Plain-language definitions of words you might come across in therapy, on this site, or in a clinician's notes. These are everyday explanations, not clinical definitions, and they're here to help you feel a little more at home with the language of care.
A type of talk therapy that helps you make room for difficult thoughts and feelings instead of fighting them, while taking action toward what matters to you. The focus is on living a meaningful life, not on getting rid of every uncomfortable emotion. Therapy at Emoneeds →
A condition that affects attention, focus, and self-control, and sometimes shows up as restlessness or acting on impulse. It's a difference in how the brain works, not a lack of effort or willpower, and it can be supported with assessment, coaching, and sometimes medication. ADHD care →
More than everyday worry, anxiety is a persistent sense of dread or fear, often with a racing mind and a body on edge. It's very common and very treatable, usually with therapy, sometimes alongside medication. Anxiety care →
A therapy approach, often used for depression, that gently rebuilds the activities and connections low mood strips away. The idea is that doing can lift mood from the outside in, even before motivation returns. Depression care →
A condition where mood swings between low (depressive) periods and elevated (manic or hypomanic) periods. With the right support, including psychiatry and therapy, the highs and lows become more predictable and easier to live with. Bipolar care →
A structured, ongoing programme of sessions rather than one-off appointments. At Emoneeds, a plan brings together therapy, and sometimes psychiatry and check-ins, into a monthly rhythm with a care team around you. Plans and pricing →
One of the most widely used and well-researched talk therapies. It helps you notice the links between your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours, and gently shift the patterns that keep you stuck. Therapy at Emoneeds →
A trained professional who provides talk-based support and guidance, often for everyday stress, relationships, and life transitions. Counsellors do not prescribe medication. Therapy at Emoneeds →
A short questionnaire of 21 questions that measures symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress over the past week. Clinicians use it to understand where you're starting from and to track change over time. It's not a diagnosis on its own.
A structured therapy that teaches practical skills for managing intense emotions, tolerating distress, and improving relationships. It's particularly helpful for people who feel emotions very strongly. Therapy at Emoneeds →
A persistent state of low mood, loss of interest, and low energy that lasts for weeks and gets in the way of daily life. It's one of the most common mental health conditions and highly treatable. Depression care →
India's Digital Personal Data Protection Act. In plain terms, it's the law that governs how your personal and health information must be collected, protected, and not shared without your consent. Our privacy approach →
A specific, evidence-based therapy for OCD. It involves gradually facing the things that trigger anxiety while resisting the urge to perform the usual rituals, so the fear slowly loses its grip. OCD care →
A short questionnaire of seven questions that measures symptoms of generalised anxiety over the past two weeks. The score helps a clinician gauge how much anxiety is affecting you and track progress. It's a guide, not a diagnosis.
Your first detailed session, usually around 60 minutes, where a clinician gets to know what you've been experiencing, how long it's been going on, and how it's affecting your life. It helps care fit you rather than being generic. Assessments →
A talk therapy that focuses on your relationships and life changes, and how they connect to how you feel. It's often used for depression and life transitions. Therapy at Emoneeds →
The practice of paying attention to the present moment with openness and without harsh judgement. It's used within several therapies to ease anxiety, low mood, and stress.
A condition marked by intrusive, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive actions or mental rituals (compulsions) done to ease the anxiety. It responds well to specific therapy such as ERP. OCD care →
Care you receive on a visit basis without being admitted, in other words, regular appointments rather than a hospital stay. Most of our care is OPD, whether online or at a clinic. How care works →
A short questionnaire of nine questions that measures symptoms of depression over the past two weeks. Clinicians use it to understand severity and track change. It isn't a test you pass or fail.
A medical doctor who specialises in mental health. A psychiatrist can diagnose conditions and prescribe medication, and often works alongside a therapist. Psychiatry at Emoneeds →
Simply, learning about your own mental health, what's going on, why, and what helps. Understanding a condition often makes it less frightening and easier to manage.
A trained professional who provides assessment and talk therapy for a range of mental health concerns. Psychologists do not prescribe medication; they work with you through conversation and evidence-based approaches. Therapy at Emoneeds →
A condition that can follow a frightening or overwhelming experience, with symptoms like flashbacks, being constantly on guard, and avoiding reminders. Trauma-informed therapy can help it ease. Trauma and PTSD care →
When symptoms return after a period of feeling better. It's common with many conditions, and it's not a failure. Coming back to care if it happens is exactly what the door is left open for.
Common types of antidepressant medication that adjust the brain chemistry involved in mood. They are not habit-forming. A psychiatrist explains how they work and any trade-offs before you decide together. Psychiatry at Emoneeds →
Care delivered through conversation with a trained professional. It covers many approaches (CBT, DBT, IPT, and others) and is the foundation of most mental health care. Therapy at Emoneeds →
A situation, memory, or sensation that sets off a strong emotional or physical reaction. Recognising your triggers is often an early step in learning to manage them.
This is a starting set. We will keep adding terms as our content grows. If a word you came across is missing, tell us on WhatsApp and we will add it.
Ask us. A care advisor will explain it in plain language and, if it helps, point you to the right place to read more. No appointment needed.
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