Art Therapy Internship

Thank you for your interest in the Art Therapy Internship Program! The art therapy department at MUSC offers a breadth of expertise in clinically creative interventions, substantiated by ongoing research. Throughout training, interns will gain experience in multiple areas of the health care environment within the context of individual, group, and family therapy. To assist in the transformation to becoming a skilled art therapy professional, on-site supervision will be provided by a board-certified clinical art therapist.

Applications for the MUSC Art Therapy Internship are accepted year-round from individuals enrolled in an Art Therapy graduate program or individuals needing post-graduate hours. Please be aware that we are unable to accept applications that are hand delivered. Upon receipt of completed application package, submissions will be reviewed and selected applicants will be contacted. Prospective interns must be currently enrolled or have graduated from an accredited art therapy master's level program. Candidates will be required to come for a final on-site interview so that they can tour the facility and make an informed decision regarding acceptance, if/when internship is offered. Applicants will be notified in writing regarding the status of their application following the on-site interview. Once internship offer is accepted by intern, a legal affiliation will need to be completed and signed between college/university, MUSC Health, and student.

Should you have any further questions, please contact the Arts in Healing team at artsinhealing@musc.edu.

Art Therapy Philosophy

Art therapy at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) is patient and family centered, focusing on blending creative processes with various psychotherapeutic modalities to help patients—and when appropriate, their family caregivers—achieve clinical goals. We recognize that creative expression can serve as a powerful means of communicating experiences that may be too difficult to articulate. Our art therapists support individuals facing physical or mental illness, trauma, or intensive medical treatments by fostering therapeutic relationships and creating a safe space within the medical environment.

At MUSC, we have the unique opportunity to collaborate with a diverse range of clinical practitioners. Our team stands out by providing peer-to-peer support for fellow care team members engaged in this inherently challenging work. This interdepartmental collaborative culture opens up new perspectives, philosophies, and educational opportunities for both patients and clinicians, creating an environment where lifelong learners can thrive. As art therapists, we bring a wealth of psychotherapeutic techniques, philosophies, directives, and fresh perspectives to the medical setting, meeting patients and families where they are and accompanying them on their journeys toward improved physical and mental health alongside our colleagues.

Our clinical goals for patients often involve fostering greater self-awareness and understanding, engaging the mind, body, and spirit to recognize the interconnectedness of psychological, physical, and emotional well-being. We encourage patients to take an active role in their healing journeys, fostering agency and control to address goals such as improving coping skills or managing anxiety and mood.

Interns are expected to uphold the highest standards in their work, providing quality services and respect to those served and to the MUSC community. Our culture shapes how we perceive, behave, and evaluate the world around us, influencing health practices and responses to illness, injury, and pain. While we honor each candidate's belief systems and cultural practices, we are committed to a patient-first philosophy, which may require us to set aside our own beliefs and biases to support patients effectively. It is crucial for us to continually improve our self-awareness as mental health clinicians and seek support when needed.

Our programming aligns with the philosophies of the American Art Therapy Association and the Art Therapy Credentialing Board's Code of Ethics. Throughout your practicum or internship, we will explore, observe, co-treat, co-lead, and evaluate everything from foundational theory to intervention applications, personal responsibility, integrity, and professionalism. Supervision is essential in this environment. While your supervisor will maintain the necessary boundary of not entering into a therapeutic relationship with you, we aim to create a supportive atmosphere of safety and care for students and interns, encouraging honest and direct communication. We hope to foster an environment of growth as you work toward becoming the professional you aspire to be. We look forward to learning and growing together, advancing the field of art therapy collectively.

Expectations of Art Therapy Interns

1. All applicants should have the desire to work in a large inpatient medical setting, with varied populations.
2. Accepted applicants must participate in all orientation requirements. The accepted applicant is responsible for obtaining background checks, two-step PPD, and any required vaccinations prior to start date via MUSC Career Exploration Program.
3. Applicants are responsible to provide ongoing education about the Arts in Healing Department to MUSC Health leaders, physicians, care team members, and the community.
4. Applicants are expected to document and maintain records, progress reports, and statistical information in appropriate formats while also fulfilling the Arts in Healing Program and facility-wide quality assurance/performance improvement standards.
5. Applicants are required to participate in weekly on-site supervision to ensure best practices and continuum of patient care are supported.
6. A legal affiliation is required between the intern's university and MUSC. The Legal Affiliation Agreement must be in place before an intern can begin internship.

Application Packet Requirements

• Application Form including:
  • Essay Questions
  • Resume
  • Letter of Recommendation (1)
  • Letter of Recommendation (2)
  • Transcript