News

Coping with Chronic Pain Featured in Local News

by Kathryn Cotter, posted in Palliative Care

Kathryn Eberle Cotter, MT-BC was interviewed by the Butler Eagle for a feature on music therapy and the Music and Wellness program for patients with chronic illness and their caregivers. In describing the purpose of the group, Kathryn explained that the focus is on obtaining skills to navigate the physical and emotional pain and stress associated with chronic illness so that patients can exercise more agency over their symptom management. When so much about illness is outside of the patient’s and family’s control, having resources that return some autonomy are so valuable.

“We’re talking about pain management, we’re talking about stress management, we’re talking about rest and relaxation, we’re talking about muscle control and releasing tension, and we are going to use music to reach those goals.”

The full article appeared in the Butler Eagle Summer Health & Fitness section Tuesday, July 17, 2018.

Click HERE to see the video of the interview. Click HERE to read more.

Drumming at Camp Erin

by Kathryn Cotter, posted in Bereavement

 

Kathryn Eberle Cotter, MT-BC spent Saturday June 9th with the kids at Camp Erin of Pittsburgh drumming for bereavement support. Campers designed and painted their own drums, made for them by camp staff and volunteers, to reflect the people they came to camp to remember.

    

During the music therapy sessions campers engaged in a variety of drumming experiences to honor and remember their loved one, express their emotions, and develop deep breathing and relaxation techniques to support them through the intensities of the grief process. KSEC Music Therapy Services is proud to have been a part of such an incredible program.

To see the video, visit our facebook page!

To learn more about the mission of Camp Erin, click HERE.

To learn more specifically about Camp Erin Pittsburgh, click HERE.

Hear us on the radio!

by Kathryn Cotter, posted in Palliative Care

KSEC Music Therapy Services along with Butler Health System was featured on WISR 680AM talking about music therapy, palliative care, and our Music and Wellness program.

If you missed the radio broadcast, you can still listen to the recorded program!
Here is the direct link: https://wisr680.com/butler-health-system-62/

Or you can click below and go to butlerradio.com
Across the top of the page in the black bar go to “radio stations” and select WISR from the drop down menu.
Across the top of the page in the back bar go to “programs” and select “Let’s Talk”.
On the left of the page, select “Butler Health System”. Our June 7th broadcast should be you first option.

Depression: Real Conversations and Effective Help

by Kathryn Cotter, posted in Continuing Education

KSEC Music Therapy Services is attending “Depression: Real Conversations and Effective Help” hosted by the Cranberry Area Diversity Network. The free event includes a “lived experience” panel discussion, break out sessions, resource fair, mindfulness experience, and refreshments. Come and partake in a wealth of support, information, experience, and options.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 23, 2018

5:00 pm – 8:30 PM

Cranberry Township Municipal Center

2522 Rochester Road

Cranberry Township, PA 16066

For more information:
Visit:cranberrytownship.org/CADN
Email:diversity@cranberrytownship.org
Registration:cranberrytownship.org/Jan23

Cultural Humility and Music Therapy

by Kathryn Cotter, posted in Continuing Education

At the 2017 American Music Therapy Association National Conference in St. Louis, MI therapist Kathryn Cotter, MT-BC presented as part of a panel entitled, “Exploring Identity: Ongoing Journeys Toward Cultural Humility”. Professional competencies and standards of practice were scrutinized and each member of the panel highlighted parts of their individual process to become more aware of their own cultural locations, biases, and how this impacts their clinical work and therapeutic rapport with their clients.

Music Therapy at Navigating the New Me

by Kathryn Cotter, posted in Palliative Care

  

KSEC Music Therapy Services presented on music therapy and chronic illness at Butler Health System’s Palliative Care event, Navigating the New Me. Those in attendance participated in a variety of experiences including singing, piano improvisation, a drum circle, and progressive muscle relaxation. The Latin root of palliative means “to cloak”. We are proud to be a part of the services available to wrap around patients to offer support, stress relief, pain management, and connection to others.

40 Years of Music Therapy at SRU

by Kathryn Cotter, posted in Continuing Education

Slippery Rock University’ Music Therapy Program is celebrating it’s 40th anniversary with a day of workshops, food, and celebration on October 7, 2017.

KSEC Therapy is committed to continuing education and will be attending both featured CMTE Courses:

  •  Ethical Considerations for Cultural Musicking – presented by Demeko Freeman, MMT, MT-BC and Heather Wagner, PhD, MT-BC
  • Clinical Improvisation – presented by Alan Turry, DA, LCAT, MT-BC, NRMT