The Therapeutic Use of Magic Tricks in Occupational Therapy

Unlocking the Possibilities of Magic Therapy

Wednesday, 19th August, 2026

Location: Trinity Business School | Dublin, Ireland

Preconference Workshop at IADH2026

Two Workshop Opportunities: 9am-12pm or 1pm - 4pm

Registration: https://www.iadh2026.eu/preconference (Scroll to the bottom of the page; select pre-conference registration)

Workshop Fee: IADH Member - €65 / Non-Member - €80

Presenter: Kevin Spencer, PhD

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

• OTs and OTAs working in pediatric, adult, or community settings
• OTs and OTAs interested in arts-based and engagement-focused interventions
• OTs and OTAs looking for innovative tools to increase client motivation and participation

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

• A ready-to-use repertoire of therapeutic magic effects adaptable across treatment settings
• Documentation strategies that support goal tracking and measurable client outcomes
• How to use wonder and play as evidence-based clinical tools

COURSE DESCRIPTION

The Magic Therapy workshop equips therapists with a new tool to motivate their clients to be more engaged in their treatment. The workshop offers a hands-on, interactive learning experience, grounded in the Model of Human Occupation, the PEOP Model, Incentive Theory of Motivation, Motor Learning Theory, and the Theory of Occupational Adaptation. The applications address the entire spectrum to include developmental and intellectual disabilities, mental health, physical disabilities, gerontology, and specific disease-related deficits. Research has demonstrated that incorporating simple magic tricks as a therapeutic approach can improve client cognition, motor skills, communication, social skills, and flexible thinking while increasing motivation, confidence, and self-esteem. More information is available at https://MagicTherapy.com.

ABOUT THE PRESENTER

Kevin Spencer, PhD, is the creator of Magic Therapy, a peer-reviewed framework that applies arts-based interventions across physical and psychosocial rehabilitation. He is the leading international authority on the therapeutic application of magic tricks in clinical settings. Kevin bridges the arts and applied science after more than 35 years as a professional illusionist and two-time International Magician of the Year. He serves as an Associate Professor by Special Appointment in the Department of Occupational Therapy at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (USA) and as a Research Consultant for UAB's Arts in Medicine Program. His current work spans occupational therapy, autism intervention, trauma support, and cross-cultural research in social cognition, with partnerships across healthcare institutions and universities. He is the author of the upcoming Routledge publication, Using Magic Tricks in Occupational Therapy: Purpose, Play, and Performance.

WEBSITES

https://KevinSpencerLive.com | https://MagicTherapy.com | https://HocusFocusEducation.com

EMAIL CONTACT FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

[email protected]