Any action taken to protect oneself from a perceived threat, whether physical, emotional, or social.

A powerful, often unconscious longing that shapes a person’s thoughts, emotions, and behaviour.

A strong pressure or irresistible urge that drives someone to act, even against their will or when the behaviour is hard to control.

Forcing someone to act against their will by using threats of harm, removing their ability to make a free choice.

The use of force, threats, intimidation, or pressure to make someone act against their will.

Observable actions, thoughts, and emotional responses in a healthcare or therapeutic context that can be analysed to understand and change them.

A person who steals cattle or livestock; historically a rustler involved in the covert taking and driving away of animals.

Constructive, flexible strategies for managing stress that improve well-being.

The ability to regulate, adjust, and manage your emotional state so that feelings don’t become overwhelming, shut down, or disconnected from what’s happening.

Aggressive behaviour driven by intense emotion, not by strategic intent, often impulsive and accompanied by physiological arousal.

Any action intended to harm a person, animal, or object—physically, verbally, or socially. The key element is intent to cause harm.

A form of aggressive behaviour driven by positive feelings, where an individual seeks and enjoys committing violent acts for pleasure or excitement.

The skill of tuning in to another person’s inner world and responding in a way that helps them feel understood, safe, and connected.

The psychological skill of deeply noticing and responding to another person’s emotional state in a way that creates connection, regulation, and mutual understanding.

The feeling of being accepted, valued, and connected to a group, place, or community.

Communicating clear limits about what you will and will not accept or do in relationships, work, or daily interactions.

The conscious regulation of breathing speed, rhythm, and depth to achieve a steady, calming pattern.