psychotherapy

noun

psy·​cho·​ther·​a·​py ˌsī-kō-ˈther-ə-pē How to pronounce psychotherapy (audio)
: treatment of mental or emotional disorder or of related bodily ills by psychological means
psychotherapist noun

Examples of psychotherapy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web What about psychotherapy, which is so prominent in much of the Western world? Tyler Cowen, The Mercury News, 6 Jan. 2024 This week investigators in Finland said Moreno-tracing helped reveal the identity of a hacker who allegedly attacked psychotherapy company Vastaamo in 2020, stealing thousands of patient records and threatening to leak them unless people paid a ransom. Matt Burgess, WIRED, 3 Feb. 2024 Anxiety and depression can both be treated with psychotherapy and medications. Caitlin O'Kane, CBS News, 31 Jan. 2024 Traditionally, psychiatrists provided psychotherapy as well, but that’s more rare these days. Laura Newberry, Los Angeles Times, 14 Nov. 2023 Its use in psychotherapy has been explored for decades. Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 14 Dec. 2023 In conjunction with taking the drug, subjects engaged in psychotherapy — also known as talk therapy — along with other supportive services. David Ovalle, Washington Post, 12 Dec. 2023 What is the connection between psychotherapy, or pharmaceutical treatments, and wealth accumulation? Tyler Cowen, The Mercury News, 6 Jan. 2024 Society depends upon the efficacy of professed and practiced psychotherapies. Lance Eliot, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'psychotherapy.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

circa 1890, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of psychotherapy was circa 1890

Dictionary Entries Near psychotherapy

Cite this Entry

“Psychotherapy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/psychotherapy. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

psychotherapy

noun
psy·​cho·​ther·​a·​py ˌsī-kō-ˈther-ə-pē How to pronounce psychotherapy (audio)
: treatment of mental or emotional disorder or of related bodily illnesses by psychological means

Medical Definition

psychotherapy

noun
psy·​cho·​ther·​a·​py ˌsī-kō-ˈther-ə-pē How to pronounce psychotherapy (audio)
plural psychotherapies
1
: treatment of mental or emotional disorder or maladjustment by psychological means especially involving verbal communication (as in psychoanalysis, nondirective psychotherapy, reeducation, or hypnosis)
2
: any alteration in an individual's interpersonal environment, relationships, or life situation brought about especially by a qualified therapist and intended to have the effect of alleviating symptoms of mental or emotional disturbance
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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