Disclaimer: The content in this resource is provided for general information only. It is not intended to, and should not be, treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other health care professional.
There are many different terms and phrases in both the medical and psychological fields that at times the acronyms can be quite confusing. This glossary aims to simplify and explain any terms you may have heard before and help ensure understanding of what is being talked about.
Other pages on our website talk about the clinical evidence for CBT (see our page on What is CBT) as this is supported by NICE guidelines, but there are lots of other therapies out there too.
Types of Therapy:
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
ACT is a therapy based on the principles of cognitive-behavioural therapy – that our thoughts, feelings, behaviours are linked and can result in ongoing feelings of distress and anxiety. ACT emphasises psychological flexibility and the importance of changing our relationship with our thoughts and feelings rather than controlling or avoiding difficult thoughts and feelings. Through psychological flexibility, ACT aims to enable individuals to adapt to changing situations, pursue meaningful goals, and live a more fulfilling life despite the presence of challenges or discomfort. ACT has emerging evidence that is can be helpful for people experiencing symptoms of social anxiety.
More information about ACT:
• Information on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy at Verywellmind.com
• Steven Hayes Ted Talk on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Psychological Flexibility (2016) – see www.youtube.com – Ted Talk on Psychological Flexibility
• See the book Mindfulness and Acceptance Workbook for Social Anxiety and Shyness
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a form of talking therapy that is based on the idea that your thoughts, feelings, physical sensations, and behaviour are all interconnected, and our thoughts and perceptions about situations strongly influence our emotional responses and actions. By exploring the relationship between these, CBT can help individuals challenge and reframe unhelpful beliefs, to support constructive behavioural and cognitive change. The ultimate goal of CBT is to empower individuals to develop practical skills and coping strategies, overall improving well-being.
More information about CBT:
• Read about CBT in more detail on our webpages What is CBT?, What the NHS Offers, Finding a Private Therapist.
• The lead organisation for CBT in the UK and Ireland also has helpful links and information about CBT at www.babcp.com/What-is-CBT
Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT)
CFT is a therapeutic approach that integrates principles of CBT with a strong emphasis on cultivating self-compassion (and compassion for others). CFT is designed to help individuals who struggle with feelings of shame, self-criticism, or inadequacy, aiding individuals in acknowledging their suffering without judgment. By enhancing self-compassion, CFT aims to empower individuals to confront difficult emotions and experiences with kindness and understanding, ultimately promoting emotional resilience and a greater sense of connection to oneself and to others. As yet there is little evidence that this therapy may be helpful for those experiencing symptoms of social anxiety, but some can find this a helpful approach.
More information about CFT:
• The Compassionate Mind Foundation (Paul Gilbert and his team). This website provides a wealth of information about CFT and maintains a collection of core research papers. See www.compassionatemind.co.uk
Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)
DBT is based on the principles of CBT that was initially created to support individuals with Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder (previously called Borderline Personality Disorder), but it has since been adapted for various other mental health issues.
The “dialectical” aspect refers to the idea of balancing opposites, which in therapy means helping individuals find a synthesis between acceptance and change. This approach acknowledges the complexity of human emotions and experiences, recognising that clients can hold conflicting thoughts and feelings simultaneously. The therapy consists of four main components: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. DBT typically combines individual therapy with group skills training, and it emphasises a collaborative therapeutic relationship to support clients in developing skills and achieving their treatment goals. It has been found to be effective in reducing self-harm behaviours, improving emotional regulation, and enhancing the overall quality of life for clients. There is emerging evidence that DBT may be helpful for people experiencing symptoms of social anxiety.
More information about DBT:
• Information on DBT at psych central www.psychcentral.com/lib/an-overview-of-dialectical-behavior-therapy
• Dr Fiona Kennedy, DBT therapist and trainer, explains DBT www.youtube.com: Dr Fiona Kennedy – What is DBT?
Exposure Therapy
Exposure Therapy is often a component of other therapies (such as CBT) that focuses on reducing fear and anxiety through controlled exposure to the feared stimuli. By gradually and systematically confronting these fears in a safe environment, exposure therapy helps individuals learn that their anxiety may decrease over time and that they can tolerate distress without resorting to unhelpful behaviours or avoidance. Exposure therapy is sometimes used in the treatment of OCD (known as exposure and response prevention; ERP) but can also be used in treating other anxiety related disorders or specific phobias. It can also sometimes be referred to as graded exposure.
More information about exposure therapy:
• Please see our page Exposure therapy and hierarchies
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR is a type of therapy designed to alleviate distress from traumatic memories. It aims to help the brain ‘unstick’ the memory through bilateral stimulation using methods such as guided eye movements. Subsequently the memory is reprocessed so it is less intense and the experience is reframed. It also helps the individual become desensitized to the emotional impact of the memory, meaning it can be thought about without experiencing strong negative feelings. EMDR is most recognized for the treatment of PTSD but it is also effective with a range of mental health conditions. There is little evidence currently that EMDR is effective for social anxiety, although some people may still find this a helpful approach.
More information about EMDR:
• EMDR association UK www.emdrassociation.org.uk
Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
Psychodynamic Psychotherapy is a therapeutic approach rooted in the exploration of unconscious processes and early life experiences that shape current thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. By developing self-awareness and insight into these underlying dynamics, this form of therapy aims to help individuals understand and resolve internal conflicts that often manifest as psychological distress. Through the therapeutic relationship, individuals are encouraged to explore their feelings, confront difficult memories, and gain a deeper understanding of how their past influences their present, ultimately leading to greater emotional freedom and more helpful coping strategies. Psychodynamic therapy is recommended by NICE guidance for social anxiety, but is considered less effective than CBT, CBT-based supportive therapy, and medication.
More information about psychodynamic psychotherapy:
• The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) talk about psychodynamic therapy here www.bacp.co.uk/about-therapy/types-of-therapy/psychodynamic-therapy/
Please also see this link for a wider glossary of terms ussed on this website.
For professionals: NICE full listing of interventions – see the relevant section of NICE Documentation (Full guidance) or https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK327654/
