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

Cambridge Dictionary also pointed to an uptick in people developing parasocial relationships with artificial intelligence programs like ChatGPT, with some using the tools as their therapist or romantic partner. —Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 18 Nov. 2025

Fetterman said a turning point came in his life when a therapist told him his children needed him. —CBS News, 16 Nov. 2025

Palacio, who describes Give Miami Day as the school’s main fundraising event, said the money raised will not just help cover student tuition but will also help fill payment gaps to ensure the school can continue to offer a one-to-one ratio of therapists to students. —Miami Herald, 15 Nov. 2025

Jace was concerned Mikayla wouldn’t have the motivation to work through this stuff, but the therapist reminded them that building a better relationship as an example for their kids could be a powerful motivator. —Olivia Crandall, Vulture, 14 Nov. 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