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
Cheryl PowellIn 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
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
Sharon L. Bass
Examples of art therapy in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Breast cancer can affect body image and dating, but support programs like counseling, art therapy, exercise, and support groups can help boost confidence.
—Julie Scott, PEOPLE, 18 Sep. 2025
Like art therapy or pet therapy, cooking therapy is designed to provide moments of self-reflection as the task at hand takes on new layers of meaning.
—The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Sep. 2025
Following a community-first ethos, the hotel’s wellness program brings guests and local residents together for sunrise yoga classes, breathwork sessions, and even art therapy workshops.
—Michaela Trimble, Vogue, 27 Aug. 2025
Saturday afternoon After brunch, head back to Charlotte for some art therapy.
—Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 8 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for art therapy
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Julie Scott, PEOPLE, 18 Sep. 2025
Like art therapy or pet therapy, cooking therapy is designed to provide moments of self-reflection as the task at hand takes on new layers of meaning.
—The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Sep. 2025
Following a community-first ethos, the hotel’s wellness program brings guests and local residents together for sunrise yoga classes, breathwork sessions, and even art therapy workshops.
—Michaela Trimble, Vogue, 27 Aug. 2025
Saturday afternoon After brunch, head back to Charlotte for some art therapy.
—Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 8 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for art therapy
Cite this Entry
“Art therapy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/art%20therapy. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical 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
Jenny Hontz, The Los Angeles Times
art therapist
noun
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