psychotherapy

American  

[sahy-koh-ther-uh-pee] / ˌsaɪ koʊˈθɛr ə pi /

noun

plural

psychotherapies

1. the treatment of psychological disorders or maladjustments by a professional technique, as psychoanalysis, group therapy, or behavioral therapy.

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psychotherapy British  

/ ˌsaɪkəʊˌθɛrəˈpjuːtɪks, ˌsaɪkəʊˈθɛrəpɪ /

noun

1. the treatment of nervous disorders by psychological methods

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psychotherapy Cultural  

1. The use of the techniques of psychology or psychiatry or both to treat mental and emotional disorders. The term includes psychoanalysis, as well as other forms of psychological therapy.

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Other Word Forms

• psychotherapeutic
  adjective
• psychotherapeutically
  adverb
• psychotherapist
  noun

Etymology

Origin of psychotherapy

First recorded in 1890–95; psycho- + therapy

Compare meaning

How does psychotherapy compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• psychoanalysis vs. psychotherapy

Explanation

Psychotherapy is a mental health treatment that usually involves talking with a trained professional. Someone who's feeling anxious or depressed might try psychotherapy. Psychotherapy is often described as "talk therapy." Talking to a counselor or therapist about difficult feelings or thoughts can help people understand their emotions better and develop healthy coping strategies. This kind of therapy is also helpful for dealing with challenging situations like the death of a loved one, a traumatic experience, or a family conflict. Psychotherapy, coined in 1892, comes from the Greek roots psykhē, "mind or soul," and therapeia, "healing."

Example Sentences

To find a certified group psychotherapist in your area, the American Group Psychotherapy Association has a provider directory.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 7, 2026

The Franklin case was “the first of the recovered memory persecutions,” said Richard Ofshe, a professor emeritus of social psychology at UC Berkeley and coauthor of “Making Monsters: False Memories, Psychotherapy, and Sexual Hysteria.”

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 7, 2024

"Effectiveness of Antidepressants in Combination with Psychotherapy" was published online in The Journal of Mental Health Policy and Economics in March 2024.

From Science Daily • May 30, 2024

She made her feature film debut in 2012's Jimmy P: Psychotherapy of a Plains Indian, which starred Benicio del Toro.

From BBC • Jan. 29, 2024

The subject is discussed more fully in the section on Psychotherapy in Obstetrics.

From Psychotherapy by Walsh, James J. (James Joseph)