The final set of glossary items, continuing further this theme from my previous journal posts (the glossaries of counselling terms A-D, E-I, and J-M).
Narrative Therapy – The client is the author of their own story, and this therapy helps them ‘rewrite’ the parts that don’t serve them anymore. It’s much about shifting perspectives and seeing yourself anew, in the light of ‘older / outdated narratives.
Person-Centred Therapy – Created by Carl Rogers, this approach follows the client, and considers warmth, acceptance, authenticity and a belief that the client has what it takes to grow, central to its ethos. The therapist provides a safe space for the client to explore their feelings without judgment.
Projection – If you have ever blamed someone else for something you were actually feeling yourself … then that may well be projection! Projection is considered by some to be a defence mechanism where someone puts their own emotions onto others without realizing it.
Psychoeducation – Learning more about mental health, coping tools, and how therapy works so you can feel more in control of your healing journey. Knowledge is power!
Resilience – The ability to bounce back from tough times. Therapy can help build resilience by strengthening coping skills and self-awareness.
Self-Disclosure – When a therapist shares a little bit about their own experiences (when appropriate) to help their client relate or feel understood. Used sparingly, it can strengthen the connection between client and counsellor.
Somatic Therapy – A mind-body approach that helps release trauma and stress stored in the body. This can include movement, breathing exercises, or body awareness techniques.
Transference – Often confused with projection, transference is when a client subconsciously directs feelings from past relationships onto their therapist. This can be really insightful when explored safely in therapy. It’s twinned with ‘counter-transference’ which is when the therapist subconsciously directs their feelings onto the client. This can also be really helpful to explore.
Unconditional Positive Regard – A fancy way of saying “total acceptance”!! Your therapist isn’t there to judge—they’re there to support their client, no matter what they bring to the table.
Validation – When someone acknowledges and accepts feelings as real and important, this is validation. A therapist does this to help their client feel understood and valued.
Vicarious Trauma – This happens when a therapist (or anyone in a helping profession) takes on too much of the emotional weight of another’s experience.
Wellness Plan – A personalized roadmap for staying mentally and emotionally healthy. It can include therapy, self-care activities, support networks, and coping strategies.
I hope these are of interest. If you want to know more, or have any general questions about counselling then please do comment below or contact me directly.
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