| A | B |
|---|
| Biofeedback | A learning procedure in which sophisticated electronic instrumentation to monitor changes in physiological functioning aids the client in becoming aware of and controlling certain physiological variables. |
| Cognitive-behavioral | Focuses both on cognition and the behavioral skills necessary for problem resolution and behavior change. |
| Congruence | A client-centered therapy concept indicating agreement between one’s experience and one’s perceptions of that experience, or one’s self-awareness. In other words, one’s behavior is in tune with one’s values and beliefs. One is said to “practice what one preaches.” |
| Content | The material or constituents of an experience, as distinct from the form or process of an experience. The “what” as opposed to the “how.” |
| Dissonance | What occurs when two parts or aspects of experience do not blend or fuse, resulting in discrepancies and discomfort. Dissonance may occur between two behaviors, between behavior and feeling, or between inner and outer experiences. |
| Eclectic | The blending or integration of elements of different approaches and perspectives. Requires knowledge of the principles and methods of a range of helping approaches. |
| Ecological | Perspective that acknowledges the powerful reciprocal influences of sociocultural ideologies and systems on individual development and systems functioning. Ecological-based therapies focus on person/environment fit rather than on internal individual problems. |
| Existential | Philosophical viewpoint focusing on the here and now, the presence of time, people’s freedom to choose for themselves, purposes of life, potential, and humanness. Existential psychology deals with those aspects of experience that can be observed introspectively (sensory and imaginal processes), together with feelings. |
| Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) | Technique that integrates a wide range of procedural elements along with the use of rhythmic eye movements and other forms of bilateral stimulation to treat traumatic stress and memories. |
| Hypnosis | A relaxed, sleeplike, trancelike condition psychically induced by a helper in which the client loses consciousness but responds, with certain limitations, to the suggestions of the hypnotist. |
| Incongruence | In person-centered psychology, a term that refers to a discrepancy between a person’s actual experience and his or her version of the experience. If someone’s behavior is incongruent, it is not in keeping with what he or she says. |
| Process | A series of successive but interdependent changes or events. Also refers to “how” something is happening and what the associated effects and form are, as opposed to the content, the actual facts and events. |
| Reinforcement | Behavioral term for the environmental event that, when following certain behavior, causes that behavior to recur. May be positive or negative. Reinforcements are the environmental consequences of behavior. |
| Significant other | A parent, relative, teacher, or other person who is especially meaningful and important to an individual. Significant others have influence over our feelings and actions. |
| System | A set of components that interact with one another. Each component of the system is affected by whatever happens to the other components. The system is greater than the sum of the individual components. |
