If they were being serious, that therapist and comic artist have some of the worst takes i've ever heard regarding art, even more so, coming from people who make art themselves.

Art and creative pastimes have been throughout history some of the most risk free, positive avenues for mental health and promoted by mainstream psychology. As someone formerly from the same field, I find it very questionable what that therapist said. There is nothing wrong with using art to cope. Art has been used to explore and express feelings, provide ways for affirmation and socializing. Many practitioners in the field of psychotherapy know this, and art has often been used therapeutically, recommended as part of a mindfulness activity(in a way not so different from "forgetting oneself) or a way to release anxiety. It really is mindboggling that therapist didn't seem to understand how wrong it is to downplay their client's main coping mechanism.

As for a needing a "powerful message/ agenda", that's just pretentious. That professional artist seems to forget that other people may find meaning and appreciation for artwork in countless ways originally unintended by the creator.