Therapeutic Use

of Magic
ELANDA COBARRIS
What is Therapeutic Magic?

Therapeutic use of magic is a relatively new form of therapeutic

intervention.
It has limited evidence-based research to support its effects.
It has ways to address potential therapeutic goals.
It teaches a individual how to become a magician with the tricks
they are taught.
Jumping Paper Clip Trick
http://www.wikihow.com/Connect-Two-
Paper-Clips-without-Touching-Them

To teach and perform magic as a

magician would. The TRs role is to
make sure the tricks must match the
participants level of motivation,
cognitive ability, and treatment goal.
Equipment Needed:
A bill (denomination of your choice)
2 Paper clips
Environment:
An activity room to practice the
tricks
Activity Description

Fold the bill into thirds so it looks like a flatten Z.

Clip the paperclip to the top layer and middle layer. Place clip
towards the loose end.
Clip the middle layer and bottom layer together with the
paperclip towards the loose end
Activity Description

Pull the ends of the bills apart.

Keep pulling until the clip pop through. The clips will join on the pop off
the bill.
The clips will magically join together.
To make this trick work the magician must work on the trick and become the
actor. They must engage the audience in the trick and give them the illusion
that magic is being formed. Dont pull too hard on the dollar bill or you may
rip the bill.
The TR specialist should be in proximity of the individual to help if there are
any complication with the tricks. Although the trick has only three elements,
be aware that the paperclips may fly in any direction. The facilitator should
be proficient in the magic tricks that will be taught to the individual. Practice
is a must in order for the budding magician to perform the trick(s).
Adaptations
Hemiplegia
A neurological condition where one
side of the body is weaker than the
other side.
Coordination, such as hand and leg
movement is limited.
Other conditions exist, such as
epilepsy, dyslexia, and speech
difficulties
By using magic, the individual can
improve eye-hand coordination, hand
movements, gain confidence, and work
on therapeutic goal by performing
magic tricks.
Cancer Patients
Abnormal cells in the body divide and
grows out of control. It can affect any
part of the body at any time in life
It affects the body cognitively,
physically, emotional, psychological,
and spiritual well being.
Magic will help the patient cope with
treatment and hospitalization.
Magic will help with social
functioning and give the patient a
purpose and help with the stress of
having the disease.
Sources

Zweig, M. As if by Magic: The Use of Magic as Therapeutic Interventi

on at
PVPARetrieved
from: http://ensigntherapy.com/as-if-by-magic-the-use-of-magic-as-a
-therapeutic-intervention-at-pvpa/
http://www.wikihow.com/Connect-Two-Paper-Clips-without-Touching-
Them
Retrieved from HemiHelp
http://www.hemihelp.org.uk/hemiplegia/what_is_hemiplegia
Retrieved from Bedini, L. (2016)Therapeutic Use of Magic.
Facilitation Techniques in Therapeutic Recreation. State College, PA
(Venture Publishing).
Porter, H. (2015). Cancer. Recreational Therapy for Specific
Diagnoses and Conditions. Emunclaw, WA(Idyll Arbor, Inc.)