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

The Anaheim Hills resident is particularly interested in developing painting and crafting programs for seniors as a form of art therapy. —Jenelyn Russo, Oc Register, 20 Mar. 2026

Microdosing sessions, such as yoga or art therapy, typically happen outside of normal business hours on the lower level of the cafe. —Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 18 Mar. 2026

One newsletter last year, for example, informed parents that a psychology major interested in a career in art therapy was at Hume to study artistic expression and appreciation in early childhood. —Michael Cuglietta, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Mar. 2026

After his release, Milano taught art therapy and counselled people with drug and alcohol dependencies in western Massachusetts. —Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 12 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1928, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for art therapy

• brachytherapy
• chemotherapy
• cryotherapy
• hydrotherapy
• hypnotherapy
• monotherapy
• phototherapy
• psychotherapy
• sclerotherapy
• immunotherapy
• pharmacotherapy
• physiotherapy

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