psychotherapy
noun
psy·cho·ther·a·py
ˌsī-kō-ˈther-ə-pē 
: treatment of mental or emotional disorder or of related bodily ills by psychological means
Examples of psychotherapy in a Sentence
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Although touch is considered a boundary violation in conventional psychotherapy, psychedelic therapists sometimes offer a hand to hold or a pat on the shoulder.
—
Michael Pollan, New Yorker, 19 May 2025
Medical association recommendations say the best care includes developing a plan with medical experts and family members that includes psychotherapy for each young person.
—Geoff Mulvihill, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2025
Like other types of psychotherapy, RTM uses movies as a metaphor for replaying a traumatic memory.
—Yasmin Tayag, The Atlantic, 2 June 2025
Psychiatric medication may be included in the treatment plan, but psychotherapy is generally the first line of treatment.
—Erica Zurek, Twin Cities, 31 May 2025
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Michael Pollan, New Yorker, 19 May 2025
Medical association recommendations say the best care includes developing a plan with medical experts and family members that includes psychotherapy for each young person.
—Geoff Mulvihill, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2025
Like other types of psychotherapy, RTM uses movies as a metaphor for replaying a traumatic memory.
—Yasmin Tayag, The Atlantic, 2 June 2025
Psychiatric medication may be included in the treatment plan, but psychotherapy is generally the first line of treatment.
—Erica Zurek, Twin Cities, 31 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for psychotherapy
Cite this Entry
“Psychotherapy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/psychotherapy. Accessed 21 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
psychotherapy
noun
psy·cho·ther·a·py
ˌsī-kō-ˈther-ə-pē
: treatment of mental or emotional disorder or of related bodily illnesses by psychological means
Medical Definition
psychotherapy
noun
psy·cho·ther·a·py
ˌsī-kō-ˈther-ə-pē
plural psychotherapies
1
: treatment of mental or emotional disorder or maladjustment by psychological means especially involving verbal communication (as in psychoanalysis, nondirective psychotherapy, reeducation, or hypnosis)
2
: any alteration in an individual's interpersonal environment, relationships, or life situation brought about especially by a qualified therapist and intended to have the effect of alleviating symptoms of mental or emotional disturbance
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