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

By Sarah Bence, OTR/L Bence is an occupational therapist with a range of work experience in mental healthcare settings. —Michael Menna, Verywell Health, 4 Nov. 2024

According to The Workforce Institute, managers have a greater impact on someone’s mental health than a doctor or therapist. —Bryan Robinson, Forbes, 2 Nov. 2024

The therapist said Payne found joy in simple activities, like playing TopGolf or going 10-pin bowling. —August Brown, Los Angeles Times, 1 Nov. 2024

But both therapists agree that honest and open communication is a must for preventing misunderstandings and keeping resentment from building up. —Jenna Ryu, SELF, 1 Nov. 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