SENSORIMOTOR MUSIC THERAPY
TREATMENT APPROACHES
Eurhythmics for Autism and Other
Neurophysiologic Diagnoses
(6 CMTEs)
Dorita S. Berger, PhD, LCAT, MT-BC
Academy of Sensorimotor Music Therapy – Durham, NC
Adjunct Faculty, UNC Community Music School, Chapel Hill, NC
Saturday, February 13, 2016
9:30 AM – 5:00 PM (including lunch & MTASC business meeting)
Converse College, Mayfarth Rehearsal Hall
Registration: 9-9:30 AM
CMTE begins at 9:30 AM, No credit can be awarded to anyone arriving after 9:45 AM
Program:
This workshop discusses the brain’s HPA Axis that drives the ‘fear’ response, sensory systems
and physiologic information processing, and the mind/body music training concepts adapted
from Emile Jaques-Dalcroze (1865-1950), particular rhythm-movement exercises that are
adaptable as music-based treatment interventions, and the importance of this information in
guiding clinical music treatment approaches for altering sensory distress and deriving a level of
‘functional’ adaptation to the environment. In discussing physiologic and sensory function of
Autism, Dr. Berger also provides a unique opportunity for attendees to sample sensory issues as
experienced by the Autism system, and to sample Eurhythmics intervention addressing
sensorimotor and auditory/visual regulation to quiet the HPA Axis, redirect anxiety and fear,
help organize and coordinate physiologic and sensory responses, and more. Some case-study
video clips may also be presented. Attendees are encouraged to discuss some of their own cases
for further analysis. Comfortable clothes and removable shoes are recommended for this
workshop. Participants must have their recorder and kazoo (kazoo provided) for class use.
Learner Objectives:
1.
Participants will understand sensory integration and physiologic functional adaptation &
Autism characteristics in relation to goal development; in order to better assess needs and
intervention strategies (CBMT Domains I.B.3, I.B.4, I.B.7)
2.
Participants will develop treatment strategies addressing sensorimotor interventions.
(CBMT Domains I.D.10, i.D.11)
Participants will develop treatment goals and objectives for physiological and sensory deficits
possibly causing certain behaviors (CBMT Domains I.D.6)
4.
Participants will use own "clinical eye" to develop structured treatments using specific
music elements (e.g., rhythm/movement) that will serve specific physiological and sensory
Autism characteristics (CBMT Domains l.D.10, l.D.11, I.D.13)
5.
Participants will develop evidence- based evaluation of progress for goals, objectives and
strategy effectiveness pertinent to treatment of physiological and sensory autism characteristics
(CBMT Domains III.A.7, III.B.7)

MTASC – Feb., 2016
2
Berger CMTE
There are no prerequisites to attend this CMTE event. Students are welcome and encouraged
to come and learn with MT-BCs. REMEMBER TO BRING YOUR CBMT # WITH YOU.
The nature of and information in this presentation is applicable to all levels of practice and allied
professionals (i.e., OT, Speech, etc.), including students. It is also applicable to clinicians
working with populations in addition to Autism, including various dementias, stress and trauma
disorders, language delays, neurologic traumas (stroke, etc.), and many others.
About the presenter:
Dr. Dorita Berger, PhD, renowned in the field of Sensorimotor (Physiology-based) Music-based
Treatment and her work with Autism, received her BFA and Dalcroze training at Carnegie
Mellon University, an MA in Music Therapy from NYU, and PhD in Physiologic Music Therapy
from Roehampton University, London, UK. A former Juilliard-trained concert pianist, Dr.
Berger has several lauded published books and articles and has lectured nationally and
internationally on physiologic and sensorimotor music-based treatment. In addition to serving on
faculties of several Universities, Dr. Berger was a Fulbright Visiting Lecturer in the Ukraine,
received a Montclair State University Global Education Grant to lecture, supervise clinicians,
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and present at the 12 World Congress for Music Therapy in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Besides
private clinical services Dr. Berger is faculty of the UNC Community Music School in Chapel
Hill, NC. and Adjunct in Autism Research, Dept. of Psychology, VTCAR, Virginia Tech,
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Blacksburg, VA. Dr. Berger’s 4 book, “EURHYTHMICS FOR AUTISM AND OTHER
NEUROPHYSIOLOGIC DIAGNOSES: A Sensorimotor Music-based Treatment Approach”
(2015, JKP) was just released. Her book, “MUSIC THERAPY, SENSORY INTEGRATION
AND THE AUTISTIC CHILD” has been translated and published in the Korean language, and
was designated one of the best science/academic books of the year (2013) by the National
Science Academy of Korea. Dr. Berger is currently developing the Academy of Sensorimotor
Music Therapy, in Durham, NC.
CMTE Schedule:
Part One: (90-minutes) What is this thing called “ME” Physiology of Sensory Information
Processing, Brain, etc. Presentation and discussion of Autism characteristics, physiologic
function, information processing, sensory systems and processing disorders, the brain and HPA
Axis relative to the ‘fear’ response; Q & A; Short Break 10-minutes
Part Two (60-minutes) Autism, Sensory deficits, Exploration and definition of Eurhythmic
Sensorimotor treatment approach; (video clips may be shown) (Working) Lunch Break w/Q &
A (45-minutes) LUNCH BREAK – lunch catered on campus - $7.00/per person for sandwiches/wraps, sides,
cookie and drinks. Vegetarian option will be available in sandwiches and wraps. You may pay
for lunch at the event but MUST indicate you want lunch so we can order by Feb. 10.
Part Three: (60-minutes) Developing Goals & Objectives based on Eurhythmic Sensorimotor
interventions; Brief Discussion of Other Neurophysiologic Diagnoses (e.g., PTSD, Dementias,
ADHD, etc.); Exploration and interventions for various sensory and fear issues presented in
other diagnoses. Short Break (10-minutes)
Part Four: (90-minutes) Putting it all together – Group classwork
a) Goal development based on learned information; Groups will be formed in class to
review case studies for assessing goals and interventions (class “homework”)
b) Discussion of case studies per group assignments: interventions helpful for task focus,
MTASC – Feb., 2016
3
Berger CMTE
auditory tracking, eye-contact, attention, upper/lower body coordination, systemic
pacing; Experiential sample interventions;
c) Summary review of Salient Points in course; Q & A
NOTE: In-class activities and experientials are interspersed with various segments of this
workshop. Participants should bring their own recorders; wear comfortable clothes and shoes (or
bare feet) for movement. Participants should also be willing to do some piano or keyboard
improvisation. In addition, participants are encouraged to provide one of his/her case studies for
class discussion.
Registration:
Email to Carol.shultis@converse.edu by February 10, 2016. Please indicate if you are a student,
if you plan to stay for lunch and if you want a CMTE certificate (MT-BCs only)
Questions? Contact Carol by email or call (864) 596-9621
Cost:
Free to MTASC members, non-members, $25 (payable at registration)
LUNCH $7 including sandwich/wrap/sides/cookie and beverages. Payable at registration –
MUST make reservation for lunch by Wednesday, February 10.
During lunch we will have our MTASC business meeting and a brief period for our presenter to
answer questions before resuming our workshop until 5:00 pm.
(MTASC memberships - Professionals $15/year; students pay $10/year. Since we did not meet
in October, everyone will need to pay dues for 2015-16 at this meeting.)
Should this CMTE be cancelled, any registered participants will be notified and any fees paid
will be refunded.
Finding the CMTE:
Converse College is located at 580 E. Main Street, Spartanburg, SC. If you use Google maps,
you should have no trouble finding campus. The Blackman Music Building is at the back of
campus on Drayton Avenue near the corner of Drayton and N. Fairfield Avenue. Parking is
available in the lot at that corner – next to the Milliken Art Building. Walk past the Art Building
and you will find Blackman. Registration in the lobby on the main level. Workshop is
downstairs.
“Sensorimotor Music Therapy Treatment Approaches” is approved by the Certification Board
for Music Therapists (CBMT) for 6 Continuing Music Therapy Education credits. The SER-AMTA
#P-024, maintains responsibility for program quality and adherence to CBMT polices and
criteria.