Traumatic experiences that overwhelm an individual's ability to cope, leading to intense emotional reactions and psychological distress. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop following exposure to trauma, characterized by symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, and hypervigilance. Counseling for trauma and PTSD aims to process traumatic memories, reduce symptoms, and restore a sense of safety and well-being.

The body's physiological and psychological response to demands or pressures from the environment. Chronic stress can negatively impact physical health, mental well-being, and overall quality of life, and counseling may focus on stress management techniques and coping strategies.

The beliefs, practices, and values related to the transcendent or sacred aspects of life. Spirituality can provide individuals with a sense of meaning, purpose, and connection, and counseling may incorporate spiritual exploration as part of the therapeutic process.

The connections and interactions individuals have with others in their social environment, including family, friends, peers, colleagues, and community members. Counseling for social relationships addresses interpersonal dynamics, communication skills, and social support networks.

Sleep disturbances characterized by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing restful sleep. Insomnia can have significant impacts on mood, cognition, and overall functioning, and counseling may focus on improving sleep hygiene and managing underlying stressors.

Deliberate, non-suicidal acts of self-injury, such as cutting, burning, or scratching, often used as a coping mechanism to manage emotional distress or pain. Counseling for self-harm addresses underlying emotional issues and helps individuals develop healthier coping strategies.

The subjective evaluation of one's worth, value, and competence. Self-esteem influences thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, shaping an individual's confidence, resilience, and overall well-being.

Challenges and conflicts that arise within interpersonal relationships, such as romantic partnerships, friendships, family relationships, or work relationships. Counseling for relationship issues focuses on improving communication, resolving conflicts, and strengthening relational bonds.

Interactions and connections between individuals of similar age or social status. Peer relationships play a crucial role in social development, identity formation, and emotional support, particularly during childhood and adolescence.

The process of raising and nurturing children to support their physical, emotional, and social development. Parenting counseling provides guidance and support to parents in navigating various parenting challenges, promoting positive parent-child relationships, and fostering healthy child development.

Challenges and stressors faced by military personnel, veterans, and their families due to military service. Counseling for military-related issues may address deployment-related stress, combat trauma, PTSD, transition to civilian life, and family dynamics.

Acronym for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender, encompassing diverse sexual orientations and gender identities. Counseling for LGBT individuals addresses unique challenges related to identity acceptance, discrimination, coming out, and relationships.

The emotional, psychological, and physical closeness between individuals in a relationship. Intimacy involves trust, vulnerability, and mutual understanding, and it encompasses various aspects such as emotional intimacy, sexual intimacy, and spiritual intimacy.

The emotional response to loss, such as the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or a significant life change. Grief counseling or therapy provides support and guidance to individuals experiencing grief and helps them navigate the mourning process.

The foundational social unit consisting of individuals related by blood, marriage, or adoption. Family counseling focuses on improving communication, resolving conflicts, and strengthening relationships within the family system.

Psychological disorders characterized by abnormal eating behaviors, body image disturbances, and preoccupation with food, weight, or shape. Common eating disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder.

Any pattern of abusive behavior in a relationship used by one partner to gain or maintain power and control over another. Domestic violence can take various forms, including physical, emotional, sexual, and financial abuse.

The legal dissolution of a marriage or marital union, often accompanied by emotional, financial, and logistical challenges. Divorce counseling or therapy can help individuals and families navigate the emotional impact and transitions associated with divorce.

Core principles and techniques used in counseling and therapy to facilitate personal growth, resolve emotional difficulties, and enhance overall well-being. This may include active listening, empathy, building rapport, and providing psychoeducation.

A specialized form of counseling aimed at helping individuals explore career options, set career goals, and overcome barriers to employment. Career counselors provide guidance on educational and vocational paths, skill development, and job search strategies.

The process of modifying actions, habits, or routines to achieve specific goals or improve one's well-being. Behavioral change may involve adopting new habits, breaking unhealthy patterns, or implementing strategies for personal growth.

A progressive neurological disorder that impairs memory and cognitive function, affecting behavior, thinking, and daily activities. Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia in older adults.

A common mental health disorder characterized by excessive worry, fear, and apprehension. Anxiety can manifest in various forms, such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and specific phobias.

An emotional response typically triggered by frustration, perceived injustice, or threat. Uncontrolled or excessive anger can lead to negative consequences for oneself and others, and it may be indicative of underlying mental health issues.

A legally recognized union between two individuals, typically characterized by mutual commitment, partnership, and shared life goals. Marriage counseling focuses on improving communication, resolving conflicts, and strengthening the marital bond.

The complex interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors that influence sexual behavior, orientation, and identity. Counseling on human sexuality addresses topics such as sexual health, intimacy, consent, and sexual orientation.

A complex condition characterized by compulsive drug or substance use despite harmful consequences. Common types of addiction include substance abuse (e.g., drugs, alcohol) and behavioral addictions (e.g., gambling, gaming).