Today we’d like to introduce you to Ruzanna Carter.
Hi Ruzanna , can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I came to the United States in 1992 following the collapse of the Soviet Union. I first lived in Massachusetts before eventually moving to South Carolina. Experiencing multiple cultural transitions at a young age deeply shaped who I am and how I understand the world. Navigating new environments, languages, and identities led me to develop a strong connection to art as a form of expression and grounding. During those periods of adjustment, art became a constant, and I found meaningful support and encouragement through my art teachers. Those relationships helped me recognize the power of creativity not just as self-expression, but as a tool for connection and healing. This experience stayed with me as I grew older.
Before becoming an art therapist, I spent many years as an art teacher. I earned my Master’s degree in Art Education from the University of South Carolina and taught in both North and South Carolina. While I loved teaching, I began to notice that many of my students viewed my classroom—and me—as a safe space. They often came to me carrying emotions and challenges that extended far beyond the art room. I realized that many of these students needed additional emotional support that they were not always receiving at home or within the school system. Wanting to better serve them, I felt called to deepen my training and move beyond education into mental health care. That realization led me back to school, where I earned my Master’s in Professional Counseling and obtained my certification in art therapy—finding a profession that truly aligned with my passion and purpose.
Today, my work blends creativity with mental health care, allowing me to support others through transitions, challenges, and healing—much like art once supported me.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Culturally, one of the biggest challenges I faced was coming from a background where counseling was not widely understood or viewed as something positive. Mental health was often minimized or handled privately, which made choosing this path both personal and professional. Entering the counseling field required me to challenge deeply rooted beliefs—not only within my community, but within myself. Through my counseling program, I began my own journey of healing, gaining insight into the power of therapy and the importance of breaking generational cycles around mental health. Professionally, there have also been systemic challenges. The current political climate has impacted access to care, particularly through delays and barriers in insurance paneling processes. In response, we focused on creating alternative ways to reach those in need. I developed access through a HIPAA-compliant telehealth program that allows us to serve clients throughout the state of South Carolina, helping reduce geographic and accessibility barriers. These challenges have strengthened my passion for working with underserved children and families—those who often face obstacles related to culture, access, or circumstance. I understand what it feels like to need support and not know where to find it, and that perspective continues to guide my work and advocacy today.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My work centers on trauma-informed care, with a primary focus on supporting individuals navigating trauma and PTSD. I specialize in integrating art therapy with professional counseling, using creative processes to help clients access and express experiences that are often difficult to put into words. My approach is always person-centered and holistic, meeting each client where they are and honoring their individual story. I use a variety of creative modalities in my work, including mixed media, mask making, and art journaling. Many adults initially struggle with journaling, and I’ve found that incorporating art helps break down those barriers, allowing for greater self-expression and insight without the pressure of “finding the right words.” These methods create opportunities for reflection, healing, and empowerment in a way that feels accessible and meaningful. What I’m most proud of is creating a practice that feels safe, inclusive, and deeply supportive—especially for individuals who may have never felt seen or understood in traditional therapeutic spaces. What sets my work apart is the integration of creativity with clinical care, combined with cultural awareness and a strong commitment to serving underserved populations. For me, therapy is not just about symptom reduction; it’s about helping people reconnect with themselves, build resilience, and reclaim their voice.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
There are a few resources that have had a significant impact on both my personal growth and my work. The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel van der Kolk has been foundational in deepening my understanding of how trauma affects the whole person—physically, emotionally, and mentally. I also turn to How To Do The Work by Nicole LePera, which offers practical strategies for building self-awareness, healing, and resilience in everyday life.
In addition to these books, my work is strongly informed by attachment theory and early childhood experiences. Understanding how early relationships shape development and coping patterns helps me guide clients—both children and adults—toward healthier ways of connecting with themselves and others. These frameworks continually inspire me to approach therapy with curiosity, compassion, and creativity.
Pricing:
- $200/Comprensive Assessment
- $150/60 minute session
- $120/45 minute session
- $0.00/ 15 minute consultation
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.creativeheartcounseling.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DDgos1KvT/?mibextid=wwXIfr
