therapist

Watch and Learn: The Mirror Neuron Song

January 28, 2010

In the 1990s, scientists at the University of Parma were studying motor neurons in monkeys. They attached electrodes to a monkey’s brain cells responsible for movements. These electrodes recorded whenever those cells fired…a.k.a. whenever the monkey moved. Monkeys like peanuts. The researchers set out peanuts for the monkeys to grab. Monkey grabs a peanut, motor […]

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Which is More Critical: Science-Based Treatment? Or Skilled Therapists?

January 26, 2010

Over the weekend, I listened to a very interesting debate on NPR Science Friday. The three guests were psychotherapists discussing whether there should be a scientific basis to clinical psychology. I’ve summarized the three viewpoints below. I wanted to share this debate with you, because I think we have similar discussions in the music therapy […]

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A Song of Dedication for A Time of Change

November 19, 2009

Four-and-a-half years ago I started working with my first client, a residential treatment center for abused and neglected children. I was hired to provide 6 hours of group and individual music therapy for the children living there. I had never worked with at-risk children before and was soon “hooked.” Since 1976, the Namaqua Center has […]

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71 Things Everyone Ought to Know About the Brain (Part 2)

November 12, 2009

This post is the second in a two-part series of ideas, facts, and resources all about the brain. They are based on a workshop I attended last weekend called “Linking Neuroscience to Clinical Practice.” The fabulous speaker was Dr. Martha Burns. The first article, published on Tuesday, listed the first 35 points. 71 Fun Facts […]

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71 Things Everyone Ought to Know About the Brain (Part 1)

November 9, 2009

Have you ever attended a seminar or workshop that got you so excited about something you wanted to start working right away, even though you just spent over 9 hours sitting, listening, and taking notes? I just did. If you follow me on Twitter or are a fan of Neurosong on Facebook, you know that […]

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Why Therapists Need to Shut Up

October 20, 2009

One of the hardest skills to learn as a therapist is to shut up. Silence is hard. Silence makes us uncomfortable. The other week, I was with a client, “Tony.” Tony is 10 years old and is a very angry child. He has a right to be angry–he grew up in a chaotic, abusive environment, […]

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6 Ways to Help You Find Balance in Life

October 6, 2009

Do you ever feel like this girl here? Overwhelmed? Stressed? Trying to juggle too much? Trying to meet too many needs? Having difficulty balancing it all? The good news is that you are not alone. I feel that way. I have friends who feel that way. It’s hard trying to find the right balance between […]

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8 Tried-and-True Ways to Promote your Health and Well-Being

August 25, 2009

On Saturday, Janice Harris of the Music Therapy Show with Janice Harris had me on her show to talk about secondary trauma and self-care. We had a wonderful discussion. And it’s not too late to listen to the show! Click here if you are interested. I’ve already had feedback from several people about the show. […]

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Tune In to Secondary Trauma and Self-Care

August 21, 2009

Tune in to The Music Therapy Show with Janice Harris tomorrow, Saturday August 22nd at 3pm MST (5pm EST, 4pm CST, 2pm PST). I was on the show about 2 months ago talking about my work with trauma-influenced children. A listener asked how I keep from experiencing secondary trauma. In other words, what are some […]

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