“We of the American Occupational Therapy Association support the use of magic as an authentic method of achieving therapeutic goals.”
“The use of magic fosters an individual’s ability to assume a role to entertain and to have self-efficacy. The underlined concepts in magic target areas of motor, psychosocial, cognitive, and sensory processing that lend themselves well to intervention and make themselves occupationally based.”
“Using magic as a therapeutic modality empowers therapists with an exciting new tool to help clients achieve functional/measurable goals.”
Debbie M. Fisher, MS, OTR, CHT
Austin, TX
“Magic therapy is motivating – goal oriented for the client and can be used immediately within the therapist’s practice. HEALING OF MAGIC utilizes magic tricks as an effective modality with specific goals ranging from fine motor dexterity and cognition to perceptual skills.”
Ann Sherard Kelly, OTR/L, BCN
Durham, NC
“I was impressed with Mr. Spencer’s dedication to impaired persons and to the goals of our profession to mobilize and empower these individuals toward meaningful activity. Through his experience with OT, he has learned a lot about task analysis of magic from a motor, cognitive and social point of view – informative, dynamic, and delightful.”
Patricia J. Dasler, MA, OTR/L
Gainesville, FL
“Kevin Spencer presented a HEALING OF MAGIC workshop at our facility. The program was very challenging and rewarding for our staff. Regardless of the tenure or experience, every staff person I spoke with came away with something new to try with a patient. The presentation emphasized the therapeutic nature of magic tricks and required the staff to think about situations in which the trick could be used with certain disabilities.
In the time since the presentation, I have witnessed several applications of the principles of the program in our various patient care settings with clients across a wide spectrum of ages.
HEALING OF MAGIC received very high ratings at our facility and was one of the most fun and educational programs I have attended in many years.”
Paul Kappla, Director of Rehab Services
Marshfield, WI
“Recently I was able to bring Kevin Spencer to Elon University where our doctoral physical therapy students joined area clinicians (physical, occupational, and recreational therapists) in the Spencers’ HEALING OF MAGIC workshop. During the entire workshop, everyone in attendance was completely attentive and actively participating. Whatever hesitations I may have had about the substance and therapeutic value of the program were quickly dispelled as Kevin instructed the group. I was able to observe sound educational and motor learning principles at work and to see multiple client application possibilities.
The presentation was organized, theoretically sound, and inspiring, replete with patient examples. In addition, the Spencers provided written materials that are extensive, clear, and therapeutically focused. What a gift to be able to combine that level of motivation and accomplishment with training for specific functional skills for our clients!”
