CBT
In CBT, these are the deeper beliefs underneath automatic thoughts (often “I’m not good enough” or “I’m unsafe”).
What are core beliefs?
This DBT skill is used when emotions don’t fit the facts and your urge would make things worse.
What is Opposite Action?
In ACT, this skill involves noticing thoughts without treating them like facts.
What is cognitive difusion?
This is the trauma response where you try to stay safe by pleasing or appeasing others.
What is fawning?
This term describes doing something that temporarily reduces anxiety but strengthens it long-term.
What is safety behavior?
“If I fail this test, my whole future is ruined” is an example of this cognitive distortion.
What is catastrophizing?
This DBT skill helps you maintain self-respect in relationships
What is FAST? (Be Fair, No Apologies, Stick to Values, Be Truthful)
In ACT, moving toward the life you want even while anxious is called this.
What is committed action?
This attachment style often involves fear of abandonment and heightened sensitivity to rejection.
What is anxious attachment?
This is the therapy concept that refers to patterns of thinking/behavior learned early that keep repeating.
What is a schema?
This CBT concept refers to rigid internal rules like “I should always be productive.”
What are assumptions (or “should statements”)?
This DBT interpersonal effectiveness skill focuses on keeping the relationship strong
What is GIVE? (Gentle, Interested, Validate, Easy Manner)
In ACT, these are chosen directions in life that guide behavior (not goals).
What are values?
This trauma term refers to a trigger causing you to emotionally relive a past experience.
What is a flashback?
This therapy tool maps out triggers, thoughts, emotions, body sensations, and behaviors.
What is a chain analysis?
This CBT technique identifies the deeper meaning behind a thought by repeatedly asking “And if that were true, what would it mean?”
What is the downward arrow technique?
This DBT strategy is used to reduce emotional vulnerability by building mastery and increasing positive experiences.
What is ABC PLEASE? https://dbt.tools/emotional_regulation/abc-please.php
This ACT process means making room for uncomfortable emotions instead of fighting them.
What is acceptance?
This therapy approach focuses on identifying “parts” (like protectors and exiles) within the self.
What is Internal Family Systems (IFS)?
In motivational interviewing, this refers to a client expressing desire, ability, reasons, or need to change.
What is change talk?
This CBT strategy helps reduce avoidance by intentionally doing meaningful activities even when anxiety is present.
What is exposure with response prevention (ERP) / exposure work?
In DBT, this skill involves balancing acceptance and change at the same time.
What is dialectical thinking (or dialectics)?
“I am having the thought that I’m unlovable” is an example of this ACT technique.
What is cognitive defusion (or labeling the thought)?
This is the brain region heavily involved in fear processing and threat detection.
What is the amygdala?
This defense mechanism involves acting like you don’t care about something that actually hurts.
What is denial (or suppression/avoidance depending on context)?