HEALING OF

MAGIC
Empowering Therapists with an Exciting New Tool to Help
Their Clients Achieve Functional and Measurable Goals

The most important aspect of this therapy technique is the ability of the client to transfer
the skills learned by performing magic tricks into activities of daily living.

By Kevin Spencer
 “…the magic…the real magic…is in the healing”

Thank you for your interest in the HEALING OF MAGIC project. This information is designed to give
you a brief overview of the benefits of integrating simple magic tricks in physical and psychosocial
rehabilitation.

HEALING OF MAGIC empowers the therapist with a valuable new tool to motivate clients to become
more involved in their treatment.

The applications of HEALING OF MAGIC address the entire spectrum to include developmental
disabilities, mental health, physical disabilities, gerontology, and specific disease related deficits. For
many years, magic therapy as successfully been used in acute care, rehab, outpatient hand therapy and
pediatrics.

The movements required to learn simple magic tricks help clients regain lost physical skills while
increasing motivational levels and self esteem. In this form of therapy, a magic trick can be what leads a
patient back to a functional life.

Learning magic tricks can both engage and continually motivate the client with each new trick. And
because all the tricks in the HEALING OF MAGIC program are designed to improve physical,
psychological, perceptual, or social functions, the client’s rehabilitative progress is more quickly achieved
than in some traditional methods. Each new trick builds on the skills of the last and, once mastered, clients
can share this new-found ability with family and friends.

As a result, clients spend much more time voluntarily on acquiring complex and sequential series of motor
skills that they might otherwise simply tolerate. They continue to practice the moves required to do the
magic routines; and with each repetitive movement, the skill is mastered translating into better results
more quickly.

If I can provide any further assistance, I look forward to hearing from you.

Best regards,

Kevin Spencer
Founder, Healing of Magic

P.O. Box 10396/Lynchburg, VA 24506/434.384.4740/www.MagicTherapy.com/[email protected]

HEALING oF MAGIC

THE USE OF MAGIC TRICKS IN THERAPEUTIC SETTINGS

THE MOST FUN YOU WILL EVER HAVE IN CONTINillNG EDUCATION!

EMPOWER THERAPISTS WITH AN EXCITING NEW TOOL TO HELP THEIR CLIENTS

WHAT IS THIS ALL ABOUT? APPLICATION POSSIBILITIES

H EALING OF MAGIC is a carefully designed, systematic GRoss MoToR SKJLLS

approach to the therapeutic use of simple magic tricks in physical Upper and lower extremeties; trunk stabilitzation;

and psychosocial rehabilitation. There are numerous proven strengthening; range of motion; gross motor control.

benefits for this form of therapy; however, the most important

F rNEMoTOR SKILLS

aspect is the ability of the client to transfer the skills learned by

Object manipulation; dexterity; eye/motor coordination;

performing magic into activities of daily living - motivating their

pinch ; flexion/extension; grasp/release; adduction/abduction.

rehabilitation progress and developing/improving their

self-concept. COGNITION/PROULEM SOLVING

Healing of Magic was developed in cooperation with speech, Frustration tolerance; motor planning; organizing;

occupational, physical, and recreational therapists to bring clients sequencing; cause/effect; conceptualization; processing

the greatest impact for recovery. skills.

KEVIN SPENCER is widely considered the leading authority ATTENTION

on the therapeutic use of magic in rehab. He has collaborated on Concentration; task follow-through ; memory.

numerous published and award-winning research projects PERCEPTION

exploring the effectiveness of"magic therapy." He speaks at Proprioception; spatial relations; body scheme; visual

healtbcare-related conferences and conducts continuing scanning; visual/motor integration; visual/spatial awareness.

education workshops at colleges, universities, hospitals and

rehab centers throughout the U.S. and around the world. P sYCHOSOCIAL

Self-efficacy; improve self-concept; interpersonal

communication; group interaction; gratification.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

SPEECH

This workshop is designed for Occupational Therapists, Physical Language processing; basic concepts; fluency; articulation;

Therapists, Special Education Teachers, and Speech/Language listening comprehension; oral expression; pragmatic

Therapists. language; directionality; receptive/expressive language.

CAN I GET CEU's FOR THIS WORKSHOP? PHYSICAL THERAPY

Gross motor fimction; improved strength, balance,

Three (3) hours of professional continuing education credit are endurance, coordination, mobility; restore function; relieve

available for this workshop. Contact hours may also be pain; dexterity; hand movement.

available.

" Th e underline£/ concepts in magic target areas ofmotor, psychosocial, cognitive, and sensory processing [skills] th11t
/emf themselves well to intervention."
Carolyn Baum, Ph.D., OTRJL, FAOTA- ADVANCEfor Occupational Therapy Practitioners (published July 23, 2007)

WWW.MAGICTHERAPY.COM WWW.HocusFocusEDUCATION.COM

HEALING(OF(MAGIC(
Course(Objectives(
!
1. Gain!an!understanding!of!the!therapeutic!use!of!magic!
tricks!in!therapy.!
!
2. Examine!how!to!apply!magic!tricks!as!a!treatment!
modality!to!a!variety!of!clinical!settings!and!populations.!
!
!
3. Gain!an!understanding!of!how!to!select!appropriate!

clients!for!this!type!of!treatment.!

4. Discover!how!magic!can!be!used!to!motivate!clients!to!
new!skills!levels,!empower!the!provider!as!a!new!tool!for!
treatment,!and!help!restore!function.!
!
!
5. Access!how!to!effectively!document!for!insurance!

reimbursement.!

6. Discover!how!to!incorporate!magic!tricks!into!your!
therapeutic!“tool!box”!to!create!individualized!client!
centered!treatment!with!little!or!no!expense.!
 !"#$%&'()*(+#'%,

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LINKING PAPER CLIPS

Primary Goals:
Fine motor skills.

Performing Requirements:
Moderate level of fine motor skills and visual
perceptual skills.

Therapeutic Goals:
1. Cognitive: Improves conceptualization and
motor-planning.
2. Perceptual: Improves visual skills,
visual-spatial relations, and visual-motor integration
along with tactile perception .
3. Psycho-social: Improves self-esteem.
4. Motor: Develops fine motor control and
dexterity.

Adaptations:
One handed presentation is possible by using the
mouth or requesting the aid of an assistant. By color
coding the location for the paper clips, color
discrimination can be improved. The use of larger or
smaller paper clips can determine the level of fine
motor control.
LINKING PAPER CLIPS
EFFECT: The magician displays a dollar bill and two paper
clips. The paper clips are on the bill, and though they aren't
touching, they link together in mid-air.

1. Fold one-third of the dollar bill toward

you and place a paper clip just above the
fold.

2. Fold the other third of the bill away from

you and place a clip just above its fold.
See the drawing and compare.

3. Pull the upper corners of the bill quickly.

The clips will begin to move closer
together and ...
4. They will jump off the bill linked
together!
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 July 20, 2005

To Whom It May Concern

Healing of Magic Workshop

I have great pleasure to provide recommendation for Mr Kevin Spencer who

provided training workshop on the therapeutic use of magic to our staff.

Our participants are professionals serving the elders and ex-mentally ill. Their
feedback included: i) The content of the workshop was very comprehensive and
practical. ii) Explanatory notes were well prepared and informative. iii)
Techniques clearly demonstrated.

The workshop benefited our staff and the overall outcomes for our staff to use
magic are satisfactory. Improvements of motor skills, cognitive functions, as
well as confidence of our service users were also o bserved.

The workshop was inspiring to the participants in the design and

implementation of new therapies to cater for the special needs of different client
types. I have no hesitation in recommending the "Healing of Magic" workshop.

.,.c"
.."
7<
0
Yours Sincerely,

~~~~
Dr Zarina C.L. Lam, PhD
Chief Executive Officer
I arn pleu::;c:d to b:: able t<,_1 wrilc in $Vpport of Kevin and Cindy Spencer and Iheir work
\\'ith lh6 u::.e •)f magic li>r then'tpc ulic purposes. As u physicul lh cmpi:-;1 for uvcr 20 yc~u-s
and an educiltor fOr IHl)Sl or tho~.: )'6MS, J run nlv..ays ex~.:iLed to di::-covcr activities Lhul
can e ngage patients sull iciem ly and a ppropriate!)• h) nJiow the1n LO ~t.;hie ve. real
successes...Healing magic'' is made up ofj ust su<::h activities.

Rece.ntly I wa.;; able to hring Kevin Spen~.:e:r lo Elnn 'Jniversity, where uur dl).::toral
physical therapy students joined a.1-.ea clinicians i n the Spencer:;• I leafi ng of Magic
workshop. During 1hc entire workshop. everyone in attendance was completely attentive
and uctivcly participating. In itself qui1c a feat! F unhcnnorc. \~t'hatc-vcr hesitations l may
have had a h.>ullhc ~ub$1ancc !!.nd Lhc rapctllic V(1Jllc o f the program were q\Jk:kly dispelled
as Kc\'in i nslru~ted th<: gruup in "simple" md~.i~.: t·rids. \A·1•ile rno:-1 t)r Lhc studenls \Vcre
focused on the task at haod. 1 was able: to observe souo..1 educarjot\al and motor learning
pri nc iples~~ work twd io sec multiple patient application possibilities for each trick. It
''VU..."lll:.o 11 wonclt:rful uppurl~miiy for the sl.\ldcnls 10 cxpcricn<X~ firsthand what they h<td
been learning in lhc da..smom-thc impurumcc ()r motivali<ln >Jnd e ngagement lo
therapeutic success.

The prcscnlHlion was organized, lhcorctically sound. and inspiring. replete with paticnl
cx!'"Jmple;s. In OOdiLio.n, Ibe Spencers provide \vritten matcrh1ls th~'L me cx.lcnsivc. clear,
o.nd therapeutical!)• f(·.cus,ell. I Slrtmgly supporl the app«>vHI uf lhe Spcnct:r:; u::; provider:;
of continuing t:duCO.(icu• l.hrough the Americnn Oct.:.upaliOntlf T herapy AS.io<:illli1m.

It's b<..-cn weeks since Kevin wils hen:-, ami t.he-stu_<lento: are still practicing thcil' tricks!
1lu:y've het:n t~udci ng Lhcm U! faculty membets and are planning to share them when
tln.· y Vl) luntel!:c' th is sucnm..::1· at a camp session for b urn survivors. ~·'h~tt » gi li_tube ahle
h) combine that level of motiv:'ltion :'IDd ~tcomplisluncTJI v..-ilh trnining of sptX.:itic
ftulCtiona1 skills for our p;>~licnls! lfl can be or any furtht:r u:isislance, p lea.o;;e don't
hcsiuttc I () cull nr send me un ernuil.

Sinc<:l'c ly.
-,
I •/ __ :
\ _ t:t___... ....-"L-

Ch.<t.rity Johan::;son. PT. PHD. GC.S

.,r
Pm iCs::oc'r Phy:'>ical Therapy

I.I..\J~. '-I~IK1 11 \ -'\KIII ! V ., • 1'4

HEALING OF MAGIC
Presenter Biography

Kevin Spencer is widely considered one of the leading authorities on the

therapeutic use of magic in physical and psychosocial rehabilitation. He has
conducted numerous workshops throughout the United States for colleges
and universities, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and health-related
conferences.

He is committed to empowering therapists with exciting new tools to aid

them in helping their clients achieve functional/measurable goals. He has
been a featured speaker at the Virginia Occupational Therapy Assn
convention, the Great Southern Occupational Therapy Conference, the
Health, Heart & Humor Conference and many statewide Continuing
Education programs.

He and his wife, Cindy, have authored Healing of Magic, the most
comprehensive guide available to establishing and maintaining a “magic
therapy” program. It is being used in the occupational and physiotherapy
departments of leading universities around the world.

The Spencer’s work has been featured in the Journal of the American
Medical Association, the Australian Occupational Therapy Journal,
HEALTH magazine, the Washington Post, NPR’s All Things Considered and
on dozens of television news programs including the CBS Early Morning
Show, the Fox News Channel’s FOX AND FRIENDS and Good Morning
Singapore.

Mr. Spencer has had the privilege of conducting workshops, seminars and
in-service programs for doctors, occupational and physical therapists, special
needs teachers and assistants, therapeutic recreational specialists,
physiotherapists, college/university educators and dozens of other healthcare
professionals. His presentations always receive the highest remarks from
planners and participants for effectiveness in presentation, pertinence of
information, and level of knowledge and expertise on the subject matter.

The concepts of the Healing of Magic program are currently being used in
hundreds of rehabilitation facilities in more than 30 countries.

For more information; visit www.MagicTherapy.com or call 434-384-4740.

 Kevin Spencer

PO Box 10396

Lynchburg, VA 24506

434-384-4740

[email protected]

www.MagicTherapy.com www.HocusFocusEducation.com www.SpencersMagic.com

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

- Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy, University of Alabama/Birmingham

- Recognized as the leading authority on the therapeutic use of magic in physical
and psychosocial rehabilitation.
- Conducts numerous Continuing Education Seminars for therapists internationally
- Founded Healing of Magic (1985), rehabilitation project using magic tricks
- Founded Hocus Focus (2008), educational project using magic tricks
- Founded Spencer Productions (1983) as the primary booking organization for
Spencers Theatre of Illusion (second largest touring illusion production in U.S.)

PROFESSIONAL PRESENTATIONS

Workshop Presentation/Speaker, International Association of Special Education:

Educating Every Learner, Every Day: A Global Responsibility (Windhoek, Namibia, July
2011)

Workshop Presentation/Speaker, International Society for Teacher Education:

Challenged Teacher Education - Facts, Feelings, Formation (Kristiansand, Norway, May
2011)

Healing of Magic Continuing EducationWorkshop Presentation/Speaker, International

Scientific Conference on Rehabilitation (Minsk, Belarus, May 2011)

Healing of Magic Continuing Education Workshop for OTs (hosted by Joseph Brant
Hospital – Burlington, Ontario, Canada, May 2011)

Healing of Magic Continuing Education Workshop (hosted by Fletcher Allen Hospital –

Burlington, VT, May 2011)

Healing of Magic/Hocus Focus Continuing Education Workshop (hosted by Broken

Arrow School District, Dept. of Special Education, Broken Arrow, OK, March 2011)

Healing of Magic Continuing Education Workshop (hosted by Martin Memorial

Hospital, Stuart, FL, January 2011)

Workshop Presentation/Speaker, East Asian International Conference on Teacher

Education Research: Teacher Education for the Future – International Perspectives
(Hong Kong, December 2010)
Workshop Presentation/Speaker, RIGA 2010: Embracing Inclusive Approaches for
Children and Youth with Special Education Needs (Riga, Latvia, July 2010)

Healing of Magic Continuing Education Workshop (hosted by John Heinz Rehabilitation

Hospital, Wilkes-Barre, PA, March 2010)

Healing of Magic/Hocus Focus Continuing Education Workshop (hosted by Alden Road

School for Exceptional Children, January 2010)

Healing of Magic Continuing Education Workshop for OTs (hosted by Dayton

Children’s Hospital, Dayton, OH, December 2009)

Healing of Magic Continuing Education Workshop for OTs (hosted by Johnson County
Community College, Overland Park, KS, October 2009)

Featured Research Presentation, The 25th Project Magic Symposium, Las Vegas, NV
2005

Workshop Presentation/Speaker, The Health, Heart, & Humor Conference, Chicago, IL

1990

Workshop Presentation/Speaker, The Great Southern Occupational Therapy Conference,

New Orleans, LA, 1989

Workshop Presentation/Speaker, The Virginia Occupational Therapy Association

Convention, Waynesboro, VA, 1986

PUBLISHED ARTICLES

Healing of Magic – manual of selected tricks with their therapeutic goals developed
specifically for Occupational Therapists (1987, revised 2011)

The Science of Magic – Healing of Magic, YES Magazine, May/June 2010

Hocus Focus! ODYSSEY, October 2010

Putting the Magic into Therapy, Journal of the American Medical Association, 1989

Articles about the success of magic therapy have appeared in USA TODAY, Washington
Post, New York Times, LA Times, HEALTH magazine and numerous other publications.

Spencer has made appearances on international news programs including GOOD

MORNING SINGAPORE, CBS EARLY SHOW, FOX & FRIENDS, and hundreds of
regional news broadcasts.
SIGNIFICANT ACCOMPLISHMENTS

- Founded Healing of Magic – an educational 501(c)3 dedicated to empowering

therapists with new tools for their practice
- Authored the HEALING OF MAGIC manual – carefully selected tricks designed
to accomplish specific therapeutic goals.
- Founded Hocus Focus – an educational 501(c))3 dedicated to training educators
and therapists who work with children with developmental disabilities
- Authored the HOCUS FOCUS curriculum – an 11-week magic trick-base
curriculum that aligns with National and Common Core State Standards of
Learning focusing on academic and functional objectives
- Research project on the therapeutic use of magic tricks in treating TBI clients –
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Research project on the psychological effects of using magic tricks in treating
mental illness, Hong Kong
- Operates the largest touring illusion production in the U.S.
- Performing Arts Entertainer of the Year for six consecutive years (National
Association for Campus Activities)
- 2009 International Magician of the Year (International Magicians Society)
- Happy Chapin Award for Contributions to Humanity
- Featured Presenter at numerous national and international occupational and
physical therapy conferences

PROFESSIONAL HISTORY

International Illusionists, 1983 to Present

Educator and Motivator, 1986 to Present
Served on Board of Directors, Academy of Music (Lynchburg, VA), 1996-1998
Served on Board of Directors, National Association for Campus Activities, 1995-1997

EDUCATION

Tennessee Temple University, Psychology/Communications, 1976-1979

B.A., Liberty University, Psychology/Communications, 1979-1981
 ,\

-?J\

Healing

of

Magic
"... the magic... the real magic... is in the healing JJ

Copyright 2010, Healing of Magic/Hocus Focus, Inc.

P.O. Box I 0396/Lynchburg , VA 24506/4 34.384.4740/www.MagicTherapy.com/ [email protected]
Kevin Spencer demonstrates how the use of a rubber band can light up someone's face

By ASHLEY GOULD "This is really only limited

Sentinel Staff Writer

Therapy can occur every­

where these days in a horse ring
or a swimming pool.
Kevin Spencer offers a new
Magic of
by lite therapist," he said.
"I've worked in psych wards
to help them get liteir self
esteem back. I' ve worked
with the blind, litose wilit
mental retardation. lt can help

healing

twist - magic. Wilit the help of develop problem-solving

some basic magic tricks. skills, keep their attention,
Spencer has developed a type and give them social skills by
of occupational literapy that has using an assistant."
proven effective. When attendees learned
''Put yourself in the patient's litat first basic tricked smiles
stretched across liteir faces.
point of view,'' Spencer said.
"They've already been through Owens students learn new tricks of Spencer bas seen that same
reaction In patients.
so much trauma and to be able
to g.ive lhem the ability to d~ turning magic into physical therapy One attendee, Lynn Dennie
something no one else can, 1s of Allied Home Health, said
such a boost of self confidence for them." Normal occupational therapy uses a peg her excitement and enthusiasm towards the
In a workshop held last night in the Owens board to develop the same motor skills he tricks grew. "I work in lite ~hole spectrum.
Community College Audiovisual room, teaches in his magic. From children to adults. This would be some­
With magic tricks, they start with using a thing out of the ordinary for litem to do."
Spencer taught a group of students and practi­
rubber band. The first trick he teaches every A magician for 22 years, Spencer's interest
tioners how to apply magic to their work. patient is how to make that rubber band
Each attendant received a little "magic bag" in using magic to help people heal developed
''hop'' from their index and middle finger to soon after be started. Just four years later, the
full of props for performing tricks . . . their ring finger and pinkie.
"The simple little movements of litiS httle M agic of Healing was ~reated. H.owever,
The List of how this magic really helps around 2000 is when his popular1ty began to
rubber band helped a stroke patient .reach patients is endless. On th~ surface, it ~ppears grow.
their goals in 6.7,8 weeks," Spencer said of that it really only helps w1th motor s.kiUs. but
one of the items in the bag. Spencer proves it is so much more. (See MAGIC on 10)
 Times photo:Brenda Steurer
Magician Kevin Spencer teaches Rob Heen amagic trick involving physical and occupational therapists how to incorporate magic into
money and two paper clips Thursday. Spencer, who will perform a exercises for patients. Heen is the rehabilitative services director forThe
magic show with his wife tonight at the Monroe High School Performing Monroe Clinic.
Arts Center, has developed the Healing of Magic program that teaches

Magic healing

Therapy uses art of illusion to help patients

ByJudyJuenger Monroe Clinic. could employ. He learned to speak in tenns

Times NeUJS Editor "It was an added bonus for us," Lori that therapists use, aod that helped bridge
Grinnell ofthe Monroe Arts Center said. She the gap between the entertainer and the
MONROE - Kevin and Cindy Spencer added the arts center saw it as a good way to health care professional.
put their hands into a hat and pulled out a partner with the Clinic. ·"I started to look at magic as a very dif­
therapy method that can help a lot of people. The Spencers found that patients tend to ferent thing overall," he said.
The Spencers, who are magicians, became tire quickly of traditional and repetitive ther­ The Spencers created a book of tricks for
interested in a kind of therapy that utilizes apies, but may work longer developing the the therapists.
magic tricks to help patients and people with same skills through magic. Rob Heen, direc­ "We wanted them to be good magic tricks,
disabilities. Kevin Spencer said the couple tor ofrehabilitative services for The Monroe not just good therapy," he said.
learned about the therapy from world­ Clinic, agreed, saying it's hard to get people The program has been endorsed by the
famous magician, David Copperfield. compliant with their therapy. American Occupational Therapists
They used to demonstrate the therapy dur­ "It's a lot more fun," Spencer explained. Association and International Brotherhood
ing their off-season. "lt's basically a fonn oftherapeutic exer­ of Magicians. It's been written about in the
"Now it's rea lly integrated itself into our cise," Heen said. Journal of the American Medical
tour schedule," Spencer said. Once a patient learns a trick, he or she Association, Spencer said. lnfonnation
The Spencers will perfonn tonight at the shows it to friends and fami ly, "not even about the program is also available at
Monroe High School Performing Arts thinking about they're doing their therapy," www.magictherapy.com.
Center as part of the Monroe Arts Center Spencer said. "Not in my wildest dreams" did Spencer
season. MAC sponsors helped fund a ses­ As interest in the magic therapy began to think he would use magic for health care in
sion Thursday ofHealing of Magic for phys­ grow, Spencer said therapists began dissect­
ical and occupational therapists through The ing the tricks to learn specific methods they Please see HEALING, page 2
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