Understanding Oneself: A Journey Through Various Lenses

Self-perception can be a profound introspective journey that takes us deep within, probing questions that resonate with the very essence of our existence. Various therapeutic modalities, spiritual practices, and philosophical explorations approach these questions in different ways.

Start with: “what am I”, “what should I do”, “do I have a purpose”

Assessment of Mental Health

1. CBT Intake Assessment
2. Standard Questionnaires
3. Cognition Assessment
4. Perceived Stress Scale: The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) is a classic stress assessment instrument. The tool, while originally developed in 1983, remains a popular choice for helping us understand how different situations affect our feelings and our perceived stress.
5. Resilience Questionnaire: This is an abbreviated version of the Nicholson McBride Resilience Questionnaire (NMRQ).
6. Life Changes Stress Test: The Recent Life Changes Questionnaire (RLCQ) is an instrument that was developed to look at life change events and their impact on an individual. The questionnaire looks to see how many stressors an individual has experienced in the last 6 or 12 months and determines if the individual had had “high recent life stress.”
7. Personality Disorder Test: This test covers the following Personality Disorders - Paranoid, Schizoid, Schizotypal, Antisocial, Borderline, Histrionic, Narcissistic, Avoidant, Dependent, and Obsessive-Compulsive.

Modalities

1. Interpersonal Therapy (IPT):
   • What am I? - A person whose mental well-being is closely linked to the quality of their interpersonal relationships.
   • What should I do? - Improve interpersonal skills, understand and address relational conflicts.
   • Do I have a purpose? - To foster healthier relationships and navigate interpersonal challenges.
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2. Cognitive Therapy and Cognitive Behavior therapy (CBT):
   • What am I? - A being with thoughts that can sometimes be distorted, affecting emotions and behaviors.
   • What should I do? - Identify and challenge unhelpful thinking patterns.
   • Do I have a purpose? - To cultivate a balanced and rational mindset.
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3. Psychoanalysis:
   • What am I? - A being shaped by unconscious drives and past experiences, especially from childhood.
   • What should I do? - Engage in introspection to understand deep-seated patterns and conflicts.
   • Do I have a purpose? - To achieve self-awareness and resolve internal conflicts.
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Self-help

4. Mindfulness:
   • What am I? - A conscious being, observing thoughts and feelings without judgment.
   • What should I do? - Be present, attentive, and non-judgmental to experiences.
   • Do I have a purpose? - To live fully in the present moment.
   Free Mindfulness Project
   Buddhist scriptures on Mindfulness


5. Life Coaching:
   • What am I? - A unique individual with potential and aspirations.
   • What should I do? - Set and work towards personal and professional goals.
   • Do I have a purpose? - To realize one’s potential and achieve desired outcomes.
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   Self-coaching
   

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Systems and Traditions

6. Philosophy of Self:
   • What am I? - A subject of experience and agency; a continuous or evolving entity.
   • What should I do? - Reflect on the nature of self and one’s relationship to the external world.
   • Do I have a purpose? - This depends on various philosophical positions; some might argue purpose is inherent, others that it’s constructed.
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7. Philosophy of Mind:
   • What am I? - A thinking, feeling entity, potentially distinct from the physical body.
   • What should I do? - Explore and understand the nature of consciousness and thought.
   • Do I have a purpose? - Depends on the philosophical stance; could range from fulfilling biological imperatives to achieving a higher understanding.
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8. Mysticism:
   • What am I? - A soul or consciousness seeking union with the divine or ultimate truth.
   • What should I do? - Engage in practices that foster spiritual connection and understanding.
   • Do I have a purpose? - To achieve union or communion with a higher power or reality.
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9. Contemplation:
   • What am I? - A reflective being seeking understanding and peace.
   • What should I do? - Engage in deep thought and introspection.
   • Do I have a purpose? - To find clarity, understanding, and inner peace.
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10. Animism/Shamanism:
    • What am I? - Part of a world where everything possesses a spiritual essence.
    • What should I do? - Connect with, respect, and navigate the spirit world and nature.
    • Do I have a purpose? - To live harmoniously with the spiritual and natural world.
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