art therapy

American  

noun

1. a type of psychotherapy that encourages the expression of emotions through artistic activities such as painting, drawing, or sculpture; psychotherapy based on the belief that the creative process involved in the making of art is healing and life-enhancing.

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Etymology

Origin of art therapy

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

"I've tried antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, benzos, sleeping pills and stimulants, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy... tai chi, reiki, meditation, veganism, art therapy and music therapy," the former stand-up comedian said.

From Barron's • Feb. 25, 2026

Both programs also offered complementary therapies such as psychoeducation, anger management, medication management and art therapy, among others.

From Science Daily • Nov. 14, 2024

But she sank into depression since the Taliban closed tertiary institutions to women in December, requiring psychiatric treatment where she was recommended art therapy classes.

From Reuters • Aug. 10, 2023

The charity runs wellbeing courses, coffee mornings, trips to the zoo and beach, and art therapy sessions, which allow Penelope to release her "anger, tensions and fears".

From BBC • Mar. 8, 2023

Those had landed her a visit from the guidance counselor, who’d suggested that Fawnda might try an art therapy group to help heal her inner tantruming child.

From "Beauty Queens" by Libba Bray