The information and definitions below are intended to make our community more aware of the different disorders, illnesses, and symptoms. It is also here to inform you of some basic definitions of psychological terminology that you may come across when seeking or participating in psychotherapy.
Types of Psychology | Types of Psychotherapy | Learning and Development | Clinical Terms
the study of cognitive/mental processes such as memory, perception, thinking, language, problem solving and creativity
the study of diagnosis, research and treatment of psychological, emotional and behavioral disorders
the study of facilitation of interpersonal and individual functioning across domains in an individuals life
applied educational, developmental clinical and community psychology in a school setting, with a focus on behavioral analysis to meet the needs of schools, children and adolescents
the study of human development over the lifespan
the study of the psychology of learning
the study of human behavior in the work place
the study of psychological processes in health, illness and the healthcare system
the study and understanding of the brain and nervous system and its connections to cognitions and behaviors
the study of how thoughts feelings and behaviors are influenced by society and the presence of others
Insight-oriented therapy which focuses on unconscious processes and their manifestation in current thinking and behavior. The goal is an increased understanding of past and current influences on the individual’s personality and its relation to behavior and cognition
The original form of psychotherapy, which typically takes place multiple times per week. The focus is on unconscious processes and childhood, or past experiences, as well as current experiences and their effects on the personality, behavior and cognition of the individual
Existential and experiential therapy that focuses on personal responsibility and individuals present experiences, social contexts and social adaptations made by an individual
a treatment that works to solve problems by changing maladaptive ways of thinking and behaving, usually with an emphasis conscious processes
Treatment to decrease emotional dysregulation, self-harm, suicidal ideation or substance abuse. This often includes group work, mindfulness techniques and cognitive behavioral techniques. Most frequently used in the treatment of severe Borderline Personality Disorder
Therapy of varying disciplines with one or more therapist and a group of patients or clients, typically with similar disorders or issues
treatment aimed at decreasing or eradicating substance use and abuse
Treatment based on hypnosis to create behavior and cognition on a subconscious level, contemporary uses are most common in substance and food addictions
When a disorder is frequently diagnosed along-side another disorder, such as an eating disorder with major depressive disorder
the manual most frequently used by mental health professionals to diagnose and categorize psychological disorders
any talk based treatment provided with the purpose of improving someone’s psychological well-being
A mental health professional who has earned either a Ph.D., Psy.D., or Ed.D. (Doctoral Level) in the field of psychology
A mental health professional who has earned an LCSW, MSW or Ph.D. in Social Work (Masters or Doctoral Level).
A mental health professional who has earned a Masters degree in Mental Health Counseling
A medical practitioner (MD) with a specialization in diagnosis and treatment of mental illness
how the brain stores, manages and retrieves information
working memory, or the information that is immediately accessible i.e. 5-9 unique digits such as a phone number
explicit memory, or conscious retrieval of information
principles and facts recalled independent of context
memories related to sensations, emotions or personal associations
implicit memory, primarily related to motor skills, this memory that is automatic and does not require conscious recall, such as riding a bicycle.
presentation of a negative consequence after an undesired behavior i.e. a teacher moves a child’s seat after talking too much in class.
removal of stimulus following undesirable behavior (classic punishment) i.e. a child is not allowed to watch TV because he did not do his homework.
reward for a desired behavior i.e. giving a child a sticker for completing their homework
the removal of negative stimulus following desired behavior i.e. parent stops nagging the child after homework is complete
a temporary increase in an undesirable behavior that occurs when reinforcement is removed i.e. a child’s tantrums will worsen before they improve when a parent ignores them.
The systematic use of principles of learning to increase the frequency of desired behaviors and/or decrease the frequency of problem behaviors
an assessment performed by a trained professional to determine the frequency, duration, intensity and quality typically of a behavior of a school-aged individual
The process of systematically applying interventions based upon the principles of learning theory to improve behavior
specific parenting behaviors based on parenting goals or desired child behaviors.
rigid and strict parenting with the expectation that children follow parent-set rules. Breaking of such rules often results in punishment. Encourage children to obey without explanation. The children typically rank lower in happiness, social competence and self-esteem.
more democratic style parenting, that involves rules and guidelines but involve supportive rather than punitive responses. Encourage child’s assertiveness and social responsibility. The children are typically happy, capable and successful.
indulgent parenting, which makes very little demands of children. Discipline is rare and have relatively low expectations of maturity and or self control Children are more likely to experience problems with authority.
makes few demands on the children with responsiveness and little communication. Parents fulfill child’s basic needs but are detached. In extreme cases parents are rejecting or neglectful. Children tend to lack self-control, have low self-esteem.
The learning theory that stresses the role of observation and the imitation of behaviors observed in others.
rules of behavior that are considered acceptable to the group or to society.
the process by which children and adults learn from one another
the perception that one is cared for, has assistance, resources and support from other people or groups
shame or related disgrace or dishonor associated with a certain quality, circumstance or person i.e. mental health stigma, shame associated with schizophrenia
prejudice or discrimination directed towards someone of a specific race based on the belief that ones own race is superior
prejudice, stereotyping or discrimination based on biological sex
A score derived from a standardized test that was designed to measure intelligence, or cognitive functioning (Average=100, Standard Deviation 15)
a condition resulting in difficulties acquiring knowledge and skills expected at a certain level of development
A neurodevelopment disorder characterized by significantly impaired intellectual and adaptive functioning present before age 18
the ability to have to get alone well with others and to form cooperative relationships
Manhattan
225 Broadway
34th Floor
New York, NY 10007
Brooklyn
2502 86th Street
3rd Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11214
Queens
112-47 Queens Blvd
Suite 104
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Due to COVID-19 public emergency, we are currently offering online counseling and teletherapy.