Glossary of Common Therapy Terms
Therapy, like many fields, has its own set of terms and concepts. This glossary is designed to provide clear, client-friendly explanations for some of the common terms you might encounter in our Help Center, during your sessions with us, or in your own research about mental health.
A
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) A type of psychotherapy that helps individuals accept difficult thoughts and feelings rather than struggling with them, clarify their personal values, and commit to actions that align with those values to live a meaningful life.
Adaptive vs. Maladaptive Perfectionism See: Perfectionism (Adaptive vs. Maladaptive)
Attachment-Based Therapy (ABT) A therapeutic approach rooted in attachment theory, focusing on how early bonding experiences shape current relationship patterns and emotional well-being. The goal is often to foster a more secure attachment style.
Attachment Styles Characteristic ways individuals relate to others in intimate relationships, believed to be shaped by early experiences with caregivers. Common styles include Secure, Anxious-Preoccupied, Dismissive-Avoidant, and Fearful-Avoidant (Disorganized). Understanding your style can provide insight into relationship patterns.
Autism / Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) A neurodevelopmental condition characterized by differences in social communication, interaction, and often involving patterns of behavior such as focused interests or repetitive actions. It exists on a spectrum, meaning there is a wide range of strengths and challenges experienced by autistic individuals. Therapy often focuses on leveraging strengths, developing coping strategies, and navigating social or sensory aspects.
B
Blended Family A family unit formed when two individuals come together, where one or both have children from previous relationships, creating step-parent and step-sibling relationships. Navigating new roles, loyalties, and co-parenting are common focuses in therapy.
Boundaries (Personal/Relational) Limits, rules, and guidelines individuals create for themselves within relationships to protect their well-being, autonomy, and emotional/physical space. Healthy boundaries are essential for self-respect and healthy interactions.
Bowenian Family Systems Therapy A theory and therapeutic approach developed by Murray Bowen that views the family as an emotional unit and focuses on concepts like differentiation of self and intergenerational patterns to understand individual and family functioning.
C
Client Portal (SimplePractice) Our secure online platform where clients can manage appointments, complete paperwork, send secure messages, handle billing, and attend telehealth sessions.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) A type of psychotherapy that helps individuals identify and change unhelpful or unhealthy thinking patterns (cognitions) and behaviors that contribute to emotional distress.
Cognitive Defusion (ACT) A technique used in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) that involves learning to observe your thoughts and mental images from a distance, without getting caught up in them or believing they are literal truths. It helps to see thoughts as thoughts, not facts.
Cognitive Distortions (CBT) Exaggerated, irrational, or biased ways of thinking that are believed to perpetuate psychological distress, such as anxiety or depression. Examples include catastrophizing (expecting the worst), all-or-nothing thinking, and overgeneralization.
Confidentiality The ethical and legal principle that information shared by a client in therapy will be kept private by the therapist, with specific, legally mandated exceptions (also known as limits to confidentiality).
Contextual Therapy An interpersonal and systemic approach developed by Ivan Boszormenyi-Nagy, grounded in relational ethics (fairness, trust, loyalty) across generations. It focuses on healing relational wounds and re-establishing trustworthy relationships. See also: What is Contextual Therapy?
Coping Skills/Strategies Specific methods and techniques individuals use to manage stressful situations, difficult emotions, or challenging thoughts in a healthy and adaptive way.
Core Beliefs/Schemas (CBT/Schema Therapy) Deeply held, enduring beliefs about oneself, others, and the world, often formed in childhood. These core beliefs can influence thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and may be a focus of therapy if they are negative or unhelpful.
Corrective Emotional Experience A therapeutic process where a client, within the safety of the therapy relationship, experiences a new and more positive emotional response to old wounds or problematic relational patterns. This can help to reshape negative expectations and beliefs.
Countertransference The therapist's emotional reaction to the client, which can be influenced by the therapist's own personal history, experiences, or unconscious processes, or may be a direct response to the client's transference. Awareness of countertransference is important for therapists to maintain objectivity.
D
Defense Mechanisms Unconscious psychological strategies individuals use to cope with anxiety and protect themselves from thoughts or feelings that are difficult to tolerate or perceive as threatening. Examples include denial (refusing to accept reality), projection (attributing one's own unacceptable feelings to others), and rationalization (creating logical excuses for unacceptable behavior).
Demon Dialogues (EFT) See: Negative Interaction Cycle / Demon Dialogues (EFT)
Depression A mood disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest or pleasure in activities, and often accompanied by changes in sleep, appetite, energy levels, concentration, and self-esteem.
Differentiation of Self (Bowenian) A core concept in Bowenian Family Systems Therapy referring to an individual's ability to separate their emotional and intellectual functioning, and to maintain a clear sense of self (autonomy) while remaining emotionally connected to others in significant relationships. Higher differentiation is associated with greater resilience to stress.
Dominant Story / Problem-Saturated Story (Narrative Therapy) In Narrative Therapy, these terms refer to the prevailing, often negative or limiting, narratives that individuals or families construct about their lives or a particular problem. These stories can overshadow alternative, more positive or empowering narratives.
E
Emotional Regulation The ability to recognize, understand, and manage one's emotional experiences and expressions in a healthy and adaptive way. This includes being able to modulate the intensity and duration of emotions and to respond to situations with an appropriate emotional range.
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) An evidence-based therapeutic approach, particularly for couples but also used with individuals and families, that focuses on understanding and reshaping emotional responses and attachment patterns to create more secure and satisfying relationships.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) A specialized psychotherapy approach designed to help people heal from trauma or other distressing life experiences. It involves bilateral stimulation (e.g., guided eye movements) to help the brain reprocess "stuck" traumatic memories.
Executive Functioning A set of mental skills that help individuals manage thoughts, actions, and emotions to achieve goals. These include skills like planning, organization, working memory, time management, flexible thinking, and self-control. Challenges in executive functioning are common in conditions like ADHD.
Experiential Therapy A therapeutic approach that emphasizes direct experience, action, and emotion as catalysts for change. It often involves activities like role-playing, art, or movement to help clients access and process feelings and experiences.
Externalizing the Problem (Narrative Therapy) A key technique in Narrative Therapy where the problem is spoken about as if it is separate from the person (e.g., "What tricks does Anxiety use to bother you?"). This helps to reduce self-blame and empowers individuals to take action against the problem.
G
Giftedness / Gifted Refers to individuals, often children, demonstrating high potential or achievement in areas such as intellectual ability, creativity, artistic talent, or leadership. Gifted individuals may experience unique social-emotional needs, asynchronous development (where cognitive abilities outpace emotional/social skills), perfectionism, and emotional intensity (often referred to as overexcitabilities).
Gottman Method Couples Therapy A research-based approach to couples therapy developed by Drs. John and Julie Gottman, focusing on improving friendship, managing conflict constructively, and creating shared meaning in relationships.
H
HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) A U.S. federal law designed to protect sensitive patient health information (Protected Health Information - PHI) from being disclosed without the patient's consent or knowledge. It also sets standards for the security of electronic health records.
I
Imposter Syndrome A psychological pattern in which an individual doubts their skills, talents, or accomplishments and has a persistent internalized fear of being exposed as a "fraud," despite external evidence of their competence.
Informed Consent An ethical and legal principle requiring that clients are provided with adequate information about proposed therapy services (including benefits, risks, alternatives, policies, and fees) so they can make a knowledgeable and voluntary decision about participating in treatment.
Inner Child A concept representing the childlike aspects of an individual's personality, often encompassing emotions, memories, beliefs, and needs from their childhood. Working with the inner child in therapy can involve healing past wounds and nurturing these younger parts of oneself.
Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy A therapeutic model developed by Richard Schwartz that views the mind as naturally made up of various "parts" (subpersonalities like Managers, Firefighters, Exiles) and a core, wise, and compassionate "Self." Therapy aims to heal wounded parts and foster Self-leadership.
Intergenerational Trauma/Patterns The transmission of traumatic experiences, emotional responses, or dysfunctional relational patterns from one generation to the next within a family system. These patterns can be passed down consciously or unconsciously.
L
Ledger of Merits (Contextual Therapy) See: Relational Ethics / Ledger of Merits (Contextual Therapy)
LMFT (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist) A mental health professional with a graduate degree and clinical training specializing in psychotherapy and family systems. LMFTs are licensed to diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders within the context of individual, couples, and family systems.
M
Maladaptive Perfectionism See: Perfectionism (Adaptive vs. Maladaptive)
Masking (Autism/ADHD/Neurodiversity) A social survival strategy where individuals consciously or unconsciously suppress their natural neurodivergent traits (e.g., autistic stimming, ADHD impulsivity) or mimic neurotypical behaviors to try and fit in or avoid negative judgment. Masking can be mentally and emotionally exhausting. See also: Neurodiversity / Neurodivergent; Autism / Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Mind-Body Connection The understanding and recognition that mental and emotional states (thoughts, feelings, stress) can significantly influence physical health, and conversely, physical health conditions can impact mental and emotional well-being. This connection is often explored in holistic approaches to therapy.
Mindfulness The practice of paying attention to the present moment (thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, surrounding environment) intentionally and non-judgmentally. Mindfulness can help reduce stress, increase self-awareness, and improve emotional regulation.
Moral Injury (Veterans/Trauma) Psychological distress that results from actions, or the witnessing of actions, which violate an individual's deeply held moral beliefs, values, or ethical expectations. It often involves feelings of guilt, shame, betrayal, or anger, and is commonly discussed in the context of military service or other traumatic experiences.
N
Narrative Therapy A respectful, non-blaming approach to counseling and community work which centers people as the experts in their own lives. It views problems as separate from people and assumes people have many skills, competencies, beliefs, values, commitments and abilities that will assist them to reduce the influence of problems in their lives. See also: Dominant Story / Problem-Saturated Story; Externalizing the Problem; Unique Outcomes / Sparkling Moments
Negative Interaction Cycle / Demon Dialogues (EFT) In Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), this refers to the repetitive, self-reinforcing, and destructive patterns of communication and behavior that couples often get stuck in when experiencing distress. Identifying and de-escalating this cycle is a key goal of EFT.
Neurodiversity / Neurodivergent An approach that views neurological differences (such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, giftedness, Tourette's syndrome, etc.) as natural variations in human brain functioning, rather than as deficits or disorders to be "cured." It emphasizes that diverse neurological makeups bring unique strengths and perspectives. A neurodivergent individual is someone whose brain functions in ways that diverge significantly from the dominant societal standards of "typical." See also: Autism / Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD); Giftedness; Masking; Twice-Exceptional (2e)
P
Parts (IFS) In Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy, "parts" are subpersonalities or different aspects of an individual's inner world. These parts (e.g., Managers, Firefighters, Exiles) develop in response to life experiences and have specific roles, beliefs, and emotions. IFS aims to understand and harmonize these parts. See also: Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy; Self (IFS)
Perfectionism (Adaptive vs. Maladaptive) Perfectionism is the striving for flawlessness.
- Adaptive Perfectionism: Characterized by high standards, organization, and striving for excellence in a flexible way that can lead to achievement and satisfaction.
- Maladaptive Perfectionism: An unhealthy, rigid pursuit of flawlessness often driven by fear of failure, harsh self-criticism, and a belief that one's worth is tied to perfect performance. It can lead to anxiety, procrastination, and burnout.
Play Therapy A specialized form of therapy, primarily for children, that uses play – a child's natural language – to help them express feelings, process experiences, develop coping skills, and resolve psychosocial difficulties.
Problem-Saturated Story (Narrative Therapy) See: Dominant Story / Problem-Saturated Story (Narrative Therapy)
Psychodynamic Therapy A therapeutic approach that focuses on unconscious processes, past experiences (especially early childhood), and how they shape current thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and relationships. It aims to bring unconscious material into conscious awareness to promote insight and healing.
Psychological Flexibility (ACT) A core concept in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) referring to the ability to be present with what life offers (both pleasant and unpleasant), open up to difficult experiences, and take committed action in line with one's chosen values. It involves being aware, open, and active.
R
Relational Ethics / Ledger of Merits (Contextual Therapy) Key concepts in Contextual Therapy. Relational ethics refers to the ethical dimensions of relationships, particularly the balance of fairness, give-and-take, trust, and loyalty between family members, often across generations. The "ledger of merits" is an unconscious accounting of these ethical transactions.
Resilience The ability to adapt well, bounce back, and recover from adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats, or significant sources of stress. Resilience involves behaviors, thoughts, and actions that can be learned and developed.
S
Schema / Core Beliefs (CBT/Schema Therapy) See: Core Beliefs/Schemas (CBT/Schema Therapy)
Self (IFS) In Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy, the "Self" is considered the core essence of a person, characterized by qualities like compassion, curiosity, calmness, confidence, courage, creativity, and connectedness (often referred to as the "8 C's"). IFS therapy aims to help individuals access and lead from this Self energy. See also: Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy; Parts (IFS)
Self-Care The practice of engaging in activities and behaviors that promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It involves intentionally taking time to nurture oneself and address one's own needs.
Self-Compassion Treating oneself with the same kindness, care, understanding, and acceptance one would offer to a good friend, especially during times of suffering, failure, or perceived inadequacy. It involves recognizing shared human experiences and being mindfully aware of one's pain without over-identifying with it.
Sensory Processing / Sensory Sensitivities Refers to the way the nervous system receives messages from the senses (touch, taste, sight, sound, smell, movement, body position) and turns them into appropriate motor and behavioral responses. Individuals with sensory sensitivities may be over-responsive or under-responsive to sensory input, which can impact daily functioning and emotional regulation. Often discussed in relation to autism, ADHD, giftedness, or Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD).
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) A goal-oriented, collaborative therapeutic approach that focuses on clients' strengths, resources, and desired future solutions rather than on past problems or pathology. It emphasizes identifying "exceptions" (times when the problem is less severe or absent).
Somatic Experience/Therapy Approaches to therapy that focus on the mind-body connection and use bodily sensations, movement, and awareness to help process trauma, stress, and emotional distress. The premise is that traumatic experiences can get "stuck" in the body and that attending to these somatic (body-based) experiences is key to healing.
Sparkling Moments (Narrative Therapy) See: Unique Outcomes / Sparkling Moments (Narrative Therapy)
Structural Family Therapy (SFT) A therapeutic approach developed by Salvador Minuchin that focuses on understanding and reorganizing the family's structure – the invisible set of rules, roles, subsystems, boundaries, and hierarchies that govern interactions – to resolve problems.
Systemic Perspective / Family Systems A way of understanding individuals within the context of their relationships and broader social systems (e.g., family, work, community). It emphasizes that individuals are interconnected and that changes in one part of the system can affect other parts. This is a core perspective in Marriage and Family Therapy.
T
Telehealth / Teletherapy The delivery of therapy services remotely using secure video conferencing technology, allowing clients to connect with their therapist from their own chosen location.
Transference An unconscious psychological process where feelings, attitudes, and desires originally experienced in early significant relationships (often with parents or primary caregivers) are redirected and applied to another person in the present, such as the therapist. Recognizing and exploring transference can be a valuable part of the therapeutic process. See also: Countertransference
Trauma An emotional response to a deeply distressing or disturbing event that overwhelms an individual's ability to cope, causes feelings of helplessness, and diminishes their sense of self and their ability to feel the full range of emotions and experiences. Experiences can range from single incidents (e.g., accident, assault) to ongoing, chronic stressors (e.g., abuse, neglect, systemic oppression). See also: Intergenerational Trauma/Patterns; PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)
Trauma-Informed Care An approach to delivering services (including therapy) that is grounded in an understanding of and responsiveness to the impact of trauma. It emphasizes physical, psychological, and emotional safety for everyone, and creates opportunities for survivors to rebuild a sense of control and empowerment.
Triangles / Triangulation (Bowenian/Systemic) A concept, particularly from Bowenian Family Systems Therapy, describing a three-person emotional configuration. When anxiety or tension becomes too high in a two-person relationship (a dyad), a third person (or sometimes an issue or substance) is often "triangled in" to diffuse the tension and stabilize the original dyad, though it can prevent direct resolution of the initial conflict.
Twice-Exceptional (2e) A term used to describe individuals who are identified as gifted (possessing high cognitive abilities or specific talents) and also have one or more co-occurring disabilities or learning differences, such as ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, dyslexia, anxiety disorders, or sensory processing challenges. These individuals have a unique profile of significant strengths alongside specific challenges. See also: Giftedness / Gifted; Neurodiversity / Neurodivergent
U
Unique Outcomes / Sparkling Moments (Narrative Therapy) In Narrative Therapy, these are instances or exceptions in a person's life that contradict their dominant, problem-saturated story. Identifying and exploring these "unique outcomes" or "sparkling moments" helps to build new, more empowering narratives.
V
Values (ACT) In Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), values are chosen life directions or qualities of ongoing action that are deeply important and meaningful to an individual (e.g., compassion, connection, growth, authenticity). Therapy helps clarify these values and commit to behaviors that align with them.
W
Window of Tolerance A term used to describe the optimal zone of physiological and emotional arousal where a person can effectively process information, respond to the demands of everyday life, and manage their emotions without becoming overwhelmed (hyperaroused, e.g., anxious, angry) or shutting down (hypoaroused, e.g., numb, disconnected). Therapy can help widen this window.