Creative Arts Therapy

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.

Apply to the Art Therapy Internship Program

Apply to the Music Therapy Internship Program

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

*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