therapist

American  

[ther-uh-pist] / ˈθɛr ə pɪst /

noun

• therapists
  plural

1. 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.

2. a person trained in the use of psychological methods for helping patients overcome psychological problems.

3. Also therapeutist a person, as a doctor, skilled in therapeutics.

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therapist British  

/ ˈθɛrəpɪst /

noun

1. a person skilled in a particular type of therapy

   a physical therapist

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• therapists
  plural

Etymology

Origin of therapist

First recorded in 1885–90; therap(y) + -ist

Compare meaning

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

• psychologist vs. therapist

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.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

therapist therapists

As a therapist once told me, “There is no reason to get upset because of the way people are.”

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 18, 2026

It’s about values, says Lisa Marie Bobby, a relationship therapist.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 14, 2026

The therapist said their remaining individual sessions were sometimes limited to as little as 16 minutes.

From Salon ● Aug. 12, 2026

He started seeing a therapist, but the state workers’ compensation agency denied the claim, arguing depression wasn’t a physiological effect of his injury.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 2, 2026

How do I tell my mother that my therapist is playing music for me because I refuse to talk to her too, but don’t worry, it’s helping.

From "Sparrow" by Sarah Moon

For older adults, physical therapists often recommend the low-impact Otago Exercise Program, composed of 17 controlled progressive strength and balance exercises in conjunction with a walking plan.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 18, 2026

Jason Beaman, a Navy and Army vet, was shuffled among therapists who later left until he finally had enough.

From Salon ● Aug. 12, 2026

There might be coaches who could help with issues like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or therapists she could talk to about her mental health.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 29, 2026

Watts said that her video "clearly struck a chord with people" - including therapists posting comments about coping mechanisms - and that she wanted to help others deal with climate anxiety.

From BBC ● Jul. 24, 2026

Music students normally use them but speech therapists do too.

From "Black Swan Green" by David Mitchell

Related Words

• adviser
• analyst
• clinician
• doctor
• physician
• psychiatrist
• psychoanalyst
• psychologist
• psychotherapist