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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 The group, Mandy’s Foundation, raises money for art therapy and pediatric education at Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago. Saleen Martin, USA TODAY, 25 Sep. 2024 Every day there are activities such as yoga, Qi Gong, art therapy, animal therapy, and ceremonies with the ancient chocolate ingredient cacao. Mattha Busby, Rolling Stone, 14 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for art therapy 

Word History

First Known Use

1928, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of art therapy was in 1928

Dictionary Entries Near art therapy

Cite this Entry

“Art therapy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/art%20therapy. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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