Linda T. Powell, a Polk County resident, was a presenter at the Annual Conference of the Southeastern Region of the

American Music Therapists Association (SER-AMTA). This year’s conference, held March 29 – 31, was attended by more than 250 members.
According to the AMTA’s website, music therapy, as an intervention, can help in the treatment of autism spectrum disorder and special education issues, as well as mental illness, physical rehabilitation and dementia.
Powell’s presentation at this year’s annual SER-AMTA conference focused on Stories, Music and Imagery for youth in a therapy setting. Through stories and music in Powell’s music imagery program, children learn to use their imagination to open doors to possibilities that can help them meet their unique challenges.
Powell facilitates music imagery sessions for youths ages 8 to 12 at Adawehi Institute in Columbus and teaches music at her Tryon studio. Powell uses The Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music. Developed by Helen Lindquist Bonny (1921 – 2010), the Bonny method is recognized internationally as a major model for music therapy. Powell was one of six specialists attending the SER-AMTA conference trained in the Bonny method.
At an earlier World Congress of Music Therapy, Bonny had this to say about music and her method: “Music, as a structured envelope of sound, is probably the most effective and safe opener to the doors of the psyche. It reaches beyond personal defenses to the realities and beauties of the person. Music gives access to the discovery of inner strength, uncovers the potential for creativity, and manifests ways in which life can be lived from a center of inner security.”
For more information about Powell’s music and imagery sessions, call 828-894-5260. To read more about Powell, visit www.adawehi.com.
– article submitted by Roulettei Gildersleeve