Therapy glossary
Common terms explained like a friend, not a textbook.
CBT — Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Talk therapy that helps you notice unhelpful thought patterns and replace them with more balanced ones. Very effective for depression and anxiety.
DBT — Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Therapy focused on emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal skills. Often used for intense emotions and borderline personality disorder.
EMDR — Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
A therapy for trauma where you recall difficult memories while doing guided eye movements. Helps the brain process traumatic experiences.
PHQ-9 — Patient Health Questionnaire-9
A 9-question screening tool for depression severity. Used by doctors worldwide — not a diagnosis on its own.
Mindfulness
Paying attention to the present moment without judgment. Used in meditation, therapy, and grounding exercises.
Trigger
Something that brings up a strong emotional reaction — often linked to past trauma or stress. Knowing your triggers helps you prepare coping strategies.
Coping mechanism
Any strategy you use to handle stress. Some are healthy (exercise, talking to friends); some are harmful (substances, avoidance).
Burnout
Physical and emotional exhaustion from chronic workplace or life stress. Recognized by the WHO as an occupational phenomenon.
Comorbidity
When two conditions occur together — like depression and anxiety, which frequently overlap.
Psychiatrist
A medical doctor who can diagnose mental health conditions and prescribe medication.
Psychologist
A trained therapist who provides talk therapy. In India, cannot prescribe medication — works alongside psychiatrists when needed.