Creative Arts in Therapy

I have been working with a 7 year old boy with sensory sensitivity since January. “Jake” (pseudonym) is very bright and loves to make art. He considers me as his secret holder and imagination kingdom (both his words!) He is game to use most art supplies but if they do not suit his mood or [...]

As a music therapist, I knew that my graduate degree in Deaf education would have to be put to work that included music.  I was fortunate to have the opportunity to work in a therapeutic preschool where I had a class of deaf children whose parents were hearing, together with hearing children whose parents were [...]

I just finished supporting a child through a dressing change using music therapy when an anesthesia resident asked if I could accompany her to the recovery room.  A three year old child was distressed after her surgery and was inconsolable.  As we rushed to the recovery room together, I thought it was rather funny to [...]

Founded in the 1930’s, art therapy is an alternative therapy, which utilizes the art making process for diagnosis, communication and intervention. One can communicate non-verbal ideas, thoughts, and memories through artwork, thus making the therapeutic process feel less threatening for most people. While the art therapist also makes use of verbal explorations their unique skills [...]

Working in a small state with less than ten Board Certified Music Therapists, I find myself doing a lot of educating and advocating for music therapy.  In recent months I have experienced much success with advocating for the inclusion of music therapy on IEPs.  This can be a difficult process and varies state to state, [...]

A recent experience has inspired my blog topic.  Until several weeks ago, I was involved in a private contract for a woman being treated at an in-patient unit.  While the clinical components of the case progressed as smoothly as glass, the logistical components presented serious challenges.  Entering a facility (as an outsider) to provide services [...]

Autism is a spectrum disorder that usually appears in early childhood.  It affects individuals differently and in a variety of ways. Usually, people with autism have a lack of or delay in spoken language, lack of interest in socializing, inability to make-believe, repetitive motor or language behaviors, little or no eye contact, and fixation on [...]