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

His therapy didn’t end in Arizona, however: Upon his return home to Utah, Ruby had Chad begin working with a family therapist named Jodi Hildebrandt. —Lynsey Eidell, People.com, 28 Feb. 2025

The family then brought in controversial therapist Jodi Hildebrandt to counsel Chad, who was pushing back against participating in YouTube. —Monica Mercuri, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025

It is run by two native Palisades residents, Ashley Miller, a therapist who also lost her family home in the fire, and interior designer Amy Beemer Lev. —The Editors Of Artnews, ARTnews.com, 28 Feb. 2025

Expert Insight Navi Hughes, a child psychiatry nurse practitioner, therapist, and coach for women, weighed in on the situation with Newsweek. —David Faris, Newsweek, 27 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1880, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing therapist

• behavioral therapist
• massage therapist
• physical therapist

Rhymes for therapist

• physiotherapist
• psychotherapist

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