Back on the blog again..

It has been quite a while since I have posted anything here but with all that is going on, this seems like a good time to start up again.. My apologies for the lack of information about this year's CAT week event (March 6-15). The week was filled with numerous inspiring events including: workshops in different locations around Portland, two wonderful art openings, and a celebratory event at Marylhurst University called "Soul's in Action".

This past Sunday, after a break from the March event, Portland's Coalition of Creative Art Therapists met to discuss the coalition's mission, vision, and goals. We discussed possible events for the near future, including a possible peer supervision group and networking events. We named ourselves the steering committee of the coalition, and made plans to meet again on July 19th. Members of the steering commitee include: Kris Bella, Jodi Winnwalker, Carolyn Johnson, Yael Schweitzer, Pat Jenkins, Kate Van Doren, Tamara Gilbert, and me (Sylvia Hartowicz).

Biographies of Music Therapy Presenters
For the Nov. 8th CAT Conference

Morning Panel

This panel of music therapists will share the many facets and faces of music therapy in the state of Oregon. They will be encouraging all creative art therapists to come together in the spirit of community and collaboration.

Jodi Winnwalker, LCSW, MT-BC, FAMI
Jodi Winnwalker is the founder and executive director of Earthtones Music Therapy Services an agency providing services to children, adults, and wise elders in need of support to live quality lives. She is a Fellow of the American Association for Music and Imagery, sits on three boards including the Oregon Association of Music Therapy, MakeMusicPDX, and Weaver’s Tale Retreat. Jodi served as a full time faculty member at Marylhurst University (2001-2004) and continues her relationship as a guest instructor and supervisor for the growing music therapy program. www.earthtonesmusictherapy.com.

Chris Korb, B.S., MT-BC
Chris Korb is the Director of the Music Therapy Program at Marylhurst University with ten years of collegiate teaching and 22 years of clinical experience. Chris is the creator of the Soul Song Project, a 10-year longitudinal study investigating the effects of choral singing on physical and emotional wellness. She is a published researcher of music therapy research on dementia of the Alzheimer's type; a frequent presenter at professional conferences; and a guitarist and a published composer.

Terra Merrill, MMT, MT-BC, FAMI PhD candidate:
Terra is assistant professor and clinical coordinator in the music therapy program at Marylhurst University. She is the owner and director of the Sound Living Center for Music Therapy in the Hawthorne District of Portland. She is a Fellow in the Association for Music and Imagery and an advanced practitioner of The Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music.

Erin Hade, Student in the Marylhurst Music Therapy Program
Erin graduated from The University of Iowa in Iowa City in 2004 with a Bachelor of Arts in Music – Vocal Performance. Now inside her second year as a music therapy student, she is serving as the President of the Marylhurst Music Therapy Student Organization. Erin has also been performing with a fellow music therapy intern over the summer, playing violin and singing all over the Portland area. Erin currently has her practicum with clients who have developmental disabilities.

Angie Kopshy, Earthtones Music Therapy Intern
Angie Kopshy, a native Oregonian, graduated from Western Oregon University with a BA in music before moving to Boise, Idaho for her Master of Music in Piano. Upon completion of her Master's in 2006, Kopshy returned to Portland to pursue a certificate in Music Therapy from Marylhurst University. She is approximately halfway through her internship with Earthtones Music Therapy Services. Kopshy plans to open a private music therapy practice in Portland, Oregon upon completion of her internship.

Junko Tezen
Junko Tezen is music therapy intern with Earthtones Music Therapy Services.

Jake Beck, Earthtones Music Therapy Intern
Jake Beck is a Music Therapy intern with Earthtones Music Therapy Services in Portland, OR. He will be completing his internship in January 2009 and has a special professional interest in psychiatric care and mental health. Jake lives in the Sellwood neighborhood with his wife Brooke and 18-month old son James, where he plans to stay until one room will not be able to contain them all.

Heather Fink, MT-BC
Heather is a board certified music therapist and co-founder of Peer-Soup, a peer supervision group in 2008. She sits on the board for the Oregon Association for Music Therapy.

Beth Rousseau, MA, MT-BC
Beth Rousseau, MA, MT-BC (Music Therapist - Board Certified) provides music therapy, counseling, and doula services through her private practice, Portland Music Therapy (www.portlandmusictherapy.com) A graduate of the Naropa University Transpersonal Counseling Psychology program, she specializes in mental health, women's issues, and music therapy-assisted childbirth. Beth is proud to have served four consecutive terms on the board of the Oregon Association for Music Therapy (OAMT), most recently as President.



Afternoon Presenters:

(1) Rhythm Based Music Therapy
Ted Owen


Rhythm-Based Music Therapy Workshop
Drumming events have been a meaningful part of cultures throughout the world since the beginnings of civilization. Today they are still evident in celebrations, rituals and ceremonies that characterize life in communities across the street and across the globe — a common language that requires no words. The experience of being entrained or “in synch” with another can be healthful and transformative. In this hands-on workshop we will explore how rhythm-based events can promote self-expression, reduce stress, enhance interpersonal communication and create community. Participants will be introduced to current research, as well as methods and practical applications including hands-on group drumming experiences. No drumming experience required. (Although rhythm instruments will be provided, you are welcome to bring your own.)

Ted Owen
An avid musician for his first 28 years, percussionist and board-certified music therapist Ted Owen received his Bachelor of Music from California State University, Long Beach in 1974 and continues to participate in drum circles and play jazz drums today. He created and currently co-teaches a course offered at Marylhurst University entitled Rhythm Based Communication: Mindful Listening, Wellness and the Essence of Play. Ted has also completed the HealthRhythms Group Drumming Facilitators Training conducted by Remo, Inc. and was a presenter at the 2007 Drum Circle Facilitators Conference in South Carolina.


(2) Song Sisters:
Liska McNally
Rebbecca Vickerman

The Song Sisters Present: Music Therapy for Healing and Support
This one-hour presentation will provide a quick overview of Music Therapy practice, defining who music therapists work with, and how music is used to address therapeutic goals and objectives. The focus for the hour will be on music for healing and support in our everyday lives. Experiential opportunities will include the exploration of voice through song, toning, and chanting, the use of collective improvisation, drumming, group songwriting, and relaxation to music.

Liska McNally, MT-BC
Liska McNally,MT-BC is a a board-certified music therapist, providing services to wise elders with dementia and persons with developmental disabilities in the greater Portland area. She is the clinical training director for the Earthtones Music Therapy Services internship program. Liska is a member of the Soul Song Project research team and sits on the board for the Oregon Association for Music Therapy. Liska is a singer-songwriter and performs with her band, Peggy-O-Lolly. Liska and the Song Sisters, a support group for women who are music therapists, have been making music and growing together for over three years.

Rebbecca Vickerman, MT-BC
Rebbecca Vickerman, MT-BC, a graduate of Marylhurst University, is a board certified music therapist in Portland Oregon. She is owner-director of Gratitunes LLC (mygratitunes.com), combining words of encouragement with music for all growth, seeking individuals. She is also employed at Adventist Medical Center providing music therapy services for the inpatient psychiatric facility as well as families participating in the Adventist Hospice program. Rebbecca has been a member of Song Sisters support group since its inception over three years ago.




(3) Introduction to Music Therapy
Carolyn Brown
Jacqueline Claxton

Intro to Music Therapy
This session is designed to present a music therapy session experience. There will be a variety of musical activities and written information to provide a brief insight into the technical side of music assisted learning, by incorporating the characteristics of music that have affect on different areas of development, how to optimize different learning styles and to have fun.

Jacquelyn D. Claxton M Ed, MT-BC
Jacquelyn is a graduate of the University of Montana, with a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work. She earned a Master of Education with emphasis in Music Therapy from the University of Minnesota. Jacquelyn has provided music therapy services in Montana, Arizona and Oregon in community and clinical settings with Special Ed classes-preschool to High School ages, in homes, in hospitals, in nursing homes, Hospice and Alzheimer’s care, and in Adult Day Centers.

Carolyn Brown, MT-BC
Carolyn is a Board Certified Music Therapist. She is founder and director of Carolyn Brown Music, providing music therapy services in and around the greater Portland area. She graduated from George Fox College in 1995 with a BA in Vocal Performance and completed her music therapy coursework in the spring of 1998. Carolyn specializes in working with elders residing in foster care. She also works with preschool children, persons with developmental disabilities, and persons with mental illness.

Music Therapy information for Nov. 8th event!

Music Therapy Morning Panel
(11:40-12:00)

Jodi Winnwalker MT in Oregon-an introduction
Chris Korb Marylhurst MT Program
Terra Merrill Marylhurst Clinical Program
Erin Hade MMTSO
Earthtones Interns (Angie Kopshy, Junko Tezen, Jake Beck)
Heather Fink Peer-Soup
Beth Rousseau OAMT
Jodi Winnwalker MT in Oregon- an overview

Afternoon Music Therapy Workshops

Song Sisters (Liska McNally, Jennifer Ungar, Rebbecca Vickerman)
Rhythm-Based Music Therapy (Ted, Owen)
Intro to Music Therapy (Carolyn Brown, Jacqueline Claxton)



Learning Objective (General):
Workshop Participants will learn about dance, music, poetry and psychodrama therapy-their commonalities and differences; how to network within our creative arts community; and how to use the creative art process for self-nurturance.


Learning Objectives (Specific):
Workshop Participants will be able to describe:
1. Three ways all the creative art therapies are similar.
2. One way each creative art modality is different and unique.
3. Three ways to network within the creative arts community.
4. Three ways to use the creative art process to self-nurturance.



Statement of Relationship to CBMT:

“Creative Art Therapies in Portland: Nurturing our Community” is approved by the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT) for 6 Continuing Music Therapy Education Credits. Credits awarded by CBMT are accepted by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). The Oregon Association for Music Therapy, #P-074 maintains responsibility for program quality and adherence to CBMT policies and criteria.

Please remember to bring your CBMT #.
Tuition for CMTEs (6 hours): $15.00.

DAY'S PROGRAM - Just 3 more weeks to go!

We are coming closer to the day of our community event! Most of the workshops have been posted and you can read about them on this blog. If you are interested in volunteering please contact me at sylvia.hartowicz@gmail.com or Kris Bella at bellaprtland@msn.com

November 8th CAT Event Program

8:00-9:00
Registration/Continental Breakfast

9:00-9:15
Welcome—Baxter Hall Bren Boseman

9:15-9:40
Presenter: Beth Ann Short Art Therapy

9:40-10:20
Presenter: Carolyn Johnson / Yael Schweitzer Dance Therapy

10:20-10:40
Break

10:40-11:20
Presenter: Anna Schaum/ Richard Brown Drama/Poetry

11:20-12:00
Presenter: Jodi Winnwalker Music Therapy

12:00-1:15
Lunch— On your own- there will be an area where you can eat and socialize with others

1:15-2:15
Breakout Session 1- Pick a workshop at registration in the morning!

2:30-3:30
Breakout Session 2- Pick a workshop at registration in the morning!

3:45-4:45
Breakout Session 3- Pick a workshop at registration in the morning!

5:00-5:30
Closing Ceremony—Baxter Hall Bren Boseman

Dance Therapy workshops!

Moving Through Transition

This workshop will explore common models of change and transition by experiencing them in movement. We will give special attention to the uncertain, often chaotic stage of change that has the potential to give rise to resolution and stability. All those who are making changes in their lives (big or small) are welcome! Lead by Dance Therapists Chelsea Harper and Carolyn Johnson.


Chelsea Harper, MA, ADTR, NCC is a Portland consultant and dance/movement therapist. In her business Moving to Balance, Chelsea supports women through times of change and transition by focusing on both the practical as well as the personal aspects of change.


Carolyn Johnson, MA, ADTR, NCC has been working as a Dance Movement Therapist for 25 years. She currently is Group Therapist on the Adult Psychiatric Unit at Providence Portland Medical Center. She also offers supervision to Creative Arts Therapists. She has worked with children, adolescents, and adults throughout the life cycle.



Adagio for Therapists: A Dance of Well-Being

This workshop will be an exploration of self-healing dance/movement therapy practices, including qigong, mindfulness and meditation, breathwork, Authentic Movement, and improv. Time to slow down and tune in to your Self. Lead by Dance Therapists Barbara Turrill and Corinne Hammet.


Barbara Turrill, LPC, CADC III, DTR, uses Dance/Movement Therapy in her work with substance abuse and mental health clients. She is the Program Manager of Lincoln County Addiction Recovery Program in Newport.

Corinne Hammet MA, DTR is a counselor and dance/movement therapist at an inpatient psychiatric unit in Eugene. She loves to dance outside in nature with others.



Body Meditation: Uniting Body Mind and Spirit through Movement

Movement is the core of our existence and Soma (body) is our home. We know ourselves, our feelings, and our friends through somatic perception and movement interplay. The deeper we connect with our bodies, the more we uncover our inner life and the more we discover about our relationships with others, with the environment, and with our authentic self. In this workshop, participants explore body based awareness, thematic authentic movement, and dancing from their core essence to connect with the deep Wisdom of the Body. With mindfully open hearts and gathered intentions, our bodies will guide us toward transformation and delight. Lead by Maria Brignola MCAT, ADTR, NCC

Maria has provided dance therapy in various venues for the past two decades. She currently works on three psychiatric units at a Portland hospital. Arriving in 1989, Maria was a pioneer of the profession in the Pacific Northwest. She is a Marylhurst faculty member and provides education, consultation and supervision. Her love of yoga, archetypal energy, dance and music inform her practice. Maria’s mission is to help people of all ages establish positive relationships to their bodies and connect with Body Wisdom.

ANNOUNCING WORKSHOPS FOR NOV. 8th EVENT!

Dipping the Pen Into Poetry Therapy:

This workshop will serve as an introduction to poetry therapy and some of the ways that poetry can be used for growth and healing. Participants do not need to be experienced poets. With the simplicity of paper and pen we will explore a small sample of some of the approaches used in this practice. Lead by poet Richard Brown.


Richard Brown, M. Ed., C.A. P. F. (Certified Applied Poetry Facilitator) is a published poet who has been writing poetry for 32 years and is currently a Language Arts teacher at Roosevelt High School in North Portland. He also serves on the Board of The National Association for Poetry Therapy of which he has been a member since 2000. Richard has led workshops with adults and teenage students.



Creativity & Inspiration- An Art Therapy Workshop:

Creativity is an innate human characteristic. How can creativity nurture and inspire us as individuals and as a community? You are invited to have fun and explore in this art making workshop. Engage your Creative Self for Inspiring personal and professional growth and vitality! Lead by Art Therapist Pat Jenkins.


Pat Jenkins has been an artist all her life and an Art Therapist for 12 years. She has worked with people of all abilities from 1 to 82 years old in schools, community mental health, prisons, mental health clinics, day programs as well as private practice. Her creativity and inspiration come from making art in community.



Exploring Our Therapeutic Relationships:

We will utilize collage, writing, and verbal processing to explore and gain insight into our relationships with clients. Often times we are profoundly affected by the individuals that we counsel. We need time and tools to process our reactions to clients and ways in which we can be more aware and present in the moment as therapists, as well as how to take care of ourselves while working in this challenging and often emotionally provocative field. Lead by Art Therapist Bren Boseman.


Bren Boseman, MA. is a graduate of the Marylhurst Art Therapy and Counseling Program. She is an Art Therapist and Counselor and has a community based sliding scale private practice within the Owl’s Nest North Collaborative Counseling Space. She runs workshops and trainings on Art Therapy. She also volunteer at the YWCA Counseling Center. For more info: www.owlsnestnorth.com



Play Acting for the Therapist’s Soul:
An introduction to self care through Psychodrama…

“Psychodrama is a deep action method in which people enact scenes from their own lives, dreams or fantasies in an effort to express unexpressed feelings, gain new insights and understandings, and practice new and more satisfying behaviors.”

In this introductory experiential workshop, you will have the opportunity to be supported by and support each other through the original drama therapy, Psychodrama. Literally meaning Soul in Action (psyche = soul; dramos = action), Psychodrama reveals the deeper connections we share as therapists and human beings. You already have all the acting experience you need for this workshop, as the main character in your own life! Lead by Anna Schaum.


Anna Schaum, MA, LPC, is a counseling therapist in private practice in Portland. A former professional symphony musician and improv comedienne, Anna currently uses her extensive creative group experience and training as a Psychodrama director. Plans are currently in the works for a Psychodrama Community Theater. Read more in 2009 at www.DramaticChanges.com



Building Resiliency through Art Therapy

Adapting to change and "bouncing back" from distressing events takes
resiliency, but how do you know if you have it? If you don't, can you
get it? This workshop will explore the concept of resiliency through the use
of art making. Participants will be invited to tap into their
creativity to enhance problem solving, and gain access to inner
resources. Participants will also learn valuable information regarding
the "myth of stress" and how to extend these concepts into daily
practice. Lead by Art Therapist Serena Appel.


Serena Blossom Appel has worked with children, adults, elders and
specialized populations including adults with developmental
disabilities. She has her MA in Art Therapy Counseling from Marylhurst
University, and is also a practicing fine artist. Ms. Appel currently
does solution-focused crisis counseling, and volunteers doing art
therapy with children and adults at Portland locations including the Y
Counseling Center, and 100th Monkey Studio.



Healing Sounds: Resonating, Toning and Intoning:

We will begin by tuning into our energy centers with vowel sounds, then allow ourselves to make free-form sound, and finally to intone sound into areas of our body requesting special attention. Those who feel comfortable may allow their bodies to respond with movement in the toning section. Lead by Joanie Levine.


Joanie Levine, M.A. Dance Ethnology, is an Authentic Movement and Sound Therapist with 30 yrs experience.




Additional Contributors:

Beth Ann Short, Art Therapist, Founder of 100th Monkey Studio

Sylvia Hartowicz, Art Therapist

Kris Bella, Art Therapist

Jodi Winnwalker, Music Therapist, Founder Earthtones Music Therapy Services

Chris Korb, Marylhurst Music Therapy Program

Terra Merrill, Marylhurst Music Therapy Program

Liska McNally, Music Therapist

Beth Rousseau, President of Oregon Association for Music Therapy

Beth Lucchi, Dance Therapist

Yael Schweitzer, LCSW, is a clinical social worker and a Movement Therapist. She specializes in providing Mindfulness-Based Therapy, and teaches Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction and Interpersonal Mindfulness in medical and educational settings, in which she incorporates mindful movement experiences. For over 3 years Yael has lead an ongoing Creative Dance group based on Barbara Mettler’s approach.


Special Thanks to our volunteers, especially to the students from the Art Therapy and Music Therapy program at Marylhurst University.

Announcing a very special event!

Creative Arts Therapies in Portland:
Nurturing Our Community


Saturday, November 8, 2008
Marylhurst University

Come join other art, dance, music, poetry and psychodrama therapy practitioners for a day of educating and supporting each other through our particular creative arts therapy medium. The day will involve a series of experiential workshops lead by professionals and will be a great opportunity to celebrate, share, and connect with other creative art therapists. More information to follow soon!


This event is being organized by a coalition of creative art therapists in Portland. Contact: Sylvia Hartowicz (Art Therapist, sylvia@owlsnestnorth.com), Carolyn Johnson (DanceTherapist, carolynjohnson@msn.com), or Jodi Winnwalker (Music Therapist, jodi@earthtomesmusictherapy.com) if you have questions.