Translation guide
In Japanese, the word for 'therapist' depends heavily on the type of therapy. The most common general term is セラピスト, but specific professions like physical therapist or psychotherapist have distinct names. This guide covers the main types and how to refer to them naturally.
Referring to a therapist in a general sense, such as a massage therapist, aromatherapist, or someone providing non-medical therapy.
The most common loanword for 'therapist' in a broad sense. Often implies wellness, relaxation, or alternative therapies. Not typically used for medical doctors.
She is an aromatherapist.
A more formal, generic term for 'therapist' often used in medical or rehabilitation contexts. It usually appears as part of a compound like 理学療法士 (physical therapist).
A healthcare professional who helps patients recover from injuries or improve physical movement.
A professional who provides talk therapy or counseling for mental health issues.
The formal term for a psychotherapist. It is used in clinical contexts.
A therapist who helps people develop or recover daily living and work skills.
A therapist who treats speech, language, and swallowing disorders.
In Japanese, セラピスト usually refers to non-medical therapists (massage, aroma, etc.) or sometimes counselors. For medical rehabilitation specialists, use specific terms like 理学療法士 or 作業療法士. For psychiatrists (medical doctors), use 精神科医 (せいしんかい).
カウンセラー is a broader term that can include school counselors, career counselors, etc. 心理療法士 specifically refers to a psychotherapist with clinical training. In casual conversation, カウンセラー is more common for mental health support.
I got a massage from a therapist.
彼は療法士として病院で働いています。
He works as a therapist at a hospital.
The standard term for a licensed physical therapist in Japan. Often abbreviated as PT.
After the accident, I received rehabilitation from a physical therapist.
A loanword sometimes used, but 理学療法士 is more common and official.
To become a physical therapist, you need a national license.
She specializes in trauma treatment as a psychotherapist.
Often used for 'counselor' or 'therapist' in mental health settings. More common in everyday language than 心理療法士.
I'm so stressed that I'm seeing a therapist/counselor.
In mental health contexts, セラピスト can be used, but it may be ambiguous without context. Often used in phrases like 心理セラピスト.
I'm studying to get a qualification as a psychological therapist.
The standard term for an occupational therapist. Often abbreviated as OT.
Occupational therapists help improve daily living activities.
The official term for a speech-language-hearing therapist. Often called ST.
My child has a speech delay, so we are seeing a speech therapist.
A loanword sometimes used, but 言語聴覚士 is the proper term.
I'm receiving training from a speech therapist.
My physical therapist gave me exercises to do at home.
She's been seeing a therapist for anxiety.