Psychotherapist: meaning, definitions and examples

🧠

Add to dictionary

psychotherapist

[ˌsaɪkoʊˈθɛrəpɪst ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

mental health professional

A psychotherapist is a trained professional who helps individuals deal with psychological issues, emotional challenges, and mental health disorders. They use various therapeutic techniques to help clients understand their feelings, thoughts, and behaviors in order to improve their well-being.

Synonyms

counselor, psychologist, therapist.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
psychotherapist	This term is often used broadly to describe a professional who treats mental and emotional disorders through various forms of therapy. They may have training in different approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychoanalysis, or other techniques. She sees a psychotherapist to help manage her anxiety. The psychotherapist suggested some relaxation exercises for stress reduction.
therapist	This is a general term that can refer to various professionals who provide therapy, including physical therapists, psychotherapists, and others. In the context of mental health, it often overlaps with the term 'psychotherapist'. She has regular sessions with her therapist to deal with her traumatic experiences. The therapist recommended mindfulness techniques to help with his anxiety.
counselor	Counselors typically handle a wide range of issues, such as relationship problems, substance abuse, or personal challenges. They usually provide guidance and support rather than medical or psychological treatments. He went to a counselor to talk about his marital problems. The school counselor helped the student with her career choices.
psychologist	This term refers to a professional who studies the mind and behavior. Psychologists often conduct testing and research, and they may also provide therapy. They typically hold a degree in psychology. The psychologist conducted several tests to assess her cognitive abilities. He works as a clinical psychologist, helping patients with depression.

Examples of usage

After experiencing a traumatic event, Sarah decided to see a psychotherapist to work through her feelings of anxiety and fear.
John has been seeing a psychotherapist for several months to help him manage his depression and improve his overall mental health.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The term combines 'psycho' from the Greek word 'psyche' meaning 'soul' or 'mind' and 'therapist' meaning 'to heal.'
The word began to be used prominently in the early 20th century as psychology grew more recognized as a science.
Psychotherapists primarily use talk therapy, which has roots in ancient practices of dialogue used by philosophers.

Historical Origins

The first psychotherapist recognized as a professional was Sigmund Freud, who developed talk therapy in the early 1900s.
In the mid-20th century, many schools of thought in psychotherapy emerged, including cognitive-behavioral therapy and humanistic psychology.
The establishment of the American Psychological Association in 1892 helped legitimize psychotherapy as an essential practice.

Science

Research shows that therapy can lead to significant improvements in mental health, reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Certain types of therapy, like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), are specifically designed to help people change negative thought patterns.
Neuroscience has shown that talking therapies can change brain activity and improve emotional regulation.

Cultural Impact

In popular culture, psychotherapists are often depicted in films and television as the characters who help protagonists overcome their struggles.
The concept of therapy has entered everyday language, influencing conversations about mental health and well-being worldwide.
Teletherapy has gained popularity, especially since 2020, allowing people to receive help from the comfort of their home.

Psychology

Different approaches to therapy, such as psychodynamic, cognitive, and humanistic therapy, each address mental health issues in unique ways.
The therapeutic alliance, or the relationship between a psychotherapist and their client, is essential for effective therapy.
Therapists often use assessments and diagnoses to better understand and treat their clients' needs.

Translations

Translations of the word "psychotherapist" in other languages:

🇵🇹 psicoterapeuta

🇮🇳 मनोचिकित्सक

🇩🇪 Psychotherapeut

🇮🇩 psikoterapis

🇺🇦 психотерапевт

🇵🇱 psychoterapeuta

🇯🇵 心理療法士

🇫🇷 psychothérapeute

🇪🇸 psicoterapeuta

🇹🇷 psikoterapist

🇰🇷 정신 치료사

🇸🇦 معالج نفسي

🇨🇿 psychoterapeut

🇸🇰 psychoterapeut

🇨🇳 心理治疗师

🇸🇮 psihoterapevt

🇮🇸 sálfræðingur

🇰🇿 психотерапевт

🇬🇪 ფსიქოთერაპევტი

🇦🇿 psixoterapevt

🇲🇽 psicoterapeuta

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,550, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

...
24547 tarred
24548 dong
24549 consanguinity
24550 psychotherapist
24551 wakened
24552 morphia
24553 contusion
...