Therapist

Definition

A therapist is a professional trained in a specific type of therapy to help individuals manage and overcome mental, emotional, or physical issues.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈθɛrəpɪst/
• Respelling: THER-uh-pist (with "THER" as in "there," "uh" as a schwa sound like the 'a' in "sofa," and "pist" as in "fist")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈθɛrəpɪst/
• Respelling: THER-uh-pist (similar to American English, with "THER" as in "there," "uh" as in "sofa," and "pist" like in "fist")

In both dialects, "therapist" is pronounced with the primary stress on the first syllable, "THER," which sounds like "there." The pronunciation of "therapist" is consistent between American and British English.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek word "therapeuein" which means "to treat medically," which in turn is related to "therapōn," meaning "attendant."

Derivatives

• Therapeutic
• Therapeutically
• Therapeutics
• Therapy
• Therapize

Synonyms

• Counselor
• Practitioner
• Healer

Antonyms

• Patient
• Client
• Sufferer

Usage

• "Therapist" typically refers to professionals who provide therapeutic interventions for individuals. It is often used in a broad sense, but can be specified with prefixes like "physical-", "speech-", or "occupational-" to describe the type of therapy they specialize in.

Related Terms

• Psychotherapy
• Rehabilitation
• Treatment
• Intervention
• Clinical

Detailed Definition

Noun

• Medical or Clinical Professional: A person who specializes in a specific form of therapy or treatment to aid individuals in managing or overcoming psychological, emotional, or physical challenges.
• Example: After her accident, Jane sought out a physical therapist to help regain mobility in her leg.

• Adviser or Counselor: A person skilled in a specific kind of therapy that emphasizes dialogue and patient self-awareness.
• Example: Mark felt he could benefit from speaking to a therapist about his anxieties.