Glossary
Clear explanations of therapy and mental health terms
Psychotherapy
Professional talk therapy that helps process psychological problems and life challenges.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Short-term, goal-oriented therapy focusing on changing thoughts and behaviors.
Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
In-depth therapy exploring unconscious processes and the impact of early experiences.
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy
Brief therapy focusing on the future and solutions rather than problems.
Family Therapy
Therapy working with the whole family or parts of it to improve family interaction.
Couples Therapy
Therapy where both partners work together to resolve relationship issues.
EMDR Therapy
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing – a therapy method developed for treating trauma.
Integrative Psychotherapy
A therapy approach that flexibly combines different psychotherapy orientations based on the client's needs.
Psychophysical Psychotherapy
A therapy approach that addresses the mind-body connection and uses body-oriented methods to treat psychological symptoms.
Brief Therapy
Short-term, goal-oriented therapy that focuses on a specific problem, typically within 1–20 sessions.
Occupational Therapy
A form of rehabilitation that helps people achieve and maintain daily functioning through meaningful activities.
Gestalt Therapy
A therapy approach that focuses on the present moment and how you experience yourself and your surroundings right now.
Schema Therapy
A therapy approach that helps identify and change harmful patterns and beliefs rooted in childhood experiences.
Art Therapy
A therapy approach that uses art for emotional expression and processing — no artistic skill is needed.
Music Therapy
A therapy approach that uses music as a rehabilitative tool — no musical ability is required.
Group Therapy
A therapy approach where a small group works together under a therapist's guidance — peer support and shared learning are central.
Psychoanalysis
An in-depth therapy approach that explores unconscious thoughts and feelings to understand the roots of present-day problems.
Depression
Mental health disorder characterized by persistent sadness, loss of interest, and lack of energy.
Anxiety
Intense worry, fear, or tension that interferes with normal life.
Burnout
A state caused by chronic stress leading to exhaustion, cynicism, and reduced effectiveness.
Trauma
Psychological injury resulting from an overwhelming stressful or frightening experience.
Stress
The body's reaction to challenging situations, which when prolonged can lead to physical and psychological symptoms.
Panic Disorder
Recurring sudden and intense anxiety attacks (panic attacks) accompanied by physical symptoms.
Eating Disorders
Serious mental health conditions involving a disturbed relationship with food, eating, and one's own body.
Substance Abuse
Harmful substance use or addiction that affects daily life, health, and relationships.
ADHD
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder that affects concentration, impulse control, and planning in daily life.
Autism
A neuropsychiatric trait that affects social interaction, communication, and sensory experiences.
Relationship Issues
Relationship challenges such as communication problems, trust issues, growing apart, or recurring conflicts.
Self-Esteem Issues
A negative view of yourself, your worth, and your abilities that affects well-being and daily functioning.
Grief and Loss
A natural reaction to loss that can sometimes become prolonged or overwhelming and require professional help.
Sleep Disorders
Recurring problems with falling asleep, staying asleep, or sleep quality that affect daily energy levels.
Phobias
Intense and disproportionate fears of specific things or situations that restrict daily life.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
A mental health condition involving recurring obsessive thoughts and related compulsive actions or rituals.
Personality Disorders
Long-standing, inflexible patterns of thinking and behavior that cause suffering and complicate relationships.
Crisis
A sudden life situation that overwhelms your usual coping mechanisms and causes intense distress.
Life Transitions
Significant changes in life — such as divorce, moving, or retirement — that can be mentally taxing.
Kela Rehabilitative Psychotherapy
Kela-reimbursed psychotherapy for ages 16-67, aimed at supporting work or study capacity.
B-Statement
Doctor's statement required to apply for Kela rehabilitative psychotherapy.
Psychotherapist vs. Psychologist
A psychologist is a university-trained mental health expert; a psychotherapist has completed separate psychotherapy training.
What to Expect from Your First Therapy Session
The first therapy session is an introductory meeting to assess your situation and agree on collaboration.