
Glossary of Terms
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a type of psychotherapy that aims to help individuals develop psychological flexibility by accepting their experiences and committing to actions that align with their personal values. ACT is based on the idea that struggling with difficult thoughts and emotions can lead to further suffering, and that individuals can instead learn to accept their experiences while focusing on what matters most to them in life. ACT uses mindfulness and acceptance-based techniques to help individuals identify and defuse from unhelpful thoughts and emotions, while also clarifying their values and goals. The therapy involves identifying barriers that prevent individuals from living a meaningful life, and then taking committed action towards values-based goals, even in the face of discomfort or difficult emotions. ACT has been used to treat a wide range of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, chronic pain, substance abuse, and eating disorders. The therapy can be delivered in both individual and group settings.
Client-Therapist Confidentiality
Client-therapist confidentiality is an essential aspect of psychotherapy that ensures the privacy and protection of the client's personal information shared during therapy sessions. Confidentiality refers to the therapist's obligation to keep any information shared by the client confidential, both during and after therapy sessions, except in specific circumstances.
Therapists are required to keep all client information confidential under ethical and legal standards. This means that any personal or sensitive information shared by the client during therapy sessions cannot be disclosed to anyone without the client's written permission, except in certain cases.
In specific situations, therapists are legally required to disclose confidential information, such as if there is a threat of harm to the client or others, or if there is suspicion of child or elder abuse. Therapists may also be required to disclose information if they are subpoenaed by a court of law or other legal entity.
Clinical Psychologists
A clinical psychologist is a mental health professional who specializes in the diagnosis, assessment, and treatment of psychological disorders and mental health issues. They typically hold a doctoral degree in psychology and are licensed to practice in their state. Clinical psychologists use a range of evidence-based techniques to help their clients manage and overcome a variety of mental health concerns, including depression, anxiety, addiction, trauma, and relationship issues. They may provide individual or group therapy, conduct psychological assessments, and consult with other healthcare providers to coordinate care. Clinical psychologists may work in a variety of settings, including private practice, hospitals, clinics, and research institutions.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a specific form of psychotherapy with a history in Stoic philosophy and the behavior therapy of the early 20th century. The primary theoretical tenant of cognitive behavioral therapy is the belief that, with practice, one can identify, understand, and evaluate thought patterns more logically and mitigate negative emotions and undesirable behaviors that stem from irrational thinking about themselves, others, and the world around them. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a two-person model of psychotherapy during which the therapist is directly involved in the treatment and serving as a coach, teacher, and collaborator. The therapist may follow a specific treatment protocol or invite more open conversation that incorporates other aspects of the client’s experience. Similarly, CBT may be time-limited (e.g., 12-16 weeks) or ongoing based on the needs of the client and the approach of the therapist. In controlled research studies, CBT has been found to be the single most effective therapeutic intervention for many psychiatric conditions, including anxiety and depressive disorders,
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy that was originally developed to treat individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD). DBT aims to help individuals improve their emotional regulation, interpersonal relationships, and overall quality of life. The therapy combines traditional cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness and acceptance-based strategies. DBT typically involves both individual therapy sessions and skills training groups that focus on teaching four key skills: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. The therapy is now used to treat a range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, addiction, and eating disorders.
Internal Family System
Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS) is a type of psychotherapy that views the mind as a complex system of sub-personalities or "parts". These parts can be in conflict with each other and can lead to emotional distress and negative patterns of behavior. The goal of IFS is to help individuals explore and integrate these parts in a way that promotes healing and self-awareness. IFS is based on the idea that individuals have a "true self" or a core sense of self that is calm, curious, and compassionate. The therapy aims to help individuals access and connect with their true self, while also identifying and healing any wounded parts. The therapy involves developing a relationship with each part and understanding their function and needs. The therapist helps guide the individual in facilitating communication and collaboration between the parts, ultimately promoting a greater sense of wholeness and self-awareness. IFS has been used to treat a range of mental health conditions, including trauma, depression, anxiety, and addiction.