Psychology glossary

What each term means, in plain language. Nothing here diagnoses anyone and nothing promises a result — we describe what the word means and what you can expect from care.

How therapy works

What is the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor and can prescribe medication. A psychologist is trained in psychology and provides psychotherapy. Both can be seen at the same time.

How much does a therapy session cost in Brazil?

There is no mandatory price. Each psychologist sets their own fee, and the range in Brazil is wide — from reduced-fee slots to highly specialised practice.

What happens in the first therapy session?

The first session is usually for you to say what you are looking for and to agree the practical terms: frequency, fee, confidentiality and format.

What is online therapy?

Online therapy is psychological care delivered by video. In Brazil it is regulated by the CFP and requires the psychologist to be registered on the e-Psi portal.

How do I choose a psychologist?

Check the CRP registration, see whether format and fee fit your routine, and weigh the bond with the professional — which research points to as decisive.

How long does therapy last?

There is no fixed length. It depends on what you are looking for, the approach and what is agreed with the professional — and it is revisited along the way.

What is couples therapy?

Couples therapy is work in which the relationship — not one of the people — is the focus. Sessions are usually joint, with their own confidentiality agreements.

What is neurodivergence?

Neurodivergence describes ways of cognitive functioning that differ from the expected norm, such as autism and ADHD. It is not a diagnosis and not an illness.

Approaches

What is cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)?

CBT works with the relationship between thought, emotion and behaviour, usually focused on the present, with agreed goals and practice between sessions.

What is psychoanalysis?

Psychoanalysis investigates unconscious processes through what the person says freely. The work tends to be longer and less organised around preset goals.

What is Gestalt therapy?

Gestalt therapy works with the person’s contact with the present moment and their environment, paying attention to what happens in the session itself.

What is the humanistic approach (and PCA)?

The humanistic approach starts from the person’s own capacity to lead their process. PCA, the person-centred approach, is its best-known strand in Brazil.

What is systemic therapy?

Systemic therapy sees the person within the relationships they are part of — family, couple, work — rather than treating distress as something isolated.

What is ACT (acceptance and commitment therapy)?

ACT works on accepting what cannot be controlled and committing to actions tied to what the person values, rather than trying to eliminate difficult thoughts.

What is analytical (Jungian) psychology?

Analytical psychology, created by Carl Jung, works with the personal and collective unconscious, symbols and dreams, with individuation as its horizon.