Substance misuse services: delivery of psychological interventions

Glossary of terms

Attachment

This concept is rooted in developmental psychology and the broad idea that the ability for an individual to form an emotional and physical ‘attachment’ to another person gives a sense of stability and security necessary to develop personally. Children who are securely attached generally become visibly upset when their caregivers leave and are happy when their parents return. When frightened, these children will seek (and accept) comfort from the parent or caregiver and prefer parents to strangers.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy ( CBT)

This is a ‘talking therapy’ which suggests the ways we think and interpret situations are important in how we feel and behave. CBT proposes that we often have unhelpful negative or unrealistic ideas about ourselves and the world around us that can detrimentally affect psychological wellbeing. Therapy is structured and focuses on recognising the thoughts we have and how they relate to what we feel or do, and developing strategies to think more positively or realistically.

Clinical neuropsychology

This is a specialty in psychology concerned with the applied science of brain–behaviour relationships. Clinical neuropsychologists have an in-depth knowledge of neuroanatomy and neurobiology and use this knowledge in the assessment, diagnosis, treatment and/or rehabilitation of patients across the lifespan who have neurological, medical, neurodevelopmental and psychiatric conditions, as well as other cognitive and learning disorders.

Clinical psychology

Clinical psychology is a branch of psychology that aims to reduce psychological distress and enhance the promotion of psychological wellbeing. Clinical psychologists deal with a range of mental and physical health problems, including addictions, anxiety, depression, other mental health difficulties and learning disabilities. They use a variety of methods to assess people and develop an understanding of their difficulties, which usually leads to planning treatment using a range of therapies.

Dual diagnosis

This is the term used when a person meets the diagnostic criteria for a mental health disorder and for an addictive disorder.

Motivational Interviewing ( MI)

A collaborative, person-centred form of guiding to elicit and strengthen motivation for behavioural change.

Node-link mapping

A simple technique for presenting verbal information in the form of a diagram. It has been shown to have positive benefits for counselling interactions with clients.