A

Acceptance — In psychology, acceptance means learning to recognize one's own thoughts and emotions without avoiding or fighting against them. It's not about resignation, but rather allowing these experiences to be part of life, while choosing to act in a way that is consistent with what is important to oneself.

ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) — A contemporary therapeutic approach that helps individuals cope with suffering through acceptance of their internal experiences (emotions, thoughts, memories) and clarification of their personal values. The goal is to increase psychological flexibility and promote a more meaningful life, even in the face of difficulties.

Adaptation — A psychological process that occurs when we face significant changes, whether positive or negative. It involves learning new ways to cope with unexpected situations, reorganizing routines, and finding balance during times of transition, such as changing jobs, the birth of a child, or the loss of a loved one.

Affection — It refers to how we express and experience emotions. It can be conveyed through words, gestures, facial expressions, or even tone of voice. Affection is essential for creating close relationships and conveying security, empathy, and emotional connection.

Anxiety Anxiety is a natural human state that prepares us to deal with challenges, but when it becomes too intense or constant, it can cause suffering. Anxiety manifests itself through excessive worry, negative thoughts, and physical symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, or muscle tension. When it interferes with daily life, it is important to seek psychological support.

Psychological Assessment — The first stage of follow-up, in which the psychologist gathers information through interviews and, when necessary, questionnaires or standardized tests. This assessment helps to better understand the patient's situation, identify patterns of functioning, and outline an intervention plan tailored to their needs.

B

Psychological Well-being More than just the absence of disease, well-being refers to feeling balanced, satisfied, and meaningful in life. It involves being able to cope with challenges, maintain healthy relationships, and experience positive emotions. It is a dynamic state that can be worked on and strengthened with proper support.

Burnout — Burnout syndrome is associated with prolonged work-related stress. It is characterized by physical and emotional exhaustion, a feeling of detachment from work, and loss of effectiveness. People experiencing burnout often describe themselves as "lacking energy" and "on autopilot." Psychological support is essential to regain motivation, re-establish boundaries, and find new ways to cope with professional demands.

C

Coping — A term that describes the strategies each person uses to cope with stressful or adverse situations. Some strategies are adaptive, such as asking for support or exercising; others can be harmful, such as resorting to alcohol or isolation. Working on coping in therapy means learning new ways to react to stress in a healthier way.

Cognitive — It relates to thought processes, memory, attention, and reasoning. In psychology, understanding a person's cognitive functioning is essential to understanding how they interpret the world, what their thought patterns are, and how these influence their emotions and behaviors.

Behavior — It refers to all observable actions of a person, from the simplest, such as talking or walking, to more complex patterns, such as routines or habits. Therapy often focuses on helping the person identify automatic behaviors that cause them difficulties and replace them with more appropriate responses.

Compulsion — A repetitive act performed to reduce anxiety or discomfort, often without bringing true relief. Compulsions are frequently associated with obsessions (intrusive and unwanted thoughts), as in the case of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. Psychological support helps break this cycle, offering healthier strategies for coping with anxiety.

Confidentiality — One of the pillars of psychology. It means that everything shared in session remains protected and cannot be disclosed without the patient's consent, except in situations that pose a risk to their life or the lives of others. Confidentiality is fundamental to creating a space of trust and security where the person can speak freely.

Dysfunctional Beliefs — Rigid ideas or beliefs that negatively influence how a person interprets reality. Common examples include "I always have to please everyone" or "I'm not capable of doing anything well." These beliefs tend to generate anxiety, low self-esteem, and excessive self-demand. In therapy, they are identified, questioned, and replaced with more balanced and realistic perspectives.

D

Psychological Defenses These are automatic mechanisms that the mind uses to cope with painful emotions or situations. They can temporarily help reduce suffering (such as avoiding thinking about a problem), but when used excessively, they hinder contact with reality and the resolution of difficulties.

Emotional Dependency — When a person feels they can only feel good if they have the approval or constant presence of another person. This can lead to unbalanced relationships and suffering, because well-being becomes exclusively dependent on others. Therapy helps develop emotional autonomy and self-esteem.

Depression More than just passing sadness, it's a disorder that affects mood, motivation, energy, and even the body. The person feels persistently down, loses interest in activities, experiences changes in sleep and appetite, and may feel hopeless. With psychological support, it's possible to learn how to manage these symptoms and regain quality of life.

Psychological Diagnosis — A process by which a psychologist identifies, based on scientific criteria, whether a person's symptoms correspond to a psychological disorder. This diagnosis helps guide intervention, but never defines the patient's entire identity.

Dissociation — An automatic response to situations of great stress or trauma, in which the person feels disconnected from reality, as if observing themselves "from the outside." It can be brief and harmless (like "switching off" during a boring class), but it can also be a sign of deep trauma.

E

Emotions — These are natural human responses to internal or external events. Joy, sadness, fear, and anger are some of the universal emotions. They all have an important function: they signal needs and help us react. The problem arises when they are too intense or difficult to regulate, becoming a source of suffering.

Empathy — The ability to understand and feel what the other person is experiencing, putting oneself in their place without judgment. It is a central skill in the therapeutic relationship because it creates a safe and accepting space where the patient can share without fear.

Mental Rehearsal — A cognitive strategy in which a person anticipates situations and imagines possible responses. It can be useful for preparing for challenges (such as public speaking), but it can also generate anxiety if used repetitively and negatively.

Cognitive Schemas — Deep mental structures that shape how we interpret the world. They are like “invisible glasses” through which we see situations. They can be positive (e.g., “I am able to learn from mistakes”) or dysfunctional (e.g., “I am not worthy of being loved”).

Stress — A natural bodily response to demanding situations. In small doses, it can motivate and prepare you to act. But when prolonged or intense, it affects sleep, concentration, mood, and physical health. Psychotherapy helps develop more effective coping strategies.

(Therapeutic) exposure — A technique used, for example, in CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), in which the person is encouraged to gradually face situations they previously avoided due to fear or anxiety. When done in a controlled manner and with support, it helps reduce symptoms and regain autonomy.

F

Phobia — Intense and disproportionate fear of an object, situation, or animal (such as spiders, heights, flying). The person recognizes that the fear is exaggerated but cannot avoid it. Gradual exposure, guided in therapy, is usually very effective.

Social Phobia (Social Anxiety) — A persistent fear of being negatively evaluated in social or performance situations (such as public speaking). Many people with this difficulty avoid interactions, which reinforces anxiety. Psychological support helps break this cycle.

Psychological Flexibility — The ability to adapt to different situations, accept difficult internal experiences, and continue to act in accordance with one's own values. This is one of the main goals of modern therapies such as ACT.

Flashbacks Vivid experiences in which the person feels they are reliving a traumatic event, as if it were happening again. These are common in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Therapy, such as EMDR, helps integrate these memories to reduce the impact.

Learned Failure — An acquired belief that it's not worth trying because "it's going to go wrong anyway." This often arises after repeated experiences of failure. Psychotherapy helps rebuild self-confidence and regain motivation.

Executive Function — A set of cognitive abilities such as planning, decision-making, maintaining attention, and impulse control. They are fundamental for managing daily life and are frequently affected in disorders such as ADHD and depression.

G

Emotional Trigger — A situation, word, image, or memory that triggers an intense emotional response, often linked to past experiences. It can cause anxiety, sadness, or anger in a seemingly "sudden" way. Recognizing triggers is essential for learning how to deal with them in therapy.

Anger Management A set of strategies that help identify signs of irritation and respond in a more balanced way, without outbursts or excessive repression. Therapy supports transforming anger into constructive energy.

Support Groups — Shared spaces for people facing similar challenges (such as grief, addictions, or chronic illnesses). They provide sharing, validation, and encouragement, serving as a complement to individual support.

H

Hypervigilance — A constant state of alert, common in people who have experienced trauma. The person feels they can "never let their guard down," always being aware of potential threats. Although it is a self-protective response, it becomes exhausting and interferes with rest and relationships.

Life Story In psychology, it refers to the set of experiences that shape a person's identity and emotional patterns. Exploring one's life history in therapy helps to understand the origins of certain difficulties and to find new ways of relating to them.

Humor — Predominant emotional state that influences how a person perceives the world. It can vary between positive (well-being, energy) and negative (sadness, discouragement). Persistent mood changes may indicate disorders that require monitoring.

I

Impulsivity — A tendency to act quickly without considering the consequences. This can manifest as impulse buying, outbursts of anger, or substance abuse. In therapy, self-awareness and self-control are worked on.

Unconscious — A collection of thoughts, memories, and desires that are not immediately accessible but influence behaviors and emotions. Approaches such as psychodynamics pay special attention to the role of the unconscious in psychic life.

Insomnia — Persistent difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early. Affects energy, mood, and concentration. Psychotherapy, especially sleep-focused CBT, is highly effective in treating chronic insomnia.

Emotional Intelligence — The ability to recognize, understand, and manage one's own emotions, as well as perceive those of others. It is linked to healthier relationships and greater resilience to stress.

Psychological Intervention — A structured process in which the psychologist uses validated techniques to support the patient in understanding their difficulties, developing skills, and promoting well-being.

Social Isolation — A situation in which a person withdraws from interpersonal relationships, whether by choice or circumstance. Although it sometimes provides respite, when prolonged it can lead to loneliness, depression, and loss of motivation. Therapy helps to regain confidence and gradual reintegration.

J

Internal Judgment — A tendency to evaluate oneself critically and negatively. Phrases like "I never do anything right" or "I'm not good enough" are common examples. Excessive self-judgment is associated with low self-esteem and depression. In therapy, self-compassion and reframing these thoughts are worked on.

Judging Others Fear of being negatively evaluated by family members, colleagues, or strangers. This fear can generate social anxiety and lead to avoidance of everyday situations, such as public speaking or participating in meetings.

L

Grief — A natural process that occurs after the loss of someone significant. It involves emotional pain, longing, changes in daily life, and the need for adaptation. Grief is personal and does not follow a "fixed timeframe." When the pain remains intense for a long time and prevents life from continuing, it is referred to as... complicated grief, who may benefit from psychological support.

Anticipatory Grief — Sadness and suffering that arise before a loss occurs, such as in the case of a family member's terminal illness. This process can prepare the person, but it can also cause prolonged emotional distress.

Libido — A term used to describe sexual energy or desire. Changes in libido can be related to physical, emotional, or relational factors. Psychotherapy helps to understand these changes and cope with them in a healthy way.

Body Language — A form of nonverbal communication expressed through gestures, posture, eye contact, or facial expressions. In therapy, observing body language helps to understand emotional states that are not always expressed in words.

Personal Boundaries — Boundaries that define how far each person feels comfortable in relation to what they accept from others. Saying "no" when necessary and defending personal space are ways to establish healthy limits, fundamental for balanced relationships.

Logotherapy — A psychotherapeutic approach developed by Viktor Frankl, centered on the search for meaning in life as a fundamental driving force for well-being, even in situations of great suffering.

M

Fear — A basic emotion that serves to protect, preparing the body to react to a threat. When it is disproportionate or appears without real reason, it can turn into anxiety or phobia, limiting daily life.

Traumatic Memory — A vivid recollection of a painful event, with intense images, sensations, or emotions. It is often triggered by stimuli such as sounds or smells and can cause flashbacks.

Mindfulness — A practice that consists of paying full attention to the present moment, intentionally and without judgment. It is used in various therapeutic approaches to reduce stress, improve emotional regulation, and increase well-being.

Motivation — Internal force that drives action towards goals. It can be intrinsic (when it comes from within, such as learning for pleasure) or extrinsic (motivated by external rewards). Difficulties with motivation are common in depression and burnout.

N

Neuroplasticity — The brain's ability to adapt and reorganize, creating new neural connections. This process shows that it is possible to learn, change habits, and recover functions even after difficult situations.

Denial — A defense mechanism in which a person refuses to accept a painful reality. While it may be useful in the short term, when prolonged it prevents the healthy processing of important events.

Neurosis — A historical term, rarely used today, that referred to emotional disturbances characterized by anxiety, fears, or obsessions, but without loss of contact with reality.

O

Obsessions — Repetitive and unwanted thoughts, images, or impulses that cause anxiety. They are common in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and often lead to the performance of compulsions.

Psychological Guidance — Short-term support, more focused on concrete issues, such as decision-making, stress management, or adapting to change. Unlike psychotherapy, which tends to be more in-depth and prolonged.

Overthinking — A tendency to overanalyze past or future situations. While reflection is natural, excessive thinking can increase anxiety, make it difficult to rest, and hinder decision-making.

P

Panic (Panic Attack) — A sudden episode of intense fear, accompanied by physical symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, or a feeling of loss of control. Although frightening, panic attacks do not represent a real danger. Therapy helps to understand, reduce, and prevent these attacks.

Perfectionism — A tendency to set very high standards for oneself, accompanied by constant self-criticism. While this can lead to positive outcomes, in excess it causes anxiety, procrastination, and feelings of failure.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) Persistent and difficult-to-control anxiety about various areas of life, such as work, health, or family. It is characterized by constant worry and physical symptoms of tension.

Bipolar Disorder — A mental health condition involving marked mood swings, varying between episodes of depression and phases of mania or hypomania. Psychotherapy focuses on support, psychoeducation, and emotional regulation strategies.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) — It is characterized by obsessions (intrusive and distressing thoughts) and compulsions (repetitive behaviors to relieve anxiety). With proper treatment, it is possible to greatly reduce the impact of these symptoms.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) — It emerges after traumatic experiences, with flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, and avoidance of situations related to the trauma. Specialized therapy (such as EMDR or trauma-focused CBT) is highly effective.

Psychotherapy — A therapeutic process in which a psychologist and patient work together to understand difficulties, develop strategies, and promote well-being. Psychotherapy is based on scientific evidence and is tailored to each individual.

Psychoanalysis — A classic therapeutic approach created by Freud, which explores the unconscious, childhood, and relational patterns to understand symptoms and emotional conflicts.

Psychoeducation — A strategy in which the psychologist provides clear information about the disorder, symptoms, and treatment strategies. Knowing more about what one is experiencing helps reduce fear and increases the feeling of control.

Q

Quality of Life — Overall perception of physical, emotional, social, and professional well-being. It does not mean a total absence of difficulties, but rather the ability to live a fulfilling life despite them.

Daily life — The set of daily routines and habits. In psychology, it is observed how a person's daily life (work, sleep, food, relationships) directly influences their emotional balance.

R

Relapse — Return of symptoms after a period of improvement. This is common in depression, anxiety, and addictions. In therapy, one learns to recognize warning signs and act preventively to avoid prolonged relapses.

Emotional Regulation — The ability to identify, understand, and manage emotions in a healthy way. This includes strategies for calming anxiety, coping with sadness, or expressing anger in a balanced manner.

Resilience — The ability to recover after difficult or traumatic situations. It doesn't mean the absence of pain, but rather the capacity to move forward and adapt, transforming challenges into opportunities for growth.

Rumination — Repetitive and negative thoughts about past events or future worries. It's like being "stuck" on an idea, which increases suffering and makes it difficult to concentrate on the present.

S

Mental health — A state of emotional, cognitive, and social balance that allows one to cope with life's challenges, work productively, and contribute to the community. Taking care of mental health is as essential as taking care of physical health.

Self — A term used in psychology to describe a person's self-perception: who they are, their values, abilities, and limitations. A healthy self translates into balanced self-esteem and greater clarity in decision-making.

Psychological Symptoms — Manifestations of emotional or mental distress, such as persistent sadness, insomnia, anxiety, or irritability. These are not signs of weakness, but rather indicators that something needs attention and care.

Caregiver Burden — A situation in which a person responsible for caring for someone dependent (elderly, sick, or a child with special needs) develops fatigue, anxiety, or depression due to continuous effort. Psychotherapy can help prevent burnout.

Chronic Stress — When stress, instead of being temporary, persists over time. It can cause extreme fatigue, mood swings, physical problems (such as high blood pressure), and difficulty concentrating.

Social Support — A network of people (family, friends, colleagues) we can rely on in times of need. It is a fundamental protective factor against anxiety, depression, and burnout.

T

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) — A neuropsychological condition characterized by inattention, impulsivity, and, in some cases, hyperactivity. It often persists into adulthood and can affect academic and professional performance.

Therapy — A process of support conducted by a psychologist or other mental health professional, using scientific methods to help the patient better understand themselves and cope with their challenges.

Group Therapy — A modality in which several people participate together in a session, mediated by a psychologist. It allows for the sharing of experiences, mutual support, and the development of social skills.

Couple's Therapy Focused on helping partners understand relationship patterns, improve communication, and strengthen the emotional bond.

Trauma — A psychological consequence of painful or threatening experiences that leave lasting marks on how a person feels and acts. It can result from accidents, violence, losses, or natural disasters.

Sadness — A natural emotion that arises in response to situations of loss, frustration, or change. When it is intense and persistent, it may indicate depression.

U

Overcoming Difficulties — The process of developing skills and strategies to cope with emotional, professional, or relational challenges. This may include asking for help, reorganizing priorities, and learning new ways to deal with life.

Mental Health Care Unit — Structure of the health system that provides specialized care to people with psychological or psychiatric disorders, individually or in groups.

Emotional Urgency — A situation in which a person feels they can no longer manage their symptoms on their own and needs immediate support. Recognizing this moment is an important step in seeking help.

V

Emotional Validation — Recognizing and accepting a person's emotions without judgment. This is fundamental in therapy and relationships because it conveys the message that "what you feel makes sense.".

Personal Values — Principles that guide choices and behaviors, such as family, freedom, honesty, or professional fulfillment. In therapy, clarifying values helps one live in a more coherent and fulfilling way.

Vulnerability — A state of openness in which a person allows themselves to acknowledge their own vulnerabilities. Although it may seem like a sign of weakness, vulnerability is essential for authenticity and for creating close and genuine relationships.

W

Well-being — A term in English frequently used in psychology to describe the balance between physical, emotional, and social health.

Psychoeducational Workshop — A group session led by a psychologist to impart practical knowledge on topics such as stress management, anxiety, or self-esteem.

X

Xenophobia (psychological impact of) — Fear or hostility towards people from other countries or cultures. Those who are targets of xenophobia may develop anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress, making psychological support important.

Y

Yoga and Psychology Although not a therapy in itself, yoga is frequently integrated into psychological intervention programs due to its positive effect on anxiety regulation, mindfulness, and mind-body connection.

Z

Excessive Zeal — Excessive dedication to a task or person, often at the expense of one's own well-being. It may be associated with perfectionism, anxiety, or dependent relationships.

Comfort Zone — A set of familiar routines or behaviors in which a person feels safe, but which, when rigidly maintained, can hinder personal growth. In therapy, a balance between security and exploration of new experiences is encouraged.