therapist

noun

ther·​a·​pist ˈther-ə-pist 

1

: an individual specializing in the therapeutic medical treatment of impairment, injury, disease, or disorder

especially : a health-care professional trained in methods of treatment and rehabilitation other than the use of drugs or surgery

These simple range-of-motion exercises are often prescribed by physical, occupational, or hand therapists for people with hand OA [=osteoarthritis].

—Food & Fitness Advisor

To help the baby interact with his family, a speech therapist taught everyone—including Justin's twin brother, Jeffery—hand signals and games.

—Michele Blecher

2

: a practitioner of psychotherapy : a psychotherapist

Again, it is important for the therapist to recognize that regression is normative due to the extreme stress of separation and divorce.

—Nathan W. Turner

Examples of therapist in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Jared, who struggles with his mental health and behavior, is set to receive care from renowned therapist Dr. Dorian Brauer (Christian Slater). —Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 19 Apr. 2024

For Kenny Chesney superfan Sam (Domhnall Gleeson), the answer is kidnapping his therapist Alan (Steve Carell). —Tanya Melendez, EW.com, 13 Apr. 2024

But if the dreams are consistently unpleasant and disturbing, Dr. Barrett advises seeing a therapist. —Lisa Wong MacAbasco, Vogue, 13 Apr. 2024

Many therapists will offer a free initial consultation. —Melissa Mahtani, CNN, 11 Apr. 2024

For her, the city has great doctors, child therapists, and teachers, which all can make a big difference when raising kids. —Hannah Nwoko, Parents, 11 Apr. 2024

My friends and even those strangers became chefs, drivers, cleaners, therapists, comedians, guides, and most importantly, family. —Gillian Telling, Peoplemag, 10 Apr. 2024

But while behavioral specialists, therapists, and counseling services have struggled to keep up with the onslaught, relatively inexpensive antidepressants haven’t. —Sarah Owermohle, STAT, 5 Apr. 2024

Everything to know as the jackpot cracks $1.09 billion This year, Axis created a network of therapy providers to help address a shortage of therapists. —Georgann Yara, The Arizona Republic, 4 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1880, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing therapist

• behavioral therapist
• massage therapist
• physical therapist

Kids Definition

therapist

noun

ther·​a·​pist ˈther-ə-pəst 

: a person who specializes in therapy

especially : a person trained in methods of treatment other than the use of drugs or surgery

a speech therapist

Medical Definition

therapist

noun

ther·​a·​pist ˈther-ə-pəst 

: a person specializing in therapy

especially : one trained in methods of treatment and rehabilitation other than the use of drugs or surgery