Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy, facilitated by a qualified art therapist. Art therapy differs from other kinds of therapy in that art materials and art making are used as a form of non-verbal communication.

Clients do not need any prior experience in art making as the art therapist supports them to express their emotions and experiences using art materials. This enables clients to explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a way that can feel safer and more accessible. It can be hard to verbalise complicated feelings, so expressing through images and material explorations can help to process and share them.

People of any age and background can benefit from art therapy. Clients are supported to increase their self-awareness, wellbeing, and coping mechanisms to deal with challenging circumstances and feelings. Art therapists often work in schools, hospices, clinical settings, mental health services, disability services, veteran support services, workplaces, and more.

Some people choose to talk about their art with their therapist, while others focus solely on the process during sessions. In the UK all art therapists are required to be qualified and registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).