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

Three therapists from TriStar Summit outpatient clinic decided to spend the entire Labor Day weekend together — on a medical mission trip to a children's orphanage to Honduras in Central America. —The Tennessean, 24 Dec. 2024

Tony's ever-patient therapist Dr. Melfi is herself the subject of this standout season three episode. —Griff Griffin, Newsweek, 24 Dec. 2024

My therapist Romina took the time to review my concerns, perform a thorough skin analysis and facial, and thoughtfully provided sample products to take home. —Forbes Travel Guide, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024

She was burned out after a year, and transferred into a more administrative role, reviewing other therapists’ treatment reports. —Carrie Battan, The New Yorker, 23 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