What is the main purpose of art therapy?

The main purpose of art therapy is to use creative processes as a means for self-expression and to enhance mental well-being. This therapeutic practice leverages artistic expression as a tool for individuals to explore their emotions, thoughts, and experiences, providing a channel through which they can communicate feelings that might be difficult to verbalize.

Art therapy can help individuals process trauma, reduce stress, and improve overall mental health. It emphasizes the therapeutic potential of creating art, asserting that the act of making art can be more important than the finished product. This process fosters a sense of agency and can lead to greater emotional awareness and healing.

The other options focus on aspects that are not aligned with the primary therapeutic intention of art therapy. Teaching art techniques pertains more to skills development for professional aspirations, while evaluating artistic skills is a more analytical and critical approach that doesn't center on personal expression or well-being. Analyzing historical artists’ works relates to art history and education rather than the therapeutic aspects of art.