Art therapy uses art in the healing process.
It is based on the idea that the creative act is essentially therapeutic. Patients are given the tools to draw, paint, or sculpt, and are urged to get involved in their art choice without restraint. The desired result is uninhibited expression of feelings and emotions. The creative process can be helpful to individuals who feel restricted, stressed, uncertain, or depressed. At the same time, visual art can display information helpful to the doctor or therapist, who can learn about the patient's emotional state through their creative works.