite.
Focus on the act of eating rather than distractions like phones or TV.

Mindful Walking

Pay attention to the sensation of your feet touching the ground and your surroundings as you walk.
Notice sounds, smells, and sights without judgment.

Mindful Observation

Pick an object (like a flower or a cup) and observe it carefully for a few minutes.
Notice colors, shapes, textures, and details you normally overlook.

Tips for Developing Mindfulness

Start small: 2–5 minutes per day and gradually build up.
Be consistent: Regular short sessions are more effective than occasional long ones.
Use reminders: Set an alarm or cue to take mindful pauses during the day.
Be patient: It’s normal for the mind to wander — returning to the present is the practice.

Shervan K Shahhian

Gambling Disorder, what is it:

Gambling disorder:

Gambling disorder (previously called pathological gambling) is recognized in the DSM-5 as a behavioral addiction. It involves persistent and recurrent problematic gambling behavior that leads to significant distress or impairment.

Here’s a detailed overview from a clinical psychology perspective:

Key Features

Persistent gambling behavior despite negative consequences (financial, social, occupational, or legal).

Loss of control: Repeated unsuccessful efforts to reduce or stop gambling.

Preoccupation: Constantly thinking about gambling, planning future bets, or thinking of ways to get money for gambling.

Tolerance: Needing to gamble with increasing amounts of money to achieve the desired excitement.

Withdrawal-like symptoms: Restlessness or irritability when attempting to cut down or stop gambling.

Chasing losses: Trying to recover lost money by gambling more, often worsening the problem.

Deception: Lying to family members, friends, or therapists about gambling behaviors.

Risking significant relationships or opportunities: Gambling interferes with work, relationships, or educational/career prospects.

Relying on others for financial rescue: Seeking loans or financial help to relieve desperate financial situations caused by gambling.

Diagnostic Criteria (DSM-5)

Diagnosis is typically made when 4 or more of the above behaviors occur over a 12-month period.
Severity can be classified as:
Mild: 4–5 criteria
Moderate: 6–7 criteria
Severe: 8–9 criteria

Psychological and Behavioral Factors

Cognitive distortions: Beliefs like “I’m due for a win” or “I can control the outcome.”
Emotional triggers: Stress, boredom, loneliness, or depression may intensify gambling urges.
Comorbidities: Often co-occurs with substance use disorders, mood disorders, or impulse-control disorders.

Treatment Approaches

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Targets cognitive distortions and helps develop healthier coping strategies.

Motivational Interviewing (MI)

Enhances motivation to change gambling behavior.

Self-help programs

Gamblers Anonymous or other peer support groups.

Pharmacotherapy

CONSULT A PSYCHIATRIST

Family therapy

Helps repair relationships and develop a supportive environment.

Red Flags

Increasing secrecy about finances.
Borrowing money to gamble.
Mood swings or irritability when not gambling.
Frequent thoughts about gambling.

Shervan K Shahhian

Understanding Over-Saving Disorder:

Over-Saving Disorder:

Over-Saving Disorder (also called Compulsive Saving or Hoarding of Money) is not an official diagnosis in the DSM-5, but it is recognized in psychology and financial therapy as a maladaptive money behavior. It involves an excessive and irrational tendency to save money far beyond what is necessary for security or future needs, often leading to emotional, relational, or functional problems.

Key Features

Excessive Fear of Spending — Persistent anxiety about running out of money, even when finances are secure.

Over-Accumulation — Saving far beyond realistic future needs; reluctance to invest, donate, or spend on self-care.

Emotional Drivers — Underlying fear, guilt, or trauma related to scarcity (often rooted in childhood deprivation or financial instability).

Functional Impairment — Neglecting health, relationships, or life satisfaction because of refusal to spend.

Control and Safety — Money becomes a symbol of control, security, or self-worth.

Possible Psychological Roots

Trauma or Scarcity Background: Growing up in poverty, economic instability, or with financially anxious caregivers.
Anxiety Disorders: Generalized anxiety, obsessive-compulsive traits (money as a “safety ritual”).
Control Issues: Using money to feel safe in an unpredictable world.
Identity & Self-Worth: Belief that having (and not spending) money defines one’s value.

Consequences

Strained relationships (partners feeling deprived or controlled).
Missed opportunities (investments, experiences, medical care).
Chronic anxiety and inability to enjoy financial stability.

Treatment Approaches

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Challenging catastrophic thinking about spending.

Financial Therapy: Combining psychological insight with financial planning.

Gradual Exposure: Practicing small, meaningful spending to build tolerance. Addressing Trauma: Processing early experiences of scarcity or neglect.

Values-Based Spending: Learning to align money use with personal values and life goals.

Clinical Strategies for working with clients who Over-Save:

Here are clinical strategies for working with clients who exhibit Over-Saving Disorder (compulsive saving behaviors):

1. Assessment and Understanding the Behavior

Explore Money History: Ask about childhood experiences with money, scarcity, or parental attitudes.
Identify Core Beliefs: Uncover thoughts such as “If I spend, I’ll lose everything” or “I’m only safe if I have enough.”
Assess Impairment: Determine how saving impacts relationships, health, and quality of life.
Distinguish From Hoarding: Clarify that this is about saving/withholding money, not physical clutter.

2. Build Awareness and Psychoeducation

Normalize Anxiety but Challenge Extremes: Explain how financial caution is healthy, but rigidity can be harmful.
Psychoeducation on Money Psychology: Teach how over-saving often stems from fear rather than rational planning.
Highlight Opportunity Costs: Help them see what they’re missing out on (relationships, experiences, health).

3. Cognitive and Emotional Interventions

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT):
Challenge catastrophic predictions (“If I spend $100, I’ll end up homeless”).
Replace with balanced thoughts (“I have savings, and spending on health is an investment.”).
Schema Therapy: Address deep-rooted schemas (scarcity, control, mistrust).
Emotion-Focused Work: Validate fear, then explore the emotional meaning of money (security, love, identity).

4. Behavioral Strategies

Values-Based Budgeting: Create a budget that includes a mandatory “joy” or “well-being” spending category.
Gradual Exposure: Start with small, safe expenditures to reduce anxiety.
Behavioral Experiments: Track emotional responses before and after spending to challenge irrational fears.
Set Boundaries for Saving: Establish a cap for savings beyond which money must be allocated elsewhere.

5. Relational & Systemic Work

Couples/Family Therapy: If over-saving creates conflict, facilitate communication and compromise.
Integrate Financial Professionals: Collaborate with financial planners to reassure client of objective security.

6. Address Underlying Trauma and Anxiety

Trauma-Informed Care: Explore whether early deprivation or financial instability still drives fear.
Mindfulness & Somatic Regulation: Teach skills to tolerate anxiety associated with spending.

7. Long-Term Goals

Shift from fear-based saving to purposeful financial planning.
Foster a healthy money identity: “I am secure and can enjoy my resources responsibly.”
Encourage legacy thinking: Spending as a way to create meaning (experiences, generosity, relationships).

Shervan K Shahhian

Understanding Compulsive Buying Disorder (CBD):

Compulsive Buying Disorder (CBD):

Compulsive Buying Disorder (CBD), also called oniomania, is a behavioral addiction characterized by recurrent, excessive, and uncontrollable shopping or spending, often leading to distress, financial problems, or social/occupational impairment. It’s more than just enjoying shopping; it’s driven by a psychological urge that can feel irresistible.

Here’s a detailed overview:

1. Key Features

Preoccupation with buying: Persistent thoughts about shopping or planning purchases.

Loss of control: Inability to resist the urge to buy, even when aware of negative consequences.

Emotional triggers: Shopping often provides a temporary mood boost, distraction, or relief from negative emotions like anxiety, depression, or boredom.

Post-purchase guilt: Feelings of regret, shame, or guilt after spending.

Financial and social impact: Accumulation of debt, conflicts with family, and social withdrawal.

2. Psychological and Emotional Factors

Often associated with impulse control disorders or other mental health conditions like:

Depression

Anxiety disorders

Bipolar disorder

Obsessive-compulsive tendencies

Shopping can serve as emotional regulation, a way to cope with stress or low self-esteem.

3. Causes & Risk Factors

Biological: Possible dysregulation in brain circuits related to reward, impulsivity, and decision-making.

Psychological: Poor coping skills, low self-esteem, perfectionism, or need for social approval.

Social/Cultural: Consumer culture, advertising, and easy access to online shopping can exacerbate symptoms.

Trauma or stress: Childhood neglect, abuse, or financial insecurity may contribute.

4. Consequences

Financial: Debt, bankruptcy, unpaid bills.

Emotional: Guilt, shame, depression, anxiety.

Interpersonal: Conflicts with family/friends, secretive behavior, social withdrawal.

Legal: In extreme cases, theft or fraud to sustain buying behavior.

5. Treatment Approaches

Psychotherapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is most effective; focuses on:

Identifying triggers and patterns

Developing coping strategies

Challenging dysfunctional thoughts about shopping

Medication: SEE A PSYCHIATRIST

Self-help and support groups: Organizations like Shopaholics Anonymous provide peer support.

Financial counseling: Practical strategies to manage money and prevent relapse.

CBD is considered a real psychological disorder, not just “bad spending habits,” and early intervention improves outcomes.

Shervan K Shahhian

Practical Ericksonian scripts (short induction examples):

Here are a few short, practical Ericksonian-style induction examples you can adapt. They’re not rigid “scripts” (since Erickson avoided formulaic inductions), but they use his principles: indirect suggestion, permissive language, pacing, and utilization.

1. Eye Fixation with Utilization

“You might notice the way your eyes blink… sometimes faster… sometimes slower… and as you let them rest on that spot over there, you don’t even have to try to relax… because your body knows how to do that all by itself… and in your own time, you can allow your eyes to close… whenever they are ready.”

2. Resistance-Friendly Induction

“Some people close their eyes right away… and some people prefer to wait… and you don’t even have to decide just yet… because whether your eyes are open or closed, you can still enjoy a sense of comfort… and as that comfort grows, your unconscious can begin to do the work for you.”

3. Hand Levitation Induction

“I wonder if your hand feels lighter… or heavier… as you sit there… and it doesn’t matter which… because your unconscious mind can allow that hand to move in whatever way it wishes… up… down… or just resting there comfortably… and as you notice those subtle shifts, you may drift into a deeper state of focus.”

4. Everyday Trance Utilization

“Have you ever been so absorbed in a book or a movie… that you lost track of time?… That same ability… to focus deeply and comfortably… is here now… and you can let yourself enjoy that natural state of attention… as deeply as feels right to you… now.”

5. Double Bind Induction

“You can enter a comfortable state of hypnosis quickly… or slowly… and whichever way your mind prefers… you’ll notice a shift happening… in its own perfect time… right now.”

Short Ericksonian inductions into a mini-session script.
Each will include:

Induction (already started above)

Deepening (taking the client deeper)

Therapeutic suggestion (generalized theme: comfort, confidence, letting go, healing)

Emergence (gentle return to full awareness)

1. Eye Fixation with Utilization

Induction:
“You might notice the way your eyes blink… sometimes faster… sometimes slower… and as you let them rest on that spot over there, you don’t even have to try to relax… because your body knows how to do that all by itself… and in your own time, you can allow your eyes to close… whenever they are ready.”

Deepening:
“And as your eyes close, you might become aware of your breathing… each breath gently slowing… spreading comfort through your body… like a wave of calm, flowing from the top of your head… all the way down to the tips of your toes.”

Suggestion:
“And as you rest in this calm space, your unconscious mind can remind you how to let go of unnecessary tension… just as easily as you let go of air with each exhale… creating more space inside for peace, clarity, and strength… so that later, when you return to your day, you’ll find it easier to handle things calmly, naturally, almost without thinking about it.”

Emergence:
“In a moment, I’ll count from one up to five… and with each number you’ll feel more refreshed, alert, and comfortable… one… slowly returning… two… bringing back energy… three… feeling lighter… four… eyes beginning to clear… and five… eyes open, fully alert, feeling good.”

2. Resistance-Friendly Induction

Induction:
“Some people close their eyes right away… and some people prefer to wait… and you don’t even have to decide just yet… because whether your eyes are open or closed, you can still enjoy a sense of comfort… and as that comfort grows, your unconscious can begin to do the work for you.”

Deepening:
“And as you listen… perhaps you notice your body settling… shoulders softening… hands resting in just the right way… and with each breath, the comfort increases… as if your body is teaching itself how to go deeper.”

Suggestion:
“And in this space, your unconscious mind can remember how to create balance… releasing old struggles… discovering new resources inside… so that solutions may arise naturally, even without effort… just the way sleep comes when it’s time, without forcing it.”

Emergence:
“And as your unconscious continues this work… you can return to the room, bringing with you a sense of lightness… as I count you back now… one… two… three… energy returning… four… feeling clear… and five… wide awake.”

3. Hand Levitation Induction

Induction:
“I wonder if your hand feels lighter… or heavier… as you sit there… and it doesn’t matter which… because your unconscious mind can allow that hand to move in whatever way it wishes… up… down… or just resting there comfortably… and as you notice those subtle shifts, you may drift into a deeper state of focus.”

Deepening:
“And even the smallest movements… can signal a deeper journey inside… and as that hand floats, or rests, or drifts in its own way… your mind can float deeper into comfort, deeper into that inner world where change happens easily.”

Suggestion:
“And as your unconscious guides the movement, it also guides your inner changes… perhaps lifting away old burdens… or allowing new strengths to rise… so that you discover fresh ways of responding to life… more flexible… more confident… more free.”

Emergence:
“And when that hand returns, gently… it can bring back with it everything you’ve learned here… so that as I count from one up to five, you awaken refreshed… one, two, three, four, five… eyes open, calm, alert, renewed.”

4. Everyday Trance Utilization

Induction:
“Have you ever been so absorbed in a book or a movie… that you lost track of time?… That same ability… to focus deeply and comfortably… is here now… and you can let yourself enjoy that natural state of attention… as deeply as feels right to you… now.”

Deepening:
“And the deeper you go… the more comfortable you feel… and the more comfortable you feel… the deeper you can drift… as if your mind is simply stepping into that familiar rhythm of absorption, where time seems to slow down.”

Suggestion:
“And in this absorbed state, your unconscious mind can strengthen your natural abilities… to focus where you want… to let distractions fade… to move through your day with more clarity and ease… discovering that focus and relaxation can work together as allies.”

Emergence:
“And so, in a moment, you’ll return to full awareness… bringing with you this renewed focus and calm… one… two… three… four… five… eyes open, refreshed.”

5. Double Bind Induction

Induction:
“You can enter a comfortable state of hypnosis quickly… or slowly… and whichever way your mind prefers… you’ll notice a shift happening… in its own perfect time… right now.”

Deepening:
“And whether it happens with your next breath… or the one after that… your comfort is growing… as if each inhale brings in calm… and each exhale lets go of tension… going deeper with each breath.”

Suggestion:
“And as you rest here, your unconscious can sort through things for you… deciding what to keep… and what to release… like clearing space on a shelf… so you can hold on to what really matters, and gently let the rest go.”

Emergence:
“And as that clearing process continues… you’ll find yourself waking with more space, more clarity, more ease… returning now as I count… one… two… three… four… and five… eyes open, refreshed.”

These are general-purpose Ericksonian mini-sessions. They can be customized toward:

anxiety relief (calm and safety)
confidence building (inner resources)
habit change (letting go vs strengthening new patterns)
healing (mind–body relaxation and recovery)

Shervan K Shahhian

Motivational Interviewing (MI), what is it:

Motivational Interviewing (MI):

Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a client-centered, directive counseling style used to help people explore and resolve ambivalence about behavior change. It was originally developed by William R. Miller and Stephen Rollnick, primarily in the context of addiction treatment, but it’s now widely used in various healthcare, mental health, and social work settings.

Core Principles of Motivational Interviewing

Express Empathy

Use reflective listening to convey understanding of the client’s experience.
Avoid judgment or confrontation.

Develop Discrepancy

Help clients recognize the gap between their current behavior and their personal goals or values.
This creates motivation for change without pressure.

Roll with Resistance

Avoid arguing or opposing resistance.
Resistance is seen as a signal to change strategies, not confront the client.

Support Self-Efficacy

Emphasize the client’s ability and power to make changes.
Highlight past successes and strengths.

Key Techniques (OARS)

Technique Description Open-ended Questions Encourage clients to explore their thoughts and feelings in depth. Affirmations Recognize client strengths and efforts. Reflective Listening Mirror back what the client says to show understanding and prompt deeper reflection. Summarizing Reinforce what has been discussed, especially change talk, to consolidate motivation.

Stages of Change Model (Transtheoretical Model)

MI is often used to help people move through the stages:

Precontemplation — Not considering change.

Contemplation — Ambivalent about change.

Preparation — Planning to change soon.

Action — Taking active steps.

Maintenance — Sustaining the new behavior.

Example in Practice (Addiction Context)

Therapist: “It sounds like a part of you really wants to cut back on drinking, but another part is worried about losing your social life. That’s a tough place to be.”

Client: “Yeah… I know it’s a problem, but I don’t know if I’m ready.”

Therapist: “You’ve been thinking about this a lot. What would be different in your life if you did make that change?”

Common Applications

Substance use treatment
Health behavior change (diet, exercise, medication adherence)
Smoking cessation
Criminal justice settings
Mental health therapy

Shervan K Shahhian

Group Therapy Facilitators, who are they:

Group Therapy Facilitators:

Group therapy facilitators are trained professionals who lead and manage group therapy sessions to promote healing, growth, and psychological well-being among participants. They may be:

1. Licensed Mental Health Professionals

These are the most common facilitators and include:

Psychologists (PhD, PsyD)
Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW)
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT)
Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC)

They are trained in group dynamics, psychological assessment, and therapeutic techniques.

2. Counselors-in-Training or Interns

Often facilitate under supervision in clinical or educational settings.
Gain hands-on experience as part of graduate training in psychology, counseling, or social work programs.

3. Peer Facilitators

Individuals with lived experience who are trained to lead support groups (e.g., 12-step groups, grief support, trauma survivor groups).
While not licensed clinicians, they play a valuable role in mutual aid groups.

4. Specialists in a Specific Therapy Type

Some facilitators are specifically trained in:

Cognitive Behavioral Group Therapy (CBGT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Groups
Process-Oriented Groups
Trauma-Informed Group Therapy
Psychoeducational Groups

Key Skills of Effective Group Facilitators:

Creating a safe and inclusive environment
Managing group dynamics and conflict
Encouraging participation without pressure
Setting clear boundaries and confidentiality rules
Applying clinical insight to guide the group process

In addiction treatment, group therapy facilitators play a central role in supporting recovery, fostering accountability, and helping individuals develop healthier coping strategies. Here’s how they function in that context:

Who Facilitates Addiction Group Therapy?

Licensed Addiction Counselors (LAC/CADC/LCADC)

Specialize in substance use disorders.
Often certified with additional training in addiction science and recovery models.

Licensed Mental Health Professionals

Psychologists, social workers, or counselors with addiction expertise.
May integrate trauma, family, or co-occurring mental health treatments.

Peer Support Specialists / Recovery Coaches

Have lived experience with addiction and are trained to lead peer support groups.
May co-facilitate alongside clinicians in a treatment program.

Types of Group Therapy in Addiction Treatment

Psychoeducational Groups

Teach about addiction, relapse prevention, brain chemistry, and coping strategies.
Facilitators use structured content to increase awareness and insight.

Process-Oriented Groups

Focus on sharing personal experiences and emotional processing.
Facilitators manage interpersonal dynamics and promote honest expression.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Groups

Help identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors.
Facilitators guide structured exercises and group discussion.

Relapse Prevention Groups

Target high-risk situations and triggers.
Facilitators support members in developing personalized plans.

Motivational Enhancement Groups

Increase motivation and resolve ambivalence about change.
Facilitators use techniques from Motivational Interviewing (MI).

12-Step Oriented Groups

May follow the model of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA).
Facilitators encourage participation in a shared spiritual or moral framework.

Core Responsibilities of Facilitators in Addiction Recovery:

Set clear ground rules for confidentiality, respect, and participation.
Normalize struggles to reduce shame and isolation.
Encourage accountability while showing empathy.
Identify group themes, emotional undercurrents, or signs of relapse.
Link group insights to personal recovery goals.

Shervan K Shahhian