Counseling and therapy can be intimidating. Trying to find the right resources, therapist, and even the words to describe what you are facing or struggling can be challenging. Learning the right terms and definitions of acronyms can help you describe your own emotions, understand what treatment consists of, and even help you find the right therapist for you.
Don’t let yourself get overwhelmed, check out our therapist certifications and this glossary to become more acquainted with the terms you may hear in your sessions.
AAMFT – American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy
AAMFT is a national professional organization that supports therapists who work with couples, families, and individuals in relational contexts. It offers education, research, and ethical guidelines to ensure high-quality care.
Synonym: Sometimes referred to as “marriage and family therapy association.
Example: If you’re seeing a marriage therapist, they might belong to AAMFT to stay trained in helping couples communicate better or rebuild trust.
AMCAP – Association of Latter-day Saint Counselors and Psychotherapists
This group supports mental health professionals who are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS). AMCAP helps therapists integrate gospel values with mental health practices.
Example: A client who values their LDS faith might seek an AMCAP-affiliated therapist for support with depression in a faith-based context.
AMHCA – American Mental Health Counselors Association
AMHCA is a national organization for licensed clinical mental health counselors. It promotes clinical excellence through continuing education, ethical standards, and policy advocacy.
Example: A counselor helping clients manage PTSD may use AMHCA resources for training in trauma-informed care.
Art Therapy
Art therapy is a therapeutic practice that uses visual art (like painting, drawing, or sculpting) to explore emotions, reduce stress, and promote self-awareness. No art talent is required!
Synonym: Creative therapy.
Example: A teen who struggles to express feelings after a loss might find it easier to draw their emotions in art therapy.
CBT – Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT is a well-researched therapy method that helps people notice and change unhelpful thought patterns. It’s used to treat anxiety, depression, phobias, and habits like overthinking.
Example: Someone with social anxiety may use CBT to reframe negative thoughts before attending a party.
Child and Adolescent Therapy
This type of therapy supports kids and teens through emotional, developmental, and social challenges. It often uses games, play, and creative expression to help young people process their feelings.
Example: A child who’s been bullied at school may feel more confident after learning coping tools in therapy.
Child Counseling / Child Therapy
These terms are used interchangeably and refer to therapy for children that supports emotional and behavioral growth. Sessions often include play therapy and art.
Example: A child experiencing nightmares after a divorce might feel safer and understood in child counseling.
Counseling / Therapy
Both terms refer to professional help for emotional, psychological, or relational struggles. Counseling may focus more on short-term goals, while therapy often goes deeper. In many situations, these terms are interchangeable.
Example: Someone feeling stuck after a breakup might start therapy to explore patterns in relationships and self-worth.
Counseling Workshops
These are short, focused group courses that teach skills on a myriad of topics like communication, parenting, self-care, etc. Workshops are a great supplement to the work an individual is doing in counseling/therapy. While therapeutic in nature, a counseling workshop does not and should not take the place of counseling/therapy.
Example: A parenting workshop might teach strategies for managing toddler tantrums without yelling.
CST – Certified Sex Therapist
A CST is a therapist with advanced training in human sexuality, intimacy, and relationships. They help individuals and couples work through sexual concerns without shame or judgment.
Example: A couple struggling with mismatched sexual desire may see a CST to improve intimacy and understanding.
ENM – Ethical Non-Monogamy
ENM is a relationship style involving consensual, honest, and respectful connections with more than one romantic or sexual partner.
Synonyms: Consensual non-monogamy, open relationships.
Example: A couple may go to therapy to discuss boundaries, time management, and communication with each other and their partners.
Group Therapy
Group therapy brings together multiple clients with shared struggles, like grief or anxiety, led by a therapist. It promotes healing through shared stories and support.
Example: A person recovering from out of control behavior or addiction may benefit from the accountability and connection of group therapy.
IFS – Internal Family Systems
IFS helps people explore different “parts” of themselves, like inner critics or protectors. The goal is self-understanding, balance, and healing.
Example: Someone feeling torn between anger and guilt may learn how to listen to both parts with compassion through IFS.
Individual Counseling
One-on-one sessions with a therapist to explore personal issues, emotions, goals, and/or life transitions.
Example: A young adult struggling with career choices might use individual counseling to learn how to build confidence and clarity within themselves.
Kink & BDSM
These terms describe consensual ways people explore power, sensation, and roles in their sexuality. Therapy can help unpack shame, improve communication, and support identity.
Example: Someone discovering new ways to explore pleasure may seek a kink-affirming therapist for nonjudgmental guidance.
LCMHC – Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor
An LCMHC is a licensed professional who treats mental and emotional issues. They have advanced training and must pass rigorous exams.
Example: Someone with panic attacks might turn to an LCMHC for evidence-based treatment and support.
LGBTQQI+
Stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Intersex, and more. Therapy in this area helps people with exploring their identity, social and physical transitions, navigating relationships, processing trauma, etc..
Example: A questioning teen might work with an affirming therapist to explore gender identity and self-acceptance.
LPC-MHSP – Licensed Professional Counselor – Mental Health Service Provider
This designation (used in some states like Tennessee) means the counselor has advanced qualifications to treat complex mental health issues.
Example: Someone experiencing symptoms of depression may benefit from working with an LPC-MHSP for comprehensive care.
Marriage and Family Therapy
This therapy focuses on improving communication, resolving conflicts, and building strong family systems.
Example: A couple facing frequent arguments might go to a marriage and family therapist to learn healthier ways to interact.
Marriage Counseling
A type of couples therapy focused on improving romantic partnerships. Often used for conflict resolution, healing from betrayal, or strengthening bonds.
Example: A couple considering separation may try marriage counseling to reconnect or decide next steps.
Mental Health Treatment
A broad term that includes therapy, medication, and other interventions to improve emotional well-being.
Example: A person with bipolar disorder might use both therapy and medication as part of their mental health treatment plan.
Mormon Mental Health Association
An organization supporting therapists who serve clients in or around LDS culture. It promotes compassionate, faith-informed, and non-shaming mental health care.
Example: An LDS member processing faith transitions might seek a therapist affiliated with this association for cultural understanding.
OCSB – Out of Control Sexual Behavior
A term describing sexual actions that feel compulsive or out of an individuals’ control. Therapy can help empower individuals and understand underlying causes.
Synonyms: Sexual compulsion, problematic sexual behavior.
Example: A person whose porn use interferes with work or relationships might seek therapy for OCSB.
Polyamory
A form of ethical non-monogamy where people have multiple consensual, loving relationships. Therapy can support boundary-setting, communication, and self-reflection.
Example: A person managing feelings of jealousy in a poly relationship might use therapy to grow emotional security.
Psychodrama & Experiential Therapy
This approach uses movement, art, role-play, and other actions to process emotions and explore personal stories. It’s active and expressive, not just talk-based.
Example: A survivor of abuse may act out a safe resolution of a traumatic event as part of psychodrama healing.
Psychology Today
A popular website where people can find therapists by location, specialty, or insurance. It also offers helpful mental health articles.
Example: Someone new to therapy may use Psychology Today to find a trauma-informed therapist in their city.
Sex Addiction
This describes patterns of sexual behavior that feel uncontrollable and disruptive. Therapy focuses on reducing shame and regaining balance.
Synonyms: Compulsive sexual behavior, hypersexuality.
Example: A person who uses sex as a way to avoid emotional pain may seek support through sex addiction therapy.
Sex Therapy
Therapy that addresses sexual health, desire, performance, trauma, and relationship concerns. It welcomes all identities and experiences.
Example: A couple healing from sexual trauma may use sex therapy to rebuild trust and connection.
Therapy with a Therapy Dog
Some therapists use specially trained dogs to help clients feel emotionally safe and grounded. This can be especially soothing for anxiety or trauma.
Example: A child in foster care may find comfort in petting a therapy dog during difficult conversations.
Trauma Therapy
A specialized therapy that helps people process and heal from past hurt, abuse, or overwhelming experiences. It focuses on safety, empowerment, and emotional regulation.
Example: A person who survived a car accident may use trauma therapy to reduce panic attacks and regain confidence.
UAMFT – Utah Association for Marriage and Family Therapy
A professional group for marriage and family therapists in Utah. It supports continuing education, networking, and advocacy at the state level.
Example: A therapist in Salt Lake City might join UAMFT to stay connected with peers and current best practices.
UMHCA – Utah Mental Health Counselors Association
A state organization that supports licensed mental health counselors in Utah with training, resources, and policy support.
Example: A new counselor in Utah may join UMHCA to find mentorship and professional development opportunities.
