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

Byrne stars in the film as Linda, a therapist and mother whose life seems to be crashing down upon her. —Patrick Brzeski, The Hollywood Reporter, 15 Feb. 2025

Look for retreats with a multidisciplinary team of medical professionals, including doctors, therapists, and nutritionists. —Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 14 Feb. 2025

His father was a renowned therapist but a horrible father. —Jeanne Phillips, The Mercury News, 14 Feb. 2025

Sow and Friedman, who had been friends since college and started a successful podcast business together, ended up working with a couple’s therapist. —Myisha Battle, TIME, 13 Feb. 2025

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