A Sound Mind

Ethics and Morality

The Pandemic Is a Test of Our Ethics. Will We Pass?

Dean Olsher LCAT on November 15, 2020

The coronavirus has thrown into relief the realization that Americans do not have a shared understanding of the value of, or even the need for, ethical behavior.

The coronavirus has thrown into relief the realization that Americans do not have a shared understanding of the value of, or even the need for, ethical behavior.

Coronavirus Disease 2019

Teletherapy Guidelines: Establishing Protected Space

Dean Olsher LCAT on April 5, 2020

We can reduce distractions and increase privacy in teletherapy by taking a few simple steps, along with a potentially tricky one that may require negotiation.

We can reduce distractions and increase privacy in teletherapy by taking a few simple steps, along with a potentially tricky one that may require negotiation.

Neuroscience

Teletherapy Best Practices: How to Connect Visually

Dean Olsher LCAT on March 26, 2020

If we give some thought to how we use equipment that we already use every day, we can make up for the shortcomings of online psychotherapy.

If we give some thought to how we use equipment that we already use every day, we can make up for the shortcomings of online psychotherapy.

Online Therapy

Teletherapy: A How-To Guide

Dean Olsher LCAT on March 22, 2020

Teletherapy is the next best thing to being there, but in some ways it's better than in-person.

Teletherapy is the next best thing to being there, but in some ways it's better than in-person.

Health

You've Always Had the Power to Go Back to Kansas

Dean Olsher LCAT on September 9, 2019

80 years after its premiere, The Wizard of Oz has something to teach us about resource-oriented therapy—an alternative to the disease model of mental health care.

80 years after its premiere, The Wizard of Oz has something to teach us about resource-oriented therapy—an alternative to the disease model of mental health care.

Health

Six Things to Know About the Creative Arts Therapies

Dean Olsher LCAT on March 6, 2019

National Creative Arts Therapies Week is the perfect opportunity to clear up confusion about this powerful alternative to talk therapy.

National Creative Arts Therapies Week is the perfect opportunity to clear up confusion about this powerful alternative to talk therapy.

Health

A Cure for Outrage Fatigue

Dean Olsher LCAT on December 28, 2018

Take action. Do anything, no matter how small. Even the tiniest act can make a difference to your personal wellbeing.

Take action. Do anything, no matter how small. Even the tiniest act can make a difference to your personal wellbeing.

Psychoanalysis

In Memoriam: Benedikte Barth Scheiby

Dean Olsher LCAT on April 17, 2018

There is a gaping hole in the beating heart of the music therapy universe, which has lost a generous, loving, one-of-a-kind presence.

There is a gaping hole in the beating heart of the music therapy universe, which has lost a generous, loving, one-of-a-kind presence.

Relationships

Casablanca at 75

Dean Olsher LCAT on November 3, 2017

The film has important lessons for our time––about love, betrayal, the fight against fascism, and the necessity of music.

The film has important lessons for our time––about love, betrayal, the fight against fascism, and the necessity of music.

Depression

Walking in Rhythm

Dean Olsher LCAT on September 4, 2017

How will you spend your next hour of free time? You can lie on the couch and stare at Facebook or take an extended walk. Which choice do you think is better for your mood?

How will you spend your next hour of free time? You can lie on the couch and stare at Facebook or take an extended walk. Which choice do you think is better for your mood?

Memory

Glen Campbell’s Farewell Tour, Accompanied by Alzheimer’s

Dean Olsher LCAT on August 9, 2017

"Even though Campbell cannot recognize himself in a home movie from his younger days, he is still able to deploy his exquisite singing voice and guitar chops onstage."

"Even though Campbell cannot recognize himself in a home movie from his younger days, he is still able to deploy his exquisite singing voice and guitar chops onstage."

Depression

Finding Solace in Music

Dean Olsher LCAT on March 31, 2017

The growing field of music psychology research is sharing counterintuitive insights into the ways humans use music to regulate mood.

The growing field of music psychology research is sharing counterintuitive insights into the ways humans use music to regulate mood.

Health

For My Health. And Yours.

Dean Olsher LCAT on March 14, 2017

National Creative Arts Therapy week, the third week of March, recognizes young professions built around ancient human activities.

National Creative Arts Therapy week, the third week of March, recognizes young professions built around ancient human activities.

Anxiety

Keep Your Eyes on the Prize

Dean Olsher LCAT on February 15, 2017

Meeting life’s challenges head-on allows us to not be crushed by anxiety. It is this struggle that gives our lives meaning.

Meeting life’s challenges head-on allows us to not be crushed by anxiety. It is this struggle that gives our lives meaning.

Dementia

Self-Actualization Through Music

Dean Olsher LCAT on February 9, 2017

One reason the creative arts are a powerful therapeutic resource is that they function on multiple levels. This particular song operated on at least three.

One reason the creative arts are a powerful therapeutic resource is that they function on multiple levels. This particular song operated on at least three.

Meditation

Lessons From Luke Skywalker

Dean Olsher LCAT on January 26, 2017

It is a gift to have a common intergenerational reference that embodies the hero’s journey in the character of Luke Skywalker.

It is a gift to have a common intergenerational reference that embodies the hero’s journey in the character of Luke Skywalker.

Fear

A Poem for the President

Dean Olsher LCAT on January 18, 2017

At his inauguration, President Kennedy signaled his administration’s commitment to the notion that the creative arts are essential to a healthy democracy.

At his inauguration, President Kennedy signaled his administration’s commitment to the notion that the creative arts are essential to a healthy democracy.

Neuroscience

As Though Your Life Depended on It

Dean Olsher LCAT on January 13, 2017

Faced with a threat to his very existence, the composer responded in the most uniquely human way possible—with an act of artistic creation.

Faced with a threat to his very existence, the composer responded in the most uniquely human way possible—with an act of artistic creation.

Attention

An Epiphany

Dean Olsher LCAT on January 6, 2017

An unfamiliar voice proposed something radical and completely unexpected. It told me to go to church. This came as a rather huge surprise, as I am a dedicated non-believer.

An unfamiliar voice proposed something radical and completely unexpected. It told me to go to church. This came as a rather huge surprise, as I am a dedicated non-believer.

Autism

Music Therapy and Autism: An Ethical Dilemma

Dean Olsher LCAT on November 1, 2015

Music therapists are effective at treating autism. Autistic people think it is wrong of us to try.

Music therapists are effective at treating autism. Autistic people think it is wrong of us to try.