1. relating to or promoting catharsis; having a cleansing or purifying effect, especially on the emotions
Usage: often used in psychology and literary contexts; formal or technical register

Examples

• The catheptic experience of watching the tragedy allowed the audience to release pent-up emotions.
• Many therapists view creative expression as a catheptic process for their clients.
• The novel's catheptic ending provided readers with a sense of emotional resolution.
• Art can serve a catheptic function in helping people process difficult experiences.
• The catheptic power of confession has long been recognized in various spiritual traditions.