Art therapy is the therapeutic use of art making, within a professional relationship, by people who experience illness, trauma, or challenges in living, and by people who seek personal development.
Art therapists are professionals trained in both art and therapy.
They are knowledgeable about human development, psychological theories, clinical practice, spiritual, multicultural and artistic traditions, and the healing potential of art. They use art in treatment, assessment and research, and provide consultations to allied professionals. Some states regulate the practice of art therapy and in many states art therapists can become licensed as counselors or mental health therapists.