A plain-language glossary
Finding a therapist can be hard. The jargon can be harder. I've broken some of it down to take out the guesswork. If you have more questions, feel free to reach out.
Therapy
Therapy is an overarching term describing mental health treatment. It can be either long or short term, depending on the goals that you have. Therapists (such as MFTs) work with you to define goals and gain skills in a holistic manner. This means therapy takes a look at the various aspects of your life, the strengths you have, and the desires you want, to help you achieve your goals and live a healthier life.
Marriage & Family TherapistMFT / LMFT
Marriage and Family Therapists (MFT or LMFT) are recognized as core mental health professionals alongside psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and licensed professional counselors. As an LMFT, I strive to look at your life through the context of your relationships, your experiences, your everyday encounters, and more, to get the most accurate depiction of you.
AAMFTAmerican Association for Marriage & Family Therapy
The American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) is the professional association for the field of marriage and family therapy. It represents the professional interests of more than 72,000 marriage and family therapists throughout the United States, Canada, and abroad.
AAMFT Approved Supervisor
AAMFT Approved Supervisors are dedicated professionals who have obtained the educational, experiential, and supervisory training required for the competent supervision of marriage and family therapists and trainees.
Approved supervisors guide supervisees, therapists either pursuing their graduate degree or their full license, through their clinical work.
Evidence-Based Care
Evidence-Based Care, or Evidence-Based Practice, refers to an ongoing, collaborative approach to making decisions about services. Clinicians evaluate what a specific client may need in terms of treatment modality, then decide on treatment approaches based on scientifically and empirically backed evidence.
Basically, using evidence-based practice means that I work collaboratively with my clients using only treatment modalities that have been proven to work. To read more, visit AAMFT's blog.
Modalities
Treatment modalities are the ways clinicians go about helping you meet your goals. They are primarily ways of thinking about treatment, and they include interventions. Common modality terms you'll see on my website, as well as others, are:
The most well-known modality, thanks to its scientific evidence. Its principle is changing thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
This modality focuses on having a client encounter an experience that helps reinforce change and growth outside of the therapy room.
This modality believes that all people work out of pain until they encounter peace and actively pursue it.
A modality that encourages play as a healing intervention. Whether imaginative, drawing, or building Legos, play therapy speaks to the child inside of us.
If a term left you with more questions than answers, reach out. I'm always happy to walk through it together.