Site Glossary
A.
Assessment
Related Terms: Introductory meeting | Welcome Meeting | Assessment session | Initial consultation | Intake session
A counselling assessment is the first structured conversation between a counsellor and a new client. Its purpose isn’t to judge someone — it’s to understand what they’re experiencing and whether the counsellor is the right fit to support them.
align
B.
C.
Counselling Contract
Related Terms: Mutual agreement
An agreement, typically made between the counsellor and the client in the early stages of counselling. This is usually in written format but can also be made verbally. The contract exists to identify areas of the counselling process that are important to understand from the begining. This includes:
- Length of sessions
- Confidentiality and protocols for needing to extend confidentiality
- Clinical supervision for the counsellor
- GDPR Information
Any additional information about the counselling service
A Counselling contract is also known as a "Mutual Agreement". Contract and Mutual agreement are the same thing in counselling, except the term Contract is used in more clinical settings and mutual agreement emphasises the importance of mutual trust and understanding between both parties.
button align
D.
Diognostic and Statistical Manual (DSM)
Related Terms: Diognosis | Diognostic Criteria | Mental Disorders Classification | Symptom Criteria
It’s a large reference book published by the American Psychiatric Association.Professionals use it to classify and describe mental health conditions.
What the DSM is used for:
- Provides standard definitions of mental health disorders
- Helps professionals use consistent language
- Supports assessment and diagnosis in clinical settings
- Used in research, healthcare systems, and some insurance processes
align
E.
F.
G.
H.
I.
J.
K.
L.
Lost Connections
Lost Connections is a book written by Johann Hari where he explores the potential causes of disconnection and depression, the historical origins and potential treatements.
See Also:
Button align
M.
N.
O.P.
Online Counselling
Related Terms:
Digital therapy | E- therapy | Telehealth therapy | Remote healing | Internet counselling
A method of accessing counselling services online through platforms such as Microsoft Teams, Zoom and Skype. Online counselling can be conducted as an alternative or in conjunction with face to face counselling. Some cousnelling services also offer sessions by telephone.
See Also:
Person Centred
The act of placing an individual at the centre of a process and considering that indivdual as the most important part of that process.
Button Align
Q. R
S. T. U.
SEND (Special Educational Needs & Disabilities)
Related Terms:
Special educational support | Additional learning support | Learning support provision | Inclusive education support | Targeted support | Individual learning support
A provision within schools that provides additional help and support to students to enhance learning and development. SEND members of staff can be contacted at the school where meetings can be arranged with the parents/carers to dicuss the help and support that can be offered.
See also:
V. W.
Wrightings
X. Y. Z.
