Mental Health Terminology Guide: Understanding Therapy Terms

Mental health terminology includes specialized language used by licensed therapists to describe therapeutic processes, treatment approaches, and clinical concepts, with understanding key terms like cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma responses, and emotional regulation enhancing client communication and treatment engagement.

Ever felt lost when your therapist mentions terms like "cognitive restructuring" or "attachment patterns"? Mental health terminology doesn't have to be intimidating—understanding these key concepts can actually enhance your therapy experience and help you communicate more effectively with your licensed clinical social worker.

Therapy Terminology Guide: Navigating Mental Health Terms With Confidence

Content warning: The following article may mention trauma-related topics that could be triggering to readers. Please visit our Resources page for immediate support options.

Every industry has its specialized language, and mental health is no exception. While familiarity with certain terms can help you feel more informed, encountering unfamiliar terminology during therapy sessions can sometimes create unnecessary barriers to understanding. In this guide, we’ll explore common terms you might encounter while working with a licensed clinical social worker or learning about mental health services.

Understanding Specialized Mental Health Terminology

Mental health terminology includes words and phrases used to describe therapeutic processes, but their meanings can sometimes vary depending on who’s using them and the context of the conversation. Some terms have specific clinical definitions, while others may be more colloquial or trendy.

Technical Terms vs. Everyday Language

When you speak with a licensed clinical social worker at ReachLink, you might hear phrases like “cognitive restructuring,” “therapeutic alliance,” or “motivational interviewing.” Unlike casual buzzwords, these phrases have specific meanings within the mental health profession, but they may not be familiar to those outside the field. While our clinical social workers are trained to communicate clearly, it’s always appropriate to ask for clarification if you encounter unfamiliar terminology during your sessions.

14 Common Mental Health Terms Explained

The following terms are frequently used in therapeutic settings. Understanding them can enhance your telehealth therapy experience and help you communicate more effectively with your licensed clinical social worker.

1. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, or DSM, is the authoritative handbook used by mental health professionals to identify and classify mental health conditions. It establishes standardized criteria for diagnosis and includes the most current understanding of various disorders. The latest edition also addresses how factors like racism and discrimination can impact diagnosis. Licensed clinical social workers at ReachLink use the DSM as a guide when helping to identify patterns of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that may be affecting your wellbeing.

2. Parasympathetic nervous system

The parasympathetic nervous system (PSNS) includes nerves that help your body relax after experiencing stress or danger. It regulates automatic functions like heartbeat, digestion, and urination. People who have experienced trauma may benefit from techniques that activate this system to restore balance. During video sessions, ReachLink’s licensed clinical social workers can teach you specific breathing exercises, mindfulness techniques, and other practices to help engage your parasympathetic nervous system when needed.

3. Attachment theory

Attachment theory proposes that humans are born with an innate need to form close bonds with caregivers. These early relationship patterns can significantly influence how we connect with others throughout our lives. Children who struggle to form secure attachments during early development may experience relationship challenges as adults. In telehealth therapy sessions, your ReachLink clinical social worker might explore your attachment patterns to help you understand and improve your current relationships.

4. Trauma responses

Trauma responses are reactions associated with distressing experiences, such as loss, assault, disasters, or significant life changes. These responses can be physical, emotional, or psychological in nature. ReachLink’s licensed clinical social workers are trained in trauma-informed approaches and can help you develop effective coping strategies for managing difficult memories and reactions.

5. Subconscious patterns

Subconscious patterns are thoughts, behaviors, or emotional responses that occur without our conscious awareness yet continue to influence our daily lives. Repression is one example—when we unconsciously push away painful thoughts or memories to avoid distress. Through video therapy sessions, ReachLink’s clinical social workers can help you identify these patterns and develop greater awareness of how they affect your current experiences.

6. Cognitive behavioral therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based therapeutic approach that focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors. It combines cognitive therapy (addressing thought patterns) with behavioral therapy (addressing actions and habits). CBT has proven effective for many conditions, including anxiety, depression, and OCD. ReachLink’s licensed clinical social workers are trained in CBT techniques that can be effectively delivered through our secure telehealth platform.

7. Emotionally focused therapy

Emotionally focused therapy (EFT) is primarily used in couples counseling to strengthen emotional bonds and improve intimacy. This approach helps partners recognize and express underlying emotions that drive conflict patterns. ReachLink offers couples therapy with licensed clinical social workers who apply EFT principles to help partners develop more secure and satisfying relationships through our convenient video session format.

8. Mental health conditions

According to the World Health Organization, a mental health condition involves significant disturbances in behavior, emotional regulation, or cognitive functioning. Common conditions include anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, depression, schizophrenia, personality disorders, PTSD, and eating disorders. ReachLink’s licensed clinical social workers provide supportive therapy for many mental health conditions through our telehealth platform.

9. Cognitive processes

Cognitive processes encompass all mental activities involved in thinking, reasoning, learning, and perceiving. These include attention, memory, problem-solving, and decision-making. Understanding these processes can help you recognize patterns that may be contributing to distress. Your ReachLink clinical social worker can help you identify and modify unhelpful cognitive processes during your telehealth sessions.

10. Emotional regulation

Emotional regulation refers to our ability to manage and respond to emotional experiences in healthy, adaptive ways. This includes recognizing emotions, understanding their triggers, and developing appropriate responses. ReachLink’s licensed clinical social workers can teach you practical techniques for improving emotional regulation skills that you can practice between video sessions.

11. Trauma-informed care

Trauma-informed care recognizes the widespread impact of trauma and integrates this understanding into all aspects of treatment. ReachLink’s licensed clinical social workers receive specialized training in trauma-informed approaches, ensuring they provide care that acknowledges past experiences while avoiding re-traumatization. Our secure telehealth platform offers a safe environment for this sensitive work.

12. Active listening

Active listening involves fully concentrating on what someone is saying rather than passively hearing their words. It requires setting aside distractions, avoiding interruptions, and focusing completely on understanding the speaker’s message. ReachLink’s clinical social workers practice active listening during video sessions and can help you develop this valuable communication skill for your personal relationships.

13. Metacognition

Metacognition is essentially “thinking about thinking”—the ability to observe your own thought processes without judgment. This skill allows you to recognize unhelpful thought patterns and consciously shift toward more constructive thinking. Developing metacognition can improve problem-solving, learning, and emotional well-being. Through ReachLink’s telehealth platform, your clinical social worker can guide you in strengthening this important skill.

14. Enmeshment

Enmeshment describes relationships where boundaries are unclear and individuals struggle to maintain their separate identities. Most common in families, enmeshment can lead to codependency and difficulty functioning independently. During video therapy sessions, ReachLink’s licensed clinical social workers can help you identify unhealthy relationship patterns and develop clearer boundaries.

How to Navigate Unfamiliar Mental Health Terminology

When you encounter unfamiliar terms during your ReachLink sessions or while researching mental health topics, consider these strategies:

• Write down terms you don’t recognize and research them later
• Look for definitions from credible sources like the American Psychological Association
• The APA Dictionary offers “more than 25,000 authoritative entries across 90 subfields of psychology”

What to Do If Your Therapist Uses Unfamiliar Terminology

At ReachLink, we believe effective therapy requires clear communication. If your clinical social worker uses terms you don’t understand:

• Don’t hesitate to ask for clarification—our professionals welcome these questions
• Request simpler language if needed
• Consider creating a personal glossary of terms relevant to your therapy

Create Your Personal Mental Health Terminology Guide

As you progress through therapy with ReachLink, consider maintaining a personal list of relevant terms and their meanings. Include:

• The term itself
• The definition provided by your clinical social worker
• How the concept applies to your specific situation
• Any insights you’ve gained related to this concept

Don’t Let Terminology Barriers Prevent You From Seeking Support

Unfamiliar language should never stand between you and the mental health support you deserve. At ReachLink, our licensed clinical social workers prioritize clear, accessible communication. If you ever feel confused by the terminology being used in your sessions, we encourage you to speak up.

Our telehealth platform connects you with licensed clinical social workers who can adapt their communication style to meet your needs. If you find that a particular therapist’s communication style isn’t working for you, we make it simple to request a different provider who might be a better fit.

The Effectiveness of Telehealth Therapy

Research confirms that telehealth therapy is as effective as in-person treatment for many mental health concerns. A 2022 study found that participants developed positive therapeutic relationships in online settings, comparable to those formed during in-person therapy. This is encouraging news for anyone seeking mental health support through platforms like ReachLink.

Final Thoughts

Mental health terminology shouldn’t create barriers to receiving effective support. At ReachLink, we believe in making therapy accessible through clear communication and convenient telehealth services. Our licensed clinical social workers are committed to explaining concepts in understandable terms while providing evidence-based support for your mental health journey.

Remember that therapy is ultimately about your wellbeing and growth. If terminology ever feels overwhelming, our clinical social workers are ready to adjust their approach to ensure you receive the most benefit from your telehealth sessions. Visit ReachLink today to connect with a licensed clinical social worker who can support your mental health needs with clarity and compassion.

FAQ

• What are some essential therapy terms I should understand before starting treatment?

  Key terms include CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), which focuses on changing thought patterns; DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy), which teaches emotional regulation skills; and "therapeutic alliance," referring to the collaborative relationship between you and your therapist. Understanding these basics helps you engage more effectively in sessions.

• How does knowing therapy terminology improve my treatment experience?

  Understanding therapy terms enhances communication with your therapist, helps you better comprehend treatment plans, and allows you to actively participate in goal-setting. It also reduces confusion during sessions and helps you track your progress using professional language.

• What's the difference between various therapy approaches like CBT, DBT, and talk therapy?

  CBT focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors. DBT emphasizes emotional regulation and distress tolerance skills, originally developed for borderline personality disorder. Talk therapy (or psychodynamic therapy) explores unconscious thoughts and past experiences. Each approach uses different techniques to address mental health concerns.

• Should I ask my therapist to explain mental health terms I don't understand?

  Absolutely. Good therapists welcome questions about terminology and will explain concepts in accessible language. Don't hesitate to interrupt and ask for clarification – understanding the language of therapy is crucial for your progress and helps ensure you're fully engaged in the treatment process.

• What mental health terms come up most frequently in therapy sessions?

  Common terms include "coping strategies" (healthy ways to manage stress), "triggers" (situations that cause emotional reactions), "mindfulness" (present-moment awareness), "boundaries" (limits set in relationships), and "reframing" (changing how you view situations). These concepts form the foundation of most therapeutic work.