Art therapy is a mental health profession that enriches the lives of individuals, families,
and communities through active art-making, creative process, applied psychological
theory, and human experience within a psychotherapeutic relationship. Art therapy,
facilitated by a professional art therapist, effectively supports personal and relational
treatment goals as well as community concerns. Art therapy is used to improve cognitive
and sensorimotor functions, foster self-esteem and self-awareness, cultivate emotional
resilience, promote insight, enhance social skills, reduce and resolve conflicts and
distress, and advance societal and ecological change. – American Art Therapy Association