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
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.
Martha Sánchez is a professor, marriage and family therapist and community organizer.
From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026
She’s forward and caustic, with a sharp wit and a hefty Jersey accent that doesn’t exactly scream “therapist’s office” — unless your therapist is Dr. Melfi from “The Sopranos,” in which case, lucky you.
From Salon • Apr. 29, 2026
Such planning can be difficult but is important to figure out for couples with an age gap, according to relationship therapist, Sarah Louise Ryan.
From BBC • Apr. 25, 2026
Meddling in-laws, persuasive friends, even a therapist or clergy member are all fair game.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 18, 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
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.