Glossary
ABC Model (for RET)
A framework used in Rational-Emotive Therapy to understand how beliefs mediate between an activating event and its emotional and behavioral consequences.
Example:
Using the ABC Model, a client might identify an 'A' (Activating event: failing a test), a 'B' (Belief: 'I'm a complete failure'), and a 'C' (Consequence: feeling depressed and giving up).
Behavior Therapy
A therapeutic approach that applies learning principles (classical and operant conditioning) to eliminate unwanted behaviors and replace them with more adaptive ones.
Example:
To help someone overcome a fear of flying, a behavior therapist might use systematic desensitization, gradually exposing them to flying-related stimuli.
Classical Conditioning
A learning process in which an association is made between a neutral stimulus and a stimulus that naturally evokes a response, leading the neutral stimulus to elicit a similar response.
Example:
In treating phobias, classical conditioning principles are used when a feared object (conditioned stimulus) is paired with relaxation techniques (unconditioned stimulus) to reduce anxiety.
Client-centered Therapy (Humanistic Therapy)
A humanistic therapy developed by Carl Rogers that emphasizes the client's inherent potential for growth, focusing on providing unconditional positive regard, genuineness, and empathy.
Example:
In client-centered therapy, the therapist actively listens and reflects the client's feelings, creating a supportive environment for self-discovery.
Cognitive Therapy
A therapy that focuses on identifying and changing negative, self-defeating thought patterns to promote healthier thinking and self-talk.
Example:
A cognitive therapist would help a student who believes they are 'stupid' after a bad test grade to challenge that thought and consider more balanced perspectives.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
A widely used integrated therapy that combines cognitive therapy (changing self-defeating thinking) with behavior therapy (changing maladaptive behaviors).
Example:
For someone with social anxiety, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy might involve challenging thoughts like 'everyone will judge me' and then practicing social interactions in a safe environment.
Empathy
The ability of the therapist to understand and share the feelings of the client, seeing the world from their perspective.
Example:
Through active listening and reflective statements, the therapist conveyed deep empathy, making the client feel truly heard and understood.
Family Therapy
A type of therapy that focuses on improving communication and resolving conflicts within a family unit, treating the family as a system.
Example:
After constant arguments, the parents and their teenage children attended family therapy to learn healthier ways to interact and understand each other's perspectives.
Genuineness
A quality in client-centered therapy where the therapist is authentic, transparent, and real in their interactions with the client.
Example:
The therapist's genuineness helped the client feel comfortable opening up, as they perceived the therapist as truly being themselves.
Group Therapy
A therapeutic approach where multiple individuals facing similar challenges meet together with a therapist to share experiences and provide mutual support.
Example:
John found comfort in group therapy for social anxiety, realizing he wasn't alone and learning from others' strategies.
Individual Therapy
A one-on-one therapeutic setting where a client works directly with a therapist to address personal issues and needs.
Example:
During individual therapy, Sarah discussed her anxiety symptoms privately with her therapist, exploring coping mechanisms tailored to her specific experiences.
Operant Conditioning
A type of learning where behavior is strengthened if followed by a reinforcer or diminished if followed by a punisher.
Example:
A therapist might use operant conditioning by rewarding a child with a sticker (positive reinforcement) every time they complete a desired task, encouraging the behavior to continue.
Psychodynamic Therapy
A therapy approach rooted in Freudian psychoanalysis, focusing on uncovering unconscious conflicts and past experiences, often from childhood, to reduce anxiety and gain self-insight.
Example:
A psychodynamic therapist might explore a client's recurring dream patterns to uncover hidden anxieties stemming from early childhood experiences.
Psychotherapy
The general term for psychological treatment that involves a trained therapist and a client, aiming to help individuals overcome mental health challenges and improve well-being.
Example:
Seeking psychotherapy can provide individuals with tools and strategies to manage stress, anxiety, or depression.
Rational-Emotive Therapy (RET)
A cognitive therapy developed by Albert Ellis that helps individuals identify, challenge, and replace irrational beliefs and negative thought patterns.
Example:
When feeling overwhelmed by a small mistake, a therapist using Rational-Emotive Therapy might help a client challenge the irrational belief that they must be perfect.
Therapeutic Alliance
The strong, collaborative bond and trusting relationship that develops between a client and their therapist, considered a key factor in successful therapy outcomes.
Example:
A strong therapeutic alliance allowed Maria to feel safe enough to openly discuss her deepest fears with her therapist, leading to significant breakthroughs.
Unconditional Positive Regard
A core concept in client-centered therapy, referring to the therapist's complete acceptance and non-judgmental attitude towards the client, regardless of their thoughts or actions.
Example:
Even when a client confessed to making a significant mistake, the therapist maintained unconditional positive regard, showing complete acceptance and understanding.