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.

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.

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

Related Terms: Process group |Interpersonal process group |Here‑and‑now group |Personal growth group |Awareness group

An encounter group is a facilitated group space where people explore their thoughts, feelings, and interpersonal reactions in the here‑and‑now. The focus is on honest communication, relational awareness, and personal growth. Instead of following a set agenda, the group develops naturally through real‑time interaction, supported by a facilitator who holds the space rather than directing it.

Related Terms:

Philosophy of Existance | Existential Philosophy | Philosophy of Meaning | Human Existence Philosophy

Existentialism is a philosophical movement that focuses on human freedom, choice, and the search for meaning in a world that doesn’t provide ready‑made answers.

Related Terms:

Metaphysics | Philospopher | Theorist | Metaphysics Scholar

A philosopher who explores the big questions about existence, reality, mind, and the nature of being.

In early psychology, the line between psychology and philosophy was much thinner. Authors often referenced metaphysicians because:

• psychology was emerging out of philosophy
• many early theories of the mind were metaphysical rather than scientific
• discussions about will, consciousness, and the soul were philosophical before they were psychological

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:

Online and phone counselling

The act of placing an individual at the centre of a process and considering that indivdual as the most important part of that process.

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:

Who's who in SEND - Kids

Related Terms:

Speculate | Propose | Assume | Conjecture | Suppose | Hypothesise

To develop an idea or explanation about something, especially when you don’t yet have full proof.

Your ability to decide and act on your own choices.