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

But last year, his therapist pushed him to actually celebrate himself for once. —Aidan Gardiner, New York Times, 29 Dec. 2024

His therapist refused to send detailed treatment records to the lawyers assistance program and instead asked to send only attendance records. —Hannah Rappleye, NBC News, 24 Dec. 2024

Newsweek spoke to therapist and head of relationships at Paired, Aly Bullock, about why the issue is pressing for these generations, who may face shrinking social circles due to health challenges, retirement, or changes in family dynamics. —Gord Magill, Newsweek, 22 Dec. 2024

That’s a great place to begin work with a couple’s therapist. —R. Eric Thomas, The Mercury News, 19 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1880, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing therapist

• behavioral therapist
• massage therapist
• physical therapist

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