Gheorg Glossary of Terms

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Find out more below about topics related to mental health, anxiety and the conditions that impact kids around the world.

 

Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)

ACT is a therapy that helps kids and adults accept their thoughts and feelings instead of fighting them. ACT teaches that difficult emotions are a normal part of life and helps children build resilience by focusing on what truly matters to them. Read more about the therapies used within the Gheorg app.  

ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)

A neurodevelopmental condition that affects attention, impulsivity, and activity levels. Kids with ADHD may find it tricky to stay focused, sit still, or follow instructions - but with the right strategies and support, they can thrive. Read this blog about anxiety and ADHD.

Anxiety

Anxiety is a natural response to stress or uncertainty, but when anxiety becomes overwhelming, it can interfere with daily life. Kids with anxiety might feel nervous, avoid certain situations, or experience physical symptoms like a racing heart. The good news? There are plenty of tools to help manage it - like Gheorg. Read more about the 7 types of anxiety in children. 

 

Autism

Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that shapes how a person thinks, communicates, and experiences the world. Autism isn’t a single experience - it’s a spectrum, meaning each autistic person has their own strengths and challenges.

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)

CBT is a well-researched type of therapy that helps kids understand the connection between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. CBT teaches practical strategies to reframe negative thoughts and build healthier thinking patterns. Read more about the therapies used within the Gheorg app.  

Confidence

Confidence is about believing in yourself and your abilities. Confidence isn’t about getting everything right - it’s about knowing you can handle challenges and keep trying, even when things feel tough. Read this blog about building kids confidence through strengths. 

Communication Disorders 

Communication Disorders can be challenges with speaking, understanding, or expressing language that can affect a child’s ability to connect with others. These might include stuttering, speech delays, or trouble using words appropriately. Communication disorders often go hand-in-hand with anxiety, and can impact confidence, social skills, and learning. Early support from a therapist can make a big difference. Read this blog about Communication Disorders.

Coping Strategies

Coping Strategies are techniques that help manage stress, anxiety, or big emotions. Coping strategies can be anything from deep breathing and mindfulness to talking to a trusted friend or moving your body. Finding what works best for you is key. 

Depression

Depression is more than just feeling sad - depression can make it hard to enjoy things you used to love, zap your energy, and affect sleep and appetite. For kids, depression might show up as irritability or withdrawal, but with the right support, things can get better. Read this blog about depression.  

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

DBT is a type of therapy that helps people handle strong emotions, build better relationships, and stay present in the moment. Originally designed for emotional regulation challenges, DBT is now used to support kids and teens in managing big feelings.

Emotional Regulation

The ability to recognise, understand, and manage emotions in a healthy way. Emotional regulation isn’t about ignoring feelings - it’s about learning how to handle them without getting overwhelmed. Regulating emotions might mean taking deep breaths, talking out issues, or finding a positive way to express emotions. 

Empathy

Empathy is the ability to understand and share someone else’s feelings. Empathy helps kids connect with others, build friendships, and show kindness - because knowing how someone else feels can make a big difference in how we treat them.

Executive Functioning

The brain’s “management system” that helps with planning, organisation, memory, and self-control. Strong executive functioning skills help kids follow instructions, stay focused, and complete tasks, while challenges in this area can make things like homework or getting ready in the morning tricky. 

Exposure Therapy

Exposure therapy is an approach that helps kids gradually face fears in a safe and supportive way. Instead of avoiding what’s scary, exposure therapy teaches them how to build confidence step by step until the fear feels smaller and easier to handle.

Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

GAD is a condition where worry becomes constant and overwhelming, even about everyday things. Kids with GAD might feel restless, have trouble sleeping, or struggle to control their anxious thoughts - but with the right support, they can learn to manage their worries. Read this blog about GAD.  

Growth Mindset

A growth mindset is a belief that abilities and intelligence can grow with effort and practice. A growth mindset helps kids see mistakes as learning opportunities instead of failures, making them more likely to keep trying when things get tough. Read more in this blog about Growth Mindset.

 

Hyperactivity

A high level of energy that makes sitting still, waiting turns, or staying focused difficult. Often linked to ADHD, hyperactivity isn’t just about being "extra active" - it’s about how a child’s brain processes movement, focus, and impulse control.

Life Skills 

Life Skills are everyday abilities like getting dressed, tidying up, or making a snack that help kids become more independent and confident. Learning life skills boosts self-esteem, reduces anxiety, and builds a sense of “I can do it!” - setting kids up for success at home, at school, and beyond. Read more about Life Skills in this blog. 

Masking

When neurodivergent individuals hide or suppress their natural behaviors to fit in or avoid negative reactions. Masking can be exhausting, and creating safe spaces where kids feel accepted as they are can help reduce the need to do it.

Mental Health

Just like physical health, mental health is about taking care of our thoughts, emotions, and overall well-being. Strong mental health helps kids handle challenges, build relationships, and feel good about themselves. It's important for everyone to be aware of their mental health and it's beneficial for kids to learn early how to be aware of their mental health. 

Mindfulness

A practice of being fully present in the moment without judgment. Mindfulness helps kids tune into their thoughts and feelings, reducing stress and improving focus. It can be as simple as taking a deep breath, noticing the sounds around them, or paying attention to how their body feels.

Mood Disorders

Mood disorders are a group of mental health conditions that affect emotions over a long period. This includes depression and bipolar disorder, where moods might swing between extreme sadness and high energy. Mood disorders aren’t just "bad moods" - they can make daily life harder, but with the right support, kids can learn to manage them.

Neurodevelopmental Disorders

A group of conditions that affect brain development and impact how a person thinks, learns, and interacts with the world. This includes ADHD, autism, and learning differences. Everyone’s brain works differently, and neurodevelopmental disorders are just one way of experiencing the world. Read more in this blog about neurodevelopmental disorders.

 

Neurodiversity

The idea that brains work in different (but equally valuable) ways. Neurodiversity includes conditions like autism, ADHD, and dyslexia, but instead of seeing these as problems, neurodiversity celebrates different ways of thinking and learning.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

OCD is a condition where unwanted thoughts (obsessions) create anxiety, leading to repeated behaviors or rituals (compulsions) to feel better. For example, a child might feel they have to wash their hands a certain number of times to stop a bad thing from happening. OCD isn’t just about being neat and tidy - it can be overwhelming and can impact general life, but therapy can help. Read more in this blog about OCD.  

Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)

ODD is a pattern of persistent anger, defiance, and challenging behavior, especially towards authority figures. Kids with ODD aren’t just “misbehaving” - they may struggle with impulse control and emotional regulation. With the right strategies and support, they can develop better ways to express their emotions.

Panic Disorder

A condition where sudden and intense feelings of fear (panic attacks) happen without warning. Panic attacks can cause physical symptoms like a racing heart, dizziness, or shortness of breath. Learning calming techniques and understanding what triggers them can make a big difference. Read more in this blog about panic disorders.

 

Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)

A therapy that helps parents and kids build stronger relationships through positive communication and behavior strategies. PCIT is especially helpful for kids with emotional or behavioral challenges, giving families the tools to work through tough moments together.

Phobias

An intense fear of something that may not actually be dangerous - like spiders, heights, or loud noises. While fears are normal, phobias can interfere with daily life. Exposure therapy and gradual support can help kids feel more comfortable and less afraid. Read more in this blog about Phobias. 

Play Therapy

A type of therapy where kids use play - like drawing, storytelling, or games - to express emotions and work through challenges. Since kids don’t always have the words to explain their feelings, play therapy gives them a safe way to communicate, heal and develop skills.

Positive Psychology

Positive psychology is a branch of psychology focused on strengths, resilience, and what makes life meaningful. Instead of just treating problems, positive psychology helps kids build happiness, confidence, and emotional well-being. Read more about the therapies used within the Gheorg app. 

Psychologist

A mental health professional who helps people understand their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Psychologists can provide therapy, coping strategies, and support for kids dealing with anxiety, ADHD, and other challenges. Read this blog about preparing to see a psychologist.  

Psychotherapist

A psychotherapist is a professional trained in different types of therapy to help people manage emotions, improve relationships, and work through difficulties. Psychotherapists use approaches like CBT, ACT, and play therapy to support kids and families.

Resilience

Resilience is the ability to bounce back from setbacks and keep trying, even when things are tough. Resilience isn’t about never struggling - it’s about learning how to handle challenges and grow from them.

Selective Mutism

Selective Mutism is a condition where a child who can talk in some settings is unable to speak in others, often due to intense anxiety. It’s not about refusing to talk - it’s a real challenge that can make school and social settings difficult. With support, kids can build confidence and communication skills. Read this blog about Selective Mutism. 

Self-Esteem

Self-esteem is how someone sees and values themselves. Healthy self-esteem helps kids feel confident in who they are and encourages them to try new things, even when they’re not sure they’ll succeed.

Self-Regulation

The ability to manage emotions, thoughts, and behaviors in a healthy way. Self-regulation helps kids stay calm when things don’t go as planned and make good choices in tough situations.

Self-Stimulatory Behaviour (Stimming)

Self-Stimulatory Behaviour are repetitive actions like hand-flapping, rocking, or humming that help some kids (especially those with autism) manage emotions or focus. Stimming isn’t a bad thing - it’s a way for the brain to self-soothe and process the world.

Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)

SPD is a condition where the brain has trouble processing sensory information like sounds, textures, or lights. Some kids may feel overwhelmed by loud noises or certain fabrics, while others may seek out extra movement or deep pressure to feel comfortable.

Separation Anxiety

Separation Anxiety is a strong fear of being away from a parent, caregiver or loved one. It’s common in young kids, but when it becomes intense or long-lasting, it can make school or social situations hard. With support, kids can learn to feel safe and secure, even when apart. Read this blog about Separation Anxiety Disorder. 

Social Anxiety Disorder

Social Anxiety Disorder is a condition where social situations cause intense fear or worry, making it hard to speak up, make friends, or try new things. Social anxiety isn’t just shyness - it can be overwhelming, but therapy and practice can help kids feel more comfortable. Read this blog about Social Anxiety Disorder. 

Social Skills Training (SST)

SST is a type of therapy that helps kids learn how to interact with others, make friends, and read social cues. SST is great for kids who struggle with things like eye contact, conversation skills, or understanding body language.

Therapy

Therapies are different approaches used to support mental health and well-being. This includes evidence-based therapies like CBT, ACT, play therapy, and more, all designed to help kids manage emotions and build coping skills. Learn more about the three therapies included within the Gheorg app.

Trauma 

A strong emotional response to distressing events that can impact a child’s brain, behavior, and relationships. Trauma can be a one-off event (simple trauma) or ongoing (complex trauma). It often activates the brain’s fear system, leading to anxiety or hyper-alertness. Support from a trusted adult and trauma-informed therapy can help kids feel safe and heal over time. Read more in this blog about how trauma impacts children. 

Twice Exceptional (2e)

A term for kids who are both gifted and have a learning or developmental difference (like ADHD or dyslexia). These kids have incredible strengths but may also need extra support in some areas.

Wellbeing

Wellbeing is feeling good mentally, emotionally, and physically. Wellbeing isn’t just about being happy all the time - it’s about having the tools to handle life’s ups and downs in a healthy way.

Zen

Zen is a simple way of slowing down, being present, and calming the mind. Zen activities - like mindful breathing or thinking of what went well today - help kids manage stress, feel more in control, and build emotional strength. Just a few quiet moments a day can make a big difference. Read more in this blog about 3 zen activities for kids. 

 

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Backed by a team of health and education experts, Gheorg was created to assist children to manage their anxiety.

 
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