psychotherapy
UK: ˌsaɪ.kəʊˈθer.ə.pi | US: ˌsaɪ.koʊˈθer.ə.pi
n. a therapeutic treatment method for mental or emotional disorders, combining psychological techniques with interpersonal communication.
The word "psychotherapy" merges two Greek roots: psyche (ψυχή), meaning "mind" or "soul," and therapeia (θεραπεία), meaning "healing" or "treatment." Historically, therapeia referred to medical care or service, while psyche evolved from its ancient sense of "life force" to its modern psychological meaning. The compound reflects the 19th-century scientific trend of blending Greek morphemes to describe specialized fields (e.g., psychology). The term logically progresses from "soul-healing" to its clinical application in mental health.
Psychotherapy helps individuals manage anxiety disorders effectively.
She specializes in cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy.
The clinic offers psychotherapy sessions for trauma survivors.
His research compares the outcomes of medication and psychotherapy.
Modern psychotherapy integrates diverse therapeutic approaches.