6 Important Medical Terms to Know When You're Having Mental Health Related Appointments

Thinking of going to therapy for the first time? Wise decision. Therapy or counseling can help you lead a healthier, more fulfilling life by teaching you how to manage stress or cope with emotions or symptoms caused by various types of mental conditions.
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It’s a big step, especially if you’ve never discussed your thoughts, feelings, and experiences with a professional before. To make these conversations easier and more productive, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with some key medical terms commonly used in mental health contexts.

​Psychotherapy

Let’s start with the perhaps most important term of all – psychotherapy. You’ve probably heard this term thrown around a lot, sometimes in a positive, sometimes in a negative sense, but what does it really mean?
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Psychotherapy is a collaborative approach to treating mental health conditions between a patient and a therapist. Simply put, it’s talk therapy, so it involves conversing with a trained mental health professional about your thoughts, feelings, and experiences in order to improve the quality of your life or help you manage your mental health concerns.

​DSM-5

You may hear your therapist refer to the DSM-5 during some of your appointments. This is an acronym for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders, Fifth Edition, and while it may sound like a lot or even slightly scary, it’s nothing for you to worry about. DSM-5 serves as a go-to- guide for mental health professionals as it provides clear and standardized definitions of various mental health conditions.

While the content in this reference book is very technical and dry, you may find it helpful if you want to learn about mental health conditions.

Psychiatry EHR/EMR

Today, many mental health professionals use Electronic Health Records (EHR) or Electronic Medical Records (EMR) to organize and streamline patient information. If you ever hear your mental health professional mention the terms EHR or EMR, know that they simply refer to the digital documentation of your journey.
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Your therapist might use a psychiatry EHR system to keep track of your progress digitally to ensure a comprehensive and organized approach to your mental health care. Don’t worry – these platforms keep your health records private and secure.

Mindfulness

Mindfulness has become a bit of a buzzword, but it’s an actual technique in therapy. In fact, your mental health professional might even suggest mindfulness-based therapy for your particular issues. So, what exactly is it?
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Mindfulness is all about being present in the moment and aware of your internal dialogue: your thoughts, feelings, and sensations. By introducing mindfulness exercises into your daily routine – with the help of your therapist, of course – you can learn how to manage stress and anxiety better and even improve your overall mental health.

Different Types of Therapy

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is a popular approach in therapy whose main goal is to help you identify negative or unwanted thoughts and behaviors so you can address them with the help of your therapist. Changing or reshaping your unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors can greatly improve your mental well-being.
  
  
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): DBT is a highly comprehensive type of approach to therapy. It’s designed to help with complex emotional struggles, so it combines elements of cognitive-behavioral therapy with mindfulness techniques. DBT can help equip you with skills to manage intense emotions, improve interpersonal relationships, and enhance your overall quality of life.
  
  
• Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT): EFT is a therapeutic approach centered around understanding and reshaping the emotional bonds within relationships. It's the preferred type of therapy for couples looking to improve their relationship.
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• Evidence-Based Therapy (EBT): EBT relies on scientifically proven interventions to ensure your therapeutic journey is anchored in methods with a track record of success. Basically, it’s a therapy that has been demonstrated to be effective by research.

Psychosomatic

The term psychosomatic can sometimes have negative connotations; no one likes hearing that their physical symptoms may not have any medical explanation. However, if you ever hear your mental health professional use this term, know that they don’t think you’re overreacting; they may just be suggesting psychosomatic therapy.
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Psychosomatic or somatic therapy can help you explore how your mental state influences your physical health and vice versa. It's a recognition that the mind and body are interconnected, and addressing emotional well-being can have tangible effects on your physical health.

Wrapping Up

Therapy can be incredibly helpful in improving your mental health and quality of life, but it can undoubtedly feel confusing at times.
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Armed with the terms above, you'll be better equipped to navigate your sessions and advocate for yourself. Remember, your therapist is there to help, so don't hesitate to ask any questions. They're there to support you every step of the way.