Creative Arts Therapy

MUSC Arts in Healing art therapist working with child coloring hospital mask in waiting room

Creative arts therapy services at MUSC Health offer a breadth of expertise in clinically creative interventions supported by ongoing research. Under the creative arts therapy continuum, MUSC Health’s current modalities include art therapy, music therapy, and dance/movement therapy. Nationally registered and certified therapists within their district fields work with children and adults of all ages to identify, explore, and transform difficulties. When words are hard to find, creative arts therapy gives individuals an outlet for expression within a therapeutic relationship, safely providing opportunities for healing.

What is Art Therapy?

Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses the creative process to improve the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of individuals of all ages. In art therapy sessions, participants are encouraged to freely express themselves through art materials, colors, and imagery, without the pressure of creating "good" art. The focus is on the process rather than the final product and does not require talent or technical abilities.

Through this process alongside master’s-level clinicans, participants can gain insight into their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors, develop coping skills, increase self-awareness, and enhance communication. Art therapy can be beneficial for individuals dealing with a wide range of issues including, but not limited to, trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, addiction, chronic illness, and developmental disabilities.

Learn more about art therapy.

What is Music Therapy?

Music therapy is an evidence-based practice that utilizes music interventions within a therapeutic relationship to achieve individualized goals. Music therapists assess the participant's needs and use music-based interventions to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social challenges. This therapeutic approach recognizes the inherent qualities of music to stimulate responses and facilitate positive changes in mood, behavior, pain, functioning, and overall well-being. It can be tailored to individuals of all ages and abilities across MUSC’s hospitals and outpatient settings.

Learn more about music therapy.

What is Dance/Movement Therapy?

Dance/movement therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses movement and dance to support emotional, cognitive, physical, and social integration. It's based on the idea that movement and emotions are interconnected, and by engaging in expressive movement, individuals can explore and address psychological issues.

In sessions, a trained dance/movement therapist facilitates movement experiences tailored to the individual or group's needs. Participants are encouraged to express themselves freely through movement, exploring their thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a non-verbal manner. Through guided movement activities, improvisation, and reflection, clients can gain insights into their emotions, improve self-awareness, and develop coping strategies.

Learn more about dance movement therapy.

Creative Arts Therapy Internships

MUSC is currently offering comprehensive internships for art therapists and music therapists. Throughout the internship experience, interns will gain experience in multiple areas of the inpatient healthcare environment to assist in the transformation from student to skilled creative arts therapy professional.

Information about the creative arts therapy certification process, coursework requirements, and professional career planning can be found on modality-specific national association websites.

Apply for a Music Therapy Internship

Apply for an Art Therapy Internship

*Please note that you must be enrolled at an approved university or interested in accumulating post-graduate hours toward certification to be eligible for an internship position.

Inpatient Services

On the MUSC Health Charleston campus, Arts in Healing offers art and music therapy as a complimentary service for patients and families actively undergoing inpatient treatment.

Inpatient referral for services can be made by a nurse or physician via an “Art Therapy/Music Therapy” order in EPIC. For questions about creative arts therapy referrals for yourself, loved ones, or your patients, please tell a provider or nurse to place a referral or email artsinhealing@musc.edu.

Outpatient Services

Individual & Family Art Therapy

Do you, your child, or your family need a more creative way to process thoughts and feelings? MUSC is now offering outpatient art therapy at the Health and Wellness Institute located at 1122 Chuck Dawley Blvd, Building B, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464. During the initial consultation, a credentialed art therapist will work with you to help identify therapeutic goals and plan a course of intentional actions to guide you, your child, and/or your family through the therapeutic process.

Client Focus

Adults
College Students
Teens
Preteens
Children (4+)

Specialties Include

Anxiety
Depression
Addiction
Chronic Illness
Chronic Pain
Life Transitions
Peer Relationships
Relationship Issues
Self Esteem
Siblings of those with disabilities or illness
Trauma and PTSD
Emotional Disturbance
Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)
Behavioral Issues
Infertility and Postpartum
LGBTQ+ Issues
Grief and Loss

Complete this form and someone will contact you to Schedule Your Consultation.

Small-Group Creative Arts Therapy

Offered throughout the year, these small groups or camps are led by a credentialed art therapist and designed to help children use the artmaking process to build self-esteem, promote mindfulness, and increase resiliency. If you are interested in learning more about when these groups are offered, please send us an email at artsinhealing@musc.edu or call 843-792-2648.

Creative Arts Therapy with Partnering Community Organizations

Do you think your clients or consumers could benefit from creative arts therapy? Arts in Healing can implement group or individualized services at your organization or a local community setting at a nominal, per-hour rate.

Some current partnering organizations include the MUSC Sickle Cell Clinic, Association for the Blind and Visual Impaired, Kempton Assisted Living, Lantana Addiction Recovery, Mugs for Moms, Lowcountry Autism Foundation, Epworth Children’s Group Home, We Are Family, and Tri-County Speaks.

If you are interested in learning more, please send us an email at artsinhealing@musc.edu or call 843-792-2648.

Employee Wellness Support for Businesses

Art therapy can be utilized in the workplace to reduce stress while also increasing energy and focus. The process can give employees opportunities to recognize alternative perspectives and identify new solutions. When teams get stuck solving a problem or need help with inter- or intra-personal conflicts, the help of a qualified art therapist can be an impactful investment for any company. Helping employees connect with others in a meaningful way, see their importance, and feel their value to the company may lead to a greater sense of satisfaction, self-esteem, and pride in their work while reducing feelings of burnout.

Possible Goals for Your Business

Decrease burnout and compassion fatigue
Grow or build team alliances
Increase employee satisfaction and pride in the workplace

If you are interested in learning more about our services for your business, please send us an email at artsinhealing@musc.edu or call 843-792-2648.

School-based Clinical Art Therapy Initiative (CATI)

In the fall of 2021, experts declared a national emergency in children’s mental health, urging organizations to put in place school-based wellness services to increase access to care. In response, MUSC Arts in Healing developed the school-based Clinical Art Therapy Initiative (CATI) that now covers schools and districts statewide.

School-based art therapy programs have been shown to improve the emotional, social, and behavioral health of students including anxiety, attitude toward school and peers, problem-solving, and self-concept. This program is an innovative, evidence-based approach and provides much-needed support to students across South Carolina, meeting the call for action for wellness service integration in schools.

If you are interested in learning more about our school-based initiative, please send us an email at artsinhealing@musc.edu or call 843-792-2648.

*Grant opportunities for your school are available in partnership with the South Carolina Arts Commission.

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