therapist
Americannoun
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a person trained in the use of physical methods, as exercises, heat treatments, etc., in treating or rehabilitating the sick or wounded or helping patients overcome physical defects.
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a person trained in the use of psychological methods for helping patients overcome psychological problems.
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Also therapeutist a person, as a doctor, skilled in therapeutics.
noun
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of therapist
Compare meaning
How does therapist compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
Explanation
An expert at a specific kind of healing practice is called a therapist. A massage therapist is trained to soothe sore muscles, for example. The first thing many people think of when they see the word therapist is a psychotherapist, a mental health practitioner whose job is to diagnose and treat psychiatric conditions. This kind of therapist might listen to a patient's thoughts, fears, problems, and dreams and offer helpful techniques or even medication. Other types of therapists include physical therapists and occupational therapists, both of whom help clients with mobility and quality of life issues presented by their physical disabilities or challenges.
Vocabulary lists containing therapist
"Fears and Phobias," Vocabulary from the article
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Out of My Mind
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Guts
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
Janaline Smalman, an expat therapist and founder of Healing Art Journey, said it’s common for people who move abroad to struggle with unexpected, challenging emotions for a variety of reasons.
From Salon ● Jul. 11, 2026
In Atlanta, Georgia, music therapist Melissa Pate was far more somber about the holiday.
From Barron's ● Jul. 4, 2026
After testing ChatGPT, she decided she wanted a bot that sounded and acted more like a therapist.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 30, 2026
Orum took steps such as seeing a therapist to help improve his ability to care for his mom and his aunt.
From MarketWatch ● Jun. 23, 2026
She called my therapist with the good news, and my therapist immediately wanted to talk to me and ask why I’d made the decision and how I felt about it.
From "Made You Up" by Francesca Zappia
Doctors, physical therapists and Bolsonaro's attorneys are exempt and can still visit him.
From Barron's ● Jul. 18, 2026
Eating-disorder therapists say patients are increasingly using chatbots for diet and exercise advice, sometimes challenging professional guidance.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 11, 2026
In addition to therapists, she said there are plenty of resources online and international centers to help people assimilate.
From Salon ● Jul. 11, 2026
Lynas said he believes the bill risks criminalising "teachers, parents, therapists, pastors and many others".
From BBC ● Jul. 4, 2026
Maya didn’t actually know much about therapists and insurance, but she had heard her parents talking about it.
From "Far from the Tree" by Robin Benway
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
