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

Personal trainers, specialist therapists, and yoga gurus are brought in on request—particularly recommended is the one-on-one reformer pilates session with physiotherapist Tobina Marx, or an osteopathy treatment with Emma Wightman, spirited in from her practice in nearby Stockbridge. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Mar. 2026

Ortiz is a licensed speech therapist with multiple prior arrests who had attacked Rihanna on social media in recent weeks. —James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2026

Here are a few go-to techniques from therapists. —Jenna Ryu, SELF, 10 Mar. 2026

Even some psychologists and therapists do this. —Dr. Deepika Chopra, Flow Space, 10 Mar. 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