therapist
Americannoun
-
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.
-
a person trained in the use of psychological methods for helping patients overcome psychological problems.
-
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
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Out of My Mind
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Guts
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
In Atlanta, Georgia, music therapist Melissa Pate was far more somber about the holiday.
From Barron's • Jul. 4, 2026
"Therefore, psychotherapy sometimes has to work relationally. For example, new experiences in the relationship between therapist and patient can gradually help to change entrenched relational patterns."
From Science Daily • Jul. 1, 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
After just three months of working as a qualified massage therapist, Maria decided to be more selective about who she treats.
From BBC • Jun. 21, 2026
Then my mother had taken me to see a child therapist, and I’d gotten my first real introduction to the word insane.
From "Made You Up" by Francesca Zappia
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.
