therapy
THAIR-uh-pee
/ˈθɛrəpi/
Animals trained to provide affection, comfort, and emotional support to individuals in settings such as hospitals, retirement homes, and schools.
Therapy animals interact with many different people, unlike service animals who perform tasks for one specific disabled individual.
The story behind the word. In ancient Greek, a 'therapon' was a faithful companion in battle who cared for a warrior. The concept shifted to medical care and healing ('therapeia'). Therapy animals fulfill this original meaning beautifully—acting as caring companions who foster psychological healing.
Word relationships
- comfort animal: Comfort animal focuses on general emotional support, while therapy animals are certified to work in institutional settings.
- stressor: A stressor causes anxiety or tension, whereas therapy alleviates distress.
Commonly confused with
- service: Service dogs assist one person with tasks; therapy animals visit communities to provide comfort.
Word family
- therapeutic (adjective): Having healing or soothing qualities.
- therapist (noun): A specialist trained in treatment methods.
Collocations
- therapy dog
- animal-assisted therapy
- therapy team
- therapy visit
Idioms & expressions
- therapeutic benefit
Example sentences
- "The visiting therapy dog brought noticeable joy and reduced stress among patients in the pediatric wing." Hospital visitation program
- "Teams of therapy dogs were deployed to community centers to help survivors process grief after the tornado." Disaster recovery response
Memory hook
THERAPY brings soothing cheer to heal your mind and spirit. Therapy = Healing comfort for many.
When not to use
Do not grant therapy animals public access rights granted to service animals in shops or airplanes under federal laws.
Fun facts
- Therapy dogs are trained to remain perfectly calm around unexpected loud noises, wheelchairs, intravenous poles, and emotional displays.
Related words
Explore more words
shelter, rehabilitate, veterinary, assistive, rehabilitation, Support system
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