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.
彼女はアロマセラピストです。
She is an aromatherapist.
セラピストにマッサージをしてもらった。
I got a massage from a therapist.
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.
彼女は心理療法士としてトラウマ治療を専門にしています。
She specializes in trauma treatment as a psychotherapist.
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.
理学療法士に自宅でする運動を教えてもらいました。
My physical therapist gave me exercises to do at home.
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.
事故の後、理学療法士のリハビリを受けました。
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.
フィジカルセラピストになるには国家資格が必要です。
To become a physical therapist, you need a national license.
Often used for 'counselor' or 'therapist' in mental health settings. More common in everyday language than 心理療法士.
ストレスがひどいので、カウンセラーに相談しています。
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.
心理セラピストの資格を取るために勉強しています。
I'm studying to get a qualification as a psychological therapist.
The standard term for an occupational therapist. Often abbreviated as OT.
作業療法士は日常生活の動作を改善する手助けをします。
Occupational therapists help improve daily living activities.
The official term for a speech-language-hearing therapist. Often called ST.
子供が言葉の遅れがあるので、言語聴覚士に診てもらっています。
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.
スピーチセラピストの訓練を受けています。
I'm receiving training from a speech therapist.
She's been seeing a therapist for anxiety.