art therapy

noun

: therapy based on engagement in artistic activities (such as painting or drawing) as a means of creative expression and symbolic communication especially in individuals affected with a mental or emotional disorder or cognitive impairment

She's also used art therapy while working with autistic and special-needs children and patients recovering from strokes.

—Cheryl Powell

In art therapy, patients express their feelings not just through discussion, but through drawing, painting and sculpting. That's why this type of therapy is thought to be especially helpful for people who have difficulty articulating feelings—including children and those suffering from Alzheimer's disease, strokes and post-traumatic stress disorder.

—Jenny Hontz

art therapist noun

plural art therapists

Although she works toward the same goals as the psychologist or psychiatrist, as an art therapist her technique is decidedly different.

—Sharon L. Bass

Examples of art therapy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Williams started The Pink Retreat in 2017, expecting only 20 people to show up to share her love of colorful patterns—often inspired by the Lilly Pulitzer dresses her art therapy patients loved. —Náosha Gregg, Forbes, 26 Nov. 2024

Some programs test unproven methods, such as art therapy for pregnant women or youth podcasting. —John Frank, Axios, 5 Dec. 2024

Even scenes of art therapy that take place during her program feel rushed or ignored. —Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 12 Aug. 2024

Some people claim to offer art therapy but are not trained to do so.5 Check with your insurance company to see if art therapy is covered. —Sherri Gordon, Health, 13 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1928, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

art therapy

noun

: therapy based on engagement in artistic activities (as painting or drawing) as a means of creative expression and symbolic communication especially in individuals affected with a mental or emotional disorder or cognitive impairment

In art therapy, patients express their feelings not just through discussion, but through drawing, painting and sculpting. That's why this type of therapy is thought to be especially helpful for people who have difficulty articulating feelings—including children and those suffering from Alzheimer's disease, strokes and post-traumatic stress disorder.

—Jenny Hontz, The Los Angeles Times

art therapist noun