The healing power of magic

By: Shannon Shevlin
Creative Services Student Writer

The art of magic has captivated people for ages with its rich history in cultures around the world. Today, research-based magic therapy is being used in more than 2,000 hospitals, rehabilitation facilities and schools in over 30 countries. World-renowned magician Kevin Spencer is a pioneer in the use of magic tricks for physical and psychosocial rehabilitation, and focuses his research on how teaching magic can be a fun, motivational way to aid in patient recovery.

As part of national occupational therapy (OT) month, students in JMU’s OT program in collaboration with JMU Occupational Therapy Clinical Education Services (OTCES) organized a series of events to celebrate the meaningful ways their profession restores independence and health in the lives of others. On April 15, Spencer visited students and performed for the community to share his research and experience on the healing power of magic. While Spencer is a world-renowned illusionist with 25 years and dozens of accolades to his credit,he stepped away from the stage and into classrooms and hospitals to redefine what effective care look like.  

Spencer spoke from his personal experiences in occupational therapy after sustaining injuries from a severe car accident. He suggested the experience felt hollow and discouraging, as exercises only made him feel more broken. He decided to teach his therapist a magic trick, hoping the activity would bring more energy and joy into the sessions. When he started teaching magic tricks to other patients, he noticed extraordinary progress.

From fine motor skills to attention and cognition, magic tricks can be healing for a range of criteria. However, the broader implications include how magic makes therapy fun rather than frustrating. Therapists see much higher levels of motivation, emotional well-being, self-efficacy and rates of progress compared to traditional therapeutic exercises. Spencer inspired OT students to reconsider how they make therapy more gratifying and purposeful for the client.

Spencer’s creativity, confidence and courage made him an ideal guest for OT month. First-year student in the program Christine McQuay noted, “His passion and joy were contagious! It was really fun to learn from him.” Sheexplained how impactful his message and expressed, “His presentation alluded to the idea that therapy is an art much like magic. In practice, it is important to make therapy fun, motivating, meaningful and purposeful to clients – no matter their age, gender or diagnosis.”

For more information about Kevin Spencer or to watch his award-winning documentary Powerful Medicine: Simply Magic visit www.magictherapy.com.