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

My experience with hair loss is largely what inspired my career as a therapist who specializes in body image. —Alison Mann, SELF, 5 Sep. 2025

Non-drug factors Psychedelic treatment often involves guides or therapists who help ensure that a patient's psychedelic experience is safe and effective. —Jon Hamilton, NPR, 5 Sep. 2025

While a therapist may examine external factors and account for their medical history, ChatGPT tries to provide a tangible solution, such as giving tips for tracking your neighbors, Glover says. —Alyssa Goldberg, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025

With deep tissue massage, the therapist employs firm pressure to reach deeper into muscles and knots. —Julie Marks, Verywell Health, 4 Sep. 2025

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