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

Now in Season 3, the central therapist character has new obstacles to face with the coming high school graduation of his daughter Alice (Lukita Maxwell) and pushes from his mentor and boss Paul Rhoades (Harrison Ford) to get back out there in the dating scene. —Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 28 Jan. 2026

That return has coexisted with her starring role on Shrinking, which sees Maxwell play Alice, a high schooler grieving the sudden death of her mom and the emotional absence of her dad (Jason Segel), a therapist trying to get his life back together. —P. Claire Dodson, Vogue, 28 Jan. 2026

Melissa Griffing, a licensed professional counselor and child therapist, sees this often in her work with families. —Janelle Jones, Parents, 28 Jan. 2026

Flockhart is equally supportive of Ford, having expressed her joy at watching her husband’s performance as the grouchy, oft-deadpan therapist. —Skyler Trepel, PEOPLE, 28 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1880, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing therapist

• behavioral therapist
• massage therapist
• physical therapist

Rhymes for therapist

• physiotherapist
• psychotherapist

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