therapeutic orientation

Acceptance and commitment therapy

A therapeutic approach designed to foster nonjudgmental observation of one’s own mental processes.

Automatic thoughts

Thoughts that occur spontaneously; often used to describe problematic thoughts that maintain mental disorders.

Cognitive bias modification

Using exercises (e.g., computer games) to change problematic thinking habits.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)

A family of approaches with the goal of changing the thoughts and behaviors that influence psychopathology.

Comorbidity

Describes a state of having more than one psychological or physical disorder at a given time.

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)

A treatment often used for borderline personality disorder that incorporates both cognitive-behavioral and mindfulness elements.

Dialectical worldview

A perspective in DBT that emphasizes the joint importance of change and acceptance.

Exposure therapy

A form of intervention in which the patient engages with a problematic (usually feared) situation without avoidance or escape.

Free association

In psychodynamic therapy, a process in which the patient reports all thoughts that come to mind without censorship, and these thoughts are interpreted by the therapist.

Integrative or eclectic psychotherapy

Approaches combining multiple orientations (e.g., CBT with psychoanalytic elements).

Mindfulness

A process that reflects a nonjudgmental, yet attentive, mental state.

Mindfulness-based therapy

A form of psychotherapy grounded in mindfulness theory and practice, often involving meditation, yoga, body scan, and other features of mindfulness exercises.

Person-centered therapy

A therapeutic approach focused on creating a supportive environment for self-discovery.

Psychoanalytic therapy

Sigmund Freud’s therapeutic approach focusing on resolving unconscious conflicts.

Psychodynamic therapy

Treatment applying psychoanalytic principles in a briefer, more individualized format.

Reappraisal, or Cognitive restructuring

The process of identifying, evaluating, and changing maladaptive thoughts in psychotherapy.

Schema

A mental representation or set of beliefs about something.

Unconditional positive regard

In person-centered therapy, an attitude of warmth, empathy and acceptance adopted by the therapist in order to foster feelings of inherent worth in the patient.