therapist
mental health professional for talk therapy
A person who helps people with their thoughts and feelings by talking with them in a professional way.
[someone] sees a therapist
- After the breakup, she decided to see a therapist to work through her feelings.
- My therapist suggested that I start keeping a journal to track my mood.
- He has been meeting with the same therapist every week for over a year.
- Couples often go to a therapist when communication in their relationship breaks down.
- The school hired an on-site therapist to support students struggling with anxiety.
- I talk to a therapist once a week.
- Her therapist helps her deal with stress.
- He found a new therapist in his city.
- The therapist listens and asks many questions.
- They went to a therapist to save their marriage.
rehabilitation professional (physical, speech, etc.)
A health worker who helps people move, speak, or use their bodies better after injury, illness, or disability.
[someone] works as a [type] therapist
- The physical therapist gave him exercises to strengthen his knee after surgery.
- Her speech therapist is helping her son overcome a stutter.
- An occupational therapist showed him how to adapt his kitchen after his accident.
- The team includes a doctor, a nurse, and a respiratory therapist.
- She wants to become a sports therapist and work with professional athletes.
- A physical therapist helped me walk again.
- The child sees a speech therapist twice a week.
- Her therapist showed her how to move her hand safely.
- He works as an occupational therapist in a hospital.
- The therapist gave him simple exercises to do at home.
person who informally plays therapist
In casual speech, a person who is not a real therapist but often listens to your problems and gives you advice, like a therapist would.
[someone] is my therapist
- Thanks for listening to me complain all night—you’re basically my therapist.
- I don’t want to be your therapist; you should talk to a professional about this.
- Group chat has become my therapist whenever I’m stressed about work.
- He jokes that his dog is his therapist because he tells it everything.
- Stop making your partner your therapist; it’s too much pressure on one person.
- She is like my therapist because I tell her everything.
- My best friend is my therapist when I feel sad.
- He said, "I am not your therapist. Please talk to a real one."
- I don’t want to be your therapist all the time.
- We joke that our cat is our therapist.
- Base: therapist
- Plural: therapists
be my therapist
1act like my therapist (informal)
To listen to someone’s problems and give them emotional support like a therapist, usually said in a joking or casual way.
- Can you just be my therapist for a minute while I rant about work?
- Thanks for being my therapist tonight; I really needed to talk.
- I don’t want my friends to be my therapists anymore—I’m going to find a professional.
marriage therapist
1therapist for couples’ relationships
A therapist who works with couples to help them solve problems in their relationship or marriage.
- They started seeing a marriage therapist after years of constant arguments.
- Our marriage therapist gave us communication exercises to do at home.
- The couple credits their marriage therapist with saving their relationship.
my therapist says
1introducing therapist’s advice or view
Used before you tell someone what your therapist told you or advised you.
- My therapist says I need to set clearer boundaries with my family.
- My therapist says it’s okay to feel angry as long as I express it safely.
- My therapist says I should slow down and take more breaks.
see a therapist
1go to a therapist for help
To visit and talk with a therapist, usually many times, to get help with mental health or personal problems.
- If you feel overwhelmed all the time, it might help to see a therapist.
- Her doctor suggested she see a therapist for her anxiety.
- He finally agreed to see a therapist after months of sleepless nights.
talk to a therapist
1speak with a therapist
To speak with a therapist in order to get help, advice, or support with emotional or mental problems.
- You don’t have to handle this alone; you could talk to a therapist.
- She decided to talk to a therapist about her fear of flying.
- He finds it easier to talk to a therapist than to his family.