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Therapy initials can feel like a code. What matters first is the difficulty you want help with, not choosing a method by its acronym.

An alphabet you do not need to learn

CBT, DBT, ACT: therapy abbreviations make handy shorthand for professionals but can leave everyone else feeling lost. You do not have to master the terminology before reaching out. The most important starting point is the difficulty you would like to work on.

Dr Christine Shen, Acupuncturist, whose qualifications include psychotherapy, can describe approaches in everyday language.

A quick plain-English guide

• CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) looks at links between thoughts, feelings and actions.
• DBT (dialectical behaviour therapy) focuses on skills for handling intense emotions and relationships.
• ACT (acceptance and commitment therapy) explores acting on personal values while making room for difficult experiences.

These summaries are deliberately brief. Each approach has its own structure, and a practitioner may draw on several.

Asking what sessions would look like

Rather than choosing a method because you have heard of it, ask Christine what a typical session would involve for you. Would you practise particular skills? Reflect on past or present experiences? Try something between appointments? An explanation tied to your goals is far more useful than familiar initials.

Some concerns are best supported by a psychologist, psychiatrist or specialised service. If that seems likely, Christine can discuss a referral, and your GP can help arrange it. Anyone in immediate danger should call 000.

Shaping the direction together

Your priorities should guide the work. Share what you would like to make sense of, which habits feel stubborn, and how you would know things were improving for you. Ask how the approach will be reviewed and who to contact if things become more difficult between sessions.

Asking questions in Lane Cove

If acronyms have been putting you off, bring them to your first appointment and ask for a translation. Working out what suits you is part of that first psychotherapy conversation with Christine at the Lane Cove clinic.