Training & CEU Workshop

Magic Therapy Workshop

Using Magic Tricks in a Therapeutic Setting

Instructor: Kevin Spencer, AOTA Approved Provider

Course Description:

The MAGIC THERAPY workshop empowers the therapist with a valuable new tool to motivate their clients to become more involved in their treatment. The workshop is a “hands-on, interactive learning experience” and is grounded in the Model of Human Occupation. The applications address the entire spectrum to include developmental disabilities, mental health, physical disabilities, gerontology, and specific disease related deficits. The movements required to learn simple magic tricks help clients regain lost physical and cognitive skills while increasing motivational levels and self-esteem.

Course Objectives

  1. Demonstrate an understanding of the therapeutic benefits of magic tricks in client treatment (cognitive, motor, perceptual, and social).
  2. Distinguish which clients are appropriate for this type of treatment modality.
  3. Evaluate and identify which magic trick(s) can be most beneficial to achieve a specific client goal.
  4. Create an individualized client-centered treatment program by analyzing and assessing the movements required to perform selected magic tricks.
  5. Verify how to appropriately document this technique for insurance reimbursement.

What You Will Learn

  1. The history, research, concepts, and implementation of “magic therapy” in a clinical setting.
  2. A repertoire of simple magic tricks that can be used to address:
    a. Cognition
    b. Motor Skills
    c. Communication
    d. Social Skills
    e. Creativity/Flexible Thinking
  3. Documentation and billing procedures for insurance reimbursement.

Kevin Spencer

Educator, Artist, Consultant, and Cultural Entrepreneur
Kevin Spencer is an educator, artist, consultant, and cultural entrepreneur. He is a subject matter expert and Fulbright Specialist on arts integration for special populations for the U.S. Department of State, a research consultant for the School of Health Professions Occupational Therapy department and Institute of Arts in Medicine at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, an Approved Provider of Continuing Education for the American Occupational Therapy Association, and faculty in the department of education at Carlow University in Pittsburgh. He has earned a B.S. in Psychology, M.Ed. in Arts Integration, and is a PhD candidate in special education.