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

Any cuts to Social Security benefits “would be devastating,” said Paul Rosenthal, 74, a retired physical therapist who lives in Oregon.

From MarketWatch ● Oct. 1, 2026

Experience: Bruno said he attended community college and as a therapist has counseled children, adults and families.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 1, 2026

This went on for almost a decade, until, with the guidance of a therapist, he diagnosed himself with post-traumatic stress disorder.

From Slate ● Sep. 22, 2026

Shatavia Thomas, a therapist in Atlanta who specializes in marriage and family therapy, advises speaking directly and gently to a couple when a request is beyond your means.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 16, 2026

He knew he could get lost within his thoughts too easily, and he wondered if he should talk to his therapist about it next month.

From "Anger Is a Gift" by Mark Oshiro

Staff were not trained therapists, she said, so it was hard to know how to navigate these discussions with students.

From BBC ● Oct. 2, 2026

And for that they would be able to go to doctors, have lab tests, and see physical therapists without asking an insurance company for permission.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 1, 2026

Instead of questioning their client’s assumptions or consulting other family members, many therapists began encouraging estrangement, he says.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 26, 2026

He hoped charities, teachers and therapists could use the book to help those dealing with the loss of a baby.

From BBC ● Sep. 15, 2026

“There are many great therapists in Phoenix for him.”

From "Healer of the Water Monster" by Brian Young

Related Words

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