Word
therapist
Phoneticsther·a·pist, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈθɛɹəpəst/
UK/θˈɛɹəpˌɪst/
Definitions
01mental health professional
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. a person trained to help you with your emotions, mental health, or personal problems by talking.
n. a practitioner, such as a psychotherapist or counsellor, who treats mental or emotional disorders through dialogue and psychological techniques.
“She decided to see a therapist to help her deal with the stress of her new job.”
“After the traumatic event, the company provided a licensed therapist to help employees process their experiences in a safe environment.”
Usage
Often used as a general term for anyone from a counsellor to a psychologist.
Synonyms
02physical or specialized treatment
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Medicine
n. a professional who helps you recover from a physical injury or a specific health issue.
n. a specialist trained in a particular branch of rehabilitation or remedial treatment, such as physical or occupational therapy.
“The physical therapist showed him several exercises to strengthen his injured knee.”
“The occupational therapist worked closely with the patient to adapt their home environment for better accessibility after the surgery.”
Usage
Usually preceded by a qualifying adjective like 'physical', 'speech', or 'occupational'.
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “therapist” in context.
Verb
01. consult a therapist
“If you are feeling overwhelmed by stress, it might be helpful to consult a therapist.”
verb + noun
02. recommend a therapist
“My doctor recommended a therapist who specializes in cognitive behavioral therapy.”
verb + noun
03. see a therapist
“She has been seeing a therapist twice a week to work through her anxiety.”
verb + noun
Adjective
04. experienced therapist
“An experienced therapist can often identify the root of a problem very quickly.”
adj + noun
05. occupational therapist
“The occupational therapist helped the patient regain the skills needed for daily living.”
adj + noun
06. qualified therapist
“It is important to ensure you are talking to a qualified therapist with the right credentials.”
adj + noun
Noun
07. relationship with a therapist
“Building a trusting relationship with a therapist is essential for successful treatment.”
noun + prep + noun
08. session with a therapist
“During her first session with a therapist, she felt a great sense of relief.”
noun + prep + noun
Real-World Examples
“She sought help from a therapist who showed her how to box breathe.” “They will bring together existing teams of nurses, therapists and support workers.” Etymology
From therapy + -ist.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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