First Known Use: circa 1890
Dictionary
psychotherapy
noun psy·cho·ther·a·py \-ˈther-ə-pē\
: treatment of mental or emotional illness by talking about problems rather than by using medicine or drugs
Full Definition of PSYCHOTHERAPY
: treatment of mental or emotional disorder or of related bodily ills by psychological means
— psy·cho·ther·a·pist \-pist\ noun
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Origin of PSYCHOTHERAPY
International Scientific Vocabulary
Medical Dictionary
psychotherapy
noun psy·cho·ther·a·py \ˌsī-kō-ˈther-ə-pē\
plural psy·cho·ther·a·pies
Medical Definition of PSYCHOTHERAPY
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
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