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

Working with a therapist could help her process the emotional impact and navigate repairing the relationship. —Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2024

Dear Eric: Frequently the advice is to find or consult with a therapist. —R. Eric Thomas, The Mercury News, 8 Dec. 2024

He’s become a familiar face across film and television, appearing as Anne Hathaway’s father in Rachel Getting Married (2008), Matthew McConaughey’s wisecracking tactical robot in Interstellar (2014), and Mariska Hargitay’s therapist in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (2013–2022). —EW.com, 7 Dec. 2024

The least cynical reality show on television remains as absorbing as ever in Season 4, thanks to the probing questions and insights from the show’s resident therapist, Dr. Orna Guralnik. —Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 6 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