Therapy Glossary

Plain-language definitions for common therapy terms

This glossary is educational and does not diagnose. Terms can mean different things in different clinical contexts; ask your therapist how a concept applies to your care.

ACT — ACCEPTANCE AND COMMITMENT THERAPY

An approach that helps people relate differently to difficult thoughts and feelings while taking actions guided by personal values.

ANXIETY

A normal protective response that can become distressing when worry, fear, physical symptoms or avoidance interfere with daily life.

ATTACHMENT

The ways people learn to seek safety, closeness and support in important relationships. Attachment patterns can change over time.

BOUNDARIES

Limits and agreements that clarify what a person is responsible for, what they need and how they will respond in relationships.

BURNOUT

Physical, emotional and mental depletion associated with prolonged stress, demands and insufficient recovery.

CBT — COGNITIVE BEHAVIOURAL THERAPY

A structured approach that explores connections among thoughts, emotions, actions and context, and develops more flexible patterns.

EMOTIONAL REGULATION

The ability to notice, understand and respond to emotions in ways that fit the situation and personal values.

EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONING

Mental processes involved in planning, starting, organizing, shifting attention, remembering steps and regulating effort.

GRIEF

A varied response to loss that may affect emotions, identity, relationships, concentration, the body and daily routines.

PSYCHOTHERAPY

A collaborative professional process that uses conversation and evidence-informed methods to support mental health, relationships and meaningful change.

TRAUMA-INFORMED THERAPY

Care that recognizes how overwhelming experiences can affect safety, trust, the body and relationships, and aims to avoid unnecessary re-traumatization.

CULTURALLY RESPONSIVE CARE

Therapy that considers culture, language, identity, migration, family, community and social context rather than treating them as side issues.

Related next steps: explore Services, meet the Therapists, read Calm Mind Insights or use Book a Session. For more practical guidance, visit Client Resources.