Art therapy is a therapeutic use of art making in which art materials are employed to achieve the desired state of physical, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing. It combines traditional therapeutic theories and techniques with an understanding of the psychological aspects of the creative process. This concept is based on the belief that the creative process is beneficial to healing. Art therapy has been proven to be an effective treatment for people experiencing developmental, medical, educational, and psychological or social problems. It may be practiced in mental health, rehabilitation, medical, and educational institutions in individual, couples, family, and group settings, and used as treatment for people of all ages.

Art therapists are trained in both art and therapy, and are capable of using the creative process and all issues arising during therapy to help patients cope better with stress, increase insight into their personalities, resolve traumatic experiences, and generally improve relationships and their way of life. In order to achieve their objectives, art therapists must possess great knowledge of human development, psychological theories, clinical practice, and spiritual and artistic traditions, as well as the potential of utilizing art for healing purposes. Considering the complexity of utilizing art therapy, a master’s degree is required to provide services as an art therapist.

To help patients improve or maintain mental and emotional health and wellbeing, art therapists are trained to recognize the nonverbal symbols resulting from the patient’s creative process. By helping clients understand that which they express in their art, art therapists are contributing to the communication process necessary for healing. Patients can hopefully gain greater insight into their problems and personalities and capabilities as well as how they relate to others. This can lead to personal development and fulfillment.

Individuals who seek personal development or are experiencing illness or a certain trauma can all benefit from art therapy. Through the art creating process, individuals can increase awareness of themselves and others, cope with symptoms, stress, and traumatic experiences, as well as enhance cognitive abilities. Patients can use art media, the creative process, and the resulting artwork to explore feelings and foster self-awareness, develop social skills and increase self-esteem.