terapeutt

A therapist is a professional who provides therapy or rehabilitation to support mental, emotional, or physical health. The term covers many occupations within health and social care, and its exact meaning varies by country, discipline, and licensure. Therapists can work in private practice, clinics, hospitals, schools, and community agencies.

Mental health therapists include psychotherapists, counselors, clinical social workers, and psychologists who deliver talk therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, or humanistic approaches. Physical and rehabilitation therapists include physiotherapists and occupational therapists who help restore movement, function, and independence following injury or illness. Other professionals, such as speech-language pathologists or music and art therapists, provide specialized therapeutic services.

Training requirements differ widely by jurisdiction and field. Most therapists hold at least a bachelor’s degree, with many having master’s or doctoral degrees plus supervised clinical practice. Licensure or certification is often required to practice independently, and continued professional education is routinely expected.

Therapy generally involves assessment, treatment planning, and the delivery of interventions tailored to the client’s needs. Ethical standards emphasize confidentiality, informed consent, non-discrimination, and evidence-based practice. Therapists collaborate with other healthcare providers to support holistic care and may work with individuals, couples, families, or groups.

Etymology and usage: The word therapist derives from Greek and Latin roots referring to healing. In everyday use, the term can be broad or ambiguous, so specific titles such as psychotherapist, physiotherapist, or counselor are often preferred to indicate specialization and scope of practice.