Art Therapy is a mental health profession that uses the creative process of art making to improve and enhance the physical, mental and emotional well-being of individuals of all ages. It is based on the belief that the creative process involved in artistic self-expression helps people to resolve conflicts and problems, develop interpersonal skills, manage behavior, reduce stress, increase self-esteem and self-awareness, and achieve insight.

Visual expression has been used for healing throughout history, but art therapy did not emerge as a distinct profession until the 1940’s. In the early 20^th century, psychiatrists became interested in the artwork created by their patients with mental illness. At around the same time, it was discovered that children’s art reflected developmental, emotional, and cognitive growth.

American Art Therapy Association 2010