psychotherapy

noun

psy·​cho·​ther·​a·​py ˌsī-kō-ˈther-ə-pē 

: treatment of mental or emotional disorder or of related bodily ills by psychological means

psychotherapist

ˌsī-kō-ˈther-ə-pist 

noun

Examples of psychotherapy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Pay attention to what treatment specialty your therapist provides: Some offer specific approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic psychotherapy or dialectical behavior therapy. —Bryan Cochran, Discover Magazine, 12 July 2024

Another stumbling block for Lykos was the psychotherapy that accompanied MDMA in its trials. —science.org, 3 July 2024

Sarah McNamee, a trial participant, submitted a public comment stressing that using a drug that can amplify experience and suggestibility also increases psychotherapy’s potential for harm. —Claire Bugos, Verywell Health, 7 June 2024

Spiteful, judgmental, and self-absorbed, Livia Soprano (Nancy Marchand) makes life hell for her son to the point of requiring years of psychotherapy. —and Kevin Jacobsen, EW.com, 25 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

circa 1890, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

psychotherapy

noun

psy·​cho·​ther·​a·​py ˌsī-kō-ˈther-ə-pē 

: treatment of mental or emotional disorder or of related bodily illnesses by psychological means

Medical Definition

psychotherapy

noun

psy·​cho·​ther·​a·​py ˌsī-kō-ˈther-ə-pē 

plural psychotherapies

1

: treatment of mental or emotional disorder or maladjustment by psychological means especially involving verbal communication (as in psychoanalysis, nondirective psychotherapy, reeducation, or hypnosis)

2

: any alteration in an individual's interpersonal environment, relationships, or life situation brought about especially by a qualified therapist and intended to have the effect of alleviating symptoms of mental or emotional disturbance